-New equipment Non-contact temperature measurement Infrared temperature measurement has many advantages over contact thermometers, but price has limited the widespread use of this technique. The D200 series from Digitron Instrumentation is now available at a price which brings non-contact temperature measurement into the budget of many more users. A patented technique is used to linearize the sensor signal and the latest manufacturing methods including surface mount technology and automatic testing are employed.

Four models are available in the D200 series, each covering the temperature range -20°C to + 250°C. Accurate to ___ 1% of reading ___3°C, all models have an LCD display with back light, instantaneous readings and good battery life. The sensors are available as either remote moulded probe models (D202AS and D202E) which work best at a distance over 0.5 m, or with sensors mounted on semi-flexible heads (D202AX and D202AF),

designed for closer temperature monitoring. The portable instruments are housed in a one-piece moulded casing for durability.

Contact thermometry can be impractical within many situations, whereas, for example, non-contact thermometry can monitor awkward, inaccessible, fragile or dangerous objects, monitor moving objects, monitor objects of low thermal mass, provide instantaneous readings and monitor objects whose temperature is changing. The ability to take temperatures without stopping a process can increase productivity by optimizing the running time of machinery. The D200 series are suitable for use in quality control, plant and equipment servicing, preventive maintenance and troubleshooting.

Digitron Instrumentation Ltd, Technology House, Mead Lane, Hertford, Hertfordshire SG 13 7A W, UK

The latest range of hand-held infrared thermometers from Digitron Instrumentation

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Steam generator life assessment

Foster Wheeler Development Corporation (FWDC) has been selected by the Electric Power Research Institute (EPRI) and the Empire State Electric Energy Research Corporation (ESEERCO) to manage a project to demonstrate improved techniques for assessment of the remaining life in steam generator superheater/reheater pressure parts.

The demonstration covers a number of new techniques and computer programs that have been developed during the last five years by EPRI/ESEERCO and others, with the objective of transferring the technology from the laboratory to the field.

The procedures to be demonstrated encompass improved calculation techniques, replication strain monitoring, carbide spacing, 'A' parameter, hardness measurements, miniature specimen testing, and many others. The computer codes include BLESS (Boiler Life Evaluation and Simulation System), TUBELIFE (for evaluating the life of superheater/reheater tubes), PODIS (for bimetallic welds), and SLIC2 (for piping evaluation). These techniques are expected to enhance the accuracy of remaining-life predictions, allowing utilities to avoid unnecessary maintenance as well as forced outages.

Project subcontractors include ERA Technology of the UK, Karta Technology of San Antonio, General Atomics Corporation of San Diego, and General Physics Corporation of San Diego. Thirteen host utilities are participating: N.Y. State Electric and Gas Co, Florida Power and Light Co, Pacific Gas and Electric Co, Tampa Electric Co, New York Power Authority, Nevada Power Co, Arizona Public Service Co, San Diego Gas and Electric Co, Sierra Pacific Power Co, Public

N DT & E International December 1991 337