Super-sensitive temperature measuring equipment is used in industries where precision is crucial. Te...

1. Industries Dependent On Sensitive Temperature Measuring
Equipment
Super-sensitive temperature measuring equipment is used in industries where precision is crucial.
Temperature measuring equipment has been cultivated to the point where it is quite advanced in its
ability to provide readings and information in minute detail.
Considerable time, effort and resources have gone into the science of temperature measurement in
order to satisfy the demands and requirements within this critical industrial niche.
The Equipment
Below is a brief look at some of the technology and equipment native to industrial temperature
monitoring and measurement.
o Resistance Temperature Detectors (RTD) - Also called resistive thermal devices or resistance
thermometers, these electrical temperature measuring devices are extremely accurate. There are
different styles of RTDs, but the same principle applies regarding temperature measurement.
Basically, RTDs use metal (most commonly platinum, but nickel and copper are also used) to
measure any changes in electrical resistance as temperatures rise and fall. RTDs can convey
information directly into a monitoring source (PC, handheld, or other device), and can measure
extreme industrial temperatures over 1,000 degrees Fahrenheit.
o Smart Sensors - Sensors pick up changes in whatever they are assigned to monitor, whether it's
temperature, movement or electrical signals. Smart sensors go beyond the capabilities of what
"normal" temperature sensors are expected to provide. Advanced processing capabilities allow smart
sensors to gather and transmit information to a temperature indicator faster and more accurately
than ordinary sensors.
o Thermocouple - The most widely-used and durable type of sensor, thermocouples are inexpensive

2. and easy to use. They produce low-level currents (as a result of temperature differential) that allow
them to power some of their own processes. They can also measure a wide range of temperatures.
Thermocouples are very good when temperature measurements must be taken quickly, but are not
generally as accurate as other sensors.
o Thermistor - The thermistor is very accurate within a limited temperature range. The material
used in a thermistor is ceramic, silicon or polymer. Thermistors are small and inexpensive, but not
as durable as some other types of sensors, such as the thermocouple.
The Industries
Some of the industries requiring temperature probes and sensors for temperature monitoring
include:
o The Steel Industry - Thermocouples are widely used in this industry to monitor the temperature of
molten steel at various stages of production.
o Power plants - RTDs are used to monitor fuel and coolant temperatures. They are also used for
temperature readings on nuclear power plant reactors.
o Microprocessor Manufacturers - This industry uses specially calibrated and programmable RTDs to
monitor air temperature in extremely sensitive "clean room" environments.
o Aerospace (Military, NASA) - One of the many applications of temperature measurement and
monitoring within this field is the critical feedback provided by such equipment for jet and rocket
engines.
o HVAC - Heating, cooling and ventilation systems all require accurate temperature readings.

3. Thermistors are commonly used to satisfy these requirements within the HVAC industry.
o The medical field and food industries also greatly rely on sensitive and consistent temperature
measuring and monitoring.
Technology within industrial temperature measuring instruments continues to improve. These
improvements are concurrent with the ever-changing needs of the users. Accuracy, the ability to
monitor a greater temperature range and better reporting features are all works in progress within
this critical field.
By: C Arnett
Article Directory: http://www.articledashboard.com
Charlie Arnett of Instrulab, is the author of this article on smart sensors, temperature indicators,
temperature measuring, thermistor and thermcouples. Instrulab is a manufacturer of highly stable,
highly accurate, Platinum RTD digital temperature instrumentation.
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