The Principle Of Resistance Temperature Device

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.

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.

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 sectors using this technology include automotive, HVAC, control sections and manufacturers of electronic appliances. It also is installed in testing and measuring units for production plants that need to monitor temperatures. The conductor used must be highly sensitive to achieve reliable levels of accuracy. Other metals used as conductors include nickel and copper.

The best element for use as a conductor must display consistency over a wide temperature range. Sensitivity to slight increment or reduction in the amount of heat is also important. The sensitivity of such processes as extraction means that the highest possible accuracy degree must be achieved. This prevents scenarios where the outcomes are compromised.

Exposure to heat causes varying reactions which is considered a limitation when using RTDs. Temperatures beyond 660 degrees Celsius have been known to damage the conductor or cause it to misbehave. Too much heat causes impurities to contaminate the conductor. They come from the sheath and affect measurement given.

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.

The challenges posed by the use of RTDs include accuracy when converting the readings. The relationship between resistance and temperature is a delicate one and easily affected by other conditions. Sensitivity changes depending on heat. This is likely to give erroneous results.

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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