Prolifics Training

Program RTD
2005

Prolific Systems and Technologies Pvt Ltd

Basic Concepts

RESISTENCE OF ANY METAL CHANGES WITH

ITS TEMPERATURE CHANGE.

RTDs ARE

Positive Temperature Coefficient Device

i.e. Their effective resistance increases with
the increase in temperature

PT 100
Resistance Value
At 0 Degrees Celcius, its Resistance is 100 ohms

Resistance Value
- 200 degree Celsius to 850 degree Celsius

Accuracy
+/- 0.3 OHM at 100 degrees celcius

Resistance Temperature Detectors /

RTD / RTDs

Resistance Temperature Detectors (RTD) are sensors

used to measure temperature by correlating the
resistance of the RTD element with temperature. Most
RTD elements consist of a length of fine coiled wire
wrapped around a ceramic or glass core. The element is
usually quite fragile, so it is often placed inside a
sheathed probe to protect it. The RTD element is made
from a pure material whose resistance at various
temperatures has been documented. The material has a
predictable change in resistance as the temperature
changes; it is this predictable change that is used to
determine temperature

The RTD is one of the most accurate temperature

sensors. Not only does it provide good accuracy, it also
provides excellent stability and repeatability.

RTDs are also relatively immune to electrical noise and

therefore well suited for temperature measurement in
industrial environments, especially around motors,
generators and other high voltage equipment.

Common Resistance Material for

RTDs

Platinum (most popular and

accurate)
Nickel
Copper
Balco (rare)
Tungsten (rare

Typical Design

RTD Element
The RTD element is the simplest form of RTD.
It consists of a piece of wire wrapped around a
ceramic or glass core. Because of their
compact size, RTD elements are commonly
used when space is very limited.

A surface element is a special type of RTD

element. It is designed to be as thin as possible
thus providing good contact for temperature
measurement of flat surfaces.

RTD Probes

The RTD probe is the most rugged

form of RTD. A probe consists of an
RTD element mounted inside a
metal tube, also known as a sheath.
The sheath protects the element
from the environment.

RTD PROBE

PROBE (Thermowell)