InAsSb Photodiode Fibre Optic Thermometry for High-Speed, near-Ambient Temperature Measurements.

Infrared radiation thermometers (IRTs) overcome many of the limitations of thermocouples, particularly responsiveness and calibration drift. The main challenge with radiation thermometry is the fast and reliable measurement of temperatures close to room temperature. A new IRT which is sensitive to wavelengths between 3 µm and 11 µm was developed and tested in a laboratory setting. It is based on an uncooled indium arsenide antimony (InAsSb) photodiode, a transimpedance amplifier, and a silver halogenide fibre optic cable transmissive in the mid- to long-wave infrared region. The prototype IRT was capable of measuring temperatures between 35 °C and 100 °C at an integration time of 5 ms and a temperature range between 40 °C and 100 °C at an integration time of 1 ms, with a root mean square (RMS) noise level of less than 0.5 °C. The thermometer was calibrated against Planck's law using a five-point calibration, leading to a measurement uncertainty within ±1.5 °C over the aforementioned temperature range. The thermometer was tested against a thermocouple during drilling operations of polyether ether ketone (PEEK) plastic to measure the temperature of the drill bit during the material removal process. Future versions of the thermometer are intended to be used as a thermocouple replacement in high-speed, near-ambient temperature measurement applications, such as electric motor condition monitoring; battery protection; and machining of polymers and composite materials, such as carbon-fibre-reinforced plastic (CFRP).

A Comparative Review of Thermocouple and Infrared Radiation Temperature Measurement Methods during the Machining of Metals.

During the machining process, substantial thermal loads are generated due to tribological factors and plastic deformation. The increase in temperature during the cutting process can lead to accelerated tool wear, reducing the tool's lifespan; the degradation of machining accuracy in the form of dimensional inaccuracies; and thermally induced defects affecting the metallurgical properties of the machined component. These effects can lead to a significant increase in operational costs and waste which deviate from the sustainability goals of Industry 4.0. Temperature is an important machining response; however, it is one of the most difficult factors to monitor, especially in high-speed machining applications such as drilling and milling, because of the high rotational speeds of the cutting tool and the aggressive machining environments. In this article, thermocouple and infrared radiation temperature measurement methods used by researchers to monitor temperature during turning, drilling and milling operations are reviewed. The major merits and limitations of each temperature measurement methodology are discussed and evaluated. Thermocouples offer a relatively inexpensive solution; however, they are prone to calibration drifts and their response times are insufficient to capture rapid temperature changes in high-speed operations. Fibre optic infrared thermometers have very fast response times; however, they can be relatively expensive and require a more robust implementation. It was found that no one temperature measurement methodology is ideal for all machining operations. The most suitable temperature measurement method can be selected by individual researchers based upon their experimental requirements using critical criteria, which include the expected temperature range, the sensor sensitivity to noise, responsiveness and cost.

Miniature Uncooled and Unchopped Fiber Optic Infrared Thermometer for Application to Cutting Tool Temperature Measurement.

A new infrared thermometer, sensitive to wavelengths between 3 µm and 3.5 µm, has been developed. It is based on an Indium Arsenide Antimony (InAsSb) photodiode, a transimpedance amplifier, and a sapphire fiber optic cable. The thermometer used an uncooled photodiode sensor and received infrared radiation that did not undergo any form of optical chopping, thereby, minimizing the physical size of the device and affording its attachment to a milling machine tool holder. The thermometer is intended for applications requiring that the electronics are located remotely from high-temperature conditions incurred during machining but also affording the potential for use in other harsh conditions. Other example applications include: processes involving chemical reactions and abrasion or fluids that would otherwise present problems for invasive contact sensors to achieve reliable and accurate measurements. The prototype thermometer was capable of measuring temperatures between 200 °C and 1000 °C with sapphire fiber optic cable coupling to high temperature conditions. Future versions of the device will afford temperature measurements on a milling machine cutting tool and could substitute for the standard method of embedding thermocouple wires into the cutting tool inserts. Similarly, other objects within harsh conditions could be measured using these techniques and accelerate developments of the thermometer to suit particular applications.