THERMODYNAMIC LABORATORY

Duhok Polytechnic University

Technical College of Engineering
Chemical Engineering Department
Class: Second, 2021 - 2022

Lecturer's Name: Experiment No. (3)

Mr. Majid Ali Group (A2)

Title of Experiment:

Resistance Thermometer

Student Name:

Hayder Hassan Hussain

Date of experiment: 1/2/2022

Date of submission: 8/2/2022

Table of Contents Page
Purpose: .................................................................................................... 1

Introduction: ............................................................................................ 1

Equipment: ............................................................................................... 2

Experimental Procedure: ....................................................................... 2

Reding & Calculation: ............................................................................ 3

Graph:....................................................................................................... 3

Discussion: ............................................................................................ 4-5

Conclusion: ............................................................................................... 6

Refence: .................................................................................................... 7
Purpose:
This experiment will give you a basic knowledge about Resistance temp.
measurement devices (Resistance Temperature Detectors (RTD), Thermistor).

Introduction:
An RTD is a passive circuit element whose resistance is greater at higher
temperature in a predictable manner. The traditional RTD element is constructed of
a small coil of platinum, copper, or nickel wire wound to a precise resistance value
around a ceramic or glass bobbin. The winding is generally of helix style for
industrial use.
The most common RTD element material is platinum, as it is more accurate, reliable,
chemically resistant, and stable material, making it less susceptible to environmental
contamination and corrosion than other metals. It is also easy to manufacture and
widely standardized with readily available platinum wire available in very pure form
with excellent reproducibility of its electrical characteristics. Platinum also has
a higher melting point, giving it a wide operating temperature range. For an RTD
sensor, it is the wires, which connect to the sensing element and the wire insulation,
which generally limit the maximum application temperature of the sensor.
Measuring the temperature requires accurate resistance measurement. To measure
the resistance, it is necessary to convert resistance to a voltage, and use the voltage
to drive a differential input amplifier. The use of a differential input amplifier is
important as it will reject the common mode noise on the leads of the RTD and
provide the greatest voltage sensitivity.
The RTD signal is generally measured by connecting the RTD element in one leg of
a Wheatstone bridge excited either by a constant reference voltage or by running it
in series with a precision current reference and measuring the corresponding
intensity resistance (IR) voltage drop. The latter method is generally preferred as it
has less dependence on the reference resistance of the RTD element.

1
Equipment:
1- Thermometer
2- Voltmeter & Wier
3- Resistor
4- Sensor
5- Heater

Experimental Procedure:
1- Make the connections as shown in the circuit diagram, (Fig. 1).
2- Insert the sensor and thermometer stem inside the constant temperature
water bath.
3- Take the sensor leads to the Digital multi-meter to measure resistance.
4- Turn on heater to Increase bath water temperature.
5- When the liquid temperature reaches the set point temperature as indicated
on the thermometer, measure resistance.
6- Increase heater power to change the setup fluid temperature to another
temperature and repeat step 5. It is recommended to increase Temp. by 10°C
each step for 10 readings.
7- Plot the variation of RRTD with T.
8- Plot the variation of Rthermistor with T.

Figure 1 Resistance Temperature Detectors (RTD)

2
Reding & Calculation:

RTD Resistance Thermistor k Ω

No. Temperature (℃)
[Ω] Resistance [Ω]
1 0 100 32.65
2 10 103.9 19.899
3 20 107.9 12.492
4 30 111.67 8.057
5 40 115.54 5.32
6 50 119.4 3.602
7 60 123.24 2.488
8 70 127.08 1.572
9 80 130.9 1.255
10 90 134.71 0.915
11 100 138.51 0.678

Graph:
160

140

120

100
RTD &Thermistor
Resistance [Ω]

80

60

40

20

0
0 20 40 60 80 100 120
Temperature ℃

RTD Resistance [Ω] Thermistor k Ω Resistance [Ω]

3
Discussion:

1- Is the temperature coefficient of an RTD positive or negative?

A RTD (Resistive Temperature Device) is constructed of a metal like Platinum
(PT) or Nickel (Ni). The resistance measured in ohms increases as the
temperature rises; this is known as the PTC response (Positive Temperature
Coefficient).

2- How does the RTD differ from the thermocouple?

Basis for Comparison RTD Thermocouple

Temperature changes Temperature changes
Operating Principle with change in with change in emf
resistance. generated.
Response time 1 – 50s 0.1 – 10s
Cost High Low
Operating range -200 to 600°C -200 to 2000°C
Physical size Large Comparatively small
Sensitivity Low Quite high
Accuracy More Less
Self-heating Exist Not Exist
Stability More Comparatively less
Output Linear Non-linear

4
3- How does the thermistor differ from the RTD and the thermocouple?

RTD Thermocouple Thermistor

Temp. range -260 to 850℃ -270 to 1800℃ -80 to 150℃
Sensor Moderate Low Low
System cost Moderate High Moderate
Stability Best Low Moderate
Sensitivity Moderate Low Best
Linearity Best Moderate Poor

4- Give Five applications of Thermistor?

• Temperature Compensation
• Control of Temperature
• Measurement of Temperature
• Power Cables.
• Digital Keypads.

5
Conclusion:
The temperature range is the major distinction between thermistors and RTDs.

The RTD is your only option if your application calls for temperatures

exceeding 130°C. When precision is necessary below that temperature,

thermistors are commonly used. When tolerance (i.e. resistance) is important,

RTDs are chosen. In a nutshell, thermistors are better for accuracy

measurement, whereas RTDs are better for temperature adjustment.

6
Refence:
https://www.sciencedirect.com/topics/engineering/resistance-
temperature-detector

https://circuitglobe.com/applications-of-thermistors.html

https://www.electricaldeck.com/2021/07/difference-between-rtd-
and-thermistor.html