Frequently Asked Questions - RTD Sensors

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Answer

An RTD sensor, also known as a Resistance Temperature Detector, is a type of sensor used to measure temperature by correlating the resistance of the RTD element with temperature. RTD sensors are commonly made of materials like platinum, nickel, or copper, which exhibit a predictable change in electrical resistance with changes in temperature. The most popular type of RTD is made from platinum, often referred to as a Pt100 sensor, where 100 represents the nominal resistance of the sensor at 0 degrees Celsius. As the temperature changes, the resistance of the platinum element changes in a predictable and repeatable manner, allowing for accurate temperature measurement.

Question

What are the types of RTD sensors, and which one should I choose for my application?

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The most popular type of RTD sensor is the platinum RTD, available in two main variants: Pt100 and Pt1000. Pt100 refers to a nominal resistance of 100 ohms at 0°C, while PT1000 has a nominal resistance of 1000 ohms at 0°C. The choice between PT100 and PT1000 depends on factors such as accuracy requirements, temperature range, and compatibility with the measuring equipment.

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RTD sensors offer several advantages, including high accuracy, excellent linearity, stability over time, wide temperature measurement range (-200°C to 850°C or -328°F to 1562°F for platinum RTDs), resistance to corrosion, and low drift. They are suitable for precise temperature monitoring in various industrial applications.

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RTD sensors are known for their high accuracy, typically within fractions of a degree Celsius or Fahrenheit. Factors that can affect their accuracy include the quality of the RTD element (platinum wire), lead wire resistance, calibration, temperature gradients, and environmental conditions such as vibration or electromagnetic interference. Please see the tolerance and accuracy for RTDs in tables shown here

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Can RTD sensors withstand harsh environments, and what are their common applications?

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RTD sensors, especially platinum RTDs, are designed to withstand harsh environments including high temperatures, corrosive atmospheres, and mechanical stress when manufactured in assemblies that have been designed manufactured by our engineers to suit the particular applications. Common applications of RTD sensors include temperature measurement and control in industries such as HVAC, pharmaceuticals, food processing, automotive, aerospace, laboratory research, and industrial automation.