Air Temperature Sensors / BlackGlobe-L
BlackGlobe-L Temperature Sensor for Measuring Heat Stress
Manage Heat Stress
WBGT calculation for heat stress
weather applications supported water applications supported energy applications supported gas flux & turbulence applications supported infrastructure applications supported soil applications supported

Overview

The BlackGlobe Temperature Sensor for Heat Stress measures radiant temperature using a thermistor inside a 15.2 cm (6 in.) hollow copper sphere that is painted black. This measurement, along with the measurement of ambient air and wet-bulb temperatures, is used to calculate the wet-bulb globe temperature (WBGT) index. 

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Technical Description

Loss of physical and mental efficiency occurs under definable degrees of heat stress. Severe heat stress can lead to fatigue, exhaustion, and possibly even disability or death. The Wet-Bulb Globe Temperature (WBGT) index combines the effects of temperature, humidity, radiant heat, and wind into one single index employed to express environmental heat stress.

Heat stress can be reduced by decreasing the lengths of exposure and decreasing the workload of individuals under heat stress. Situation factors such as the type of clothing worn, the type of work performed, the psychological effects of stress, and availability of fluids can affect the assessment of heat stress. These factors are not easily quantified, and so the individual in a given situation must estimate their significance. Environmental factors such as temperature, humidity, and wind are more easily measured to assess heat stress.

To calculate the WBGT index, the measurement of the black globe (radiant heat), wet bulb (evaporative heat), and ambient air (dry bulb) temperatures are required. The wet-bulb temperature can be calculated using air temperature and relative humidity if a wet-bulb thermometer is not available.

A custom cable length will need to be specified when the Black Globe is ordered. The maximum suggested cable length is 304 meters (1,000 feet).

Specifications

Temperature Measurement Range -5° to +95°C
Temperature Survival Range -50° to +100°C
Thermistor Interchangeability Error < ±0.2°C over 0° to 70°C, and ±0.3 at 95°C
Polynomial Linearization Error < ±0.5°C (over -7° to +90°C)
Near Normal Emittance 0.957

Compatibility

Please note: The following shows notable compatibility information. It is not a comprehensive list of all compatible products.

Dataloggers

Product Compatible Note
CR1000 (retired)
CR1000X
CR300
CR3000 (retired)
CR310
CR350
CR6
CR800 (retired)
CR850 (retired)

Additional Compatibility Information

Data Logger Considerations

The Black Globe requires an analog measurement. One single-ended and one excitation channel are required.

Downloads

Blackglobe Example Program v.1 (2 KB) 14-07-2022

This program was written for a CR1000X data logger. Program code of other data loggers will be similar. The program measures the Blackglobe and an EE181 temperature and relative humidity sensor. The program calculates dewpoint, wet-bulb, and wet-bulb globe temperature. The mean site barometric pressure is entered as a constant at the beginning of the program. This value needs to be changed to fit the site elevation.

Related FAQs

Number of FAQs related to BlackGlobe-L: 2

  1. Heat stress refers to the human body’s inability to maintain a normal temperature because of conditions such as high temperature and humidity. Certain jobs or activities require people to be subjected to these conditions, which may put their bodies at risk of heat-related illnesses and possibly result in death. Heat-related illnesses include heat cramps, heat exhaustion, and heat stroke.

    Typical temperature measurements require an aspirated shield to prevent direct solar radiation from skewing the measurements. In contrast, direct solar radiation is required as a component to measure environmental heat stress.

  2. Note the difference between calibration and a field check. Calibration cannot be done in the field, as it requires an experienced technician and specialized equipment.

    Field checks of measurements can be done to determine if the data make sense with the real-world conditions. Follow these steps to field check a sensor:

    1. Find a second sensor of the same type as the installed sensor whose data is in question. The second sensor will be used as a benchmark sensor and should be known to be accurate or recently calibrated.
    2. At the site, take readings using both sensors under the same conditions. The best practice is to measure both sensors side-by-side at the same time. Note that the sensors will never have the exact same measurement.
    3. Depending on the sensor model, if the difference in the readings of the installed and benchmark sensors is greater than the sum of the accuracies for both sensors, either return the installed sensor to Campbell Scientific for calibration or replace the appropriate chip.
      • The 107-L/LC, 108-L/LC, 109-L, 110PV-L, and BlackGlobe-L temperature sensors can be calibrated.
      • The HC2S3-L and HMP155A-L temperature and relative humidity sensors can be calibrated.
      • The CS215-L has a replaceable chip for temperature and relative humidity. For more information, refer to the “Maintenance and Calibration” section of the CS215 instruction manual.
      • The HMP60-L has a replaceable chip for relative humidity only. For more information, refer to the “Maintenance” section of the HMP60 instruction manual.

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