When connected to the process control loop, this temperature-sensing device can provide accurate, stable and repeatable data to the process controller. That is, until something goes wrong. Then what happens?

Successful control of your cooling process and selection of a suitable control require a good understanding of the flow of heat in that process. No matter how intelligent or elaborate a control is, it cannot overcome the limits of basic thermodynamics in a system or process.

When configuring a new process temperature measurement, many users like to begin by working through a classic engineering question: Should I use a thermocouple (TC) or resistance temperature detector (RTD)? 

At its production plant in Avedoere Holme, south of Copenhagen, Chr. Hansen — a Denmark bioscience company that develops natural ingredient solutions for the food, nutritional and pharmaceutical industries — produces bacterial cultures used by food producers such as Dannon and Nestlé to make yogurt and other sour milk products. To eliminate any contaminants that could pollute or destroy the final product, the nutrient solutions are sterilized by ultra high temperature (UHT) treatment before being transferred to a fermenter.

RTD and thermocouple temperature sensors need to be in close proximity to the point of measurement. In most cases, however, they are not rugged enough to be inserted directly into the gas or liquid of interest. As a result, these sensors must be protected by thermowells or installed against a pipe or vessel to take a surface-temperature measurement.

Sensor product line includes platinum 100 ΩRTDs, Type J or K thermocouples, multipoint sensors, high pressure thermocouples and tube-skin sensors. 

Intended for temperature monitoring and control in industrial applications, thermocouple and RTD assemblies can be used in reactors, heat exchangers, and LNG vessels.

Temperature is one of the most common properties measured in industry.

The digital temperature measurement sensor directly digitizes RTDs, thermocouples, thermistors and external diodes with 0.1°C conformity and 0.001°C resolution.