Thermometry with embedded SI traceability for industrial applications

¹ National Physical Laboratory, Hampton Road, Teddington, TW11 0LW, United Kingdom
² Teknologisk Institut, Kongsvang Alle 29, 8000 Aarhus, Denmark
³ Physikalisch Technische Bundesanstalt, Abbestr. 2-12, 10587, Berlin, Germany
⁴ Danmarks Tekniske Universitet, Søltofts Plads, Bygning 229, 2800 Kongens Lyngby, Denmark
⁵ Advanced Forming Research Centre, 85 Inchinnan Dr, Inchinnan, Renfrew PA4 9LJ, United Kingdom

^* Corresponding author: jonathan.pearce@npl.co.uk

Published online: 7 April 2025

Abstract

Most industrial processes rely on temperature measurement, which directly influences product quality, energy efficiency, process optimization and emissions. The European Partnership on Metrology project “Thermometry with embedded SI traceability for industrial applications (ThermoSI)” is a 3-year research and development project (late 2024 – late 2027) which will overcome some specific process control challenges (calibration drift, surface thermometry, dynamic gas temperature variations) by implementing embedded traceable thermometry in situ through driftless practical primary thermometry and self-validation, hot gas temperature measurement, and new traceable surface temperature measurement methods. Measurement traceability will be either directly to the redefined SI kelvin, or indirectly via the International Temperature Scale of 1990 (ITS-90). The activities are grouped into four categories: 1) Develop techniques for traceable, quantitative thermal imaging from -100 °C to 500 °C; 2) Improve practical primary Johnson noise thermometry by developing sensing electronics and a robust probe for use up to 1200 °C; 3) Develop thermographic phosphor thermometry up to 1250 °C; 4) Develop artificial intelligence approaches to enable in-situ traceable thermometry. The approaches, and how they will be developed and trialled in collaboration with industrial stakeholders, are outlined.