Industrial Thermocouples & RTDs
In most process applications the temperature sensor is inserted into a thermowell or
protection tube. This protects the sensor from its environment and facilitates easy removal
and replacement. These assemblies generally consist of a head, nipple-union-nipple
and thermowell. Smart industrial thermocouples and RTDs are available in virtually any
calibration and resistance temperature coefficient.
Heads
Smart Sensors can provide a head for virtually any process application. From our
rugged explosion proof head used in hazardous locations to our water resistant head
that provides a weather tight seal or our plastic design that can withstand caustic wash
downs for CIP and sanitary applications. These heads are available in Cast Aluminum,
Stainless Steel, Cast Iron and plastic. The conventional threaded type and the new flip-
top threadless design are available for your convenience. All metal heads can accept
either a sensor terminal block or a DIN size temperature transmitter.
Thermowells
Proper temperature element protection starts with the selection of the thermowell or
protection tube. Conditions that influence the selection, include the temperature, pressure,
flow velocity, pipe size, insertion length and the process environment and medium. A
variety of materials and process connections are available for both thermowells and
protection tubes. All metallic wells are constructed in strict compliance with ASTM and
ANSI specifications. For higher temperatures ceramic protection tubes are available.
Fluid flowing by a thermowell forms a turbulent wake that has a defined frequency. The
thermowell must have adequate stiffness so its natural frequency is greater than the
wake frequency. Let Smart Sensors help you design your well around your process
conditions. Free velocity calculations are a phone call away. Smart Sensors complete
family of bar stock wells and protection tubes can provide safe and reliable protection
for any process environment.
Miniature Thermocouples & RTDs
Miniature thermocouples and RTDs are generally used where thermowells are not
necessary and are commonly found in pilot plants, research and development, furnace,
and OEM applications. Thermocouple constructions with diameters as small as .010
inches are available with grounded and ungrounded measuring junctions. All miniature
calibrations can be provided with flexible leads and a variety of connector terminations..
Temperature Transmitters and Indicators
Transmitter can accept an input from thermocouples or RTDs and produce an analog or
digital output. All outputs are linear with temperature. The instrument can be programmed
using software (easily downloaded to your personal computer) or a common hand held
programming device. A five year warranty is standard on all transmitters. Hand held and
panel mountable digital thermocouple indicators have large displays and accuracies
normally found in instruments three times more expensive.
t
t
t
t
t
Safe and Accurate Solutions
for Difficult Process Applications
Temperature Measurement...the Right Way!
About this Manual
In today’s plant environment, the hundreds of different sensors and technologies used in the process simply doesn’t allow any one
individual to be an expert on all of them. Too often, especially with temperature, there is a temptation to replace the sensor with
the identical technology. After all, that sensor has been working well for the last five years, why change it? Lets put this in the
proper perspective. Here are just a few changes that have occurred over the last few years.
1.A regime change in Iraq.
2.A currency change in Eastern Europe – the Euro now replaces the franc, lira etc.
3.A change in the tax you pay on the gains when you sell your primary residence - it is now zero.
Reviewing these changes one can determine that depending on where you sit the change can be good, bad or of no conse-
quence. Unless you traveled to eastern Europe the currency change probably did not affect you. But if you ignored the change in
the tax law - you would have missed a rare and generous gift that your government bestowed on those that kept their eyes open
to change. While this manual probably won’t change your life what it will do is to make you more aware of some of the more
recent and significant changes in temperature sensor technology and how those changes can improve your process.
There are three significant areas in this manual and they deserve a summary discussion:
Sensor Theory & Specification
Nothing much has changed here! It is an excellent primer for gaining understanding on how thermocouples and resistance
temperature detectors work.
Reference Tables
Thermocouple and RTD reference tables complete with all the latest changes.
New Techniques that Improve Accuracy
The changes in calibration that can help improve the accuracy of your temperature loops. This is important because changes
that improve accuracy in the instruments that control, record or measure temperature are wasted if no changes are made to the
primary device.
It would be difficult if not impossible to provide a manual that provided all the technical detail required for specifying and
understanding Thermocouples and RTDs and how they apply to your process. We feel that this manual will give you a good start.
We do encourage you to use it as a guide only and to call Smart Sensors for specific information and updates.
Finally, our success can be attributed to providing safe, accurate and reliable process temperature measurement solutions; while
never forgetting our customer service obligations. Borrowing the words of speaker and author Tom Reilley:
“Customer service is a function of our performance relative to your expectations.”
If we ever fail to live up to this motto, please do not hesitate to contact me.
James L. Baldanza
President
[email protected]
281-272-5333