Pyrocon surface pyrometer
Date1930-1940
Inventory Number2002-1-0031
ClassificationPyrometer
Subject
Maker
Alnor Instrument Company
1919 - 1995
Cultural Region
Place of Origin
Dimensionscontainer: 8.8 × 38.8 × 21 cm (3 7/16 × 15 1/4 × 8 1/4 in.)
instrument: 22 × 9.7 × 6.3 cm (8 11/16 × 3 13/16 × 2 1/2 in.)
instrument: 22 × 9.7 × 6.3 cm (8 11/16 × 3 13/16 × 2 1/2 in.)
Material
Accessoriesthermocouples (2); arm; mercury thermometer
DescriptionThe instrument is a hand-held portable pyrometer for industrial use. Included in the set are two thermocouples, a mercury thermometer, and a flexible arm. The dial reads 0 - 300 degrees centigrade. The thermocouples interchange, allowing for different temperature measurements.
The thermocouples are type 4030, which has a tip diameter of .375". These are used when temperatures in small cavities or close to obstructions must be measured. Maximum temperature of 1200 degrees Fahrenheit. The arm is type 4020, used for this instrument type only. It permits placing the thermocouple in hard to reach places while maintaining a convenient position.
The case has been stamped with yellow paint (drawn with stencils) with the inscription, "DPC / 5359".
The thermocouples are type 4030, which has a tip diameter of .375". These are used when temperatures in small cavities or close to obstructions must be measured. Maximum temperature of 1200 degrees Fahrenheit. The arm is type 4020, used for this instrument type only. It permits placing the thermocouple in hard to reach places while maintaining a convenient position.
The case has been stamped with yellow paint (drawn with stencils) with the inscription, "DPC / 5359".
Signedon pyrometer dial: ILLINOIS TESTING LABORATORIES INC. CHICAGO, U.S.A. [and] Alnor [cursive, typed above the dial markings]
Inscribedon top of instrument case: B59
below dial markings: PYROCON / DEGREES CENTIGRADE
screw on pyrometer: COLD END / ADJUSTER
both thermocouples, engraved: 4030
on arm, engraved: Alnor
on pyrometer dial handle, scratched: DPC 5359
Curatorial RemarksAssuming that "DPC" stands for the Department of Physical Chemistry that was created at the request of L.J. Henderson by Dean David Edsall of the Harvard Medical School in 1920 (<i>Science at Harvard University: Historical Perspectives</i>, edited by Clark A. Elliott and Margaret W. Rossiter, 1992).
FunctionThe pyrometer is used to obtain accurate surface temperatures in a matter of seconds on surfaces such as in plastic molding, die casting, electrical appliance, rubber, paper, and other manufacturing operations.
Historical AttributesThis Pyrocon was the first instrument to be marketed by Alnor Instrument Co. (originally called Illinois Testing Laboratories).
