Reducing uncertainty in practical radiation thermometer calibration based on proposed changes to the mise en pratique of the definition of the

kelvin
David Lowe1, Mick Broughton2, Jonathan R Wilmott2
National Physical Laboratory, Hampton Road, Teddington TW11 0LW, UK 2 Land Instruments International, Stubely Lane, Dronfield, Derbyshire S18 1DJ, UK
1

Introduction:
The effect of changing calibration traceability for radiation thermometry from the current International Temperature Scale of 1990 (ITS90) to a proposed SI based scale is investigated in the context of the dissemination of a high temperature scale from national measurement institute to calibration laboratory. It is shown that at temperatures up to 2500C the uncertainty in temperature scale realisation can be halved without changing the calibration laboratory methodology. Significant benefits are possible now, based on present ITS90, in advance of any proposed changes. The requirements for a suitable radiation thermometer to achieve this are considered. that drift related uncertainty components that would otherwise inevitably propagate through to any calibration are removed. Provided a transfer radiation thermometer has a small target size it can be calibrated directly against high temperature fixed points. This transfer thermometer is sent to the calibration laboratory, where it can be seamlessly integrated.

Uncertainties in-use for various scenarios for calibrating the P715. At the national measurement institute an exhaustively characterised primary radiation thermometer is used to assign a temperature to a variable temperature blackbody by comparing the blackbody radiance to that of a primary standard ITS90 fixed point. This is then used as a source to calibrate a transfer radiation thermometer. The transfer thermometer is sent to the calibration laboratory where it is used to assign a temperature to their variable temperature blackbody, and there to any number of working standards. ITS (International temperature scale of 1990) refers to htfp temperatures assigned by reference to the defined freezing temperature of copper. MEP (mise-en-pratique of the definition of the kelvin) refers to possible internationally agreed htfp temperatures . Two recalibration intervals were considered, 18 months and 36 months Two theoretical arrangements were also considered Ideal assumes the thermometer has zero uncertainty: all the uncertainty is due to the blackbody source CMC (certified measurement capability) assumes the thermometer has the lowest uncertainty calibration that NPL is accredited to supply on a certificate. These are compared to the current NQO calibration standard

Optical performance of a prototype transfer thermometer P715 constructed at NPL. Prioritised: Small target size and good size of source effect response Spectrally stable Portability (hand carried luggage) Simple and low cost Calibrated at NPl using three high temperature fixed points, used at LII as a drop in replacement for their current standard, the uncertainty in assigning a temperature to the calibration furnace was assessed from 1000C to 2500C

Conclusion
The use of a calibration scheme based on high temperature fixed points has the potential to halve the uncertainty of non-contact temperature scale realisation for a calibration laboratory. As far as the NMI is concerned, a suitable instrument requires small target size, low SSE and accurate to be compatible with the fixed points. From the perspective of the calibration laboratory standardisation of set up makes the optical performance less important, but stability needs to be good to keep the recalibration schedule to a minimum. A ready guide to the stability needs is given by assessing the remaining uncertainty of the system assuming an ideal pyrometer with no uncertainty and no drift. If the drift is at or below this level it is not dominating the uncertainty budget.

Acknowledgement
The NPL author acknowledges funding from the National Measurement Office, an Executive Agency of the UK Department of Business, Innovation and Skills.

Queens Printer and Controller of HMSO, 2013.

The primary standard fixed point and radiation thermometer are now used for a one off temperature assignment of a series of high temperature fixed points. This assignment can be done under carefully controlled conditions such

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