We can feel how hot or cold something is. However, sometimes things are just too hot or cold for us to feel safe. At
other times we need to know exactly how hot or cold something is. When we need to measure temperature (t°)
correctly, we need to use an instrument called a thermometer. This measures t° in degrees Celsius (sometimes called centigrade) or
degrees Fahrenheit. The measurement is always indirect, which is a measurement not of t° itself but the effect
of t° on some physical property of a material used in the thermometer. In response to changes in t°, for
example, solids, liquids, and gases expand and contract; the pressure of a gas that is kept at a constant volume
changes; and the electrical resistance of a metal or alloy increases and decreases.
Most thermometers have scales marked off in degrees, the units in which t° is measured. The most common scales
are Fahrenheit, Celsius, and Kelvin.
Different types of thermometers are intended to be used to measure different types of environments for t°
settings. Choosing the right thermometer for a task is essential for getting accurate readings on the items you are
measuring.
There is a variety of thermometers available, each with a specific use. Understanding how different thermometers work
will help you to find a thermometer that will be most suitable for your needs. This will help to ensure the results
to be credible so that you can trust the information you are using to make decisions.
The most common, often the cheapest, and most popular type of thermometer. Traditional
thermometers are designed for at-home use for measuring the t° of the air or
water in both °F and °C. These should not require much maintenance, but they may have varied
accuracy, range, and resolution. They consist of a narrow, sealed glass tube with a bulb filled with
mercury, alcohol (usually dyed red, to make it easily visible), or some other liquid at its lower
end.
As the t° rises, the liquid expands and rises in the tube. A drop in t° causes the liquid to
contract so that its level in the tube falls.
These thermometers are designed for professional use as they allow the simultaneous monitoring of two
or more environments over both short and long periods of time. They are ideal for various
applications, such as indoor and outdoor t° comparisons, the monitoring of storage areas, and
classroom maintenance. The main reader of this thermometer can be mounted to a desk or wall and the
probes can be inserted into a variety of environments for readings.
Typically consist of the main display unit and external t° sensors
Each external sensor reading is displayed on the main unit
The main unit can typically be wall- or desk-mounted
Traceable accuracy is recommended
Variable measurement range, resolution, and accuracy
Temperature indicating labels are self-adhesive t° proofing foils. They are the ideal solution to monitor and
verify t° specific operations such as sterilization or climate conditions during storage and transit. They are
also suitable for use where t° values should not be exceeded, such as engine or bearing monitoring. They are a
relatively cheap yet effective way to achieve permanent records of accuracy.
The labels are produced in a variety of t° points and sizes and permanently darken when exposed
at or above the indicated t° point. The labels are self-adhesive and resist oil, water, and
steam, which allows them to be placed on any smooth surface quickly and easily.
Each segment has both °C and °F values
Each label is oil and water-resistant
The color change is irreversible even after the object being measured cools down
After use, labels can be removed
Variable measurement range, resolution, and accuracy
Probe thermometers are designed to deliver instant and accurate t° readings of foods, liquids,
and semi-solid samples via its fixed probe, which will be suitable for both immersion and
penetration. They are ideal for use in the catering trade for hygiene testing, retail outlets, and
laboratories, and they will vary in size and focus on providing solid, accurate readings to ensure
user safety.
Very easy to use and highly portable
Probes will vary in size, material, and maneuverability
Wired probe thermometers are similar to fixed probe thermometers, the difference being that the
probe is attached to the thermometer via a wire.
This maximizes utility without compromising accuracy
Traceable accuracy is recommended if used in a professional environment
Variable measurement range, resolution, and accuracy
These thermometers are designed to deal with extreme t°s and are normally found in laboratories and manufacturing
facilities. They cater to applications requiring high precision and can facilitate a range of interchangeable
plug-in probes for air, liquid, penetration, and surface t° measurements. The specific t° range will vary by
brand, but they work to provide a non-slip grip that is maneuverable for use in a variety of environments without
compromising accuracy. They're often the best choice of a thermometer if you have several applications in one
professional environment.
They offer wide t° measurement ranges, high accuracy, and fast measurement response times
Non-slip function buttons and impact-resistant casing make these thermometers ideal for use in
harsh working environments
Probes will vary in size, material, and maneuverability
Traceable accuracy is recommended if used in a professional environment
Variable measurement range, resolution, and accuracy
These provide t° real-time results that can be downloaded to a computer to note the t°
history of an environment to check for variances. This can be used to provide graphical data and
accurate readings that are suitable for professional use.
The recorded measurements can be attached to emails or reports and are great for fault finding
or traceability in controlled environments
A user may select the logging rate, start time, alarm limits, and logging mode
The supplied analysis software provides a graphical display of data, showcasing the total
readings, a zoom facility for individual readings, and a visual indication of alarm levels
throughout the logging period
Traceable accuracy is recommended if used in a professional environment
Variable measurement range, resolution, and accuracy
An infrared (IR) thermometer measures the infrared (heat) radiation given off by an object to
determine its t°. It can measure very high or low surface t°s without the need to make
contact with the item in question, which is ideal for spot-checking t° settings within an
environment. The pyroelectric thermometer contains a type of crystal that produces an electrical
signal whose strength is proportional to the infrared radiation to which it is exposed.
Important factors to consider before measuring are laser spot-size and the emissivity value of
the surface being measured
The error in the accuracy of a measured value can be as much as 30% of the reading just based on
emissivity
Traceable accuracy is recommended if used in a professional environment
Variable measurement range, resolution, and accuracy
A thermal imaging camera allows immediate identification of hot and cold areas via thermal imagery.
They are ideal for detecting hidden problems, surveying buildings to find moisture and leaks,
identifying energy loss and poor insulation, electrical faults, and detecting plumbing issues.
Some cameras facilitate the download of imagery to PCs or laptops
The recorded data can then be attached to emails or reports and is great for fault finding or
traceability in controlled environments
Variable image display resolution
Some models include a correction for emissivity and reflected t°
Variable measurement range, resolution, and accuracy
These contain liquid crystals that change color over a certain range of t°s. Various mixtures of
liquid crystals are used - each mixture is in a separate container, becoming light in color at a
specific t°. In digital types, each container is covered with a stencil of a number that
corresponds to the t° at which the mixture in the container becomes light in color. Fever
thermometers are designed to be placed on the forehead, and most indoor digital thermometers are of
this type.
The most common type in the industry, the constant-volume gas thermometer determines t° by
measuring the pressure needed to keep the volume of a gas constant as the t° varies. The
pressure of a gas confined to a constant volume varies with t° in a known manner; if the
pressure of the gas is measured, its t° can be easily calculated.
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