In the frozen food industry, accurate temperature monitoring is crucial for maintaining product safety and quality. However, calibrating infrared thermometers (IRTs) in subzero environments has been a persistent challenge due to condensation on temperature reference sources, leading to measurement errors. A recent study published in the journal ‘Frontiers in Mechanical Engineering’ (which translates to ‘Mechanical Engineering Frontiers’) offers a novel solution to this problem, with significant implications for the maritime sectors involved in frozen food logistics.
The research, led by Dhonluck Manop from the Department of Basic Science and Physical Education at Kasetsart University’s Si Racha Campus in Thailand, introduces a closed-cylinder pneumatic calibration system. This system uses a controlled argon gas purge to eliminate condensation, ensuring accurate IRT calibration even in freezing conditions.
The study systematically evaluated the effects of gas pressure, flow rate, and measurement distance on calibration accuracy. The team found that at a chamber temperature of -15°C, introducing argon at 2 kg/cm² and 25 L/min effectively prevented ice formation on the calibration target. The system demonstrated expanded uncertainties ranging from 0.62°C to 0.74°C across all temperature set points.
Manop explained, “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. The 100 cm tube introduced greater variability due to an increased spot size and spatial non-uniformity.”
For maritime professionals, this innovation presents a game-changer. Accurate temperature monitoring is vital for ensuring the safety and quality of frozen food during transport. The ability to calibrate IRTs precisely in subzero conditions can enhance the reliability of temperature data, reducing the risk of spoilage and ensuring compliance with regulatory standards.
Moreover, the system’s effectiveness at shorter distances makes it particularly suitable for use in confined spaces, such as the holds of refrigerated cargo ships. This could streamline calibration processes, saving time and resources while improving overall accuracy.
The study’s findings highlight the potential for this calibration system to become a standard tool in the frozen food industry. As Manop noted, “This solution is especially relevant for applications in frozen food logistics, where precision temperature monitoring is essential for product safety and quality assurance.”
For maritime sectors, adopting this technology could lead to improved operational efficiency, reduced waste, and enhanced customer satisfaction. By ensuring the accuracy of temperature measurements, companies can better manage their cold chain logistics, ultimately contributing to a more robust and reliable supply chain.
In summary, the innovative calibration system developed by Manop and his team offers a practical solution to a longstanding challenge in the frozen food industry. Its implications for maritime sectors are substantial, promising to enhance the accuracy and reliability of temperature monitoring in cold chain logistics. As the industry continues to evolve, such advancements will be crucial in meeting the demands of a global market that increasingly relies on the safe and efficient transport of frozen goods.