3 – Temperature Measurement Basics
H OW TO C H O OS E T H E P RO P E R
Figure 3-5 – Multichannel Transmitter
High density transmitters minimize installation costs
in applications such as heat exchangers, boilers,
chemical reactors, and distillation columns. They are
also often used for temperature profiling of furnaces
and reactors. See Figure 3-6.
For more information on multipoint sensors, refer to
section 3.1.11.1.
Figure 3-6 – Temperature Profiling a Reactor
3.1.2.4 Signal Conversion and Conditioning
In this stage, the digitized raw temperature mea-
surement signal is filtered, linearized and otherwise
mathematically manipulated to yield an accurate
representation of the measured temperature.
These processes will be discussed in detail in the
following sections.
3.1.2.4.1 Noise filtering
Virtually every plant environment contains electrical
interference sources, such as pumps, motors,
Variable Frequency Drives (VFDs) and radios, as
15
TR ANSMIT TER
Transmitters accept a variety of measurement
signals (RTD and T/C for example), process
them, and provide a robust output signal. Not all
are designed and perform equally. Each major
manufacturer incorporates their own engineering
expertise gained from months or even years
of research and development. This Intellectual
Property (IP) sets the higher quality transmitters
apart from the others in their ability to process the
measurement signal to provide an accurate and
stable output signal.
A smart transmitter generally provides a more
accurate and robust temperature measurement
than is provided by direct wired I/O systems.
A smart transmitter provides signal isolation,
filtering, linearization and sensor type or sensor
specific compensation to the measurement
before sending the value to the host system.
Transmitters are available in a variety of housing
styles that may be mounted into any of a wide
selection of enclosures that are available in many
different materials of construction. They may be
mounted integrally with a sensor/thermowell
assembly at the process measurement point and
transmit either a hard-wired or wireless signal.
Alternatively, they can be mounted remotely
from the sensor assembly in any of several types
of enclosures. They can be configured locally
or remotely and can provide local indication.
They have an array of standard and optional
performance features to provide remarkable
functionality. Systems may be provided to meet
virtually any agency approval requirement.
Refer to:
3.1.2.3 – Single, Dual and Multipoint Transmitters
3.1.3 – Output Options
3.1.4 – Transmitter Performance
3.1.5 – Stability
3.1.6 – Intelligent Filtering Features and Options
3.1.8 – Diagnostics
3.1.10 – Transmitter Styles; Housings and
Mounting Options
3.1.11 – Transmitter Options
3.1.12 – Safety Certified Transmitters
4.5.4 – Advantages of Using Transmitters vs.
Direct Wiring