A Guide to the PT-1000 RTD

by | May 3, 2021 | Cyber Security

In this article we’ll examine the differences between the PT100 & PT-1000 RTD. A Resistance Temperature Detector, commonly known as an RTD, is a temperature sensor that contains a resistor. The resistance usually transforms with temperature, and this can be adjusted to give a temperature reading.

In most cases, the detectors are made of Platinum (Pt) as they have a linear resistance-temperature relationship that stretches over a huge range of temperature. Since they are made of Platinum, they are also known as Platinum Resistance Thermometers. These detectors come in different forms, such as Pt-100, which has 100 ohms and Pt-1000 with 1000 ohms. Usually, the PT1000 gives a high resolution and are more accurate than the Pt100 thermometers.

Types of Temperature Sensors

When you want to purchase the temperature sensors, you must select the most appropriate option to fit your project. Here are the common temperature sensors that you will find in the market.

  • RTDs: Made from Platinum, the sensors are usually produced in Pt-100, Pt-500, and Pt-1000. They can be used as a basic element and can be seen in the fabrication construction.
  • Wire RTDs: These wire RTDs come in different types and lengths to match your needs and preferences. The thermometers can be used for temperature mapping and other OEM applications. The best thing about the wire RTDs is that they are fast and are a low-cost option.
  • Fabricated RTDs: As the name suggests, the RTDs are fabricated with a sheath for protection. They are usually available in Pt100 and Pt1000 with a huge range of terminations like the lead wires and plugs.
  • Surface Measurement RTDs: These RTDs can be used for temporary and permanent measurement of surfaces. In most cases, you will find them in Research and Development projects.
  • General Purpose RTDs: These RTDs are usually for general purposes and can mostly be seen in the plastics industry. You can use them for oil seal probes and in the pharmaceutical industries for packaging and other applications.
  • Mineral Insulated RTDs: These are RTDs that are insulated using minerals. Usually, they are shaped and can be transformed into any form depending on the applications. They are most suitable for high temperatures and give better accuracy, stability, and repeatability.
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How to Choose the Best RTD Sensors

There are many things that come into play when choosing Platinum Resistance Thermometers (RTDs). Let’s explore the most common ones.

  • Type of Element: Before you begin any connections, it is vital that you first check the type of RTD element required. You can go for the PT-100 or PT-1000, depending on your tasks and connections.
  • The Application: You must also determine the substance being measured. If you measure liquids, you will need a different RTD probe from the person measuring a gas. Check the application beforehand.
  • Location: The location for the application also differs, and you must confirm before you select. A wall-mounted RTD sensor will be different from a hand-held one.
  • Range of Operations: The degree range of operations also matters as some substances require high temperatures while others require low temperatures. It could be 0 degrees to 1000 degrees.
  • Work environment: In the environmental aspect, you must check whether the substance should be chemically resistant, IP rating, or has a high vibration.
  • Physical Considerations: Check the length, diameter, as well as requirements in size.
  • Connections: Check the kind of connection that the RTD will be joined to. Some may need a terminal head, connector, transmitters, and wires. If they need a wire, you should confirm whether they have a two-wire, three-wire, or four-wire configuration.

The Difference between PT-100 and PT-1000 RTD

PT100 RTD: These sensors are most applicable in industrial and commercial applications. It works best with three and four-wire configurations as compared to the two-wire configuration. This is mainly because the sensing elements are lower than the PT-1000 sensors. You can find them in thin-film and wire-wound element constructions. The best thing about the sensors is that they are compatible with a broad range of products, and they are widespread. You can get them in any shop or facility.

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PT1000 RTD: These sensors work best with applications that require two-wire circuit configurations. They have more and better resistance, and the distorting effect in the lead wires is lesser than the PT-100. Due to the higher resistance values, it can be measured using less current. Even better, they can be used in configurations that use lesser power than the PT100s. Since they consume less power, they produce less heat and are subject to fewer errors resulting from self-heating. It is important to know that they are only available in a thin-film element.

PT-1000 RTD Wrap Up

Finding the right sensors does not have to be a difficult task. It is crucial that you understand the different sensing elements available as they are always categorised depending on the metal they are made of and the resistance. You must research and align your needs to the correct sensors, lest you make mistakes.

Matthew Hinton