TO INVESTIGATE THE THERMOELECTRIC PROPERTIES OF

THERMOCOUPLES, THERMISTOR, AND PLATINUM RESISTANCE

THERMOMETER

OBJECTIVE:

To investigate the thermoelectric properties of a platinum resistance thermometer, thermocouple,

and a thermistor

EQUIPMENT:

temperature calibration and measurement unit

Introduction: (equipment)

Temperature as a very important physical variable in the science of Meteorology and is considered
a difficult concept to understand. This physical variable is normally defined as an indication of
intensity of molecular activity. Not only is it a critical state parameter for all earth related systems,
it is also used to characterize other state parameters like atmospheric moisture. Temperature
measurement is a vital process for ensuring the safety and quality for majority of manufacturing
products, health care, agriculture, and other engineering applications. Measurement of the
temperature is generally achieved by placing a temperature sensitive sensor probe in direct or
indirect contact with the targeting body, temperature is then generated as a change in some property
of the probe. This change can be compared and related to the behavior of the sensors at known
levels.

The equipment is designed to introduce the fundamental concepts of thermodynamics to the

students and it starts with the basic concepts of temperature an pressure and advances to explain
their relation with each other and effects of temperature and pressure with the help of thermometric
properties used in this apparatus.

THEORY

The experiment looks at the changes in the properties (sensor output) of different
temperature-sensitive devices, using a heated water-bath.

Several techniques are available to measure variations in temperature. All are made
possible because some measurable property of a device varies with temperature, such as electrical
resistance or volume. The response of thermocouples, thermistor, and platinum resistance
thermometer on temperature will be studied in this experiment.The three sensors are described
briefly below.

Resistance thermometers

Resistance thermometers make use of metals such as nickel, copper, and tungsten, which are good
electrical conductors and have a resistance that increases with increasing temperature. Due to
its reliability, platinum is the most widely used and is specified in the International Temperature
Scale for interpolation between the oxygen point (1187.97°C) and the Antimony point (630.5°C).
The element itself usually consists of a length of platinum wire trimmed to give an accurate
resistance of 100 ohm at 0°C. The wire is wound on and protected by additional insulation, the
whole assembly then being encased in a metal sheath.

Thermistors:

Thermistors make use of semiconducting materials, where resistance decreases with increasing
temperature. The change in resistance with temperature is far greater than in the case of pure
metals, which means less sensitive instrumentation may be used. In addition, miniature bead
thermistors may be manufactured which are so small that the thermal response is virtually
instantaneous, and the effects of thermal transfer between the sensor and the system being
measured are negligible.

Thermocouples

Thermocouples rely on the existence of an electromotive force across the junction of two unlike
metals, which varies with the temperature of the junction.

LAB OBJECTIVE:

To study the effect of change in temperature on the materials used in various sensors for example
pt, semiconductors.
PROCEDURE

1. Check that the stirrer and the heater are both switched off, and the hypsometer/water bath
is cool.
2. Remove the slotted chimney on the steam vent, and fill the hypsometer/water-bath until
the water level is between the top two marks on the sight glass situated at the front. Replace
the slotted chimney.
3. For this experiment, the following sensors will be used: the industrial PT100, the reference
PT100, the straight naked bead thermocouple, the thermistor. Check that all the sensors are
securely fastened into the port carrier. The gland nuts at the top should be finger tight.
4. Check that the sensors are connected to the console, with the plugs in the correct sockets.
The industrial PT I00 sensors should be connected using the 'LOW' current connection.
The thermocouple switch should be set to 'INT REF'.
5. Place the sensor carrier in position on top of the water-bath, gently inserting the sensors
through the holes in the gasket.
6. Take an initial reading for each of the sensors, Use the rotary selector switch on the console
to change the digital display reading between the sensor output from the reference PRT,
the industrial PRT, the thermocouple and the thermistor.
7. Switch on the heater and the stirrer.
8. As the water bath temperature rises, take readings from the test sensors at intervals of 5°C,
as indicated by the PT I00 reference thermometer.
9. When steam rises steadily from the steam vent, the water has reached boiling point. Hold
this temperature for several minutes, observing any further change in sensor readings.
10. Switch off the heater, but leave the stirrer running (this will increase the cooling rate of the
water).
11. Take readings from the sensors at intervals of 5°C as the water cools, for as long as the
available time allows.

PRECAUTIONS

Take great care not to damage the sensors or sheaths

Ensure that the water level does not drop below the lower of the top two marks on the sight glass.
OBSERVATION AND CALCULATIONS

S. No PT100 Ref PT 100 IND Straight naked bead Thermistor

Reading reading reading thermocouple
reading
◦C (☊) μV
(☊)

1 38.33 116.09 1498 1663

2 43.33 118.42 1602 1361

3 48.33 120.41 1716 1140

4 53.33 122.47 1835 992

5 58.33 124.24 1930 785

6 38.33 116.09 1498 1663