RTD Element with Aluminum Head for Thermowell, 12in Long

Pyromation RTD Element for Thermowells: Precision Temperature Sensing

Product Overview: This specific Pyromation Resistance Temperature Detector (RTD) element is designed for use within thermowells, ensuring robust and accurate temperature measurement in industrial processes. It features a 100 Ohm platinum element, a durable 1/4 inch outside diameter (OD) sheath, and a 12-inch length. The assembly includes a 1/2 inch NPT (National Pipe Taper) stainless steel hex fitting for secure mounting and is terminated with an aluminum head and block for electrical connections. This configuration is engineered for reliability and high performance in demanding applications.

Understanding Resistance Temperature Detectors (RTDs): RTDs are highly accurate and stable temperature sensors that operate on the principle that the electrical resistance of certain metallic elements changes predictably with temperature. Unlike thermocouples which generate their own voltage, RTDs require an external excitation current to measure temperature. A small, constant current is passed through the element, and the resulting voltage drop, which is directly proportional to the element's resistance, is then measured and converted into a precise temperature reading. This method provides exceptional repeatability and interchangeability of elements, meaning replacement sensors will provide consistent readings without significant recalibration.

Key Features and Benefits of this RTD Element:

• 100 Ohm Platinum Element: Utilizes a standard Pt100 (Platinum 100 Ohm) sensor, known for its linearity, stability, and wide temperature range. Platinum elements offer superior accuracy compared to other materials.
• High Accuracy and Repeatability: RTDs provide some of the most precise temperature measurements available, with excellent stability over time and resistance to drift.
• 1/4 inch OD Sheath: Provides mechanical protection for the delicate RTD element, guarding against physical damage and environmental factors. Common sheath materials include stainless steel (e.g., 316 SS) for corrosion resistance.
• 12-inch Length: Offers flexibility in thermowell depth and process insertion, allowing for optimal sensor placement.
• 1/2 inch NPT Stainless Steel Hex Fitting: Ensures a secure, threaded connection to the thermowell, facilitating easy installation and removal while providing a robust seal. Stainless steel construction offers corrosion resistance.
• Aluminum Head and Block: The robust aluminum connection head protects terminal blocks where lead wires are connected, shielding them from moisture, dust, and mechanical stress. The block provides a secure point for wiring.

RTD Construction and Operating Principles: The core of an RTD is its measurement element, which typically consists of a fine wire (wire-wound elements) or a thin film (thin-film elements) of platinum, nickel, or copper, wound around or deposited onto a ceramic or glass core. This element is then sealed within a protective capsule. Because RTD elements often have a low initial resistance (e.g., 100 ohms at 0°C) and a relatively small change in resistance per degree of temperature, lead wire resistance can introduce measurement errors. To mitigate this, this RTD is designed to be used with a 3-wire or 4-wire configuration. These wiring schemes compensate for lead resistance, ensuring that only the change in the sensor's resistance is measured, leading to highly accurate readings.

Temperature Range: With proper element selection and protective sheathing, Pyromation RTDs are capable of operating across a broad temperature spectrum, typically from -200°C to 600°C (-328°F to 1112°F), making them suitable for a vast array of industrial applications.

Pyromation's Expertise: Pyromation specializes in manufacturing high-quality RTDs and resistance thermometers for diverse industry applications. Our product range includes single- or dual-element RTDs, various platinum resistance types (Pt100s, Pt1000s), and specialized configurations like Sanitary CIP (Clean-In-Place) designs. If a standard catalog item doesn't meet your needs, our experienced product engineers can custom-design an RTD measurement device for your specific application, including integrated temperature sensor assemblies with connection heads, thermowells, and transmitters.