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Thermocouples

Thermocouples
What

is Thermocouple ?

thermocouple is a sensor for measuring


temperature .
It consists of two dissimilar metals, joined
together at one end, which produce a small
unique voltage at a given temperature.

Thermocouples

Basic

Principle of Thermocouples ?

Seebeck

Effect

If

two dissimilar conductors when their junctions are


kept at different temperatures a small electric current
will flow in a circuit.

Thermocouples
If

a conductor is heated at one end, the


mechanism giving rise to a thermoelectric
current is that the electrons at the "hot"
end (hot junction) will acquire increased
thermal energy relative to those at the
"cold" end (cold or reference junction).

Thermocouples
The

electrons from the hot end will diffuse


to the cold end where their energy may be
lowered. This is essentially the manner in
which heat is conducted in a metal and is
accompanied by the accumulation of
negative charge at the cold end, thus
setting up an electric field or a potential
difference between the ends of the
material.
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Thermocouples

Additional

Additional Junctions

Junctions

A problem arises when measuring the voltage


across a dissimilar metal junction - two additional
thermocouple junctions form where the wires
connect to the voltmeter
If the wire leads which connect to the voltmeter
are made of alloy "C", then there exist thermal
emf's at the A-C and B-C junctions.
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Thermocouples

Additional

Reference Junction Compensation

Junctions

to solve this use a reference junction at a known


temperature, or make corrections for the
thermocouples formed by the connection to the
voltmeter.

Thermocouples
Thermocouple

types are known by a


single letter designation:
J,

K, T, E, R, S or B.
For a good thermocouple to have a large,
stable Seebeck coefficient, wide temperature
range, corrosion resistance, etc.

Thermocouples
Variations

in the alloy composition and the


condition of the junction between the wires
are sources of error in temperature
measurements.
The standard error of thermocouple wire
varies from 0.8 C to 4.4 C, depending
on the type of thermocouple used.

Thermocouples
Selection

thermocouple type?

Temperature

range
Chemical resistance of the thermocouple or
sheath material
Abrasion and vibration resistance
Installation requirements (may need to be
compatible with existing equipment; existing
holes may determine probe diameter).

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Thermocouple

Extension and
Compensating Cables

Thermocouple Conductor Combination Type K


Extension Cable
KX
Compensating Cable
Tolerance Class 1
- 60 V ( 1.5 0 C)
Tolerance Class 2
- 100 V ( 2.5 0 C)
Cable Temperature Range 0 C
- - 25 0 C to + 200 0 C
Measuring Junction Temperature
- 900 0 C

Notes: - Type KX thermocouple extension cable conductors are


made from the same constituent elements as the Type K
thermocouple combination and therefore minimizes potential errors
when connecting to a sensor.
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Thermocouple

Extension and
Compensating Cables

Thermocouple Conductor Combination Type K


Extension Cable
Compensating Cable
KCA
Tolerance Class 1
Tolerance Class 2
- 100 V ( 2.5 0 C)
Cable Temperature Range 0 C
0 0 C to + 150 0 C
Measuring Junction Temperature
- 900 0 C

Notes: - This compensating cable conductor combination is little


known and generally not available.

12

Thermocouple

Extension and
Compensating Cables

Thermocouple Conductor Combination Type K


Extension Cable
Compensating Cable
KCB
Tolerance Class 1
Tolerance Class 2
- 100 V ( 2.5 0 C)
Cable Temperature Range 0 C
0 0 C to + 100 0 C
Measuring Junction Temperature
- 900 0 C

Notes: - This popular compensating cable conductor combination is


made with Copper vs. Copper-Nickel conductors, and should only
be used when the ambient temperature of the interconnection point
between the cable and its Type K sensor is below 100 0C.
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Thermocouple
Extension

and Compensating Cables

Thermocouple Conductor Combination Type T


Extension Cable
TX
Compensating Cable
Tolerance Class 1
- 30 V ( 0.5 0 C)
Tolerance Class 2
- 60 V ( 1.0 0 C)
Cable Temperature Range 0 C
- - 25 0 C to + 100 0 C
Measuring Junction Temperature
- 300 0 C

Notes: - Type TX extension cable conductors are made from the


same constituent elements as the Type T thermocouples. There is
no compensating cable available for Type T.

14

Thermocouple

Extension and
Compensating Cables

Thermocouple Conductor Combination Type J


Extension Cable
JX
Compensating Cable
Tolerance Class 1
- 85 V ( 1.5 0 C)
Tolerance Class 2
- 140 V ( 2.5 0 C)
Cable Temperature Range 0 C
- - 25 0 C to + 200 0 C
Measuring Junction Temperature
- 500 0 C

Notes: - Type JX extension cable conductors are made from the


same constituent elements as the Type J thermocouples. There is
no compensating cable available for Type J.

15

Thermocouple

Extension and
Compensating Cables

Thermocouple Conductor Combination Type N


Extension Cable
NX
Compensating Cable
Tolerance Class 1
- 60 V ( 1.5 0 C)
Tolerance Class 2
- 100 V ( 2.5 0 C)
Cable Temperature Range 0 C
- - 25 0 C to + 200 0 C
Measuring Junction Temperature
- 900 0 C

Notes: - Type NX extension cable conductors are made from the


same constituent elements as the Type N thermocouples. There is
a designated compensating cable for Type N.

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Thermocouple

Extension and
Compensating Cables

Thermocouple Conductor Combination Type N


Extension Cable
Compensating Cable
NC
Tolerance Class 1
Tolerance Class 2
- 100 V ( 2.5 0 C)
Cable Temperature Range 0 C
- 0 0 C to + 150 0 C
Measuring Junction Temperature
- 900 0 C

Notes: - Type NC extension cable is not at present readily


available.

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Thermocouple

Extension and
Compensating Cables

Thermocouple Conductor Combination Type E


Extension Cable
EX
Compensating Cable
Tolerance Class 1
- 120 V ( 1.5 0 C)
Tolerance Class 2
- 200 V ( 2.5 0 C)
Cable Temperature Range 0 C
- - 25 0 C to + 200 0 C
Measuring Junction Temperature
- 500 0 C

Notes: - Type EX extension cable conductors are made from the


same constituent elements as the Type E thermocouples. There is
no compensating cable available for Type E.

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Thermocouple

Extension and
Compensating Cables

Thermocouple Conductor Combination Type R


Extension Cable
Compensating Cable
RCA
Tolerance Class 1
Tolerance Class 2
- 30 V ( 2.5 0 C)
Cable Temperature Range 0 C
- 0 0 C to + 100 0 C
Measuring Junction Temperature
- 1000 0 C

Notes: - Type RCA compensating cable is suitable for connecting to


Type R thermocouples where the ambient temperature of the
interconnection point between the cable and its Type R sensor is
below 100 0 C.
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Thermocouple

Extension and
Compensating Cables

Thermocouple Conductor Combination Type R


Extension Cable
Compensating Cable
RCB
Tolerance Class 1
Tolerance Class 2
- 60 V ( 5.0 0 C)
Cable Temperature Range 0 C
- 0 0 C to + 200 0 C
Measuring Junction Temperature
- 1000 0 C

Notes: - Type RCB compensating cable is suitable for connecting to


Type R thermocouples where the ambient temperature of the
interconnection point between the cable and its Type R sensor is
below 200 0 C.
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Thermocouple

Extension and
Compensating Cables

Thermocouple Conductor Combination Type S


Extension Cable
Compensating Cable
SCA
Tolerance Class 1
Tolerance Class 2
- 30 V ( 2.5 0 C)
Cable Temperature Range 0 C
- 0 0 C to + 100 0 C
Measuring Junction Temperature
- 1000 0 C

Notes: - Type SCA compensating cable is suitable for connecting to


Type S thermocouples where the ambient temperature of the
interconnection point between the cable and its Type S sensor is
below 100 0 C.
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Thermocouple

Extension and
Compensating Cables

Thermocouple Conductor Combination Type S


Extension Cable
Compensating Cable
SCB
Tolerance Class 1
Tolerance Class 2
- 60 V ( 5.0 0 C)
Cable Temperature Range 0 C
- 0 0 C to + 200 0 C
Measuring Junction Temperature
- 1000 0 C

Notes: - Type SCB compensating cable is suitable for connecting to


Type S thermocouples where the ambient temperature of the
interconnection point between the cable and its Type S sensor is
below 200 0 C.
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Thermocouple

Extension and
Compensating Cables

Thermocouple Conductor Combination Type Extension Cable


Compensating Cable
Tolerance Class 1
Tolerance Class 2
Cable Temperature Range 0 C
Measuring Junction Temperature
-

B
BC
-

Notes: - This compensating cable is made from Copper vs. Copper


conductors. The expected maximum additional deviation when the
ambient temperature of the interconnection point is between 0 and
100 0C would be approximately 3.5 0 C when the measuring end is
at 1400 0C.
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Thermocouple

Extension and
Compensating Cables

Thermocouple Conductor Combination Type Extension Cable


Compensating Cable
Tolerance Class 1
Tolerance Class 2
Cable Temperature Range 0 C
Measuring Junction Temperature
-

G
GC
-

Notes: - This compensating cable is made from Alloy 200* vs. Alloy
226* and suitable for use with Type G (Formerly W) thermocouples.

* Trade Names
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Thermocouple

Extension and
Compensating Cables

Thermocouple Conductor Combination Type Extension Cable


Compensating Cable
Tolerance Class 1
Tolerance Class 2
Cable Temperature Range 0 C
Measuring Junction Temperature
-

C
CC
-

Notes: - This compensating cable is made from Alloy 405* vs. Alloy
426* and suitable for use with Type C (Formerly W5)
thermocouples.
* Trade Names
25

Thermocouple

Extension and
Compensating Cables

Thermocouple Conductor Combination Type Extension Cable


Compensating Cable
Tolerance Class 1
Tolerance Class 2
Cable Temperature Range 0 C
Measuring Junction Temperature
-

D
DC
-

Notes: - This compensating cable is made from Alloy 203* vs. Alloy
225* and suitable for use with Type D (Formerly W3)
thermocouples.
* Trade Names
26

Thermocouples

Conductor Combinations

Characteristics
Thermocouple Code K
Conductor Combination + Leg
Nickel Chromium (Ni Cr)
Conductor Combination - Leg
Nickel Aluminum (Ni Al)
Approximate Generated EMF Change with reference Junction at 0 0C V/ 0 C at 1000C
42
0
0
0
Approximate Generated EMF Change with reference Junction at 0 C V/ C at 500 C
43
Approximate Generated EMF Change with reference Junction at 0 0C V/ 0 C at 10000C
39
0
Approximate working Temperature range of measuring Junction continuous C 0 to +1100
Approximate working Temperature range of measuring Junction continuous 0 C -180 to 1350
Thermocouple Output Tolerances
Class1
Class2
Class3
0
0
0
0
Type Temperature Range
-40 C to +375 C
-40 C to +333 C
-1670C to +400C
0
0
Tolerance Value
1.5 C
2.5 C
2.50C
Type Temperature Range
3750C to 10000C
3330C to 12000C
-2000C to -1670C
Tolerance Value
0.004.ItI
0.0075.ItI
0.015.ItI

Notes: - Most suited to oxidizing atmospheres, it has a temperature


range and is the most commonly used.
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Thermocouples

Conductor Combinations

Characteristics
Thermocouple Code T
Conductor Combination + Leg
Copper (Cu)
Conductor Combination - Leg
Copper Nickel (Cu Ni)
Approximate Generated EMF Change with reference Junction at 0 0C V/ 0 C at 1000C
46
0
0
0
Approximate Generated EMF Change with reference Junction at 0 C V/ C at 500 C
Approximate Generated EMF Change with reference Junction at 0 0C V/ 0 C at 10000C
0
Approximate working Temperature range of measuring Junction continuous C -185 to +300
Approximate working Temperature range of measuring Junction continuous 0 C -250 to +400
Thermocouple Output Tolerances
Class1
Class2
Class3
0
0
0
0
0
Type Temperature Range
-40 C to +125 C
-40 C to +133 C
-67 C to +400C
0
0
Tolerance Value
0.5 C
1.0 C
1.00C
Type Temperature Range
1250C to 3500C
1330C to 3500C
-2000C to -670C
Tolerance Value
0.004.ItI
0.0075.ItI
0.015.ItI

Notes: - Excellent for low temperature and cryogenic applications.


Good for when moisture may be present.
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Thermocouples

Conductor Combinations

Characteristics
Thermocouple Code J
Conductor Combination + Leg
Iron (Fe)
Conductor Combination - Leg
Copper - Nickel (Cu - Ni)
Approximate Generated EMF Change with reference Junction at 0 0C V/ 0 C at 1000C
54
0
0
0
Approximate Generated EMF Change with reference Junction at 0 C V/ C at 500 C
56
Approximate Generated EMF Change with reference Junction at 0 0C V/ 0 C at 10000C
59
0
Approximate working Temperature range of measuring Junction continuous C +20 to +700
Approximate working Temperature range of measuring Junction continuous 0 C -180 to +750
Thermocouple Output Tolerances
Class1
Class2
Class3
0
0
0
0
Type Temperature Range
-40 C to +375 C
-40 C to +333 C
Tolerance Value
1.50C
2.50C
0
0
0
0
Type Temperature Range
375 C to 750 C
333 C to 750 C
Tolerance Value
0.004.ItI
0.0075.ItI
-

Notes: - Commonly used in the plastic moulding industries. Used in


reducing atmospheres as an unprotected thermocouple sensor.
-Iron oxides at low (rust) and at high temperatures.

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Thermocouples

Conductor Combinations

Characteristics
Thermocouple Code N
Conductor Combination + Leg
Nickel Chromium Silicon (Nicrosil)
Conductor Combination - Leg
Nickel Silicon - Magnesium (Nisil)
Approximate Generated EMF Change with reference Junction at 0 0C V/ 0 C at 1000C
30
0
0
0
Approximate Generated EMF Change with reference Junction at 0 C V/ C at 500 C
38
Approximate Generated EMF Change with reference Junction at 0 0C V/ 0 C at 10000C
39
0
Approximate working Temperature range of measuring Junction continuous C 0 to +1100
Approximate working Temperature range of measuring Junction continuous 0 C -270 to 1300
Thermocouple Output Tolerances
Class1
Class2
Class3
0
0
0
0
Type Temperature Range
-40 C to +375 C
-40 C to +333 C
-1670C to +400C
0
0
Tolerance Value
1.5 C
2.5 C
2.50C
Type Temperature Range
3750C to 10000C
3330C to 12000C
-2000C to -1670C
Tolerance Value
0.004.ItI
0.0075.ItI
0.015.ItI

Notes: - Very stable output at high temperatures and it can be used


up to 3000C. Good oxidization resistance. Type N stands up to
temperature cycling extremely well.

30

Thermocouples

Conductor Combinations

Characteristics
Thermocouple Code E
Conductor Combination + Leg
Nickel Chromium (Ni Cr)
Conductor Combination - Leg
Copper - Nickel (Cu- Ni)
Approximate Generated EMF Change with reference Junction at 0 0C V/ 0 C at 1000C
68
0
0
0
Approximate Generated EMF Change with reference Junction at 0 C V/ C at 500 C
81
Approximate Generated EMF Change with reference Junction at 0 0C V/ 0 C at 10000C
0
Approximate working Temperature range of measuring Junction continuous C 0 to +800
Approximate working Temperature range of measuring Junction continuous 0 C -40 to +900
Thermocouple Output Tolerances
Class1
Class2
Class3
0
0
0
0
Type Temperature Range
-40 C to +375 C
-40 C to +333 C
-1670C to +400C
0
0
Tolerance Value
1.5 C
2.5 C
2.50C
Type Temperature Range
3750C to 8000C
3330C to 9000C
-2000C to -1670C
Tolerance Value
0.004.ItI
0.0075.ItI
0.015.ItI

Notes: - Has the highest thermal EMF output change per 0C.
Suitable for use in a vacuum or mildly oxidizing atmosphere as an
unprotected thermocouple sensor.
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Thermocouples

Conductor Combinations

Characteristics
Thermocouple Code R
Conductor Combination + Leg
Platinum 13% Rhodium
Conductor Combination - Leg
Platinum
Approximate Generated EMF Change with reference Junction at 0 0C V/ 0 C at 1000C
8
0
0
0
Approximate Generated EMF Change with reference Junction at 0 C V/ C at 500 C
10
Approximate Generated EMF Change with reference Junction at 0 0C V/ 0 C at 10000C
13
0
Approximate working Temperature range of measuring Junction continuous C 0 to +1600
Approximate working Temperature range of measuring Junction continuous 0 C -50 to +1700
Thermocouple Output Tolerances
Class1
Class2
Class3
0
0
0
0
Type Temperature Range
0 C to +1100 C
0 C to +600 C
Tolerance Value
1.00C
1.50C
Type Temperature Range
11000C to 16000C
6000C to 16000C
Tolerance Value
(1+0.003(t.1100)0C
0.0025.ItI
-

Notes: - Used for very high temperature applications. Has a high


resistance to oxidation and corrosion. Easily contaminated, it
normally required protection.
32

Thermocouples

Conductor Combinations

Characteristics
Thermocouple Code S
Conductor Combination + Leg
Platinum 10% Rhodium
Conductor Combination - Leg
Platinum
Approximate Generated EMF Change with reference Junction at 0 0C V/ 0 C at 1000C
8
0
0
0
Approximate Generated EMF Change with reference Junction at 0 C V/ C at 500 C
9
Approximate Generated EMF Change with reference Junction at 0 0C V/ 0 C at 10000C
11
0
Approximate working Temperature range of measuring Junction continuous C 0 to +1550
Approximate working Temperature range of measuring Junction continuous 0 C -50 to 1750
Thermocouple Output Tolerances
Class1
Class2
Class3
0
0
0
0
Type Temperature Range
0 C to +1100 C
0 C to +600 C
Tolerance Value
1.00C
1.50C
Type Temperature Range
11000C to 16000C
6000C to 16000C
Tolerance Value
(1+0.003(t.11000C)
0.0025.ItI
-

Notes: - Used for very high temperature applications. Has a high


resistance to oxidation and corrosion. Easily contaminated, it
normally required protection.
33

Thermocouples

Conductor Combinations

Characteristics
Thermocouple Code B
Conductor Combination + Leg
Platinum - 30% Rhodium
Conductor Combination - Leg
Platinum - 6% Rhodium
Approximate Generated EMF Change with reference Junction at 0 0C V/ 0 C at 1000C
1
0
0
0
Approximate Generated EMF Change with reference Junction at 0 C V/ C at 500 C
5
Approximate Generated EMF Change with reference Junction at 0 0C V/ 0 C at 10000C
9
0
Approximate working Temperature range of measuring Junction continuous C +100 to +1600
Approximate working Temperature range of measuring Junction continuous 0 C +100 to +1820
Thermocouple Output Tolerances
Class1
Class2
Class3
Type Temperature Range
6000C to +8000C
Tolerance Value
4.00C
Type Temperature Range
6000C to 17000C
8000C to 17000C
Tolerance Value
0.0025.ItI
0.005.ItI

Notes: - Type B has similar characteristics to Type R and S but not


so popular. Generally used in the glass industry.
34

Thermocouples

Conductor Combinations

Characteristics
Thermocouple Code G*
Conductor Combination + Leg
Tungsten
Conductor Combination - Leg
Tungsten 26% Rhenium
0
0
Approximate Generated EMF Change with reference Junction at 0 C V/ C at 1000C
5
Approximate Generated EMF Change with reference Junction at 0 0C V/ 0 C at 5000C
16
0
0
0
Approximate Generated EMF Change with reference Junction at 0 C V/ C at 1000 C
21
Approximate working Temperature range of measuring Junction continuous 0 C +20 to +2320
0
Approximate working Temperature range of measuring Junction continuous C 0 to 2600
Thermocouple Output Tolerances
Class1
Class2
Class3
Type Temperature Range
00C to +4250C
0
Tolerance Value
4.5 C
Type Temperature Range
4250C to 23200C
Tolerance Value
1%
-

Notes: - Formerly known as code W. Tungsten Rhenium alloy


combinations offer reasonably high and relatively linear EMF
outputs for high temperature measurements up to 26000C and
good chemical stability at high temperatures in hydrogen, inert gas
and vacuum atmosphere. They are not practicable for use below
4000C. Not recommended for use in oxidizing conditions.
* Codes G,C and D and the tolerance values shown above are not officially recognized symbols or standards

35

Thermocouples

Conductor Combinations

Characteristics
Thermocouple Code C*
Conductor Combination + Leg
Tungsten 5% Rhenium
Conductor Combination - Leg
Tungsten 26% Rhenium
Approximate Generated EMF Change with reference Junction at 0 0C V/ 0 C at 1000C
15
0
0
0
Approximate Generated EMF Change with reference Junction at 0 C V/ C at 500 C
18
Approximate Generated EMF Change with reference Junction at 0 0C V/ 0 C at 10000C
18
0
Approximate working Temperature range of measuring Junction continuous C +50 to +1820
Approximate working Temperature range of measuring Junction continuous 0 C +20 to +2300
Thermocouple Output Tolerances
Class1
Class2
Class3
Type Temperature Range
00C to +4260C
0
Tolerance Value
4.4 C
0
0
Type Temperature Range
426 C to 2320 C
Tolerance Value
1.0%
-

Notes: - Formerly known as code W5. Technical details are same


as Type G.
* Codes G,C and D and the tolerance values shown above are not officially recognized symbols or standards

36

Thermocouples

Conductor Combinations

Characteristics
Thermocouple Code D*
Conductor Combination + Leg
Tungsten 3%Rhenium
Conductor Combination - Leg
Tungsten 25%Rhenium
Approximate Generated EMF Change with reference Junction at 0 0C V/ 0 C at 1000C
13
0
0
0
Approximate Generated EMF Change with reference Junction at 0 C V/ C at 500 C
20
Approximate Generated EMF Change with reference Junction at 0 0C V/ 0 C at 10000C
20
0
Approximate working Temperature range of measuring Junction continuous C 0 to +2100
Approximate working Temperature range of measuring Junction continuous 0 C 0 to 2600
Thermocouple Output Tolerances
Class1
Class2
Class3
0
0
Type Temperature Range
0 C to +400 C
Tolerance Value
4.50C
Type Temperature Range
4000C to 23200C
Tolerance Value
1.0%
-

Notes: - Formerly known as code W3. Technical details are same


as Type G.
* Codes G,C and D and the tolerance values shown above are not officially recognized symbols or standards

37

Thermocouples

Conductor Combinations

Characteristics
Thermocouple Code K
Conductor Combination + Leg
Nickel Chromium (Ni Cr)
Conductor Combination - Leg
Nickel Aluminum (Ni Al)
Approximate Generated EMF Change with reference Junction at 0 0C V/ 0 C at 1000C
42
0
0
0
Approximate Generated EMF Change with reference Junction at 0 C V/ C at 500 C
43
Approximate Generated EMF Change with reference Junction at 0 0C V/ 0 C at 10000C
39
0
Approximate working Temperature range of measuring Junction continuous C 0 to +1100
Approximate working Temperature range of measuring Junction continuous 0 C -180 to 1350
Thermocouple Output Tolerances
Class1
Class2
Class3
0
0
0
0
Type Temperature Range
-40 C to +375 C
-40 C to +333 C
-1470C to +400C
0
0
Tolerance Value
1.5 C
2.5 C
2.50C
Type Temperature Range
3750C to 10000C
3330C to 12000C
-2000C to -1670C
Tolerance Value
0.004.ItI
0.0075.ItI
0.015.ItI

Notes: - Most suited to oxidizing atmospheres, it has a temperature


range and is the most commonly used.
38

Resistance

Temperature Detector - RTD

Resistance Temperature Detector is a general term for any device


that senses temperature by measuring the change in resistance of a
material.
39

Resistance

Temperature Detector - RTD

RTDs come in many forms, but usually appear in sheathed form.


An RTD probe is an assembly composed of a resistance element, a sheath,
lead wire and a termination or connection.
The sheath, a closed end tube, immobilizes the element, protecting it against
moisture and the environment to be measured.
The sheath also provides protection and stability to the transition lead wires
from the fragile element wires.
Some RTD probes can be combined with thermo wells for additional
protection.
In this type of application, the thermo well may not only add protection to the
RTD, but will also seal whatever system the RTD is to measure (a tank or boiler
for instance) from actual contact with the RTD.
This becomes a great aid in replacing the RTD without draining the vessel or
system.

40

Resistance

Temperature Detector - RTD

Thermocouples are the old tried and true method of electrical


temperature measurement.
They function very differently from RTDs but generally appear in the
same configuration: often sheathed and possibly in a thermo well.
Basically, they operate on the Seebeck effect, which results in a change
in thermoelectric emf induced by a change in temperature.
Many applications lend themselves to either RTDs or thermocouples.
Thermocouples tend to be more rugged, free of self-heating errors and
they command a large assortment of instrumentation.
However, RTDs, especially platinum RTDs, are more stable and
accurate.

41

Resistance

Temperature Detector - RTD

RESISTANCE ELEMENT CHARACTERISTICS


There are several very important details that must be specified in order
to properly identify the characteristics of the RTD:
Material of Resistance Element (Platinum, Nickel, etc.)
Temperature Coefficient
Nominal Resistance
Temperature Range of Application
Physical Dimensions or Size Restrictions
Accuracy

42

Resistance

Temperature Detector - RTD

Material of Resistance Element


Several metals are quite common for use in resistance elements and the
purity of the metal affects its characteristics.
Platinum is by far the most popular due to its linearity with temperature.
Other common materials are nickel and copper, although most of these
are being replaced by platinum elements.
Other metals used, though rarely, are Balco (an iron-nickel alloy), tungsten
and iridium.

43

Resistance

Temperature Detector - RTD

Temperature Coefficient
The temperature coefficient of an element is a physical and electrical
property of the material.
This is a term that describes the average resistance change per unit of
temperature from ice point to the boiling point of water.
Different organizations have adopted different temperature coefficients as
their standard. In 1983, the IEC (International Electro technical Commission)
adopted the DIN (Deutsche Institute for Normung) standard of Platinum 100
ohm at 0C with a temperature co- efficient of 0.00385 ohms per ohm degree
centigrade. This is now the accepted standard of the industry in most
countries, although other units are widely used.
A quick explanation of how the coefficient is derived is as follows:
Resistance at the boiling point (100C) =138.50 ohms.
Resistance at ice point (0C) = 100.00 ohms.
Divide the difference (38.5) by 100 degrees and then divide by the 100
ohm nominal value of the element.
The result is the mean temperature coefficient (alpha) of 0.00385 ohms per
ohm per C.
44

Resistance

Temperature Detector - RTD

Nominal Resistance
Nominal Resistance is the pre specified resistance value at a given
temperature.
Most standards, including IEC-751, use 0C as their reference point.
The IEC standard is 100 ohms at 0C, but other nominal resistances,
such as 50, 200, 400, 500, 1000 and 2000 ohm, are available.

45

Resistance

Temperature Detector - RTD

Temperature Range of Application


Depending on the mechanical configuration and manufacturing methods,
RTDs may be used from -270C to 850C.
Specifications for temperature range will be different, for thin film, wire
wound and glass encapsulated types, for example.

46

Resistance

Temperature Detector - RTD

Physical Dimensions or Size Restrictions


The most critical dimension of the element is outside diameter (O.D.),
because the element must often fit within a protective sheath.
The film type elements have no O.D. dimension.
To calculate an equivalent dimension, we need to find the diagonal of
an end cross section (this will be the widest distance across the element
as it is inserted into a sheath).

47

Resistance

Temperature Detector - RTD

Accuracy
IEC 751 specifications for Platinum Resistance Thermometers have
adopted DIN 43760 requirements for accuracy. DIN-IEC Class A and
Class B elements are shown in the chart.

48

Resistance

Temperature Detector - RTD

LEAD WIRE CONFIGURATIONS


As stated previously, a Resistance Temperature Detector (RTD) element
generally appears in a sheathed form.
Obviously, all of the criteria applicable to resistance elements also apply
here, but rather than element size, the construction and dimensions of the
entire RTD assembly must be considered.
Since the lead wire used between the resistance element and the
measuring instrument has a resistance itself, we must also supply a
means of compensating for this inaccuracy.

49

Resistance

Temperature Detector - RTD

WIRE CONFIGURATION (2wire)


The circle represents the resistance element boundaries to the point of
calibration. 3- or 4-wire configuration must be extended from the point of
calibration so that all un calibrated resistances are compensated.

50

Resistance

Temperature Detector - RTD

WIRE CONFIGURATION (2 wire)

The resistance RE is taken from the resistance element and is the value that
will supply us with an accurate temperature measurement.
Unfortunately, when we take our resistance measurement, the instrument will
indicate R Total:
Where RT = R1 + R2 + RE
This will produce temperature readout higher than that actually being
measured. Many systems can be calibrated to eliminate this. Most
RTDs incorporate a third wire with resistance R3. This wire will be connected
to one side of the resistance element along with lead 2 as shown in Figure.
This configuration provides one connection to one end and two to the other
end of the sensor. Connected to an instrument designed to accept 3-wire input,
compensation is achieved for lead resistance and temperature change in lead
51
resistance. This is the most commonly used configuration.

Resistance

Temperature Detector - RTD

WIRE CONFIGURATION (3 wire)

Most RTDs incorporate a third wire with resistance R3. This wire will be
connected to one side of the resistance element along with lead 2 as shown in
Figure. This configuration provides one connection to one end and two to the
other end of the sensor. Connected to an instrument designed to accept 3-wire
input, compensation is achieved for lead resistance and temperature change in
lead resistance. This is the most commonly used configuration.

52

Resistance

Temperature Detector - RTD

WIRE CONFIGURATION (3 wire)

If three identical type wires are used and their lengths are equal, then R1 =
R2 = R3. By measuring the resistance through leads 1, 2 and the resistance
element, a total system resistance is measured (R1 + R2 + RE). If the
resistance is also measured through leads 2 and 3 (R2 + R3), we obtain the
resistance of just the lead wires, and since all lead wire resistances are
equal, subtracting this value (R2 + R3) from the total system resistance (R1 +
R2 + RE) leaves us with just RE, and an accurate temperature measurement
has been made. A 4-wire configuration is also used. (See Figure) Two
connections are provided to each end of the sensor. This construction is used
for measurements of the highest precision.
53

Resistance

Temperature Detector - RTD

WIRE CONFIGURATION (4 wire)

A 4-wire configuration is also used. (See Figure) Two connections are


provided to each end of the sensor. This construction is used for
measurements of the highest precision.

54

Resistance

Temperature Detector - RTD

WIRE CONFIGURATION (4 wire)

With the 4-wire configuration, the instrument will pass a constant current (I)
through the outer leads, 1 and 4. The voltage drop is measured across the
inner leads, 2 and 3. So from V = IR we learn the resistance of the element
alone, with no effect from the lead wire resistance. This offers an advantage
over 3-wire configurations only if dissimilar lead wires are used, and this is
rarely the case.
Still another configuration, now rare, is a standard 2-wire configuration with a
closed loop of wire alongside (Figure 5). This functions the same as the 3wire configuration, but uses an extra wire to do so. A separate pair of wires is
provided as a loop to provide compensation for lead resistance and ambient
55
changes in lead resistance.

Resistance

Temperature Detector - RTD

WIRE CONFIGURATION (2 wire)

Still another configuration, now rare, is a standard 2-wire configuration with a


closed loop of wire alongside (Figure). This functions the same as the 3-wire
configuration, but uses an extra wire to do so. A separate pair of wires is
provided as a loop to provide compensation for lead resistance and ambient
changes in lead resistance.
56

Resistance

Temperature Detector - RTD

57

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