Surface Optics SOC ET-10 Thermal Emissometer

Surface Optics SOC ET-10 Thermal Emissometer Overview

The Surface Optics SOC ET-10 thermal emissometer is a portable, handheld emissivity meter that provides for directional hemispherical reflectance (DHR) and emissivity measurements in the 3-5 and 8-12μm spectral bands. The ET-10 answers the long standing need for the measurement of emissivity as an entry parameter for infrared cameras involved in measurement of temperature. Advanced infrared cameras require the input of an emissivity value for accurate temperature calculations. The emissivity values obtained from tables can be far from real, leading to large temperature uncertainties.

The ET-10 measures emissivity values in two of the most commonly used spectral regions, 3 to 5 and 8 to 12 microns. It can be used in the lab or in the field and on small or large objects. With the ET-10 you can measure emissivity of any surface in just a few seconds.

The Surface Optics 410 Family

The ET-10 forms part of the 410 range of portable reflectometers and emissometers from Surface Optics Corporation (SOC) that are designed for reflectance, solar absorbance and thermal emissivity measurements in the visible to far infrared range. These modular devices feature interchangeable measurement heads and a common command module and generate data of comparable quality to much larger laboratory instruments.

ET-10 Head for Thermal Emissivity Measurements

The ET-10 provides for measurements of directional hemispherical reflectance in two bands, 3-5 and 8-12μm. The ET-10 employs a Kanthal thermal filament operated at approximately 1000°C within an integrating sphere for measurements in a 20°/H geometry (directional illumination at 20° to the surface normal with hemispheric collection). From the measured reflectance, the ET-10 computes the directional thermal emissivity of the surface.

Emissivity is that property of a material that determines its effectiveness at emitting thermal radiation, defined as the ratio of the quantity of thermal radiation emitted from a surface compared to the perfect black body radiator maintained at the same temperature, given by the Stefan-Boltzmann law. The measurement of emissivity is important for the calibration of pyranometers and thermal cameras which make non-contact temperature measurements.

Ergonomic Design

The lightweight pistol-grip design of the ET-10 is modelled on a battery operated power tool. It is highly portable and allows single-handed use. Simply hold the sample port against the surface to be tested and press the trigger to take the measurement. View results immediately on the touch-screen display. Measurements can be taken on curved surfaces without special jigs or fixtures. The ET-10 measures the reflectance of flat, convex and concave surfaces (max. 150mm & 300mm radius, respectively) with a measurement spot of 12.7mm diameter.

An optional bench-top remote control unit (RCU) is available for the ET-10 and operates by remote external control from a customer-supplied Windows PC. The bench-top configuration is ideal for routine QC applications and for installations where the measurement head is mounted on a robot arm.