How to Choose Temperature Measurement Equipment | Differences Between Temperature Sensors, radiation thermometer, and Recorders
Beginner's Guide to Temperature Measurement
How to Choose Temperature Measurement Equipment | Differences Between Temperature Sensors, radiation thermometer, and Recorders
Key points in 3 seconds
First, decide whether you want to measure by touching (contact type) or measure from a distance (non-contact type), and you won't get confused.
If you just need to check the temperature on the spot, choose a "thermometer"; if you want to record data, choose a "data logger or recorder"; and if you want to be notified of any anomalies on your smartphone or PC, choose a "monitoring system".
If you're unsure which device to choose, simply clarify the name of what you want to measure and its approximate temperature, and you'll quickly find the perfect device.
If you're unsure which option is best for your specific project, please take note of the checklist at the bottom of the page and feel free to contact us for advice. Chino's expert staff will suggest the optimal combination for you.
"We want to review the temperature records for refrigerators and heating process in our food factory." "We want to control the storage temperature of pharmaceuticals, reagents, and specimens." "We want to measure and record the temperatures of our manufacturing equipment and furnaces." "I want to record temperature changes at multiple points during the test." "We want to monitor temperature/humidity of warehouses and storage rooms all at once."
In such cases, simply measuring the temperature may not be sufficient. The type of equipment or system you should choose will depend on whether you need to record measured temperatures, receive notifications in case of anomalies, or keep records for quality control or audits.
What you will learn from this article
The difference between contact and non-contact.
How to choose between temperature sensors, radiation thermometer, data loggers, recorders, and monitoring systems.
Concepts in food, pharmaceuticals, manufacturing equipment, testing, and warehouse management
Common mistakes when measuring temperature
Items to check before consulting
Temperature measurement should be considered in terms of "measure, record, and monitor."
When we think of temperature measurement, many people probably first think of thermometers or temperature sensors. However, in real-world situations, sometimes simply "measuring the temperature" is sufficient, but other times it's necessary to "record the measured temperature," "notify if there is an abnormality," and "keep records for quality control and audits."
Therefore, temperature measurement can be easily organized by considering it in the following steps.
First, what I want to know
Points to consider
Related equipment and services
How to measure temperature
Is it possible to make contact? Is it the surface temperature or the internal temperature?
Temperature sensors, radiation thermometer
Should we leave the temperature?
Is it a temporary check or a continuous record?
Data logger, recorder
Is it necessary to notice the abnormality?
Is an alarm or remote monitoring necessary?
temperature/humidity monitoring system
Will the records be used as proof?
Do you need proofreading, documentation, or audit support?
Calibration services, recording systems
For example, if you simply want to check the status of equipment on the spot, a thermometer or radiation thermometer may suffice. On the other hand, if you need to check the temperature of a refrigerator or storage room every day, automatic recording using a recorder or data logger is useful.
Furthermore, for products like pharmaceuticals and food where temperature deviations can affect quality, monitoring systems that can notify of abnormalities and calibration to demonstrate the reliability of records are also crucial.
What Chino can handle
At Chino, we handle not only measuring instruments such as temperature sensors and radiation thermometer, but also recorders, controllers, temperature/humidity monitoring systems, and calibration services. Therefore, we can consider the entire process from temperature measurement to recording, monitoring, and quality control as a single integrated workflow.
First, clarify "why we are measuring the temperature."
Before choosing a method for measuring temperature, first clarify your purpose. Even though the goal is the same—to measure temperature—the necessary equipment and mechanisms will vary depending on the purpose.
the purpose
Things to consider
I want to check the temperature on the spot.
Contact or non-contact?
I want to record the temperature changes.
Do I need a recorder or data logger?
I want to report an abnormality.
Are alarms, notifications, and remote monitoring necessary?
I want to prove the quality.
Are proofreading, record keeping, and document preparation necessary?
I want to control the temperature.
A combination of sensors, controllers, and control devices.
When managing refrigerator temperatures in a food factory, it's not enough to simply measure the temperature; it's also necessary to keep records for a certain period and have a system in place to detect when the temperature deviates from the standard.
In the storage of pharmaceuticals and reagents, in addition to continuous recording of temperature/humidity, it is also important to be able to quickly identify temperature deviations and to ensure that measuring equipment is properly maintained.
In manufacturing facilities, in addition to stably measuring temperatures inside furnaces, pipes, and equipment, continuous recording may be necessary for process control and quality control.
By clarifying your objectives beforehand, you can more easily select the necessary equipment and systems.
How to choose between contact temperature sensors and non-contact/ radiation thermometer
There are two main methods for measuring temperature: contact and non-contact. Contact methods involve placing a temperature sensor in contact with the object to measure its temperature. Non-contact methods, on the other hand, measure surface temperature without touching the object, using methods such as infrared radiation.
Rather than one being superior to the other, it's important to choose the right tool depending on the object or environment you want to measure.
Comparison items
contact type
Non-contact type
How to Measure
Bring the sensor into contact with the object.
Measuring surface temperature from a distance
Suitable temperature
Internal temperature, liquid temperature, gas temperature, equipment temperature, etc.
Surface temperature, high-temperature objects, moving objects, etc.
Contact-type temperature sensors are used to measure temperatures in equipment, piping, furnaces, and other similar applications.
radiation thermometer are effective when you want to measure the temperature of high-temperature objects or moving objects from a distance.
Cases where contact type is suitable
I want to measure the temperature of liquids and gases.
I want to measure the internal temperature of the object.
I want to attach sensors to pipes and equipment to take continuous measurements.
I want to measure the temperature of the furnace and equipment.
I want to perform relatively stable measurements.
Cases where contactless technology is suitable
I want to measure the temperature of a high-temperature object from a distance.
I want to measure a moving object.
The object cannot be touched.
I want to avoid contact for hygiene reasons.
I want to quickly measure the surface temperature.
When installing on manufacturing equipment or existing devices, it is necessary to check not only the temperature range, but also the installation location, wiring, output signal, and surrounding environment. In environments with high temperatures, vibration, dust, moisture, and corrosive gases, the type of sensor, protective casing, and installation method will also influence the selection.
Non-contact thermometers are primarily used to measure surface temperature. Because they do not directly measure the internal temperature of the object, contact thermometers may be more suitable depending on the application. Furthermore, non-contact thermometers may be affected by the material and surface condition of the object being measured, the measurement distance, and the surrounding environment.
How to record temperature | Differences between data loggers and temperature recorders
In temperature measurement, there are cases where it is sufficient to check the temperature on the spot, and cases where it is necessary to record the measured temperature.
For routine inspections where you only need to temporarily check the temperature, a thermometer or radiation thermometer may suffice. On the other hand, in quality control, process control, testing, storage, and transportation, it is important to keep records of how the temperature has changed.
Things I want to do
Suitable equipment
Check the temperature on the spot
Thermometer, radiation thermometer
Record temperature changes over a certain period of time.
Data Logger
Continuously record the temperature of equipment and process.
Recorders
Record multiple points at once.
multi points recorder, data logging device
The difference between a data logger and a data recorder. Data loggers are suitable for easily recording temperature changes over a certain period. They are easy to use for temporary recording in refrigerators, during transport, in storage rooms, and during testing. On the other hand, recorders are suitable for continuous temperature recording when integrated into manufacturing equipment or testing devices.
Data loggers are suitable for recording temperature changes in refrigerators, storage facilities, and during transportation.
Recorders are used to continuously record temperature in manufacturing equipment, testing devices, and other applications.
Cases where a data logger is suitable
A data logger is a device that records data such as temperature at regular intervals. It is suitable for relatively small-scale recording or when you want to check temperature changes over a certain period of time.
Refrigerator and freezer temperature records
temperature/humidity records for warehouses and storage rooms
Checking temperature changes during transport
Record of temperature changes during the test
Temporary site inspection
Cases where a data recorder is suitable
Temperature recorders are suitable for continuously recording the temperature of equipment and process. They are also used in manufacturing equipment, testing equipment, furnaces, and storage facilities when it is necessary to record the temperature at multiple points simultaneously.
When choosing a data recorder, it's important to check the number of measurement points, input types, recording interval, storage capacity, data output, and installation location. Especially when using it for testing or quality control, it's crucial that the data is easy to review later and that it can output in the required models.
Methods for monitoring temperature anomalies | Alarm notification, remote monitoring, and centralized management
Even if you record temperatures, if you don't notice an anomaly immediately, it can lead to quality problems or equipment malfunctions.
In cases where the refrigerator temperature rises overnight, temperature/humidity in the storage area are outside the standard range, or there is a delay in noticing an anomaly in the equipment temperature, it is necessary not only to record the temperature but also to have a monitoring system that notifies when an anomaly occurs.
Assignment
What can be done with a monitoring system?
It takes time to notice temperature anomalies.
Alarm and email notifications
Managing multiple locations is difficult.
Centralized management
Recording by hand is time-consuming.
Automatic Recording
I'm worried about abnormalities at night and on holidays.
Remote monitoring
I am worried about how to handle the audit.
Record keeping and history management
By utilizing temperature/humidity monitoring system, you can check temperature/humidity at multiple locations simultaneously and receive notifications in case of abnormalities.
Cases where a monitoring system is suitable
I manage multiple refrigerators and freezers.
I want to check temperature/humidity of warehouses and storage rooms all at once.
We want to be aware of temperature anomalies even at night and on holidays.
I want to check temperature/humidity from a distance.
We want to reduce the burden of manual paperwork during rounds.
I want to keep a record of the actions taken when the temperature deviates.
I want to be prepared for quality control and audits.
When considering a monitoring system, confirming factors such as the number of measurement points, installation location, communication environment, alarm notification method, and record storage method will ensure smooth operation after implementation.
How to choose temperature measuring equipment based on your purpose
Here, we'll organize the concepts of temperature measurement according to the purpose, which is often a source of confusion for beginners.
I want to record the temperature of my refrigerator and storage room.
It is important to ensure that the temperature in refrigerators and storage facilities is maintained within a certain range. When storing food, pharmaceuticals, reagents, or specimens, temperature deviations can affect their quality.
How many refrigerators/storage units do you need to manage?
Is humidity as important as temperature?
Should I continue with handwritten records or switch to automated recording?
To whom should be notified when the temperature deviates?
Are calibration certificates and record keeping required?
I want to measure the temperature of the manufacturing equipment and furnaces.
In manufacturing equipment and furnaces, it is necessary to select appropriate temperature sensors according to the temperature range and installation environment of the target measurement. process When using it for management or quality control, it is important to consider not only measurements but also records and control.
The measurement target is somewhere inside the furnace, in the piping, in the equipment, or on the product surface.
Can a sensor be attached?
What is the measurement temperature range?
Are there any environmental conditions such as high temperature, vibration, dust, or moisture?
Will the measured values be used for recording and control?
I want to record the temperature changes during the test.
In research and development and evaluation testing, recording temperature changes during testing is useful for verifying test conditions and ensuring repeatability.
How many temperature points should be measured?
How often should I record?
How long is the exam?
In what models do you want to retrieve the recorded data?
Is a calibration certificate required to explain the test results?
I want to monitor temperature/humidity of warehouses and multiple locations.
When managing temperature/humidity in warehouses or multiple locations, manual records kept by patrolling the area are not only time-consuming but can also lead to delays in detecting abnormalities.
How many locations do you want to measure?
Is it possible to measure wirelessly?
Do you want to check it remotely?
Is an alarm notification necessary?
Should we manage it at each location, or centrally?
I want to keep records that can be used for audits and quality assurance.
In fields such as food, pharmaceuticals, research and development, and manufacturing quality control, it is crucial to be able to review temperature records afterward. It's not enough to simply have temperature data; sometimes, it's necessary to be able to explain when, where, and with what equipment the measurements were taken.
What is the purpose for which the records will be used?
How long should records be kept?
Is it necessary to create reports or output data?
Do I need a calibration certificate for the measuring instrument?
Is it necessary to keep a record of when an anomaly occurs?
Common mistakes when measuring temperature
When measuring temperature, simply selecting equipment based on its specifications can lead to problems such as difficulty in actual field use, inability to record necessary data, and difficulty in explaining measurement results.
Confusing surface temperature with internal temperature
Choosing equipment based solely on temperature range
Choosing a non-contact method without considering emissivity or measurement distance.
Even though recording is necessary, they're just using display-only device.
The recording interval and the number of measurement points have not been checked.
We haven't decided on who to notify or what the response rules will be in case of an anomaly.
I often find myself thinking about the need for proofreading and certificates after the fact.
The installation environment and ease of maintenance have not been checked.
When it comes to temperature measurement, it's not just about "how low a temperature it can measure." Considering factors such as the location where you want to measure, the required accuracy, whether or not you need to record data, the need for monitoring, the installation environment, and the need for calibration will help reduce problems after implementation.
Mini-Explanation of Terms
Here's a brief summary of terms commonly used in temperature measurement.
term
Simple explanation
contact type
A method of measuring temperature by touching the object with the sensor.
Non-contact type
A method of measuring surface temperature using infrared radiation or other means without touching the object.
Temperature Sensors (Japan Only)
Components and devices that detect temperature. Examples include thermocouples and resistance thermometer.
IR Thermometers
A device that measures temperature non-contact by using infrared radiation emitted from an object.
Data Logger
A device that records data such as temperature at regular intervals.
Recorders
A device that continuously records the temperature of equipment and process.
Monitoring system
A system that checks temperature/humidity at multiple locations simultaneously and sends notifications in case of abnormalities.
Calibration
Verify that the values from the measuring instrument are correct.
Report
A compilation of record data in a format that is easy to review and submit.
Temperature deviation
Falling outside the temperature range that should be managed.
Even if it seems like there are a lot of technical terms, you don't need to understand everything from the start. First, clarify how much "measuring," "recording," and "monitoring" you need, and you'll start to see what equipment you should choose.
Checklist to review before consultation
Before discussing temperature measurement, organizing the following points will make it easier to consider the necessary equipment and systems.
Check items
example
Things to measure
Food, liquids, furnaces, piping, refrigerators, warehouses, etc.
Temperature range to measure
-20 to 80°C, 500°C and above, etc.
Place to measure
Surface, interior, space, interior of equipment
How to Measure
I want to measure whether I can touch it, can't touch it, or need to measure it from a distance.
The need for records
Viewing on the spot, continuous recording, document creation, etc.
The need for monitoring
Alarms, remote monitoring, multi-site management, etc.
Number of measurement points
1 point, a few points, several dozen points, etc.
Calibration Certificate
necessary, unknown, unnecessary
Installation environment
Indoors, outdoors, high temperature, high humidity, dust, vibration, etc.
Data utilization
Confirmation only, CSV output, reports, audit documents, etc.
You don't need to decide everything from the start. However, having a clear understanding of what to measure, the purpose, and the need for recording and monitoring will make it easier to choose a more suitable method.
Key points to consider when thinking about implementation costs
The cost of temperature measurement equipment and monitoring systems varies depending on factors such as the number of measurement points, temperature range, installation environment, recording period, whether or not alarm notifications are provided, and whether or not a calibration certificate is required.
The more measurement points there are, the more sensors and input points are needed.
In environments with high temperature, high humidity, dust, or outdoors, the equipment and installation methods need to be carefully considered.
configuration will vary depending on whether you only need recording data, or if you also require remote monitoring and alarm notifications.
If used for quality control or audits, also check the calibration certificate and record-keeping procedures.
FAQ
Q. Which should I choose, contact or contactless?
A. Contact-type thermometers are suitable for measuring the internal temperature of an object or the temperature of a liquid or gas, while non-contact thermometers are suitable for measuring the surface temperature of high-temperature objects, moving objects, or objects that cannot be touched.
Q. If I want to record temperature, which is better: a data logger or a temperature recorder?
A. If you want to easily record temperature changes over a certain period, a data logger is suitable, while if you want to continuously record the temperature of equipment or process, a recorder is more appropriate.
Q. In what situations is a temperature monitoring system necessary?
A. This is effective when you want to manage temperature/humidity in multiple locations, when you want to detect anomalies at night or on holidays, when you want to be notified when there is a temperature deviation, or when you want to keep records for audits or quality control.
If you're unsure, consider "measurement, recording, monitoring, and calibration" as a set.
To avoid failures in temperature measurement, it is important to consider not only the measurement method but also recording, monitoring, and calibration. Chino offers a wide range of products and services related to temperature measurement, including temperature sensors, radiation thermometer, recorders, controllers, temperature/humidity monitoring systems, and calibration services.
If you are having trouble deciding on a temperature measurement method, we will propose the most suitable method based on the measurement target, application, and recording/monitoring requirements.
This information is supervised by a team of experts from Chino, a pioneer in temperature measurement and control that has supported Japanese manufacturing since its founding in 1936. Based on real-world feedback from the field and our expertise as a JCSS calibration provider, we deliver accurate information.
If you have any problems with temperature control, please feel free to contact us.
If you register as a CHINO Web member, you will be able to view the product's instruction manual. If you wish, we will send you the latest information on CHINO products via email.
