Can Measuring Temperature Really Be So Involved? TEGAM Explains the Science Behind It

A group of our engineers were discussing one of our home brewing friends and his production process. We were attempting to answer this question: “What was the best temperature probe to use for brewing beer?” The lively discussion produced as many answers as there were engineers at the table. That led to a follow-on discussion: “What do you need to know to select the best temperature probe for an application?” This ultimately led to the production of this temperature measurement selection guide.

We decided that although temperature measurement seems simple, it actually requires a complex system of sensors, instruments, and interconnections. Each of these system components must be thoughtfully evaluated in light of each user’s needs. Based on that evaluation, each user’s choices must then be compatible with the environment, the media being measured, and any regulatory and safety requirements.

Multiple engineers with many years of temperature measurement experience across multiple industries contributed their expertise to this guide. Their expertise was aimed
at one goal: To help you select the best temperature probe for your application.

The Chapters walk you through the selection process.

Chapter I gives an overview of the requirements needed to make a probe and
instrument selection. It then details the selection criteria for each of the three main types of temperature sensors. The guide then describes and compares the three main types of sensors; thermocouples, RTDs and thermistors with range and accuracy data. This provides you, the reader, with the knowledge base to select the most appropriate sensor for your measurement task.

Chapter II details probe construction and how to select the right configuration.
The options include sensor type, hot end style, materials, insulation, and connection technology. In combination, these choices enable you to establish clear requirements for the probe portion of your new temperature measurement instrument.

Chapter III completes your measurement system selection process.
It details the specifications necessary to select the proper instrument for your application.
These include the difference between accuracy and repeatability and compares the differences between budget and more expensive instruments . Once you have selected the instrument, you often need to adjust its zero so the instrument reads zero when at zero degrees. It also discusses some of the more subtle elements that are often overlooked but can be very important in probe and instrument selection. These include the impacts of the system response time, screen lighting, keypad/control design, and battery life. It concludes with a review of the types of data collection, an often overlooked but critical need for any system.

The ADDENDUM provides information about intrinsic safety to inform you about the availability of special instruments (often required) in areas with explosive fumes or materials. In addition, the ADDENDUM also includes an overview of the TEGAM calibration warranty and measurement traceability.

The SUMMARY is a brief review of what you need to consider to make your selections.