ORIGINAL RESEARCH article
Front. Mech. Eng.
Sec. Heat Transfer Mechanisms and Applications
Volume 11 - 2025 | doi: 10.3389/fmech.2025.1668949
Innovative Low-Temperature Calibration System for Infrared Thermometers in Frozen Food Industry: Effects of Measurement Distance and Temperature Uniformity
Provisionally accepted
- 1Department of Basic Science and Physical Education, Faculty of Science at Si Racha, Kasetsart University, Si Racha Campus, Si Racha, Thailand
- 2Department of Nautical Science and Maritime Logistics, Faculty of International Maritime Studies,, Kasetsart University, Si Racha Campus, Si Racha, Thailand
- 3Department of Resources and Environment, Faculty of Science at Si Racha, Kasetsart University, Si Racha Campus, Si Racha, Thailand
- 4Policy and Strategy Department, National Institute of Metrology (Thailand), Phatumthani, Thailand
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The calibration of infrared thermometers (IRTs) in the frozen food industry is hindered by condensation on temperature reference sources in subzero environments, resulting in measurement errors and uncertainty. This study investigated a novel closed-cylinder pneumatic calibration system designed to eliminate condensation using a controlled argon gas purge. The effects were systematically evaluated of gas pressure, flow rate, and measurement distance (tube length) on calibration accuracy. At −15 °C, the introduction of argon at 2 kg/cm² and 25 L/min effectively prevented ice formation on the calibration target. The system was tested using tube lengths of 30 cm, 50 cm, and 100 cm, yielding expanded uncertainties ranging from 0.62 °C to 0.74 °C across all temperature set points. The shortest tube length (30 cm) provided the highest precision with minimal correction required, while 50 cm offered a reliable alternative with slightly increased uncertainty. In contrast, 100 cm introduced greater variability due to the increased spot size and spatial nonuniformity. Based on the results, the sealed calibration system enabled accurate and reproducible IRT calibration under subzero conditions, particularly at shorter distances. This solution should be especially relevant for applications in frozen food logistics, where precision temperature monitoring is essential for product safety and quality assurance.
Keywords: Infrared thermometer calibration, frozen food industry, pneumatic calibration system, Argon gas flow, subzero temperature calibration, measurement uncertainty
Received: 22 Jul 2025; Accepted: 09 Sep 2025.
Copyright: © 2025 Manop, Wangtong, Na Ayuthaya, Noulkhow and Khaenamkaew. This is an open-access article distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License (CC BY). The use, distribution or reproduction in other forums is permitted, provided the original author(s) or licensor are credited and that the original publication in this journal is cited, in accordance with accepted academic practice. No use, distribution or reproduction is permitted which does not comply with these terms.
* Correspondence: Panya Khaenamkaew, Department of Basic Science and Physical Education, Faculty of Science at Si Racha, Kasetsart University, Si Racha Campus, Si Racha, Thailand
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