Meaning of pyrometry in temperature measurement: In industrial metrology, “pyrometry” refers most correctly to the measurement of temperature that is primarily of which kind?

Chemical Engineering Process Control and Instrumentation Difficulty: Easy
Choose an option
  • A
    By mercurial thermometer up to 350 °C only
  • B
    Direct contact temperature by any method
  • C
    High temperatures (often non-contact radiation methods)
  • D
    All of (a), (b), and (c)
  • E
    Low cryogenic temperatures

Answer

Correct Answer: High temperatures (often non-contact radiation methods)

Explanation

Introduction / Context:Pyrometry is commonly used in furnaces, kilns, and metallurgical processes where temperatures exceed the safe or practical limits of liquid-in-glass thermometers and many contact sensors. Knowing what pyrometry implies helps in choosing between optical, radiation, or total radiation pyrometers and understanding their limitations.

Given Data / Assumptions:

  • Industrial context: metals processing, refractory production, glassmaking.
  • Temperatures often exceed several hundred degrees Celsius.
  • Non-contact radiation techniques are typical but contact methods at high temperatures also exist.

Concept / Approach:“Pyro” relates to heat/fire. Pyrometry broadly covers temperature measurement at high temperatures, frequently via radiant energy (optical or infrared) from a hot body. It does not specifically mean “mercurial” thermometry or “any direct contact method,” nor does it pertain to cryogenic regimes.

Step-by-Step Solution:

Interpret the term: “pyrometry” → high-temperature measurement.Recognize typical instruments: optical and radiation pyrometers.Select the option that captures this meaning: high temperatures.

Verification / Alternative check:Textbooks classify pyrometry under radiation thermometry, suitable where contact sensors are impractical or would be damaged.

Why Other Options Are Wrong:

  • (a) Restricts to mercury-in-glass and low upper limit; not the definition.
  • (b) Over-broad; pyrometry is not “any” direct contact method.
  • (d) Includes incorrect statements; thus incorrect.
  • (e) Pyrometry is not focused on cryogenics.

Common Pitfalls:Assuming pyrometers always measure true temperature without emissivity correction; emissivity settings are crucial for accuracy.

Final Answer:High temperatures (often non-contact radiation methods)

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