Noncontact temperature monitoring in hazardous areas

All models from Fluke Process Instruments’ MI3 infrared sensor series are now available as intrinsically safe versions for use in hazardous environments. The intelligent miniature sensors are fully ATEX and IECEx certified for use in Zones 1 and 2 and Zones 21 and 22.

The sensors feature a complete intrinsically safe package including the sensor, a communication box, and an Ex power supply. All three components are IP65-rated, and each can be exchanged in the field without re-calibration of the entire system.

The rugged MI3 pyrometer is said to be the smallest stand-alone digital infrared temperature sensor for fixed installation on the market. The MI3 series comprises pyrometers for various spectral ranges and applications, including the 1M and 2M short wavelength models with a 100:1 resolution and 10ms response time, which are suitable for monitoring temperatures up to 1800°C. The MI3 sensors can be used in ambient temperatures up to 180°C. Communication boxes are available with RS485, Modbus, Profibus, Ethernet, and Profinet IO interfaces and with four galvanically isolated analogue outputs.

The ATEX and IECEx certifications open up many additional areas for the MI3 series, for example steel industry processes using hydrogen atmospheres such as galvanising, annealing, plating, and coating; hydrogen reduction in the solar industry; petrochemical applications such as sulphur recovery and monitoring boilers, reactors, pipes, and flare control; manufacture and storage of various chemical and agricultural products such as vinyl, fertiliser, starch, alcohols, and flour; fire detection; monitoring mining equipment and conveyors; hazardous waste disposal; and sewage treatment.