Thursday, May 8, 2014

The Working Of Resistance Temperature Device

By Tracie Knight


Measurement of temperatures in different environments depends on prevailing circumstances. The use of resistance temperature device or RTD is informed by the principle that temperature affects the resistance of an electric conductor. A known element is used in the correlation to calibrate and standardize the RTDs.

The most common metal for this purpose is platinum. It is widely used because it displays consistency over a wide range. The level of accuracy is incredible which makes it reliable for industrial processes. It has an incredible sensitivity that makes it preferable over the others.

Processing and manufacturing procedures are sensitive to heat. The speed of response is also important for any instrument used to monitor heat. This calls for careful study before selecting the metal to use. The signal to be sent to control towers allows effective monitoring to prevent compromise on the outcome.

Some of the areas where this technology is required include in the automotive industry, appliances, HVAC and control units. It also works in the test and measuring units of production plants. Instruments used in testing and measurement require similar levels of accuracy and consistency. This is what elements such as platinum, nickel and copper provide.

The range of heat is important in determining the element to be used. Different industrial processes depend on the ranges to determine the products being extracted. It means that the element in use must not be distorted by high temperatures or be made to malfunction through freezing.

There are limitations to the use of these devices. They arise out of their behavior when exposed to heat in different circumstances. RTDs are not used where the heat levels go beyond 660 degrees Celsius. Platinum is easily and readily contaminated by impurities at such conditions. These impurities come from the sheath of such thermometers.

Conductors behave different when contaminated by impurities. The impurities alter temperature changes and the trend can be noted at 3 Kelvin or 270 degrees and below. This is attributed to the presence of few phonons. It makes the conductors less sensitive.

RTDs face the challenge of maintaining accuracy when making conversions for the purpose of calibration. There is a delicate relationship between temperature and resistance in conductors. The interference of other properties affects the outcome which could lead to erroneous results and compromise industrial processes.

Extended exposure to heat alters the properties of some metals. This increases the possibility of giving a different reading at the repetition of a thermal cycle. These changes are captured in the definition of hysteresis. It has become a threat to the use of RTDs in areas where long running exposure and more sensitivity is required.

The sheath also has the potential of conducting heat away from the process and thus affecting the outcome. Current being passed across the conductor may also come from other avenues. This is likely to affect the outcome. The number of wires used in the connection is likely to affect the results. Response time for the conductors is another challenge.




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