Ambient temperature compensation describes the correction option of a pyrometer, infrared temperature sensor or infrared thermometer to achieve greater measuring accuracy, if the ambient temperature of the device differs from the foreground temperature (object temperature) of the measured object.

This is the key to accuracy. Measurement inaccuracies can occur if the measurement technology used is not adjusted/compensated for the ambient temperature.

Avoiding heat interference radiation from incandescent coils, infrared radiators and heat blowers in the vicinity of pyrometers, infrared temperature sensors and infrared thermometers prevents the output of incorrect or strongly deviating measurement results.

A very accurate measurement result is achieved if the housing temperature of the sensor is kept within a narrow temperature range, e.g. 19-25°C. One possibility is the use of air cooling or a water cooling jacket.

If the ambient temperature is compensated on the device side, the ambient temperature is taken into account and included in the temperature measurement of the measured object.

Infrared temperature sensors that are equipped with air cooling / lens cleaning via a compressed air connection are well suited for use in harsh environments with very high ambient temperatures and contaminated or poluted ambient air.

The compressed air is supplied with a compressed air connection on the IR sensor via an air filter, cools the sensor and prevents dirt particles from settling on the sensor lens or removes dirt particles from the lens. The air flowing out of the sensor lens does not affect the object being measured or the measurement result.

The compressed air used should always be oil-free and technically clean.
Dirty air filters can be replaced and are available as spare parts. To prevent coarse soiling of the sensor lens, it is possible to clean the lens manually using a cotton bud.

For ambient temperatures at the sensor higher than 170°C, screw-on water-cooling jackets are available as an option.