In recent years, resistance thermometers have gradually taken over and replaced their older cousin the thermocouple. It’s no surprise as RTD’s are much more accurate and stable than their alternatives in most cases. It’s important to understand, however, that an RTD is composed of different components. As a result, they work in a fundamentally different way. This means that using such a thermometer may require changes in the system. Sometimes, specific equipment may be required for installation, maintenance, or replacement. An RTD temperature sensor, for example, is one such requirement. RTD’s themselves are also made of a variety of different materials.
The Benefits Of An RTD
Most RTD’s make use of a platinum wire or film for their operations. As a result, platinum resistance thermometers offer a large range of benefits. Examples include high accuracy, low drift, and a wide operating range. These benefits also make them suitable for applications that require a high-degree of precision. However, because of the use of platinum, an RTD is rarely used in temperatures that rise above 660 °C. Once temperatures rise above this limit, impurities in the metal sheath of the thermometer can quickly contaminate the platinum.
Choosing Between RTD’s Or Thermocouples
Choosing between an RTD or a thermocouple will be largely determined by how they are used. Lower temperatures and high precision, for example, are best performed by an RTD thanks to their RTD temperature sensor. A thermocouple, however, will become more suitable at higher temperatures or when a fast response time is needed.
