5 replies to this topic

[Miss Frankie]

Is there such a thing as a metal detectable Infrared thermometer?  

I was told I will need an IR thermometer and to get a metal detectable one, if possible.

 

I'm thinking they all would be detectable, just not certified?

 

 

[Brothbro]

I can't imagine how an entire IR thermometer device could be metal detectable, basically all of the "guns" have a plastic body. I'm sure they contain metal inside in the form of a battery and some components of the circuit board, so if the whole gun went through your metal detector it would kick out. But when I think of the typical use of an IR gun, taking the temperature of a batch of liquid, the risk is dropping it into the processing tank where it's then crushed by the agitators. Those bits of plastic from the device are likely not metal detectable.

 

It's possible that a manufacturer could add a metal detectable additive to the plastic polymer maybe, but it's not something typically listed on the device's spec. I would recommend finding an IR thermometer you like then reaching out to the manufacturer about it's metal detectability.

Edited by Brothbro, 15 March 2024 - 10:02 PM.

[SQFconsultant]

Look at the Metal Detectable category here - the plastic is impregnated with detectable metal.

 

https://www.grainger...s&filters=attrs

[G M]

I haven't encountered one, and considering it has to have at least one lense I'm not sure its actually possible.  

 

You'll need to do relatively frequent verification of an IR thermometer to know when to dispose of it, so making a condition inspection part of that seems like a reasonable accommodation to the detectability rule.

[GMO]

I think as others have alluded to, why?  If you need it to be metal detectable, it suggests you're going to be using it in open product areas and if you are, then why not use a probe thermometer or if surface is required you can get surface probes.  They're easier to calibrate and more accurate.  And you can certainly get them in metal detectable plastics.  Metal Detectable Food Temperature Probe Thermometer | Metal Detectable & X-Ray Visible | Food Factory Temperature Probe | Detectamet

[G M]

I think as others have alluded to, why?  If you need it to be metal detectable, it suggests you're going to be using it in open product areas and if you are, then why not use a probe thermometer or if surface is required you can get surface probes.  ...

 

Probe thermometers will require physical contact and tempering time for the probe body.  IR is instant and touchless, both of which would reduce risks in physical and biological contamination.  The physical format or location of the item being measured could also make the IR more practical.

 

For example, if you're measuring the temperature of very thin material it could drop significantly in the few seconds it takes for a probe to warm up.