PreventVibrationDamageTCsRTDSensors WhitePaper PDF

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Preventing Vibration Damage to Thermocouples and RTD Sensors
Thermocouples and resistance temperature detectors, measurements. Platinum is the most preferred wire, since it
or RTDs, are the most commonly used temperature sensors. provides the best accuracy over the broadest temperature
Thermocouples operate on the principle of the Seebeck effect, range. ASTM E1137 is the international standard that defines
which states that two dissimilar metals joined at two junctions tolerances for platinum resistance sensors. It is frequently
generate an electromotive force, or EMF, at the junctions. used as one of the criteria for selecting a temperature
The metals react to changes in temperature to produce an sensor, as RTDs manufactured and tested according to this
EMF voltage in relation to the difference in temperature at the specification offer greater reliability and better performance.
junction. RTDs function on the precept that electrical resistance
PROBE
TIPS TIPS ART
CUTAWAY CUTAWAY ART
increases with increasing temperature. The types of metal used
to fabricate the sensor impact accuracy, measurement range,
response time and resistance to environmental stressors such
as vibration.
Sensor Design of Thermocouples and RTDs

Grounded
Exposed Exposed
Ungrounded Ungrounded
TFD Thin-Film RTD shown magnified
Thin-film RTDs offer substantially more vibration protection

than wire-wound RTDs. They are produced by depositing
Grounded Junction, Ungrounded Junction, a thin film of passivated platinum on a ceramic substrate.
OMEGACLAD® Probes OMEGACLAD® Probes
An electrical circuit is etched into the material to create the
preferred resistance. These sensors display a practically
Thermocouple junctions may be grounded or ungrounded. linear temperature-resistance curve. Therefore, they provide
They are often covered with protective metal but may be left highly accurate and consistent measurements over a broad
exposed to improve response time. Grounding is frequently temperature range. Their compact size gives them the
required to prevent buildup of static charge, which may advantage of faster response times and greater resistance to
negatively impact accuracy. However, if the thermocouple thermal shock and vibration.
is grounded to machinery or other electrically powered
equipment, circuit noise may interfere with the measurement. Challenges Presented to Temperature
A number of different metal combinations are used in the Measurements in the Presence of Vibration
construction of thermocouples. Each is classified according to
temperature range and acceptable measuring environments. Vibration can cause mechanical stress in the wires of
Thermocouples encased in metal are quite robust and, on thermocouples and RTDs. Thermocouples are subject to
average, much less susceptible to vibration than RTDs. vibration fatigue, which can lead to insulation failure and short
circuits. This may be evident from intermittently high readings
resulting from the measurement being taken at the short
rather than at the junction. Wire-wound RTDs are especially
susceptible to vibration damage. The fine platinum wire used
to wind the sensor has a typical diameter of 15 to 35 microns
and is quite fragile. A broken or damaged RTD sensor wire
may result in:
• An open circuit
• Noisy signals
• Sporadically high temperature measurements
1PT100G
Glass Wire-Wound RTDs Decalibration is another fault condition that may occur in
thermocouples exposed to vibration. This is the process
whereby the structure of the wire is altered to where the
RTDs are available in wire-wound or thin-film types. Wire- voltage-temperature characteristics no longer conform to
wound sensors are highly accurate. They are made by winding international standards. The major concern with decalibration
copper, nickel or platinum wire around a glass or ceramic core is that the temperature measurements appear to be
to which the wire is also fused. Glass-core sensors can be accurate. The readings will drift gradually over time. Testing
immersed in most liquids without protection while those with a the thermocouple against a known temperature is the most
ceramic core offer stability for exceptionally high temperature common method of detecting decalibration.
omega.com / info@omega.com / 800.826.6342

© 2015 OMEGA Engineering, Inc. All rights reserved.
Types of Vibrations that Affect Sensors
Machine vibrations are common in industrial processes.

They can arise from the movement of motors, pumps or
compressors. The propensity to cause damage is proportional
to the amplitude and frequency of the vibration. The amplitude PR-31 RTD Probe
is the force being applied to an object that is producing the
vibration. For example, the speed of rotation in an electric
motor will contribute to the amplitude of vibration. The faster
the motor rotates, the greater the amplitude. Frequency is
also a factor in the severity of vibration. It is the rate at which The M12M Series thermocouple probes can be used exposed,
a mechanical device moves back and forth under force. A mounted into the process, or in a thermowell. The probes are
machine can vibrate in multiple directions with varying rates available as a Type K thermocouple with Inconel 600 sheaths
of amplitude and frequency. or a Type J with 304 stainless steel sheaths. The Type K
has a temperature range between -40 and 1150°C, and the
Acoustical vibrations are generated by a large number of Type J has a temperature range of -40 to 600°C. The M12M
mechanical systems, such as turbines and engines, as well comes standard with an ungrounded junction; a grounded
as human voices and vehicle traffic. When acoustical noise junction is optional.
enters a structure, it becomes structural vibration. Sound
waves can travel anywhere there is air flow; therefore, they can
come from any direction. Reverberation is the continuance of
sound after the original has ceased. This is the result of sound
waves reflecting from surfaces. Acoustic characteristics can
vary depending on the size and shape of objects they reflect
from, making it difficult to predict how they will react.
Flow-induced vibrations result from the interaction of forces M12M Thermocouple Probe
between fluid flow and the inertia of structures immersed in
or conveying it. Fluid flow is a source of energy capable of
producing mechanical and structural vibration. In cylindrical
structures, vibrations are classified as either axial-flow- Conclusion
induced or cross-flow-induced, depending upon the angle of Choosing the right RTD or thermocouple for you application
inward flow in relation to the cylinder axis. will optimize performance and prevent sensor damage.
Thermocouples are a versatile and cost-effective means
Vibration Resistant Thermocouples and RTDs of temperature measurement and offer the best protection
against vibration. Wire-wound RTDs offer superior accuracy
The OMEGA PR-21SL RTD is designed for use in thermowells and a wider measurement range but are not as resilient. Thin-
and features spring loading to sustain contact between the film RTDs provide highly accurate and consistent data and
probe and the thermowell in the presence of static and vibration. offer greater resistance to vibration than wire-wound RTDs.
This ensures optimal heat transfer between the thermowell and OMEGA also has custom engineered solutions for very severe
probe and insulates the sensor against vibration. The PR-21SL vibration environments.
RTD can be used in two-, three- or four-wire applications and
fits standard 0.26-inch bore thermowells. An adjustable, self- Source
gripping spring allows it to be used in shorter thermowells.
https://www.isa.org/standards-and-publications/isa-publications/intech-
magazine/automation-basics/thermocouples-versus-rtds/#sthash.
Ce39GHYe.dpuf
http://www.omega.com/temperature/z/pdf/z045-047.pdf
http://www.aps.anl.gov/Accelerator_Systems_Division/Radio_Frequency/
Presentations_and_Lectures/Cross_Training/Documents/Bromberek_
PR-21SL RTD Temperature%20Measurement%20Presentation_2.09.pdf
http://www.omega.com/temperature/z/pdf/z021-032.pdf
OMEGA’s PR-31 RTD probe is bendable and vibration-
resistant. The probe is constructed of 316 stainless steel, https://books.google.com/books?id=CAvSMyoP1wcC&pg=PA408&lpg=P
and the mineral-insulated cable allows the probe to be bent. A408&dq=types+of+flow+induced+vibrations&source=bl&ots=LrXYIS4N0
7&sig=YzDceKHr4k2eBTFxQD3v74XZfLY&hl=en&sa=X&ved=0CEEQ6A
The PR-31 RTD is vibration tested to MIL-STD-202G, Method EwBmoVChMI1MK29IqixwIVR4wNCh3x9AoP#v=onepage&q=types%20
204D, Condition A and has a measuring range between of%20flow%20induced%20vibrations&f=false
-50 and 500°C. It is available in 100 and 1000Ω and can be
used in 2-, 3- or 4-wire applications. http://www.omega.com/pptst/M12molded.html
omega.com / info@omega.com / 800.826.6342

© 2015 OMEGA Engineering, Inc. All rights reserved.

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WHITE PAPER

Preventing Vibration Damage to Thermocouples and RTD Sensors

Sensor Design of Thermocouples and RTDs

Thin-film RTDs offer substantially more vibration protection

omega.com / info@omega.com / 800.826.6342

Machine vibrations are common in industrial processes.

omega.com / info@omega.com / 800.826.6342

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