The widespread use of the sonda de temperatura for the thermal regulation of different industrial processes, has turned this instrument into a essential element for a large number of industries.

However, it is easy to find doubts and confusion around the concept of a temperature probe and its most common uses. Therefore, in the next post we will go into detail about everything that surrounds these probes, how it influences the temperature measurement and in which sectors they are applied more regularly.

What is a temperature probe?

A temperature probe is a device that has the ability to transmit temperature from one place to another, converting it into an electrical signal that will reach another device of interest in question.

Also known as a thermal probe or a temperature sensor, they all usually include a metal sheath and a connector cable that goes to the electronic device, in addition to the sensor part.

Within its typologies, are the thermocouples, including pyrometric reeds for high temperature processes  resistance thermometers or RTDs and thermistors.

The thermocouple is the one with the most common use and there are a large number of types of thermocouples that adjust to the minimum and maximum temperatures that are required in temperature detection.

For his part, the RTD probe Its operation is based on resistance to temperature. The thermistors meanwhile, they are made up of semiconductor materials that react differently to variations in temperature.

He temperature thermistor also presents some variants, as the NTC thermistor and the PTC thermistor. The NTC presents less resistance at a lower temperature, while the PTC presents a higher resistance at a higher temperature.

How to choose the appropriate temperature probe?

Once it is really clear what a temperature probe is and its basic operation is understood, it is very likely that you will decide to apply one of them in your industrial activity.

However, and as we have seen in the previous point, there are different types and variants when choosing the best option between these temperature sensors.

Which are the keys to be able to acquire the most suitable temperature probe? How to determine, without the possibility of error, which type is the most appropriate for your industrial tasks?

Here we present the main features to consider when clearly choosing a temperature probe:

temperature to be measured

Depending on the temperature ranges and stability As probes are required, the choice of probes will vary. Therefore, it will be necessary to know with some clarity the minimum and maximum temperatures that are to be established when measuring it.

The thermocouples They are more recommended when you need a temperature gauge that responds better on higher forks, although yes, they lose some stability. On the other hand, if that stability is preferred, it will always be better to use thermistors and resistance thermometers.

Vibration resistance

The simplicity of construction of each temperature probe can determine its resistance to vibrations during operation. This is another of the main aspects to take into account when choosing a type of temperature probe.

Among the different temperature probes, thermocouples are the simplest to build, presenting very little sensitivity to vibrations, compared to resistance thermometers.

required precision

The measurement accuracy When choosing a temperature indicator is another factor that will determine its acquisition.

Resistance thermometers offer greater precision in temperature measurement. In return, the price is higher than any type of thermocouple.

external conditions

Attention should always be paid to all external agents that can influence in temperature measurement.

Therefore, when choosing a temperature probe, we must ask ourselves what external effects surround the environment to be measured and what materials are the most resistant to these conditions.

Response time

When there are sudden temperature changes, these probes require a response time to return to their stable values. If a faster response time in the measurement is desired, it will be a key factor when it comes to Opt for a temperature detector.

In this case, thermistors have the fastest response time. On the contrary, thermistors are more fragile and require a current source for a correct measurement.

Main Uses of the Temperature Probe

There are many uses of a temperature probe in our daily life. If you are in this article, it is probably because you also want carry out your application in their own field or profession. sonda de temperatura It is a key piece in any thermal installation that requires proportional regulation.

Thus, we can find these devices in boilers, water heaters, heaters, air conditioners and solar Power Mechanisms, among others.

In the case of heating, the probe will activate or deactivate the heating system depending on the temperature in which we find ourselves and the one we want to reach.

Another example, in a surface cooling installation, without reaching the freezing point of the water, the probe will provide us with the necessary information (temperature) to deactivate the machine and prevent ice from being produced.

The most recommended temperature probe

Up to this point we have been able to see what a temperature probe is, its main types, what characteristics can help us decide which of them best suits our needs and its main uses. But within the numerous models, there is one that currently has greater success in most processes.

We talk about the probe pt100. It is a resistance thermometer characterized by a wide temperature range and the 100 ohms shown at 0°C.

It mainly uses platinum as a conductive material. Among its most outstanding advantages are its wide range of temperatures at measure, its speed of response and its greater linearity.

It is possible to find different degrees of precision of this temperature probe, depending on the model to be assembled, thus distinguishing between Din-B, Din-A, 1/3Din or 1/10Din.

 CWhat is the best temperature probe?

The best probe will be the one that suits your measurement project. Contact us for any questions you may have in this regard and we will recommend the appropriate model of temperature probe for your equipment.