Temperature Measurement with RTD and Thermistors-29th november,24’

-Mallinath Ogirala
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Introduction
The objective is to calibrate a thermistor using various temperature measuring devices,
including an RTD, thermostat, RTD transmitter, thermometer, and bimetallic thermometer, to
ensure accurate calibration. The bimetallic thermometer will serve as the reference standard
for calibrating the thermistor and assessing the accuracy and performance of the standalone
thermometer and RTD. Additionally, the linearity of the RTD transmitter in converting
temperature to current output will be evaluated across its operating range. The thermostat's
temperature regulation capabilities will also be compared against the calibrated devices. This
process ensures precise temperature measurement and consistency across all devices involved
in the calibration.

Procedure
The experiment begins by placing the RTD, thermistor, RTD transmitter, digital thermometer,
and bimetallic thermometer in a water-ice mixture.

The resistance of the thermistor, ranging from 0.2 to 5 kΩ, and the RTD, ranging from 100 to
150 Ω, is measured using multimeters. The current output in milliamperes (mA) displayed on
the RTD transmitter panel is also recorded. Simultaneously, the bimetallic and digital
thermometers measure and record the ice bath's temperature. The next phase involves
gradually raising the water temperature in 5°C increments up to 20°C, recording temperature
readings, current output, and resistance at each step.

The experiment then proceeds with the assembly of a water heater equipped with all the
thermometers. The water temperature is increased in 10°C increments from 30°C to 100°C,
with temperature readings taken at each step. Additionally, a pyrometer is used to measure the
metal wall temperature of the water heater for comparison at each increment.

Finally, the water temperature is decreased from 100°C back to 0°C, repeating the
measurement process at each decrement. This ensures a full cycle of temperature
measurements, providing a comprehensive dataset for analysis.

Reduced Data
S.n Reference bi RTD RTD thermistor (kilo
o Temp(centigrade) metallic transmitter(mA) ohms)
1 0.5 1.5 100.9 4.03 13.99
11 0.9 2 101.1 4.01 10.8
2 3.3 4.5 101.6 4.27 13.03
3 5.2 5 102.2 4.73 11.82
10 6.8 7 103.6 5.21 10.25
4 9.5 10 104.2 5.5 9.62
9 13.7 14 105.6 5.98 8.3
 5 16.5 16.5 107 6.57 7.06
6 21.4 21 108.9 7.23 5.73
8 25.4 25 110.6 7.98 4.76
7 28.3 27 111.3 8.43 4.35
8 35.8 34.5 113.6 9.45 3.25
7 37.4 36 114.5 9.51 3
9 46.4 45.5 118.6 11.29 2.03
6 47.6 46 118.8 11.1 2.01
5 54.5 54 119.8 12.43 1.63
10 57.2 56 122.6 13 1.38
11 66.1 63.5 125.9 14.44 0.99
4 66.1 65 126.5 14.4 0.97
3 75.2 74.5 129.5 15.86 0.75
12 77.3 74 130.1 16.2 0.72
2 86 83 133.7 17.55 0.53
13 87.2 85.5 133.8 17.75 0.51
1 97.6 94 137.6 19.38 0.39
14 98.3 96 138.2 19.54 0.38

Results
 Discussion
1. Bimetallic Thermometer vs. Reference Temperature:
The readings from the bimetallic thermometer show an almost linear relationship with the
reference temperature. This behavior is due to the differential thermal expansion of the two
metals in the bimetallic strip. As the temperature increases, the strip bends progressively
more, driven by the varying expansion rates of the metals, which correspondingly indicate a
rise in measured temperature. This linearity makes bimetallic thermometers dependable for
general-purpose temperature measurement. However, slight deviations may occur at higher
temperatures, likely caused by the thermal characteristics of the materials used.
2. RTD Resistance vs Reference Temperature:

The resistance of the RTD increases steadily and almost linearly with the reference
temperature. This behavior is based on the principle that the electrical resistance of metals,
such as platinum, increases predictably with rising temperature. The near-linear relationship
is a defining characteristic of RTDs, ensuring high precision and stability across a broad
temperature range. Minor deviations from linearity, particularly at elevated temperatures, can
be attributed to the intrinsic imperfections of the metal and thermal stress effects, though
these are typically negligible in high-quality RTDs.

3. RTD Transmitter vs Reference Temperature:

The RTD transmitter's current output (measured in milliamperes) increases steadily with the
reference temperature, with slight nonlinearity observed at higher temperatures. This
transmitter translates the RTD's resistance into a current signal proportional to the
temperature. The minor nonlinearity could stem from calibration errors or the transmitter's
circuitry adjustments for the RTD's inherent resistance-temperature characteristics.
Nevertheless, the RTD transmitter delivers consistent and reliable output, making it well-
suited for process control applications that require current signal-based systems.

4. Thermistor Resistance vs Reference Temperature:

The current output of the RTD transmitter, measured in milliamperes, steadily increases with
the reference temperature, though slight nonlinearity is noticeable at elevated temperatures.
The transmitter converts the RTD's resistance into a temperature-proportional current signal.
This minor nonlinearity might be attributed to calibration inaccuracies or the circuitry's
adjustments for the RTD's resistance-temperature behavior. Despite this, the RTD transmitter
provides a dependable and consistent output, making it ideal for process control applications
that utilize current signal systems.

Conclusion
This experiment effectively showcased the characteristics and performance of various
temperature measurement devices, including the RTD, RTD transmitter, bimetallic
thermometer, and thermistor. The RTD exhibited a nearly linear resistance increase with
temperature, confirming its accuracy and reliability for wide-range temperature
measurements. The RTD transmitter reliably converted RTD resistance into a proportional
current output, with minor nonlinearities that are manageable in industrial settings.

The bimetallic thermometer proved robust and straightforward, offering a linear response that
makes it suitable for general-purpose temperature monitoring. In contrast, the thermistor
demonstrated high sensitivity at lower temperatures due to its nonlinear resistance decrease
with rising temperature. However, its limited operating range restricts its use to applications
requiring precise measurements over narrow temperature intervals.

Each sensor presented distinct advantages and limitations, making it ideal for specific
applications. The RTD and its transmitter excel in precision and stability over broad
temperature ranges, while thermistors are well-suited for rapid, sensitive measurements
within smaller ranges. The bimetallic thermometer, being simple and durable, is ideal for
everyday applications. This experiment underscored the importance of selecting the
appropriate temperature sensor based on the specific requirements of the application.