Operating Instructions

TIR 100-2
 E
Technical Data

Series No. 2012-0107-3

Voltage rating 230 AC (115 VAC)
Power rating max. 130 W
Radiator temperature 100 °C
Range of Emissivity  < 0,012 ... 0,980
Precision ± 0,005
Emissivity of (Ser.Nr. 2012-0107)
Calibration standard:
mirror side 0,012
black side 0,965
Weight instrument ca. 2 kg
Weight total ca. 8 kg
with standard and trans-
portation case
Mains 1,5 m

Before operation!
Please check correct voltage rating of your instrument (230 V / 115V). A
switch on the bottom side of the instrument indicates actual settings.
Incorrect settings will damage the instrument.
See also instructions in appendix B.

page 2
Important
Please study this operating instructions carefully. Any protection by warranty
shall expire upon damages that are due to non-observance of these operating
E
instructions. We deny any liability for consequential damages resulting there-
from.

Table of Contents
Technical Data 2

TABLE OF CONTENTS 3
INTRODUCTION 4
Methods of Measurement 4

DESCRIPTION OF DEVICE 6
Calibrating Standards 6

START OF OPERATION 7
Power line connection 7

Getting ready for operation 7

MEASURING 9
Calibrating 9

Measuring of glass and massive samples 10

Measurement oft thin samples and foils 11

Measurement of textiles or samples with open pores 11

OPTIONS 13
Use of own calibration standards 13

Service mode 14

Serial Interface – Matrix Printer 14

MAINTENANCE 15
Instrument 15

Cleaning of Calibration Standard 15

APPENDIX A 16
APPENDIX B 17
DECLARATION OF CONFORMITY 18
WARRANTY 19
DISPOSAL 19

page 3
Introduction
Apart from thermal conductance and convection thermal radiation is a third
E
form of heat transfer. “Emissivity” means a factor indicating to which extent a
surface can transmit energy in form of thermal radiation. According to Stefan
Boltzmann the radiation output is

P= T4
with T being the temperature,  the emissivity and  (5,67 10 W/(m² K ))
-8 4

the Stefan Boltzmann constant. This concludes, that, provided the tempera-
ture remains unchanged, the material constant  will determine the radiation
power. As a characteristic of the respective material, emissivity can show any
value between 0 and 1. Merely when the material properties are changed, by
p.ex. oxidation of the surface or by mechanical processing (roughening, pol-
ishing) emissivity  shall be changed.
Energy transport by thermal radiation becomes essential mainly, when con-
vection and thermal conductance are of no importance at all., i.e. with all ap-
plications within a vacuum or within a closed gas volume. The radiator sur-
faces of satellites, which give away thermal excess energy into the outer
space by radiation only, are examples, or uncoated insulating glass panes,
where thermal radiation is about 2/3 of the total thermal loss between the
panes due to the resting and very low conductance of the gas filling between
the panes.
Determination of emissivity becomes mainly necessary if thermal radiation
shall be optimized, (i.e. in most cases minimalized) by suited coating or pro-
cessing of the surfaces. This is important for many products where energy or
environmental reasons demand for optimum heat insulation. Examples are
coatings of sun protecting or thermal insulating glasses, selective coatings in
solar collectors or insulation membranes.

Methods of Measurement
The conventional determination of emissivity of any object by means of infra-
red thermometer and temperature controlled sample and reference surfaces
needs much time and expenses. An exact measurement of the surface tem-
peratures and strict corresponding with controlled thermal conditions of the
surrounding are of absolute necessity.
To achieve a fast and reliable process control, such an expense is not ac-
ceptable. The method described herein measures emissivity within some few
seconds. Furthermore there is the advantage, that the measurement can be
performed directly at the original part and that even structured and curved
surfaces can be measured.
The following illustration explains the measuring principle. The surface, which
has to be measured is exposed to the thermal radiation of a black body with
defined temperature. Dependend on the emissivity value the black body radi-
ation is reflected on the sample’s surface and detected by a sensor, which is
mounted in an opening of the radiator. In order to achieve a complete and
homogenous illumination of the measuring surface, the radiator has been
styled in form of a half sphere. So even rough and structured surfaces can be
detected.

page 4
 E

Measuring principle

Due to a Fresnell lens the sensoring area is focused to a small part of the
sample’s surface. So the smallest samples and even rods can be measured
at sufficient precision. In the same time this assembly guarantees, that the
sensor has sufficient energy for a highly precise measurement.
The radiator’s temperature has been chosen in a way, that there is a thermal
spectrum with the center wavelength of  = 8 µm. It’s spectral distribution is
widely corresponding to the conditions that are relevant for applications at
room temperature.
The sensor is a so-called “Thermopile”, a serial connection of several ther-
mocouples, which absorbs radiation energy in a broad band and linear man-
ner. From the difference of temperatures, that is resulting between the
measuring and the referencing thermocouples we get a voltage signal that is
proportional to the reflected thermal energy. Temperature of the referencing
elements must either be kept constant or it must be separately measured. In
the latter case it will be necessary to superpose it over the radiation signal as
a correction signal.
Determination of emissivity results from comparing the measuring result of
the sample with the values of two well-known standards. To do so the sensor
signals (U) of a low emitting (N, UN) and a highly emitting (H, UH) reference
are measured. Then the measuring value results in

(U H - U)
 =  H + ( H -  N )
(U N - U H )

It is a basic condition, that the standards and the sample are of

! the same temperature. As long as the sample is of massive quality
and of high thermal conductance, any heating of the sample during the
measurement can be neglected. Thin and thermally insulating materials
on the contrary shall heat up very quickly and lead to an emissivity value that
is continually changing towards smaller values. In such cases it must be
cared to perform measuring as quickly as possible, in order to assure, that
during measurement the sample’s temperature shall remain the same as the
surrounding temperature as far as possible (T  1°C).

page 5
Description of Device E
The instrument contains all operating elements and electronic components
for the measuring and processing of the signals and their display, as well as
for the control of the radiator’s temperature.
The essential part of the instrument is the half sphere shaped black body.
Due to its black coating the radiator has all the properties of a nearly ideal
black body. The radiator works at 100°C.
Inside a microcontroller regulates the temperature of the radiator to a con-
stant value of T = 100°C. In the same time the signal of the sensor is regis-
trated, which then, by the help of the stored standard values, is converted into
an absolute value of emissivity which is shown in the display.

! Danger of Burning! Do not run near combustible materials!

The remaining part of the black body housing has been insulated against the
radiator. There is a slight heating of the device during operation.
The heating of the radiator has been protected against overheating with a re-
versible thermo-fuse, which will interrupt the heating cycle at a temperature of
120°C to protect the instrument against damage.
The thermopile sensor changes the reflected thermal radiation into a voltage
signal. The spectral distribution of the thermal radiation is given Planck’s law
of a black body at given temperature. More than 97 % of the radiation energy
are ranging in the wave length region between 2.5 µm and 40 µm.

Calibrating Standards
The included calibrating standard possesses one side that is highly emitting,
and one with low emittance. The relevant values of emissivity, that have been
calibrated by the manufacturer are indicated on the bottom side of the stand-
ards. These values have been programmed into the memory (ROM) of the
microcontroller too.
The calibrating standards have been referenced against certified standards
of the National Physical Labs in Teddington, UK.
The low emitting side is micro milled to a mirror and is protected by a ultrathin
aluminium oxide.. So values of emissivity in the range of  = 0,012 are ob-
tained..
The highly emitting black standard uses the matt-painted aluminium ribs
which act as a light-trap. So very stable emissivity values around  ~ 0.960
can be reached.
In order to assure precise measurements, the temperature of the calibration
standards must be the same as that of the measured sample. Therefore the
standard should always be stored near the sample and both should be kept
at room temperature. In order to avoid heating of the standards during the
measuring operation, the standards have been performed as massive ribbed
aluminium blocks.
The calibrating standards will remain constant for years, if carefully stored.
Within two years’ time however, the calibration of the standard should be
checked. For that purpose, the standard has to be adjusted at the manufac-
turers’.

page 6
Start of operation E

Power line connection

Plug the included AC-cord at the back of the device and connect it with the
power supply (220 V - 240 VAC (opt. 115 V)/ 50 - 60 Hz).
Please check correct voltage rating of your instrument (230 V/ 115V). A
switch on the bottom side of the instrument indicates actual settings.
Incorrect settings will damage te instrument.

Getting ready for operation

Turn on device with the power switch at the back of the device (just at the
AC-cord plug). This will automatically start the heating of the radiator. During
this heating period the display will show the actual temperature arise of the
radiator.
The display shows “wait” until instrument is ready for operation. This can last
for over one hour. (From radiator temperature >90°C the wait/continue button
is released and measurements can be made even if “wait” is in the screen,
but precision is low!)

page 7
 E
When reaching the working temperature (> 99°C) and “wait!” disappears
press screen “continue” to get into the calibration mode. First the black high
emissive standard has to be used, the low emissive aluminium following af-
terwards automatically.

A correct calibration is quitted by a short beep.

After calibrating has been performed the standard “Measure” screen will ap-
pear:

In the middle of the screen the last triggered emissivity value is shown (0,000
... 0,999 ). Below an index informs about the actual temperature of the radia-
tor. For best results the temperature should be 100,0 ± 0,5 °C.
In case of spontaneously changed room temperatures the device should get
some minutes of acclimatisation (p.ex. after change of location into a cooled
room). Also in this case an additional calibration is recommended.
It is recommended, to calibrate immediately before each measuring, in order
to guarantee precise results.

page 8
Measuring E
Calibrating
Only a correct calibrating routine will serve as a basis of reliable
measuring results!
Calibration is done with the included standard, that shows two referencing
surfaces, one micro milled mirror aluminium surface (Ra < 0,5 µm) and a
blackened ribbed surface, which serve as low or highly emitting reference
values. Both standard surfaces have been referenced to certified NPL-
standards at the manufacturers’ and the emissivity values have been pro-
grammed as fixed values into the microcontroller (see Menue ‚Standard
high/low’). Valid values have been noted on the standards label. (Concerning
the use of your own standards, please read Use of own calibration stand-
ards within the chapter Options.)
Please store the calibration standard with the blank side down on the special
plastic holder provided. It protects the surface against damage.
In order to compensate for influences and changes of the room climate
the calibration should be repeated frequently, especially if high precision
! is required. You can only reach the total measuring precision, if calibra-
tion standard and measured sample have exactly identical tempera-
tures. Therefore sample and standard must be stored within the same
room and under identical climatic conditions for a sufficiently long time.
Calibration is started either automatically for the first time after switching on
the instrument, or by pressing the touch panel Cal, or Menue and then Cali-
brate high E. Calibrating should be repeated periodically ( e.g. 10min) to
compensate for thermal drift. It is suggested to use a standardized pro-
cessing of measurements.

Now place the calibrating standard with the black ribbed side in front of the
instrument. Please use the standard with the ribs horizontally for optimal re-
sults. Wait for a second (not longer) and start calibration by touching the
screen at < CALIBRATE HIGH>. Wait until screen has changed, then re-
move standard from the hot radiator to avoid heating..
Place the calibrating standard with the bright, smooth aluminium side (be
careful! Very sensitive!) in front of the instrument and after a second confirm
start of the calibration by touching the screen at < CALIBRATE LOW >.

page 9
 E

The display will show the normal measuring screen afterwards.

In order to control measuring precision, the calibrating standard should be re-

measured. In case of deviations from the indicated reference values the cal-
ibration procedures should be repeated.

Measuring of glass and massive samples

Put the sample in contact with the front of the instrument or take the instru-
ment with both hands and press against your sample (silicon distance keep-
ers avoid scratching of the samples surface). Then after a second (not long-
er) press the < MEASURE > - field of the screen on the top of the touch
screen. Wait until instrument shows the measured value, then take sample
away to avoid heating. You will get the optimal measuring precision and min-
imal influences caused by heating of the samples.
Next measuring is performed by pressing < MEASURE > again.
The measured value is also transmitted via the RS232 interface.

Measurements on large samples could be accomplished by taking the in-

strument by hand and placing it on the samples surface. The instrument
should be moved slowly to avoid thermal instability in the radiator by light air.

page 10
 Measurements top down are possible, but calibration should be accom-
plished in the same orientation of the instrument before.
E
Measurement oft thin samples and foils
Thin samples heat up very quickly during measurement. This causes un-
! precise results of measurement. The warmer a samples surface is with
respect to the standards temperature the lower is the computed emissivi-
ty.
The spreadsheet shows the typical deviations:

real dT (K) displayed

0,0200 +5 0,0187
0,0200 +10 0,0175
0,800 +5 0,748
0,800 +10 0,700

Especially high emissive surfaces show strong deviations. This is because

absorption is as high as emissivity.
To get best results from thin samples it should be noticed following:
Samples should be in good contact to a massive aluminum block. If possible
it should be glued plainly to its surface.
If this is not possible, e.g. the sample has an insulating base, you can try to
move the sample at constant speed along the radiator during measurement.
Make a test. Please note that
1. the samples surface is always in the same distance from the radiator
as the calibrating standard was
2. the surface of the sample is flat
3. sample speed is not so high that the radiator gets light air.

Measurement of textiles or samples with open pores

To measure the emissivity of

textiles and samples with
open pores a high emissive
( -> 1) background should
be used which absorbs all
radiation from the blackbody.
So only the part coming from
the sample will be consid-
ered.
The measured emissivity tot
is proportional to the emissiv-
ity of the coating coating and
the portion of area A covered
by the textile: tot = A x coating

page 11
Important Notes!
 We recommend to perform all measurings with sample surfaces that
have been installed vertically. Precision will be reduced, if the sample sur-
E
face is installed horizontally and the probe must be kept over it.
 Avoid direct light coming through transparent sample into the sensor.
Please care to cover transparent samples, such as glass or foils, at the
backside, in order to make it light-tight. Reason: Any form of remote ra-
diation or illumination, which reaches the sensor, will change the measur-
ing result to show a smaller emissivity.
 If you want to measure small samples, please use a sample-keeper. If the
outer dimensions of the sample that is to be measured, are significantly
smaller than the opening of the radiator, please use coverings, that have
about the same emissivity as the -value of the sample.
 Concerning optically flat surfaces, i.e. surfaces with a roughness of R a 
ca. 2.5 µm, the directed degree of emissivity changes with the increasing
angle of radiation (measured from the normal of the surface). Concerning
metal surfaces it increases, for non-metal surfaces it decreases. As our
TIR 100 does its measuring nearly at the normal of the surface, this effect
must be taken into consideration, if flat surfaces are to be measured, such
as glass. As to the measuring of glass that is meant for the production on
insulating glass, we want to draw your attention to European-Norm EN
673, which prescribes the corresponding correction values (vis. table in
our appendix), in order to gain the effective emission values.
 Some few materials, that are transparent in the infrared region, as thin
polyethylene foils or semiconductors, cannot be exactly measured with
this device.
 Secondary literature: R. Siegel, J.R. Howell, J. Lohrengel ‘Wärme-
übertragung durch Strahlung’ I and II; Publishing House Springer, 1988.

page 12
Options E
Use of own calibration standards
It is possible, that the user will use calibration standards of his own. To do so,
the relevant reference values must be programmed by using Menue and
then Standard low or Standard high. The display shows

The fractional digits are typed with the numeric keys and confirmed with
Store. Allowed values for the reference are between 0.000 and 0.999. In
case an input shall not be kept, it is possible to stick to the reference value
that has been used up to then by pressing Back.
The programmed values shall remain active until new reference values are
programmed. The emissivity values of the original standard are noted on the
standard label or on page 2 of this instruction manual.
After having changed the reference values, calibration must be per-
formed with the corresponding standards!

page 13
Service mode
Service mode Serv shows serial number and software version. If Service-
mode is ON The RS232 interface protocols raw signals of signal, tempera-
E
ture of the thermopile and of the black body. This mode is for diagnosis only
and has no influence on operation.

Serial Interface – Matrix Printer

According to RS 232 the device has a serial interface. Through this interface
the measuring values are transmitted.
Settings:
Rate of transmittance: 9600 Baud
Data length: 8 Bit
Stop bit: 1
Parity: none

Every triggered value is transmitted by the serial interface. Any terminal pro-
gram could be used for registration.
TIR’s with (optional) printer are connected to the RS232 with a special 4-pole
connector cable. The printer prints the actual emissivity value by pressing the
correspondent button on the display.

page 14
Maintenance E
Instrument
The instrument and the calibration standard are delivered in a robust trans-
portation case. Please use this case when the instrument is not used. Do not
insert the instrument when the radiator is hot!
Please note:
Risk of electric shock! Do not open! No user-servicable parts in-
side!
Cleaning of Calibration Standard

Be careful! The polished surface of the calibration standard is extreme-

ly sensitive! Use microfibre fabric for cleaning, do not use paper! Never use
household cleaners! Isopropylen alcohole and deionised water are best for
cleaning. Before all, scratches on the polished aluminium surface of the
standard must be avoided! Should there be any damages due to improper
handling, the standard must be newly calibrated at the manufacturers’. The
standard values in the device must be adapted accordingly then.
Upon good care, recalibration of the standard will be necessary after about 2
years only. This should be done at the manufacturers’.
Care of the black radiator and the black calibration standard shall be done
with low compressed air and with a soft rag. Clean radiator in non-heated
condition only.

page 15
Appendix A E

Calculating factors for the effective emissivity eff of glazing from the meas-
ured emissivity  according to EN 673:

Measured emissivity  Relation  eff / 

0.03 1,22
0.05 1.18
0.1 1.14
0.2 1.10
0.3 1.06
0.4 1.03
0.5 1.00
0.6 0.98
0.7 0.96
0.8 0.95
0.89 0.94

page 16
Appendix B E
Changing voltage settings
Your instrument will be shipped with correct voltage settings for operation.
But if you intend to use it with other rating, please follow instructions below.
Only specialized staff may implement this work! Unplug the instrument
before opening!
1. A switch on the bottom side of the instrument indicates actual set-
tings. Please change for the desired rating (115 VAC / 230 VAC).
2. Open the silver bottom of the housing (4 inbus screws type 2)
3. Inside the instrument two switches of the heating elements for the
radiator must be changed. They are placed on the bottom PCB. The
marked switches in the picture have to be switched according to the
“115V” (230V res.) sign on the PCB. The switches are reachable
from the left and right side of the instrument without any dismounting
of components.
4. Close the bottom

230V
115 V

230V
115 V

page 17
 Security Instructions
This device has been constructed in safety class I, according to DIN EN
61010 VDE 0411/1, vis. VDE 0551 and has left our facilities in a perfect con-
E
dition safetywise. It has been equipped with a VDE-approved mains power
line (UL approved connector for US) with protective conductor and therefore
may only be run at or connected to 230 VAC (opt. 115VAC) voltage with pro-
tective earthing.
It must be cared that the protective conductor (yellow/green) shall never be
interrupted, neither in the mains power line, nor in the device, nor in the pow-
er supply, as an interrupted protective conductor will mean serious danger.
Furthermore it must be cared, that the insulation will be never damaged or
destroyed.
The thermostat, according to VDE 0631/1 possesses an electronic over heat-
ing protection as well as a second temperature switch at 125°C. The tem-
perature radiator of the device must not be run near combustible, easy in-
flammable or explosive materials.
Commercial facilities must submit to the accident prevention regulations of
professional associations for electrical facilities and operating funds.
Upon handing on the device, even within your premises, this operating in-
struction must be handed on to the individual user together with the device.

Declaration of Conformity
INGLAS GmbH & Co. KG
Glärnischstr. 31/1
88045 Friedrichshafen

declares in its responsibility alone, that the product

TIR 100-2 Emissivitätsmessgerät

is corresponding to the following normative documents and standard specifi-

cations:

EN 50081-1: Störaussendung
EN 50082-1: Störfestigkeit
EN 61010-1: Niederspannungsrichtlinie

Friedrichshafen, 15th of October, 2009

INGLAS GmbH & Co. KG
Dr. Thomas Meisel

page 18
Warranty E
For this device we grant you warranty for 24 months’ time. It comprises a free
of charge replacement or repair of all parts, that are required to remove any
provable manufacturing or material faults. Warranty begins with delivery of
the device to the customer. Further claims, especially for compensation, are
excluded. Also INGLAS will not be liable for resultant damages.
Faults, that were caused by non-observance of the operating instruction, im-
proper handling, unauthorised interventions by the customer, or by third per-
sons, or by any inevitable events, are excluded from warranty payments.
Please, upon any claim of warranty do indicate the serial No. of the device.
Warranty payments do neither effect any prolongation of warranty time, nor a
new warranty period for replaced or repaired parts.

Disposal
Do not dispose broken and unusable instruments in domestic waste. Please
send the instrument back to the manufacturers.

page 19