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| Variety of electrical temperature sensors (Pyromation) |
Temperature sensors are devices which are used to temperature measurement of a medium (i.e. liquid, solid or gas). The sensor detects change in the temperature, and accordingly, change its physical or electrical property in a manner that can be measured. These sensors come in many different forms and are used for a wide variety of applications.
We as human’s simply sense temperature as hot or cold, but in process control, precise measurement of temperature is required in order to control a process efficiently. Accordingly, the correct temperature sensing device needs to be properly selected.
Types of Temperature Sensors
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| Vapor actuated temperature indicator (REOTEMP) |
Devices that use the physical expansion and contraction of materials (like non-compressable fluids,
vapors, or differential metals) to mechanically open or close a set of contacts.
- Examples of mechanical temperature sensors are bulb and capillary thermostats, thermometers, mechanical temperature switches, and bi-metallic thermostats.
These sensors undergo a measurable electrical change such as resistance, voltage, or current proportional to a given change in temperature.
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| Temperature Probe Assembly |
- Examples are thermocouples which generate a micro-voltage based upon a temperature differential between two dissimilar metals; RTDs that increase resistance as the sensing temperature increases; and thermistors, which dramatically decrease resistance as temperature increases.
For more information on temperature sensors, contact Power Specialties at (816) 353-6550 or visit http://www.powerspecialties.com.
