Thin Filament Pyrometry (TFP) is an optical method used to measure temperatures. It involves the placement of a thin filament in a hot gas stream. Radiative emissions from the filament can be correlated with filament temperature. Filaments are typically Silicon carbide (SiC) fibers with a diameter of 15 micrometres. Temperatures of about 800 - 2500 K can be measured.
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History
TFP was first used by V. Vilimpoc and L.P. Goss (1988). A recent paper using TFP is Maun et al. (2007).
Technique
The typical TFP apparatus consists of a flame or other hot gas stream, a filament, and a camera.
Advantages
TFP has several advantages, including the ability to simultaneously measure temperatures along a line and minimal intrusiveness. Most other forms of pyrometry are not capable of providing gas-phase temperatures.
Drawbacks
Calibration is required. Calibration typically is performed with a thermocouple. Both thermocouples and filaments require corrections in estimating gas temperatures from probe temperatures. Also, filaments are fragile and typically break after about an hour in a flame.
Applications
The primary application is to combustion and fire research.