RTD’s are stable and have a fairly wide temperature range, but are not as rugged and inexpensive as thermocouples. Since they require the use of electric current to make measurements, RTD’s are subject to inaccuracies from self-heating.
An RTD capitalizes on the fact that the electrical resistance of a material changes as its temperature changes. RTD’s rely on the resistance change in a metal. The resistance will rise more or less linearly with temperature.
Traditionally, RTD’s use a length of conductor (platinum, nickel iron or copper) wound around an insulator. Newer styles use a thin film of the conductor deposited on a ceramic substrate.
RTD’s are used to measure temperatures from -196° to 482° C (-320° to 900°).
Advantages
- Most Stable
- Most Accurate
- More Linear than Thermocouple
Disadvantages
- Expensive
- Current Source Required
- Low Absolute resistance
- Less Rugged than Thermocouples
Resistance Temperature Detectors (RTD’s) are stable and have a fairly wide temperature range, but are not as rugged and inexpensive as thermocouples. Since they require the use of electric current to make measurements, RTD’s are subject to inaccuracies from self-heating.
An RTD capitalizes on the fact that the electrical resistance of a material changes as its temperature changes. RTD’s rely on the resistance change in a metal. The resistance will rise more or less linearly with temperature.
Traditionally, RTD’s use a length of conductor (platinum, nickel iron or copper) wound around an insulator. Newer styles use a thin film of the conductor deposited on a ceramic substrate. RTD’s are used to measure temperatures from -196° to 482° C (-320° to 900° F)
Sensor Products for our Process & Utility Customers
We have a broad selection of standard temperature sensors that are designed for general industrial use. From small fast-response designs for engine testing, to 20’ long multi-point assemblies for reactors. If you can sketch it, we can probably build it!
Applications
- Heat recovery steam generator (HRSG)
- Boiler tubes
- Diesel engine
- Turbine/reactor temperature sensing
Heat Trace RTD’s
When you choose our heat trace RTDs, you simplify installation and reduce your maintenance expenses. Designed for use in any pipe or surface temperature measuring application, these sensors have:
- NEMA 4 or explosion-proof heads
- Heat transfer pad with excellent temperature response
- Rugged stainless steel sheaths for excellent mechanical protection
- Replaceable element design for simplified RTD replacement — to replace a faulty element, you simply remove the head cover, disconnect the leads and remove the flexible element. You then insert the new element and reconnect the leads. Your process is up and running in minutes.
- Options include dual RTD sensors, thermocouple sensors and a variety of weld pad and head styles
Technical Specifications
