Temperature measurement and control have become an integral part of industrial process monitoring. Many industrial applications require continuous and accurate temperature control. Temperature sensors are installed in such applications for consistent temperature monitoring and control. There are different types of industrial temperature sensors, such as surface mount RTDs, thermocouples, thermocouple probes, probe-type RTDs, etc. Among them, the probe-type sensors stand out due to their beneficial features for remote and hazardous environments. This post discusses the significance of temperature sensor probes in industrial applications.
Significance of Temperature Probe Sensors in Industries
Temperature sensor probes are important throughout industrial applications because:
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They are suitable for use in sensitive industrial locations such as boiler units, HVAC systems, energy and power stations, etc. Often, the use of a surface-mounted temperature sensor restricts the monitoring process at locations humans cannot reach, such as inside boiler vessels. The probe-type temperature sensors have proven helpful in such conditions.
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In industrial operations like mining, there are several limitations to human movements due to the nature of the job. This limitation may include an unhealthy environment for humans, toxicity during mining operations, extremely high temperatures, etc. In certain applications, the temperature sensor probes are inserted into the complex locations to monitor the temperature.
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Many material processing applications like forging, casting, and so on require very high temperatures. Regular temperature sensors cannot withstand such high temperatures, but temperature probes with integrated sensors can.
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Automobile, aircraft, and aerospace applications use complex assemblies where the use of surface mount RTDs or thermocouples may not be feasible. Temperature Sensor Probes are perfect for these complex applications.
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In the medical industry, temperature probes are commonly used as clinical thermometers and as fluidic managements systems.
Industrial Applications of Temperature Sensor Probes
Probe-type temperature sensors are commonly utilized in the following industries:
- Boiler Units
- Power and Utility Stations
- Mining and Drilling
- Energy Generation and Distribution
- Medical Laboratories and Examination
- Industrial Process Monitoring
Although the range of applications for the probe-type temperature sensors is already vast and still expanding, the selection of an appropriate temperature probe impacts its utility in an operation.
Different Types of Temperature Sensor Probes
The following are the types of probe-type temperature sensors that are used as alternatives to standard RTD and thermocouple sensors.
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RTD Temperature Probes: These are RTDs that have been assembled in stainless steel casings to offer additional protection in rigorous applications and elevated temperatures. The working of these temperature probes are exactly the same as that of the resistive temperature detector (RTD). However, unlike surface mount RTD temperature sensors, these RTD probes are not mounted to the surface. They can be These temperature-sensing probes are perfect for installations within channels, thermowells, organic liquids, salt solutions, acids and bases. Temperature probes are integrated with an RTD sensor at one end, and the another end remains free to the operator. The RTD sensors in these probes can have Teflon® leads based on the temperature sensing requirements. The probe diameter and length may vary based on design requirements.
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Thermocouple Temperature Probes: Thermocouple temperature probes provide the same features and benefits as an RTD Temperature Probe, as they too are cased in a stainless-steel casing. However, the sensor tip is integrated (typically) with either J- or K-type thermocouple sensors. Some applications require other Type thermocouples depending on the application requirements. Thermocouple temperature probes are assembled using fiberglass lead wires and provide higher temperature ranges and greater flexibility.
Temperature sensor probes must be chosen after carefully considering your application requirements. Regardless of the type and specifications of the temperature sensor probe chosen, quality and performance assurance are essential. This is why you should acquire temperature sensor probes from trusted manufacturers like Birk Manufacturing, Inc. The company offers high-quality thermal monitoring and control solutions for various industrial applications. Their temperature sensor probes are EN60751 Class B compliant, but they can also accomplish Class A and Class 1/10B compliant tolerances.