Temperature Measurement Devices

How to Measure Temperature?

Temperature Measurement? Temperature can be measured via a broad range of temperature measurement devices.

Temperature varies and needs regular monitoring for safety and efficiency. At Process Parameters, we have a variety of tools, from simple thermometers to advanced thermal cameras, to help you track temperature and keep accurate records.

All of these ranges of sensors take a temperature reading by sensing some change in a physical characteristic. The most common temperature sensors that may be used by an engineer or industrial company are as follows:

Thermocouples, Platinum Resistance Thermometers (Also known as RTD or Pt100), thermistors, Infrared Pyrometers and Thermal Imaging Cameras.

 

What Types of Temperature Measurement Devices are available?

To help you choose the right tool for measuring temperature, here are some popular options:

  1. Thermal Imaging Cameras: These cameras use special technology to show hot and cold areas as different colors on the screen. They work in any lighting and can connect wirelessly to share images for troubleshooting.

  2. Digital Thermometers: These have a digital display, making it easy to read the temperature. They’re more accurate than old-style mercury thermometers, and some can show temperatures in both Fahrenheit and Celsius.

  3. Infrared Thermometers: These measure temperature without touching anything. They’re simple to use and provide quick and accurate readings. People often use them to find hot or cold spots in a house or check electrical circuits.

  4. Temperature Probes: These attach to devices like digital thermometers and quickly measure the temperature of an area.

  5. Liquid in Glass Thermometers: These are the classic thermometers with mercury inside. As it gets hotter, the mercury rises, and you can read the temperature.

  6. Temperature Calibrators: They measure temperature using special materials and create a tiny electric signal. There are different types for various purposes.

How To Use Thermocouple For Temperature Measurement

A thermocouple is a device for measuring temperature. It comprises two dissimilar metallic wires joined together to form a junction. When the junction is heated or cooled, a small voltage is generated in the electrical circuit which can be measured and this corresponds to temperature.

In theory, any two metals can be used to make a thermocouple but in practice there are a fixed number of types that are commonly used. They have been developed to give improved linearity and accuracy and comprise specially developed alloys.

Thermocouples can be made to suit almost any application. They can be made to be robust, fast responding and to measure a very wide temperature range.

Each of the thermocouple types is given a coding letter to denote each of the alloy combinations. The most common code letters are K, J, T and N. Other types include R, S, E, B, C, G and W. The most popular is the type k thermocouple.

Each thermocouple type has its own alloy pair which are carefully selected and calibrated to meet the international standards to which we must comply. The standard that governs thermocouples in the UK and Europe is BS EN 60584 and covers the characteristics, tolerances and colour coding of the different thermocouple types.

PPL4-temperature-proble-platinum-resistance-thermometer-RTD
Manufactured in the UK by Process Parameters, this temperature thermocouple is used to record ambient air temerpature.

Temperature Measurement Device – Pt100

A Pt100 is a Platinum RTD (Resistance Temperature Detector) with a resistance of 100 ohms at 0°C which changes with temperature. They are suitable for applications in the temperature range of -200°C to 600°C but are more commonly used in the range -50°C to +250°C, for instance water cooling, oil cooling, refrigeration, food processes and at ambient. These Pt100 themometers are reliable and can offer a higher degree of accuracy.

PPL2-temperature-proble-platinum-resistance-thermometer-RTD