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In a recent Understanding the Basics blog article, we reviewed how temperature is measured in industrial applications using different types of thermometers. In this article, we will focus on the temperature sensors used to measure temperature in original equipment manufacturing (OEM) systems, light industrial processes or even more complex applications. No matter what the purpose, inaccurate temperature measurements can have serious consequences for your entire operation, so you'll want to be sure you use accurate and reliable instruments to do the job. If you are new to OEM applications or simply need a refresher on the basics of temperature sensors, you've come to the right place. Here we will review different types of temperature sensors, how they work, and what to look for when selecting the best option for your specific needs. At the end of the article, you will find additional resources related to temperature measurement that may interest you.

All industrial applications use some kind of temperature instrument to ensure process temperatures stay within an acceptable range. Choosing the right device can help protect your equipment and your operators from extreme temperature shifts. However, the type of instrument you use will depend on many factors, including the temperature limits of the operation and the instrument, the required output and more. As a global leader in temperature and pressure instrumentation, Ashcroft created this article as a high-level overview of industrial temperature measurement options. If you are an industry novice or just want a refresher on the basics, this can serve as a good reference piece. Read on to learn about the different types of industrial temperature instruments, how they work, where they are used and why you might choose one over another. When you are done reading, you will find additional resources related to temperature measurement that may interest you.

A thermowell is a device designed to protect temperature monitoring instruments from the damaging effects of corrosive media, high pressure and velocity in industrial applications. Without the protection of a thermowell, temperature instruments can become inoperable, putting your whole operation at risk. Ashcroft is a global leader in temperature measurement instrumentation. We created this article as part of our Understanding the Basics series to provide a foundation of information about thermowells. If you are an industry novice or just want a refresher on how thermowells work, this is a great place to start. In this article, you will discover where thermowells are used, learn about the different types of thermowells, see how they connect to the process piping and more. When you are done reading, you will also find additional resources that may interest you.

If your business currently depends on fossil fuel, you may be thinking about transitioning to a cleaner energy solution like hydrogen because it has less impact on the environment. While hydrogen may be a great solution for electric trucks, cars, buses and materials handling equipment, it is important to understand the unique standards and safety requirements for the production and transportation of this highly combustible substance. Temperature sensors used in hydrogen applications must adhere to rigid standards to maintain a safe working environment. For decades, Ashcroft has been offering a wide range of temperature sensors to clients in a variety of fields, including hydrogen fuel production. Using the knowledge we have gained, we are able to guide customers to the best solution for their needs. In this article, we’ll touch on the advantages of hydrogen energy, its risks and challenges, and some real-world examples of how sensors are used in hydrogen environments.

If you read my article, “Why and When is RTD Calibration Necessary?” you learned how Resistance Temperature Detectors (RTDs) such as our S81 and S50 are a better choice than thermocouples for temperature process measurement because of their repeatable, high-accuracy measurement capabilities. More specifically, RTDs are ideal for demanding applications like chemical and refining processes that depend on precise temperature measurements. But to really understand RTD calibration, you also need to know how an RTD works. When I joined Ashcroft — a leader of temperature and pressure instrument solutions across the globe— I brought more than 20 years of temperature application experience with me, and I am happy to share my knowledge with you. In the following article, you learn more about how RTDs work, the different levels of accuracy in RTD calibration and the national and international standards that they are measured against. You will also be directed to additional resources and contact information in case you are ready to take the next step in your decision to select the best temperature measurement solution for your specific application.

If you are an industrial instrument designer, you have several temperature measurement options available to you. These include Infrared, Bi-Metal, Gas-actuated thermometers, Thermistors, Thermocouples and RTDs. Industrial automation and process applications predominantly use thermocouples and Resistance Temperature Detectors (RTDs) instrumentation such as our S81 and S50 because of their proven ability to provide accurate and reliable readings. Each of these sensors has unique advantages and can be configured to match the application needs for optimum service life and performance. Based on my experience working with instrumentation and reliability teams, I’ve seen and compared the benefits of both options. Thermocouples, for example, are often chosen for a robust signal, cost-effective price and ability to withstand most process plant specifications, including harsh vibration and high-temperature range up to 2300° C. RTDs, on the other hand, are the top choice for applications demanding higher accuracy levels and minimal drift. In this article, you will learn more about the benefits of RTDs and why RTD calibration is important to maintain highly accurate and repeatable readings for a longer life span.