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Initial Class Test Three
Temperature Sensors and Detectors
21
Engineering
Professional
03/05/2008

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Cards

Term
State the three basic functions of temperatures detectors.
Definition
Indication alarm and control
Term
Describe the two alternate methods of determining temperature when the normal temperature sensing devices are inoperable.
Definition
Installed spair, contact pyrometer, external bridge
Term
State the two environmental concerns that can affect the accuracy and reliability of temperature detection instrumentation
Definition
Ambient temperature changes and humidity
Term
Explain the basic theory of operation of a bimetallic strip thermometer
Definition
Two strips of metal with different coefficients of thermal expansion are connected. Since they are connected they are always at the same temperature. Thus when heated, the strips will bend.
Term

Describe the basic construction of a thermocouple including:

Major component arrangement

Materials used

Definition

A thermocouple is constructed by joining two dissimilar metal wires at one end.  The other end of each wire is connected to a measuring instrument.

Magnesium Oxide surrounds dissimilar metals usually Platinum and another metal. It is inclosed in a thermal sheath.

Term

Explain how RTD resistance varies for the following:

Increase in temperature

Decrease in temperature

Definition
An increase in temperature results in an increase of resistance.
Term
Explain how a thermocouple provides an output represenative of the measured temperature.
Definition

Heating the measuring junction of the thermocouple produces a voltage, which is greater than the voltage across the reference junction.  The difference between the two voltages is proportional to the difference in temperature and can be measured on the voltmeter (in millivolts).

Term

Describe the construction of a basic RTD including:

Major component arrangement

Materials used

Definition

RTD elements are usually long, spring-like wires surrounded by an insulator and enclosed in a metal sheath.

RTD elements are normally constructed of platinum, copper, or nickel.

Term
Explain how an RTD provides an output representative of the measured temperature.
Definition

A change in temperature will cause an RTD to heat or cool, producing a proportional change in resistance.  A precision device that is calibrated to give the proper temperature reading measures the change in resistance.

Term

Given a simplified schematic diagram of a basic bridge circuit, state the purpose of the following components:

R1, R2, RX, Adjustable Resistor, and Sensitive Ammeter

Definition

(R1 and R2) are used for ratioing the adjustable and known resistances

  (R3) is used to match the unknown variable resistor (Rx) is used to measure temperature

A sensing ammeter indicates the current flow through the bridge circuit

Term
Describe the bridge circuit conditions that create a balanced bridge
Definition
The bridge circuit is considered balanced when the sensing ammeter reads zero current.
Term

Describe the temperature instrument indications for the following circuit faults.

Short Circuit

Open Circuit

Definition

A very high temperature indicates an open circuit in a temperature instrument.  A very low temperature indicates a short circuit in a temperature instrument.

Term
Explain the three methods of bridge circuit compensation for changes in ambient temperature.
Definition
·        Measuring circuit resistor selection

·        Electronic circuitry design

·        Use of three or four wire RTD circuits

Term
Describe the two basic types of measurement.
Definition

Direct parameter measurement - always local measurement, measured by observing actual parameter

Indirect parameter measurement - used to provide remote indication, measured by observing a physical property to determine the actual parameter.

Term
Draw and label a block diagram of a basic instrument channel.
Definition
[image]
Term
Define range.
Definition
the area between the limits within which a quantity in measured
Term
Define Span
Definition
The mathematical difference between the upper and lower range values.
Term
Define Elevated Zero
Definition

"Elevated Zero Range" is a range in which the zero value of the measured variable is greater than the lower range value.

 

Term
Define Suppressed Zero.
Definition
"Suppressed Zero Range" is a range is which the zero value of the measured variable is less than the lower range limit
Term
Define Accuracy
Definition
the degree to which the output of an instrument approaches an accepted standard or true value.
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