Blog

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.

Consistently accurate measurements of temperature are vital to several industrial processes in fields from construction to energy to manufacturing. And while there are many ways to measure temperature of gas and liquid, thermocouples are among the most popular thanks to their simple design and versatility. But over time, a thermocouple’s performance may tail off for any number of reasons. Two of the most common are drift and elevated temperature.

Maintenance, reliability, process, and Health Safety Environment (HSE) teams rely on accurate and stable temperature measurements to meet their goals. Thermocouples, new out of the box, are a critical tool for these measurements that help plant personnel maintain safe and efficient operations.

There are many instruments used for temperature measurement, but electrical temperature sensors tend to be the most common method. A resistance temperature detector or RTD temperature sensor converts the measured temperature value into an electrical signal. But do you know how an RTD actually works? This article will discuss RTD sensors, their function and how they can help provide accurate temperature measurements for your application.

Temperature can be measured with a variety of methods. Glass thermometers, resistance temperature devices (RTDs), bimetal instruments, gas expansion (gas-actuated) thermometers and infrared radiation, to name a few. Each offers a unique set of advantages for specific applications. Another extremely common temperature measurement device is the thermocouple. Its simple design makes it remarkably versatile, reliable and cost-effective. But how does a thermocouple work? This article will describe the function of thermocouples, the different types and their material composition.