Blog

In any process where accurate temperature monitoring is critical, from power generation and HVAC systems to food processing and pharmaceutical manufacturing, Resistance Temperature Detectors (RTDs) are one of the most trusted sensor technologies. Selecting the right RTD element is essential for achieving high performance, long-term stability and compliance with industry standards. Ashcroft, a global leader in temperature and pressure instrumentation, has decades of experience helping customers specify, install and calibrate RTDs in demanding environments. Read this article to learn about RTD sensing elements, how they work and how to select the right element based on industry requirements, construction, accuracy, wiring and environmental factors.

Temperature measurement in an ammonia compressor in industrial refrigeration is crucial to ensure system efficiency, operational safety and early detection of problems. Because ammonia can be hazardous to your health, reactive, corrosive, flammable, and in some cases explosive, selecting and installing your temperature measurement equipment demands strict adherence to established standards and best practices. At Ashcroft, we’ve built our reputation on delivering accurate and reliable pressure and temperature instrumentation for mission-critical environments. Read this article to learn how temperature is monitored in a refrigeration system's compressor, and what to look for when selecting the best temperature measurement instruments to monitor ammonia systems safely and effectively. You will also see links to additional resources about temperature sensors for your reference.

Finding the right temperature sensor at a price that fits your budget can be a challenge. During an industrial project for a critical application that required both RTDs and thermocouples (two common types of temperature sensors), the buyer's main concern was cost. He had assumed these instruments were priced similarly. The reality is not all applications are the same and not all temperature sensors are created equal. A sensor designed to measure air temperature in a room is vastly different from one built to withstand 1,400 °C in a heat-treating furnace. The type of sensor, the environment it's used in and the level of accuracy or durability required can all influence the price. As a trusted leader in temperature and pressure measurement, we created this article to help you understand what really goes into the cost of a temperature sensor. Read this article to learn the top five cost drivers for temperature sensors so you can make a confident, cost-effective decision. By identifying what matters most to your application, you can avoid overpaying for unnecessary features—and feel confident that you’re selecting the right tool for the job. When you are done reading you will have a better idea of how much you can expect to pay for these instruments. Plus, you will see additional resources that can address other questions you may have about temperature sensors.

A thermocouple is a type of electrical temperature sensor that is used to measure and monitor temperature changes in process applications. Similar to resistance temperature detectors (RTDs), these sensors are designed to ensure accurate temperature readings in applications where precise temperature control is essential for safety and efficiency. As part of Ashcroft's Understanding the Basics series, this article will provide you with a high-level review of these instruments, including their origin, how they work for different applications and more. You will also gain insights about when to use (or not to use) this type of sensor and be directed to additional resources that can help you deepen your knowledge on the topic of temperature sensors. This information comes from 40 years of industry experience with temperature and pressure measurement, design, engineering, and product management, which includes 17 years working with Ashcroft - a leader in temperature and pressure instrumentation.

Resistance Temperature Detectors (RTDs) are electrical temperature sensors used to measure and monitor temperature changes in process applications. These sensors are important for ensuring accurate temperature readings in industries such as manufacturing, aerospace and healthcare, where precise temperature control is essential for safety and efficiency. As part of Ashcroft's Understanding the Basics series, this article will provide you with a high-level review of these instruments, including how they work, how they are constructed, accuracy classes and more. You will also gain insights about when to use (or not to use) this type of sensor and be directed to additional resources that can help you deepen your knowledge on the topic of temperature sensors. This information comes from 40 years of industry experience with temperature and pressure measurement, design, engineering, and product management, which includes 17 years working with Ashcroft - a leader in temperature and pressure instrumentation.

This article was originally published on October 30, 2023, by Rick Zarafin and was updated by Dave Dlugos. In the article “Why and When is RTD Calibration Necessary?”, we explored how Resistance Temperature Detectors (RTDs), such as our S81 and S50 models, offer superior performance over thermocouples for temperature process measurements due to their high accuracy and repeatability. RTDs are particularly suitable for critical applications, including chemical and refining processes, where precise temperature measurements are essential. To fully grasp the importance of RTD calibration, it is crucial to understand the fundamental working principles of an RTD. As a leader in temperature and pressure instrument solutions, Ashcroft creates articles to address common questions from our customers. Our goal is to provide you with the information and tools you need to make informed decisions about your temperature measurement solutions. In this article, you'll learn how RTDs work, gain knowledge about the different levels of accuracy achievable with RTDs, and see how to maintain and calibrate these devices to meet your specific needs. You will also receive links to additional resources to help deepen your understanding of these temperature measurement instruments.