A temperature probe is classified as a temperature sensor. Temperature is the most measured quantity in almost every process. There are several comprehensive choices for the perfect technology for measuring temperature.
Even though it is necessary to have the right measuring instrument, every measurement requires a perfect temperature probe.
Temperature probes come in different types and have a wide application in many industries. Some temperature probes work when placed onto the surface to be measured, while other temperature sensors need to be immersed or inserted in a liquid to measure the temperature.
Some probe thermometers can measure voltage and resistance change and convert it to an easily readable format.
Types of Temperature Probes in the Market
RTD (Resistance Temperature Detector)
These probes like those found at Process Parameters website, use RTD tech, which can be fitted into different housing.
This type of temperature probe is reliable and offers services for a long time regardless of the use. They are expensive compared to other types of temperature sensors, but they measure a wide temperature range.
Different RTDs come with diverse temperature measurement ranges. RTD sensors are either nickel or platinum and have different resistance ranges. The standard RTD sensor is PT100.
The customer’s specifications will determine the type of RTD to be used. These probes are good in measuring greater temperatures and in a more specific application.
NTC (Negative Temperature Coefficient)
This type takes advantage of thermistors. They are generally cheap. NTCs measure a smaller temperature range but are highly sensitive and have a quick response to temperature change.
These probes are the best option for measuring mid-range temperatures. They can efficiently measure temperatures ranging from -40⁰ C to 125⁰C and up to +250⁰C for glass encapsulated range.
Thermocouples
This type of probe is cheaper than RDT. Thermocouple temperature probes work under a wide range of temperatures. However, thermocouples are not stable when used for a long time hence need replacement.
They can be manufactured with a housing (bespoke probe) depending on the customer’s application. Thermocouples can measure temperatures that exceed +2000⁰ C.
Application of Temperature Probes
Temperature probes are primarily used in industries. Below are some of the popular sectors where temperature probes can be used.
- Food
- Medical
- Motorsport
- Communication
Temperature probes are used in common everyday activities and industry-based activities. Some of the best and standard applications of probes include:
- HVAC
- Computer
- Transit
- Patient monitoring
- Home appliances
- Industrial application
- Energy
- Laboratory
- Drilling
- Instrumentation and calibration
- Power utilities
Reasons for Using External Temperature Probes
The use of an external temperature probe allows greater accuracy and control of temperature. You can easily control and monitor the sample temperature when you dip or insert a temperature probe in the sample.
However, if the temperature probe is not in play, the heat in the plate will set a different instrument temperature. This doesn’t seem right since plate heat is not uniformly distributed; hence you will not know when the set temperature is reached.
Therefore, it is essential to use an external temperature probe. When using temperature sensors on hotplates, you need a stirring function. This will avoid the rising of the hotspot in the heated sample.
The primary function of stirring is to maintain uniform temperature across the sample.
Tips for Using a Temperature Probe
A probe thermometer can be used to check the food temperature when you re-heat, cook or cool. There are various probe thermometers: some are safe when used in ovens, while others are dangerous to use in ovens.
You should begin by reading the manufacturer’s guide on how to use it and how it should respond. Unless the manufacture says the probe is safe in the oven, you should never leave the temperature probe in the oven.
After using the probe, you need to clean and sanitise using a sanitising solution or alcohol.
How Do I Measure Food Temperature?
• The probe stem is inserted inside the food when measuring its temperature. If it is liquid food, you should start by stirring to ensure the temperature is evenly distributed for accurate temperature measurement.
• When measuring, you need to wait for some seconds for the temperature to be steady before recording the findings.
• You should not allow the temperature probe to touch the sides or bottom of the vessel carrying the food. When the probe touches the container, the temperature measured is not the food’s temperature and is not accurate.
Can I Leave The Meat Temperature Probe While Cooking?
To ensure you have perfectly cooked meat, check its temperature while cooking. Using a meat thermometer, you can get the proper cooking temperature of meat; hence you will know when it is ready to eat.
The meat probe will register temperature variation in around 20 seconds. Some types of meat probe thermometers are not safe to leave while the food is cooking. Leaving a meat thermometer while cooking can damage both the meal and the probe.
When Should I Insert A Meat Temperature Probe?
It is essential to keep track of the cooking process. Therefore, inserting of meat thermometer should be at the end of cooking. If you are following a particular recipe, you need to start checking the temperature at least 10 minutes before the end of the session.