When you feel your body’s temperature rising, you use a thermometer to check the temperature. Have you ever wondered about the device that checks the temperature of electric machines? If not, you will find it in this blog post.
The thermometer of electric machines is PT100 temperature sensor. PT100 temperature sensors, also known as RTDs (Resistance Temperature Detectors), are the superheroes of industrial temperature measurement with their accurate temperature readings.
As the need for accurate temperature sensing goes up, PT100 temperature sensors are also used widely across industries. Temperature is an essential parameter in industrial applications, influencing everything from chemical reactions to the efficiency of machines. PT100 temperature sensors work on the principle of varying electrical resistance with temperature.
In this blog post, we’re going to understand PT100 temperature sensors, figuring out how they work, why they’re so useful, and how they’re employed for better accuracy in temperature measurements.
What is PT100 Temperature Sensor?
Fig: 3-Wire PT100 Temperature Sensor
PT100 temperature sensors are Platinum (Pt) RTDs with an electrical resistance of 100 Ω at 0℃. PT100’s electrical resistance changes with variations in temperature. The PT100 temperature sensor detects temperature changes by regulating the flow of electricity through sensor wire with alterations in resistance.
The formula given below summarizes how change in resistance affects temperature.
Rt = R0 (1+ α ΔT)
Where:
Rt = Final Resistance
R0 = Initial Resistance
α = Temperature Coefficient of Resistance
ΔT = Change in Temperature (Tf – Ti) i.e., Tf = Final Temperature & Ti = Initial Temperature
How PT100 Temperature Sensors Work ?
PT100 temperature sensors operate in a fascinating way involving resistance and temperature. Understanding this resistance-temperature relationship is vital in understanding PT100 temperature sensors. As the temperature of the sensor changes, the electrical resistance of the Platinum (Pt) wire in the PT100 temperature sensor also changes correspondingly.
The PT100 temperature sensor utilizes the changes in temperature into measurable variations in electrical resistance. The 385 version PT100 temperature sensor is the most common across industries. The term “385” denotes the temperature coefficient (α) of the PT100 sensor.
The formula for temperature coefficient of PT100 sensor is given below.
Where:
α = Temperature Coefficient
R100 = Resistance at 100°C
R0 = Resistance at 0°C
For Example:-
PT100 has a resistance of 100 Ω at 0°C and a resistance of 138.51 Ω at 100°C (Obtained from boiling point of water). The temperature coefficient can be calculated with the following equation:
α = 0.003851 /°C = 3.851 x 10-3 /°C
Usually, this value is rounded and the sensor is referred to as a “385” PT100 temperature sensor.
The graph below shows how PT100 (385) temperature sensor’s resistance changes with temperature.
From the above graph, the change in resistance of a PT100 sensor with temperature variation is not perfectly linear, but somewhat curved.
Benefits of PT100 Temperature Sensors
PT100 temperature sensors stand out among others due to several distinct advantages. Some of them are discussed below.
High Accuracy
One major factor contributing to PT100’s widespread use is their high accuracy. PT100 temperature sensors provide highly precise temperature measurements, This makes them indispensable in applications where exact temperature sensing is crucial. According to studies conducted by the Temperature Sensor Market,
PT100 sensors exhibit an impressive accuracy level of approximately ±0.03°C, signifying their superiority in delivering precise readings.
Great Stability
Stability is another key factor that makes PT100 temperature sensors favorable in industrial applications. The inherent stability of Platinum (Pt) as the sensing material in PT100 temperature sensors ensures consistent performance over time.
This stability is vital for applications where minimal temperature variations need to be detected to maintain optimal conditions. Industries such as pharmaceuticals and scientific research rely on PT100 temperature sensors for their stability, ensuring reliable and accurate measurements in critical processes.
Wide Temperature Range
PT100 temperature sensors boast a wide temperature range, adding to their versatility. Their ability to operate across an extensive range of temperatures makes them suitable for diverse applications, ranging from extreme industrial processes to controlled laboratory settings. This broad temperature range enables PT100 temperature sensors to meet the demands of various applications, ensuring flexibility and adaptability.
In practical terms, these advantages translate into tangible benefits across industries. For instance, in industrial manufacturing, PT100 sensors are employed for precise temperature control in processes where even slight deviations can impact product quality.
Similarly, in scientific research, PT100 sensors contribute to the accuracy of experiments that require strict temperature management. The multifaceted advantages of PT100 sensors position them as a preferred choice in temperature sensing technologies, offering reliability, accuracy, stability, and adaptability to a wide range of temperature conditions.
Application of PT100 Temperature Sensors
PT100 temperature sensors find extensive applications across diverse industries, playing a crucial role in enhancing processes and ensuring quality control.
In Pharmaceutical Industries
In the realm of pharmaceuticals, PT100 temperature sensors are employed to monitor and regulate temperatures in critical stages of drug manufacturing. The strict requirements for temperature precision in pharmaceutical processes, such as vaccine production and drug formulation, make PT100 sensors a preferred choice.
According to industry reports, PT100 temperature sensors contribute to maintaining temperature control within the strict limits necessary for pharmaceutical production, thereby ensuring the quality and efficacy of pharmaceutical products.
In Automotive Industries
In the automotive sector, PT100 temperature sensors are utilized for various applications, including engine temperature monitoring and climate control systems. The accuracy and reliability of PT100 sensors are crucial in maintaining optimal engine performance and ensuring the efficiency of cooling systems. This has a direct impact on vehicle reliability, fuel efficiency, and emission control.
Industry statistics highlight the widespread adoption of PT100 temperature sensors in the automotive sector, with a significant percentage of modern vehicles incorporating these sensors for temperature management.
In Food & Beverage Industries
In food & beverage industries, PT100 temperature sensors are integral to processes such as food storage, transportation, and cooking. They ensure that goods with shorter shelf lives are stored at optimal temperatures, preserving freshness and quality.
Additionally, in the culinary field, PT100 temperature sensors contribute to the precision required in cooking processes, such as baking and sous-vide, where temperature control is critical for achieving desired results.
Industry data highlights the wide adoption of PT100 temperature sensors in the food and beverage sector, signifying their role in maintaining quality standards and safety in the production and distribution of consumables.
In Scientific Research
PT100 temperature sensors play a pivotal role in scientific research, especially in laboratories where precise temperature control is essential for experiments and studies. Whether it’s in biology, chemistry, or materials science, researchers rely on PT100 temperature sensors to maintain stable and accurate temperatures in controlled environments.
Studies indicate the significant use of PT100 temperature sensors in research laboratories, emphasizing their vitality in contributing to the relevance of scientific experiments.
