As increasing numbers of new process automation professionals enter the global ranks, the need for educational materials increase. These new professionals were born in the digital era which has shaped the way they learn.
I mention all this because Emerson’s team managing the Rosemount temperature measurement products have put together a series of educational videos on temperature measurement. I’ll highlight these videos in the coming weeks, beginning today with the first one, Temperature Insights RTD vs. Thermocouple Brief Video (runtime: 3:24). Here is where you can find the complete set of educational videos.
The video addresses differences between an RTD and a thermocouple, how each technology performs in different environments, and questions you should consider to select the best temperature sensor technology.
The three questions probe for the temperature range of your application, the accuracy of the sensor required, and if process vibration is a concern. For example, if your application exceeds 850 degC then the sensor would need to be a thermocouple. From an accuracy standpoint, RTDs are generally more accurate. And, from a vibration standpoint, thermocouples are generally more resistant, although thin-film RTD technology is also vibration resistant.
The information presented in this video comes from The Engineer’s Guide to Industrial Temperature Measurement. See chapter 3 on temperature measurement basics. If you don’t have already have this guide, order your complimentary copy.
You can connect and interact with other temperature measurement professionals in the Temperature track of the Emerson Exchange 365 community.