OS36

Supported Applications

The OS36 series comprises OMEGA IRt/c non-contact infrared thermocouples that measure surface temperature from the infrared energy a target radiates, delivering a passive thermocouple-compatible signal without any need for the sensor to touch the process. Because the measurement is made optically, the OS36 is suited to moving, fragile, electrically live, or hard-to-reach surfaces where a contact probe cannot be used.

Documented application areas for the IRt/c family include:

• Paint curing and other coating and drying processes where surface temperature governs finish quality.
• Vacuum furnaces and high-temperature heat-treating environments.
• Plastic molding and thermoforming, where mold and part temperatures must be tracked.
• Tire monitoring and rotating or moving components.
• Web processes such as film, paper, and textile lines running continuously past the sensor.
• Steaming environments and other humid or wash-down process areas.

The sensor can be mounted up to 1,000 ft (300 m) from the readout device using twisted, shielded thermocouple extension wire, with the shield tied to a good electrical ground. Because the housing is electrically isolated from the signal leads, the OS36 can be applied near strong electrical noise sources while preserving signal integrity.

Operating Conditions & Performance

The OS36 measures over a range of 0 to 1000 °C (32 to 1832 °F). Performance is specified as follows:

• Accuracy: ±1.5% of reading or ±1.5 °C (±2.7 °F), whichever is greater.
• Repeatability: ±0.5% of reading.
• Resolution: 0.1 °C (0.2 °F).
• Response time: 0.5 seconds (90%).
• Output signal: millivolt (thermocouple-compatible) output, with a 4-20 mA output available as an option (an external power supply is required for the 4-20 mA output).

The sensor probe measures 152 mm (6 in) in length and 19 mm (0.75 in) in diameter. Environmental and mechanical limits are:

• Ambient/operating temperature: -40 to 85 °C (-40 to 185 °F), with the same range specified for storage.
• Pressure rating: 100 psi (6.9 bar).
• Humidity: 0 to 95% RH, non-condensing.
• Enclosure protection: NEMA 4X and IP65.

To protect the sensor body in hot installations, OMEGA specifies that the IRt/c body be kept below 200 °F (93 °C). Air cooling is required above 212 °F (100 °C) and water cooling above 500 °F (260 °C) when the cooling jacket is used; with the air purge system fitted, the sensor can be applied in environments up to 250 °F (121 °C).

Configuration Options

Models within the OS36 series differ along two primary axes: the thermocouple calibration type of the output and the factory target-temperature calibration point.

Thermocouple output type

Each model is built to emulate a specific thermocouple calibration so it can be wired directly into standard thermocouple instrumentation. The series covers type E, type J, type K, and type T outputs, letting the sensor drop into an existing controller or readout expecting that thermocouple type.

Target temperature calibration

Each model is optimized around a target temperature identified by the trailing designator in the part number (for example the 50F, 80F, 98.6F, 140F, 180F, 240F, 280F, 340F, and 440F points), so the user selects the model whose calibration best matches the surface temperature being measured.

Right-angle (RA) configuration

The RA models, such as OS36-RA-K-140F, provide an alternative physical configuration of the type K sensor for installations where the standard orientation does not fit.

Key Product Differences

The OS36 model lineup is built from the pattern OS36-<thermocouple type>-<target temperature>, giving a family of interchangeable non-contact thermocouples. Representative models include:

• Type E: OS36-E-50F, OS36-E-80F, OS36-E-98.6F, OS36-E-140F, OS36-E-180F, OS36-E-240F, OS36-E-280F, OS36-E-340F, and OS36-E-440F.
• Type J: OS36-J-50F, OS36-J-80F, OS36-J-98.6F, OS36-J-140F, OS36-J-180F, OS36-J-240F, and OS36-J-440F.
• Type K: OS36-K-50F, OS36-K-80F, OS36-K-98.6F, OS36-K-140F, OS36-K-180F, OS36-K-240F, OS36-K-280F, and OS36-K-440F.
• Type K, right-angle: OS36-RA-K-50F, OS36-RA-K-80F, OS36-RA-K-98.6F, OS36-RA-K-140F, OS36-RA-K-180F, OS36-RA-K-240F, OS36-RA-K-280F, OS36-RA-K-340F, and OS36-RA-K-440F.
• Type T: OS36-T-50F and OS36-T-140F.

A range of accessories extends the series, including the OS36-APK air pump kit for the air purge supply, the OS36-APC air/water cooling jacket, the OS36-PK periscope kit, the OS36-GMK gooseneck mounting kit, the OS36-MB and OS36-MB2 mounting brackets, and the OS36-MR mounting ring. The OMEGA OS91 and OS92 digital infrared temperature scanners are recommended for calibration of IRt/c temperature control.