Thermocouples

Most frequently used method to

measure temperatures with an
electrical output signal.
Introduction

A thermocouple is a temperature sensor that uses the Seebeck effect to convert

temperature into electrical voltage

The Seebeck effect is the phenomenon that when two dissimilar metals are
placed in contact, a voltage is generated between them if there is a difference in
temperature between the two junctions

Thermocouples are widely used in industrial and scientific applications for

temperature measurement
Construction
• A thermocouple consists of two
dissimilar metal wires that are joined
together at two points
• The two junctions are called the hot
junction and the cold junction
• The voltage generated by the
thermocouple is proportional to the
difference in temperature between the
hot and cold junctions
Principle of • When two dissimilar metals are placed
in contact, a small electric current flows
Operation between them
• The direction of the current depends on
the type of metals that are in contact
and the temperature difference
between the two junctions
• The magnitude of the current is
proportional to the temperature
difference between the two junctions
Types of Thermocouples
Applications

• Industrial process control

• Scientific research
• Medical diagnostics
• HVAC systems
• Fire detection
• Environmental monitoring
RTD
• RTDs are temperature sensors that use the
change in resistance of a metal with
temperature to measure temperature
• They are a type of passive sensor, meaning
they do not require any power to operate
• RTDs are accurate, reliable, and have a long
lifespan
 • RTDs consist of a thin wire of metal that is wound
into a coil
• The wire is typically made of platinum, nickel, or
Construction copper
• The coil is encased in a protective sheath
Principle of Operation
• The resistance of a metal increases with increasing
temperature
• This is because the increased temperature causes the
metal atoms to vibrate more, which makes it more
difficult for electrons to flow through the metal
• The change in resistance of the RTD coil is proportional
to the change in temperature
 Level Transmitter
• Guided Wave Radar Level
Transmitter
• Displacer Pressure Type Level
Transmitter
• Bubbler Type Level Transmitter
• Capacitance Type Level Transmitter
Displacer Type Level Transmitter

• Principle: Archimedes' principle

• Displacer: Buoyant object in liquid
• Working: Level changes move displacer,
changing pressure
• Measurement: Pressure difference
proportional to level
• Applications: Viscous or slurry-like fluids
• Pros: Reliable, minimal maintenance
• Cons: Limited for high-density variations
Air Bubbler Type
Level Transmitter

• Principle: Air pressure for liquid level

• Setup: Air bubbled into liquid
• Working: Pressure corresponds to
hydrostatic head
• Measurement: Pressure transducer
converts to level
• Applications: Corrosive or sticky fluids,
sewer systems
• Pros: Resistant to fouling, versatile
• Cons: Slower response time, potential
air leaks
Guided Wave Radar Level Transmitter
• Principle: Radar pulses guided along probe
• Radar Pulses: Sent down probe, reflected
back
• Working: Time taken for pulse reflection
• Measurement: Accurate for liquids, solids,
interfaces
• Applications: Wide range of process
conditions
• Pros: Accurate, works well with agitated
surfaces
• Cons: Limited by material dielectric constants
Capacitance Type Level Transmitter

• Principle: Measures capacitance change

• Setup: Sensor forms capacitor with vessel wall
• Working: Level changes alter capacitance
• Measurement: Suitable for liquids, solids,
slurries
• Applications: Various industries, food,
pharmaceuticals
• Pros: Versatile, accurate, handles aggressive
substances.
• Cons: Affected by dielectric constant changes