CTlaser F6

The CTlaser F6 is designed for precise non-contact temperature measurement of carbon monoxide flame gases, operating at temperatures up to 1650 °C, making the pyrometer ideal for applications such as combustion processes, waste incineration, and chemical reactor operations. Gas molecules emit infrared energy at specific wavelengths, forming absorption bands in the infrared spectrum. Infrared thermometers utilize filters to select wavelengths based on the absorption bands of targeted gases, defining the spectral range. At ambient temperature, carbon dioxide (CO₂) presents a strong absorption band at 4.24 µm, while carbon monoxide (CO) exhibits one at 4.66 µm. Elevated gas temperatures cause shifts in these absorption bands. Combustion gas behaves as a semi-transparent medium to infrared thermometers, necessitating sufficient density or volume of hot gas molecules for valid measurements, akin to visibility through fog. Measurement depth into the gas stream is influenced by gas temperature, type, and concentration.

The CTlaser F6’s spectral range around 4.66 μm ensures accurate temperature readings of carbon monoxide. Temperature ranges vary: 200 °C … 1450 °C for the F6 model and 400 °C … 1650 °C for the F6H model. System accuracy stands at ±1%, with repeatability of ±0.5% or +0.5 °C at an ambient temperature of 23 ± 5 °C. Featuring a spot size starting from 1.6 mm and optics of 45:1 with different focus points, this infrared thermometer ensures accuracy and flexibility in various settings.

Another noteworthy feature of the CTlaser F6 series is its double laser aiming marks, providing precise aiming support and minimizing alignment errors. This innovative system utilizes two laser beams to trace the infrared optical path and accurately indicate the spot’s position and size, irrespective of distance.

The CTlaser F6 pyrometer adopts a two-piece design with a separate electronics box, offering advanced signal processing capabilities. The IR sensor provides a wide range of analog and digital outputs, including 0/4 – 20 mA, 0 – 5 V, 0 – 10 V, USB, RS485, RS232 interface, relay outputs (2 x optically isolated), Profibus DP, Modbus RTU, Modbus TCP, Profinet, and EtherNet/IP, , ensuring seamless integration into various industrial processes and control systems.

Operational in ambient temperatures up to 85 °C without cooling, the laser automatically switches off at 50 °C for energy efficiency. Enhanced with Optris accessories such as air purging, cooling jackets, and mounting flanges, the CTlaser F6 is designed for integration into diverse gas monitoring applications. Customization options, including different cable sizes, are available to meet specific customer requirements.

Manufactured in Germany, these pyrometers undergo meticulous calibration to meet government standards such as PTB or NIST. Calibrated under an inert gas atmosphere (Argon), they ensure accuracy in temperature measurement. This rigorous calibration process ensures the highest quality and accuracy.

Optris is committed to providing comprehensive support for the CTlaser F6 series, including consultation on industrial applications and after-sales support, ensuring optimal performance and user satisfaction. With its precision, versatility, and reliability, the CTlaser F6 proves to be a valuable instrument for temperature measurement in various gas monitoring applications.

The Optris CompactConnect software improves the functionalities of Optris fixed infrared pyrometers, offering various monitoring, analysis, and control features beyond basic temperature measurement. It includes features like visualizing temperature trends with temperature-time diagrams and documentation. The software enables data logging, automatic process controls, parameterization of the pyrometer via configuration settings, and setting up programmable outputs and inputs. Additionally, it provides advanced signal-processing functionalities. Compact Connect The Optris IR mobile allows users to set up and commission an Optris infrared pyrometer or infrared camera with an Android smartphone or tablet. This tool becomes handy for commissioning and aligning the infrared cameras field of view or adjusting the configuration. The app analyzes the connected infrared cameras live infrared image stream with auto hot and cold spot detection. For pyrometers, a temperature-time diagram or the video signal is displayed. This app works on most Android devices running 5.0+ with a USB port supporting USB-OTG (On The Go). Google Play

What distance-to-spot size ratio is correct for the application?

The measuring object’s size and the infrared thermometers optical resolution determine the maximum distance between the sensing head and the measuring object. To prevent measuring errors, the object should completely fill out the field of view of the optics. Consequently, the spot should always be at least the same size as the object or should be smaller than that.

Can I change the sensor cable?

The sensing head cable can also be exchanged if necessary. To avoid influences on the accuracy use an exchange cable with the same wire profiles and specification like the original one

Can I pare the sensor head with another electronics box?

Yes, after exchanging a head the calibration code of the new head must be entered into the electronics. The calibration code is fixed on a label on the head. Do not remove this label or note the code. The code is needed if the electronic must be exchanged.

How far can I position the CTlaser F6 from the target?

The measuring object’s size and the infrared thermometers optical resolution determine the maximum distance between the sensing head and the measuring object. The object should fill out the optics’ field of view to prevent measuring deviations. Consequently, the spot should always be at least the same size as the object or smaller. The spot size refers to 90% of the radiation energy.

How can I improve the noise amplitude of the sensor?

In the CT models, the head cable must not be moved during the measurement. Use shielded cables only. The sensor shield has to be grounded. Avoid ground loops and related signal interferences in industrial environments. It might be necessary to interrupt the ground connections inside the electronics box. To do this, switch the jumper inside the electronics box to another position. Review the manual.

How do I aim with a CTlaser F6?

The infrared sensor has an integrated double laser aiming, which helps align the sensor. The measuring spot is located within the two laser points. At the focus point of the appropriate optics, both lasers cross and merge as one dot, marking the minimum spot. The two laser points are for orientation only.

Is the laser dangerous?

The pyrometers laser is a class 2 laser with less than 1mW in the wavelength range of 500 nm to 650nm, according to EN 60825 1:2014. Do not point the laser directly at the eyes of persons or animals! Do not stare into the laser beam. Avoid indirect exposure via reflective surfaces.

The laser switched off?

At ambient temperatures >50 °C the laser will be switched off automatically. The laser should only be used for sighting and positioning of the sensor. A permanent use of the laser can reduce the lifetime of the laser diodes and might heat up the sensor.

Can I trigger the laser externally?

Yes, but the supply line for the sighting laser must be led via a switch or pushbutton, which has to be installed max 2m away from installation site of the sensor for safety purposes. The laser can be activated/ deactivated via this, by the user on site to be installed switch, or via the software.

What is required to install the CTlaser infrared sensor in the CoolingJacket Advanced?

The connector version is needed to install the CTlaser sensor in the CoolingJacket Advanced.

Can you connect two pyrometers to the same computer?

Yes , this is possible. For using the software CompactPlusConnect or CompactConnect (depends on which type of pyrometers you are using) you have to create different instances of the software. You can connect two pyrometers via the USB ports. It is also possible to connect the two pyrometers with a RS485 interface. You can connect the first pyrometer via the provided RS485-USB adapter to the PC.

I am interested in integrating the CTlaser Infrared Thermometer into a science/industrial prototype, which will be controlled via code written in Python. Does the OTC SDK include libraries for thermometers or just cameras?

The OTC SDK does include only libraries for cameras.

• CTlaser F6 with 3m cable
• 1x mounting nut
• 1x mounting bracket
• CTlaser Manual