Noob question- infrared thermometer

Mtez44 · Post by **Mtez44** » Wed Jun 15, 2016 5:47 pm

If I were to use a infrared thermometer on my copper pot still would the exterior temp of the copper pot represent the temp of the liquid inside? I know everyone says internal thermometers are not needed. I am still learning and since I have a few infrared thermometers I was wondering if I could use this to help regulate temp until I learn my craft.

Post by **shadylane** » Wed Jun 15, 2016 5:55 pm

Paint a flat black spot on the boiler
and add 2 or 3 degrees to the measured temp.

Post by **Hank Reardon** » Wed Jun 15, 2016 6:01 pm

You have to operate the meter from the correct distance (optical resolution) against a non reflective surface for it to be accurate. You can google optical resolution and emissivity to help you make it more accurate.

I've seen folks use electrical tape to control emissivity on stainless. Likely would work for copper too.

Mtez44 · Post by **Mtez44** » Wed Jun 15, 2016 6:50 pm

Shady, Hank...thank you much

Post by **raketemensch** » Wed Jun 15, 2016 7:02 pm

shadylane wrote:Paint a flat black spot on the boiler
and add 2 or 3 degrees to the measured temp.

This helps tremendously. I just made a dot with a Sharpie so that i could hit the same spot with my pointer every time.

Even a few mm between measuring spots will give you very different readings.

Mtez44 · Post by **Mtez44** » Wed Jun 15, 2016 7:33 pm

Rake, not to be a smart ass but how do you know the spot you have is the right spot? I only ask because you say just a few mm between measuring spots and you can get varied readings.

And now that I mention it, should the spot be on the bulk of the pot or up near the vapor cone. Or does it not matter?

Post by **raketemensch** » Thu Jun 16, 2016 5:00 am

Good question -- I ran without the dot for a bit until I learned where the highest temp spot was. It was the highest, most dead-center spot where the column turned to hit the PC. Go figure, right?

Keep in mind, with a pot still it's just for curiosity, and maybe for a data point in your head. The only controlling of the boiler you need with a pot still is to control your output stream.

DAD300 · Post by **DAD300** » Thu Jun 16, 2016 6:44 am

I don't think there is so much a right or wrong spot, as long as you use the SAME spot every time.

Hound Dog · Post by **Hound Dog** » Thu Jun 16, 2016 4:01 pm

DAD300 wrote:I don't think there is so much a right or wrong spot, as long as you use the SAME spot every time.

DAD is spot on here (pun intended)

the temp will vary with the ABV ov the wash, elevation, even barometric pressure from the weather. It's the consistency during the run that you are truly measuring.

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