PRACTICE 2

Response of temperature sensors

Objective:
To investigate the response of temperature-sensing devices to sudden changes in
temperature.
Method
To determine the time taken for a range of temperature sensors to reach a stable reading
after a step change in temperature.

Theory
The response of a temperature-sensitive device to a step change in temperature varies
according to the type of device. sheathing around the sensor can also affect the response,
as both the sensor and the sheath must reach thermal-equilibrium with the body. The
accuracy of a reading will be affected if the sensor has not had sufficient time to achieve
thermal equilibrium with the body, as the sensor will not provide a stable output.

Technical Data
The PT100 Reference thermometer has a sheath diameter of 2 mm.
The PT100 industrial thermometer has a sheath diameter of 10 mm.

Equipment Set Up
Ensure that the stirrer motor and the heater are both switched off, and the
hypsometer/water bath is cool.
Remove the slotted chimney on the steam vent, and fill the hypsometer/water bath until
the water level is between the top two marks on the sight glass situated at the front.
Replace the slotted chimney.
Fill the insulated flask with cold water or crushed ice, as available.
 For this experiment, the following sensors will be used: the industrial PT100, the
reference PT100, the 90 ° naked bead thermocouple, the thermistor and the liquid-in-glass
thermometer. Check that all the sensors are securely fastened into the carrier. The gland
nuts at the top should be finger tight. Take great care not to damage the sensors or sheaths.
Check that the sensors are connected to the console, with the plugs in the correct sockets.
The 90° thermocouple should be fitted to the front console socket. The industrial PT100
sensor should be connected to the 'LOW' current connection. The thermocouple selector
switch should be set to 'INT REF'. If automatic data logging is used, check that the
equipment is connected to the data logging device, and that the logger is ready for use.
Insert the sensor carrier into the insulated flask and allow a minute for the readings to
stabilize. Make a note of the temperature indicated by the PT100 reference thermometer;
this will be used as a reference value later in the experiment.
Position the sensor carrier on top of the water-bath, inserting the sensors through the
gasket holes.

Procedure:
Switch on the heater and the stirrer, and increase the heater power to maximum.
when the reference thermometer indicates a value significantly higher than the
temperature in the insulated flask (e.g. 20 ° C higher), switch off the heater.
For manual recording and for the liquid-in-glass thermometer:
Take a reading for the sensor under investigation (use the rotary selector switch on the
console to switch the display to the relevant sensor, or read directly from the liquid-in-
glass thermometer). Note the temperature indicated by the PT100 reference thermometer,
T1.
Quickly but carefully, transfer the sensor carrier from the water-bath to the insulated flask.
Record the sensor reading at five-second intervals.
Stop recording when the sensor reading has stabilized.
Note the temperature indicated by the PT100 reference thermometer, T2.
For automatic data logging (excluding liquid-in-glass thermometer):
Set the data logger to record at intervals of 1 second.

Start the data logger. Quickly but carefully, transfer the sensor carrier from the water-
bath to the ice-flask.
Stop logging when all the sensor readings have stabilized.
The liquid-in-glass thermometer will have to be recorded separately. Follow the
procedure above for manual recording.
Repeat the measurements, this time for a temperature increase, by returning the sensor
carrier to the water-bath.
If recording data manually, repeat the experiment for each sensor (this is not required
during automatic logging, as all sensors are logged simultaneously).
Switch on the heater and turn the power to maximum. Raise the water-bath temperature
to a point approximately halfway between the previous temperature and 100 °C. Switch
off the heater and repeat the readings.
Switch on the heater and turn the heater power to maximum. Raise the water-bath
temperature to boiling point, when steam should rise steadily from the steam vent. Take
readings for a third temperature differential.
Switch off the heater and stirrer after taking the final set of readings.

Note:
If the response of the sheathed thermocouple is required, replace the 90° naked bead
thermocouple with the sheathed thermocouple then repeat the exercise.
Results
Tabulate your results for each temperature differential under the following headings:
Time PT 100 PT100 IND Naked Bead Thermistor Liquid-in
REF (or Sheathed) Glass
(s) (Ω) (Ω) Thermocouple) (Ω) (° C)
(V)

(Depending on the data recording method employed, not all headings will be relevant)
Plot graphs of sensor output against time for each sensor. On each graph, mark the point
at which the sensor indicated a value that was 63.2% of the final, stabilized reading.
Confirm that this point occurred at a similar time after the step change, regardless of the
temperature differential. This value is the response of the sensor.
Conclusions

Hints.
Comment on the responses of the different sensors, and the effect of response on
accuracy.
Compare the results obtained for the two thermocouples. Describe and explain the effect
of the presence of a sheath on sensor response.

Compare the results obtained for the two platinum resistance thermometers. Describe and
explain the effect of sheath diameter on sensor response. Comment on the suitability of
each sensor for applications where there may be constant small fluctuations or rapid
changes in temperature. Explain the difficulties of designing a temperature sensor for an
industrial application where fast response and robust design are both considerations.