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Selecting an appropriate industrial temperature sensor is not a simple task. The reality is that this kind of application is extremely sensitive, requiring not only expertise in thermal dynamics but also an understanding of the materials used in each kind and the behavior of temperature-sensing devices in the surrounding environment.

In an attempt to better inform you about how our temperature sensor devices may meet your demands, we would want to utilize plain language. After all, the success of RTD sensor provider and OEMs that have faith in industrial temperature-measuring competence has essentially developed as a company. They guarantee accuracy and precision with the industrial temperature measurement equipment and tailored solutions.

Thermocouples, thermistors, and resistance temperature detectors (RTDs) are the three common instruments for measuring temperature for industrial purposes. Each has a distinct industrial purpose because of its diverse variety of uses.

RTD Sensors

You can detect the way a metal resistor responds to temperature changes by a resistance temperature detector. Thus, this allows the measurement of this reaction to yield a temperature reading. The measurement of a metal’s resistance and the corresponding linear temperature reading are made possible by an understanding of the connection between that metal (such as platinum, nickel, or copper). 

For an RTD, the temperature range is normally -200°C to 650°C at maximum. Given their complexity and capacity to monitor a larger temperature range, RTDs are often more expensive to produce.

Thermocouples

The Peltier Effect, which is the generation of electrical voltage in response to heat or cold, is used by thermocouple sensors to monitor temperature. These instruments employ two distinct metals that cause this kind of electrical response. The range of heat and cold temperatures they can monitor depends on the metal type. 

Because of this, thermocouples are intended to measure temperature more quickly than other kinds of thermometers. Generally, a thermocouple can withstand temperatures between 200°C and 1,750°C. Compared to RTDs, the cost of creating a thermocouple is comparatively inexpensive.

Thermistor

A resistor thermometer that can measure temperature as a positive temperature coefficient (PTC) or a negative temperature coefficient (NTC) is another form of resistor thermometer. Thermistors are exceptionally good at measuring even the smallest temperature changes in an industrial setting or equipment, despite their restricted ability to measure higher temperatures. 

Beyond other kinds of industrial temperature sensors, precise measurement is also possible by calibrating an NTC or PTC thermistor. A thermistor’s temperature range is normally -100°C to 325°C at its highest. Furthermore, the production cost of a thermistor is famous as being on the lower end of the cost spectrum.

Conclusion

Once more, the environment, the range of temperatures a client wants to measure, and other factors are what determine whether to use any of these industrial temperature sensors or a combination of them. These factors are best assessed when you speak with one of the experienced RTD Armor thermocouple manufacturer.