Thermometry with embedded SI traceability for industrial applications

A step towards making Europe carbon-neutral is improve energy efficiency in current processes, and the EU has imposed a binding target of reducing energy consumption by 11.7% by 2030 compared to 2020 levels. Almost all industrial processes use temperature sensors for monitoring quality, energy efficiency or emissions. However, conventional temperature sensors exhibit calibration drift – especially in harsh environments where sensor materials degrade. In addition, contact thermometers currently have large measurement uncertainties. One alternative is to use non-contact thermal imaging with phosphor coated probes which emit light relative to temperature - but robust coatings, new phosphor formulations and higher temperature operation (up to 1250 °C) are needed.

Building on EMPRESS and EMPRESS 2 this project will develop primary thermometry based on a Johnson noise thermometer to attain temperature traceability and provided driftless thermometry for harsh environments, such as in the presence of ionising radiation or temperatures up to 1200^oC. Traceable thermal imaging techniques will be established for phosphor measurements up to 1250°C to progress towards the goal of zero carbon production and improved energy efficiency of heavy industry. Artificial intelligence approaches for in-situ measurements for temperatures up to 1500^oC will also be taken. This will be demonstrated through case studies on self-validating thermometers, spectroscopic infrared thermometry calibrators for thermal imagers and phosphors, with accompanying neural networks to determine the temperature distribution on surfaces.

The improvements in process control and efficiency will aid Europe in its energy consumption aims and enhance competitiveness in a wide range of industrial areas.