Significance Of Resistance Temperature Device

By Allyson Burke


Resistance temperature device (RTD) applies the concept that electrical resistivity of any element has a direct variation with its thermal energy. The relationship between sensible heat in the environment and resistivity of the elements can be easily predicted. RTD devices are permanently replacing the use of thermocouple thermometers in several industrial applications that operate below 600 degrees Celsius. This is due to their repeatability and higher accuracy.

RTD is usually manufactured using a pure material, mainly platinum, copper or nickel. The material used always has a predictable variation of resistivity as its internal energy changes. It is this predictable change that is applied to determine its thermal energy changes. Platinum is a noble metal having the most stable conductivity versus resistivity relationship within a range of different thermal conductivity range. Platinum is also the best material for RTDs since it follows a linear relationship in a highly repeatable manner.

Even though any value is achievable for nominal resistivity, the most common is platinum 100 ohm. Tolerance class also determines the accuracy of the sensor. Different industry standards have also been put in place to ensure accuracy is achieved. In addition, using values of tolerance and nominal resistivity, the functional features of their sensor can be defined.

Calibration may be performed beyond a hundred degrees Celsius or below zero degrees Celsius. In this case, the comparison method or the fixed point method may be used. Fixed point calibration uses the best accuracy calibration by using freezing point, triple point or melting point of pure substances such as zinc, argon and tin to generate a known repeatable fixed point temperature.

Thin film elements have a detecting device which is formed by depositing a relatively thin layer of resistive substance, usually platinum, on a ceramic substrate. The main disadvantage of this type is that they are less stable compared to the wire-wound and coiled counterparts. They also have different expansion rates brought about by the substrate deposited that creates a strain gauge effect.

Thermometers are constructed using RTDs in various forms to offer greater accuracy, stability, and repeatability in some cases compared to thermocouples. Thermometers made using RTDs use the concept of electrical resistance and require a constant power source for effective operation. The opposition to flow of current in these devices ideally varies linearly with amount of heat sensible in their surroundings.

To ensure effectiveness and stability of platinum detecting wires are not interfered with, the wires must be kept free from any foreign contamination. Commercial platinum grades are produced which exhibit a coefficient of resistivity of 0.00385 degrees Celsius. RTD devices are however less sensitive to small changes in internal thermal energy as compares to thermistors.

Any appliances made from a resistance temperature device are not suitable for industrial applications that operate above six hundred degrees Celsius. This is because the platinum becomes contaminated with impurities produced from the metal sheath of the thermometer. The appliances are however suitable for precision applications and have wide operating range.




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