Temperature measurement is something that we don’t really give a second thought to, but it is an integral part of life. Whether for personal use or in a variety of business, industrial, and even scientific settings, having the right measurement tools can mean the difference between getting an effective reading and a wrong one.
The cool thing about that process is that there are several different temperature measuring tools to choose from. Here are some of the most common temperature measurement tools you will come across.
Thermometers
The most common form of temperature measurement is thermometers like these. In recent years, temperature measurement technology has evolved to the point that there are now measurement devices that serve very specific uses when it comes to reading temperature.
Thermometers are perhaps the most well-known device out there. They used to make use of mercury for liquid expansion temperature readings. That said, there are some organic liquid expansion thermometers because using Mercury is quite hazardous should they break open. When heated, these liquids expand, getting to measurement marks on the casing (usually glass). Thermometers have largely become digital these days, but it isn’t exactly uncommon to find a glass liquid version.
Silicon Diode
Using a silicon diode sensor is meant for a very specific use, specifically for measuring cryogenic temperature range. Basically, these are linear devices that recognize the conductivity of the diode. That conductivity will increase linearly when placed in low cryogenic regions.
Sensors can vary but each often serves a very specific use, so don’t just grab some random device and assume it will work. The average person isn’t going to have a use for silicon diode measurement tools, though it can be great for scientific research purposes because of the very specific thing it can do.
Infrared Sensors
Another more common type of temperature measurement device is the infrared sensor temperature reader. These use non-contact sensors, so they can be used from a short distance away for both safety reasons and concerns over space. Just hold it up and the reading is based on the radiation that the object in question gives off.
Infrared sensors are becoming more commonplace, especially when it comes to home healthcare temperature measurement. The latter usually requires aiming at a forehead or other body part and pulling the trigger. The device gauges body heat through the heat radiation given off by the body. It can be a great tool to use in healthcare settings, especially given the recurring costs of procuring specific tools or measurement devices.
Thermocouples
Thermocouples are among the most common forms of temperature measurement devices out there on the market. These work simply in that they measure temperature based on changes in voltage. When the voltage of the thermocouple begins to rise, so too does the temperature. Just keep in mind that the change is not a linear one and there can be some differences.
Thermocouples typically come within some sort of ceramic or metallic shield. The shield protects them from exposure to a vast range of environments. Metal-sheathed are quite common and also come with a litany of different coatings. Something like a Teflon coating can make it viable when using acids or strong caustic solutions that would otherwise damage other components.
No matter what you do in your day-to-day life, there is a good chance that you are going to run into a temperature measurement device that you need somewhere. Depending on your preferred method of getting that reading, each has its own benefits and downsides. It also couldn’t hurt to have a variety of temperature measurement tools on hand.