Dronfield company develops temperature screening system to aid battle against Covid-19

MP Lee Rowley sees the infra-red temperature screening technology in action.

Advanced technology for screening body temperature is now being manufactured at AMETEK Land’s headquarters in Dronfield.

The system is designed to screen visitors at an entry point without slowing the flow of people. A camera and laptop set-up analyses the skin temperature of people’s faces before taking a reading that is accurate to within 0.5deg C, then calculates body temperature withn two seconds.

This technology enables businesses, facilities and public spaces to reopen safely and provides resilience to help keep them open.

The system was demonstrated to NE Derbyshire MP Lee Rowley when he toured the manufacturing facility. Lee said: “AMETEK Land are another brilliant example of a local business at the global cutting edge of technology and innovation. I’m glad to see Dronfield at the forefront of developing real, practical solutions to the challenges we currently face. I wish the team at AMETEK Land well at bringing to market such an important product.”AMETEK Land originally developed its infrared screening system in Dronfield following the SARS outbreak in 2002. The technology to monitor for elevated temperature, an indicator of fever symptoms linked to Covid-19, has been developed for the new product.

Justin Smith, division vice president of AMETEK Land, said: “The new VIRALERT 3 is a major global technology in keeping people safe in the fight against Covid-19. We are proud to have developed and manufactured it here in Dronfield. The global market for this technology is expanding very rapidly and will provide a boost to the manufacturing profile in our region.”AMETEK Land is the world’s leading manufacturer of monitors and analysers for industrial infrared non-contact temperature measurement, combustion efficiency and environmental pollutant emissions.

Founded in the UK in 1947, Land Instruments International Limited developed a reputation for producing innovative measurement technologies designed to operate in challenging conditions.