Measuring manufacturing environments

Electronic measuring equipment supplier RS South Africa has introduced a wide range of meters for measurement of environmental factors within manufacturing plants such as heat, moisture, sound and light.

Among the most useful for precast concrete manufacturers is the RS PRO infra-red thermometer, which is designed for taking quick, non-contact temperature measurements and features an easy-toread display. It has two modes of operation for body and surface measurements, taking them from up to 10cm away with an accuracy of approximately 0,3°C. Up to 32 measurements can be stored in the memory and an alarm value can be set. Applications include measuring room temperature, as well as temperatures of solids or liquids from 10-60°C.

Another option for curing chambers is the company’s RS PRO thermal imaging camera, which provides accurate, fast and reliable temperature screening of objects or items. A typical application would be spotting heat leaks in thermal insulation or cold spots in curing chambers. It includes a blackbody to ensure consistent and accurate temperature calibration to approximately 0,3°C. Thermal images are displayed on a large screen, making

“The camera provides accurate, fast and reliable temperature screening of objects or items.”

the results easy to read, with an option of relaying readings to a larger screen via video output.

Data logging is done via an 8GB microSD card, which is included, and there is a variety of internal storage settings for data capture. In addition, the camera is supplied complete with batteries, video cable, lens cover, card reader, handrails, packing list, carrying case, QC certificate, USB speaker, tripod, client software, a power adaptor and associated power cables for the camera and blackbody.

For more permanent installations, the RS PRO thermal imaging system allows users to visualise heat sources at a safe distance of 3-10m in real-time, using the video output connection to a display. It can be set up for continuous recording 24/7, with critical temperature conditions triggering an automatic alarm for abnormal temperatures.

In addition to thermal measurement and monitoring equipment, the RS PRO environmental T&M range includes a microwave emissions detector. This instrument is typically used by facilities and maintenance engineers to monitor and detect electromagnetic leakage. The RS PRO sound level meter has a dynamic range from 35-130dB. Measurement data can be transferred to the user’s mobile phone via Bluetooth for further analysis.

The RS PRO environmental T&M equipment range has been through high-calibre compliance and quality testing to ensure quality, durability and consistency, and comes with the RS PRO Seal of Approval. The range is available from RS South Africa.

(Left, from far left): The RS PRO infra-red thermometer, the RS PRO thermal imaging camera and the RS PRO thermal imaging system.