Basic Types of Temperature Measuring Gadgets
Unbeknownst to many, there are actually several different ways and gadgets to measure temperature. Temperature is simply the energy level of matter which can be tracked by a change in that matter. There are a variety of tools that measure temperatures from different objects in different ways. Specifically, there are seven basic types of measurement devices. Here are the seven types of devices which are used most commonly to measure temperature.
Thermocouples
Thermocouples are a type of voltage device which indicate the change of temperature by changing voltage. As the temperature of an object increases, the voltage from the thermocouple will increase with it, although not linearly.
The actual device is usually stored within a metal or ceramic outer coating in order to protect it from high temperatures and other environmental types. There are also other types of coatings that can be used, such as Teflon, which protects against acids and caustic solutions.
Resistive Temperature Devices
These devices are electrical, but they don’t use voltage to determine temperatures. Rather, they use the resistance of the object they’re measuring to measure and record its temperature. Two main types of resistive devices exist – metallic resistive temperature devices and thermistors.
These devices are easier to use than thermocouples because their readouts are usually linear and easy to decipher. However, thermocouples are more resistive and protected than resistive devices.
Infrared Sensors
These devices are great because they can read the temperature of an object without touching it. They’re especially useful for measuring the temperatures of sick people and have actually caught on in popularity during the course of the Covid-19 pandemic.
The infrared sensors come equipped with technology which turns the heat given off of a given object into light, then measure and record the light that it senses. They’re extremely accurate and quick, making them the go-to temperature-measuring devices for a variety of situations.
Bimetallic Devices
These are interesting devices because they measure the temperature of metals by measuring and recording the expansion of those metals when heated. Inside the actual device, two metals are bonded together and linked to a pointer.
When heated, one side of the device will expand to a greater extent than the other. These devices are not as accurate or streamlined as others, but they’re great for their portability and ease of use.
Thermometers
The most well-known device for measuring temperatures, thermometers work by using expanding liquids to measure and record the temperature of the objects in question. There are actually two types of thermometers – mercury types and organic liquid types.
Mercury thermometers are still in use but are quickly becoming obsolete due to the use of organic thermometers and infrared scanners. Mercury thermometers are also being used less because mercury is considered a contaminant to the environment.
Change-of-State Sensors
One of the most interesting temperature sensors, change-of-state sensors measure the change of state in a given material which is initiated by the adding or decreasing of heat. There are many commercially viable uses of these types of sensors, such as in labels, pellets, crayons, or lacquers.
Although they’re effective and accurate, these sensors often take a prolonged time to make their measurements and can be difficult to read. However, because they don’t require electricity to function, they’re used often in many different industries.
Silicon Diode
These types of measurement devices have been developed recently and specifically for cryogenic situations. The diode will conduct and measure the temperature of the object in a linear and easily readable fashion.
Although they’re accurate and quick, the reading of the sensor heavily depends on the system it is integrated into, a unique situation for a device that measures temperature. These devices are used for specific and highly scientific situations.
