What Are Surface Temperature Sensors, Their Types, & Benefits?

Surface Thermocouples

Resistance Temperature Detectors

Surface temperature sensors are used to measure the temperature of a surface. They are typically used in applications where the temperature of the surface is required for further processing, such as in the semiconductor industry.

Surface temperature sensors can be classified into two main types: those that use a physical contact to the surface, and those that don’t. The most common type of surface temperature sensor is the thermocouple. Thermocouples use two conductors of different materials that are joined at one end. When the two conductors are at different temperatures, a voltage is generated. This voltage can then be used to determine the temperature of the surface.

Non-contact surface temperature sensors are also available. These sensors use infrared radiation to measure the temperature of a surface. They are often used in situations where it is not possible to make physical contact with the surface, such as in high-temperature environments.

Surface Thermocouples

A surface thermocouple is a temperature sensor that is typically used to measure the temperature of a solid surface. These sensors are often used in industries such as power generation, chemical processing, and oil and gas production. Their benefits include: 

  • They are less expensive than other types of temperature sensors and are easy to maintain and install. 
  • Surface thermocouples are more rugged and can withstand harsh environments especially in high temperature furnaces.
  • They are very efficient in providing the most accurate temperature readings. This is due to the fact that they measure the temperature at the surface of the object, rather than the air temperature. This is especially important in industries where the temperature of the object being measured is much higher than the surrounding air temperature.

Resistance Temperature Detectors

RTD’s are sensors that measure surface temperature by converting it into a change in resistance. They are very popular because of their stability and precision at extreme temperature conditions. They’re typically made from metals like copper or platinum, and they can be used to measure a variety of temperatures, from -200°C to 550°C. Their Benefits include:

  • Precision: RTD’s are known for their high degree of accuracy, making them ideal for applications where precise measurements are required.
  • Stability: RTD’s are very stable and reliable, meaning they won’t fluctuate over time like some other types of temperature sensors.
  • Versatility: RTD’s can be used to measure a wide range of temperatures, making them a versatile option for many different industrial applications.

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