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What are Infrared Temperature Sensors?

What are Infrared Temperature Sensors?

An infrared thermometer is a sensor that consists of a lens to focus the infrared (IR) energy on to a detector, which converts the energy to an electrical signal that can be displayed in units of temperature after being compensated for ambient temperature variation. This configuration facilitates temperature measurement from a distance without contact with the object to be measured (non-contact temperature measurement).

As such, the infrared thermometer is useful for measuring temperature under circumstances where thermocouples or other probe type sensors cannot be used or do not produce accurate data for a variety of reasons...


Thermocouple Sensor / What is a Thermocouple?

Thermocouple Sensor / What is a Thermocouple?

A thermocouple is a sensor for measuring temperature. This sensor consists of two dissimilar metal wires, joined at one end, and connected to a thermocouple thermometer or other thermocouple-capable device at the other end. When properly configured, thermocouples can provide temperature measurements over wide range of temperatures.

Thermocouples are known for their versatility as temperature sensors therefore commonly used on a wide range of applications...


How is Temperature Measured?

How is Temperature Measured?

Temperature can be measured via a diverse array of sensors. All of them infer temperature by sensing some change in a physical characteristic. Six types with which the engineer is likely to come into contact are: thermocouples, resistive temperature devices (RTDs Pt100 and thermistors), infrared radiators, bimetallic devices, liquid expansion devices, and change-of-state devices.

Choose the right temperature measurement instrument for your application...


Data Logger / Introduction to Data Logging Devices

Data Logger / Introduction to Data Logging Devices

Technically speaking, a data logger is any device that can be used to store data. This includes many data acquisition devices such as plug-in boards or serial communication systems which use a computer as a real time data recording system. Most instrument manufacturers, however, consider a datalogger a stand alone device that can read various types of electrical signals and store the data in internal memory for later download to a computer.

The advantage of data loggers is that they can operate independently of a computer, unlike many other types of data acquisition devices. Data loggers are available in various shapes and sizes...


Origin Story of the RTD / Pt100

Origin Story of the RTD / Pt100

The same year (1821) that Thomas Seebeck made his discovery about thermoelectricity (Seebeck effect, see thermocouples), Sir Humphrey Davy announced that the resistivity of metals showed a marked temperature dependence. Fifty years later, Sir William Siemens proffered the use of platinum as the element in a resistance thermometer. His choice proved most propitious, as platinum is used to this day as the primary element in all high-accuracy resistance thermometers, Pt100, Pt1000 etc.

In fact, the Platinum Resistance Temperature Detector, or RTD Pt100, is used today as an interpolation standard from the oxygen point (-182.96°C) to the antimony point (630.74°C)...


What are RTD temperature sensors?

What are RTD temperature sensors?

RTDs or Resistance Temperature Detectors, are temperature sensors that contain a resistor that changes resistance value as its temperature changes. The most popular RTD is the Pt100. They have been used for many years to measure temperature in laboratory and industrial processes, and have developed a reputation for accuracy, repeatability, and stability.

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...


What is a mass flow meter and how does it work?

What is a mass flow meter and how does it work?

A thermal mass flow meter measures the flow rate of gas mass based on the convective heat transfer of a heated surface to the flowing fluid. The components of a basic thermal mass flow meter include two temperature sensors with an electric heater between them. The heater can protrude into the fluid stream or can be external to the pipe.

In the past, mass flow was often calculated from the outputs of a volumetric flow meter and a densitometer. Density was either directly measured, or was calculated using the outputs of process temperature and pressure transmitters...


Common Techniques to Calibrate Thermocouples

Common Techniques to Calibrate Thermocouples

Temperature measurement is possible through several means. We commonly use thermometers for measuring temperature. However, for precision measurements, where even a small spike in temperature requires to be recorded, we use advanced forms of measurement devices like thermocouples. Thermocouples are measurement devices that can read very slight temperature changes. Hence, they are widely used in applications where accuracy is of utmost importance.

However, like any measurement device, the efficiency of thermocouples will deteriorate overtime under constant use. At this point, the thermocouple needs recalibration...