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The Working Of Resistance Temperature Device

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By Tracie Knight


There are different ways of measuring temperature depending on the circumstances. Resistance temperature device or RTD operates on the principle that changes in temperature alters the resistance of a conductor. An electric current is passed through a piece of metal which is used to indicate the reading. It works through correlation with another element whose reaction is known and standardized.

Platinum tops the list of metals used as conductors. It is favored by its consistency despite a wide range of change in temperature. This enhances its accuracy and reliability as a conductor to be used in monitoring temperatures during industrial processes. Its sensitivity to changing levels of heat gives it an edge over other conductors.

Industrial processes are very specific when dealing with heat. This raises the need for high sensitivity and faster response. The metals used in this case are carefully selected to ensure that their response time is minimized. It gives a signal to control and monitoring units to take action before the outcome is compromised.

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.

Boundary impurities and temperatures affect the resistance of RTDs when the temperatures are below 270 degrees Celsius or 3 Kelvin. This is attributed to the reduction in the number of phonons in the elements used. This is disastrous for any industrial process that requires sensitivity to heat. RTDs also have the challenge of small temperature changes.

Accuracy of the readings given by RTDs is sometimes compromised during conversion. The correlation factors that intervene in the process make calibration a huge challenge. This is a property that is likely to affect the fidelity of industrial processes.

Prolonged thermal exposure is likely to affect the properties of conductors used. There is a possibility of recording different measurements over a cycle of heat and cold. This behavior is referred to as hysteresis. It has been observed in different elements and threatens the use of RTDs in sensitive and long running industrial processes.

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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