Temperature

Measurement
Temperature Control
Principles of Temperature
Measurement
Temperature measurement relies on the transfer of heat
energy from the process material to the measuring
device. The measuring device therefore needs to be
temperature dependent.
Temperature Measurement
Reasons to monitor temperature
Control chemical reactions
Prevent over-temperature conditions
Maximize fuel efficiency
Temperature Scales
Fahrenheit
Celsius
Two different methods of temperature measurement
Mechanical Method
Electrical Method
Mechanical Method
Mercury in glass thermometer
( Glass-stem thermometer)
This consist of a glass tube of very fine bore joined to a
veservoier at the bottom and sealed at the top. A
measured quantity of mercury is the enclosed.
When the thermometer is heated the mercury expands
much more than the glass and is therefore forced to rise
up in the tubing. A scale is fixed at the side.
Mercury is commonly used and has a large range
typically from -40C to 540C.
Mercury in glass thermometer
( Glass-stem thermometer)
Bimetallic Thermometer
A bimetallic device is consist of two metals bonded
together which have different coefficients of expansion.
Bended occurs as one metal expands more than the
other.
A straight bimetal strip deflects in proportion to its
temperature, to the square of its length and inversely
with its thickness.
Pressure Spring Thermometer
Four classes of pressure spring thermometer
1. Liquid filled
2. Vapour filled pressure
3. Gas filled
4. Mercury filled
Liquid filled
Liquid filled operate on the principle of thermal
expansion. Where the bulb is immersed in a heated
substance.
The liquid expands causing the pressure spring to
unwind. The indicating recording or controlling
mechanisms are attached to pressure spring.
The normal operating minimum for this type of sensing
is from -75C to -210C with the maximum being up to
315C .
Vapour filled system
Vapour filled pressure thermometer depend upon
vapour pressure of liquid which only partially fills the
system.
Methyl chloride is commonly used in this type of sensor.
Ethane is used for low temperature operation typically
from -70C to 30C
Ethyl Chloride is used for high temperature applications
with an operating range from 40C to 175C .
Vapour filled system
Gas filled
This type depends upon the increase of a confirm gas
(constant volume) due to temperature increase.
The pressure varies in direct proportion to the absolute
temperature.
Nitrogen is commonly used in this type.
Gas filled provide faster response than other filled
devices.
Mercury filled
Mercury filled also operate on the principle of thermal
expansion. Where the bulb is immersed in a heated
substance.
Mercury filled systems provide the widest range of
operation, which range from the freezing to boiling point
of the metal, from -40C to 650C.
Electrical Method
Electrical Method ( Temperature
sensors)
Two main industrial types of temperature sensors.
Contact
Non-contact
Contact
The more common and widely used form of temperature
measurement.
Three main types
Thermocouple
Resistance Temperature Detectors (RTDs)
Thermistors
Electrical Method ( Temperature
sensors)
Non-contact
Temperature measurement by non-contact means is
more specialised and can be performed with the
following technologies:
Infrared
Acoustic
Thermocouple
A thermocouple consists of two wire of dissimilar
metals, such as iron and constantan, electrically
connected at one end.
A thermocouple works on the seebeck effect.
The Peltier effect The reverse of seebeck effect. By
applying voltage and causing a current to flow between
two wires of dissimilar metals, it is possible to generate
a temperature difference.
Resistance Temperature Detectors
(RTDs)
RTDs are generally used for precise temperature
measurement.
It consist of a five wire wrapped around an insulator and
enclosed in a metal.
RTDs are built from selected metals (Typically Platinum)
Two basic types of RTDS
PT100
PT1000
Principle of RTDs
Resistance increase as temperature increase

RTDs have a positive temperature coefficient of

expansion.
Thermistor (Thermal resistor)
A thermistor is a semiconductor device formed from
metal oxides.
Exhibits large change in electrical resistance when
subjected to small amount of temperature change.
Exhibits negative temperature coefficient
Resistance is inversely proportional to temperature.
If temperature increases in a circuit it become less resistive.
Generally used for preventive maintenance application.
Thermistor Application
Variation of Thermistors