RTD temperature measurement
Technology, construction and benefits of resistance temperature detectors (RTD)
When measuring temperature, the choice of the sensor is one of the most important decisions to make. Thermocouples (TCs) and resistance temperature detectors (RTDs) are commonly used in industrial applications. Proven in the process industry for decades, RTDs work on the principle that the electrical resistance of the sensor metal increases as the temperature rises. This change in resistance is measured and converted into temperature readings.
Explained: RTD - Resistance temperature detectors
Resistive temperature detector working principle: temperature detection based on resistance
Different RTD sensor technologies
Patented Endress+Hauser Pt100 sensors:
Benefits
High accuracy over a wide temperature range
Nearly linear response, making them easy to calibrate and interpret
Suitable for a moderate temperature range: -200°C (300°F) to +850°C (1562°F)
Good long-term stability and repeatability
Low self-heating effect, resulting in minimal measurement errors
Temperature sensors with RTD technology
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What are RTDs?
Resistance temperature detector types
An RTD sensor is typically a length of wire made from a pure metal such as platinum, nickel, or copper. It is available either as a thin film sensor, where the wire is placed in a ceramic body, or as a wire wound in a helix construction around a glass or ceramic bobbin. The most commonly used RTDs are platinum Pt100 sensors (industry standard). The 100 in Pt100 represents the nominal resistance of 100 ohms at 0°C (32°F).
The Pt100 sensor is also known as a PTC, which stands for "positive temperature coefficient", meaning that the resistance increases as the temperature rises. A Pt100 RTD is suitable for the measurement of temperatures between -200°C (300°F) and +850°C (1562°F), depending on the sensor and the design. It is important to note that RTD sensors do not follow an ideal linear temperature-resistance curve and, unfortunately, the RTD becomes less linear as the temperature rises. The use of temperature transmitters can compensate these non-linearities. Endress+Hauser developed innovative, patented sensor technologies such as the
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Temperature measurement for the process industry
Temperature Measurement - Thermometers and transmitters for the process industry
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Endress+Hauser temperature sensor technologies
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