Thermometers are everywhere these days and they measure the temperature of many things. Liquids, solids, and air temperature are all common ways that they are used. But in the industrial setting, thermometers need to be very precise and may vary by the application they are being used for. If you think you may need an industrial thermometer for your application, there are so many options that you will have to take some time to research the best one for you.

Types of Thermometers Available

There are many thermometer styles to choose from but some are better for specific applications. The industry you are in may require a specific type of thermometer and while you may still have styles to choose from that all qualify, you need to look at the use to determine what is best. There are applications that use a thermometer mounted permanently and others were just using it by hand works. Some have mounting threads, some do not. There are right angle, straight and even curved sensor tubes available as well. It really is a matter of choice and application so talk to a dealer that sells them to get the help you need and the right thermometer.

Bi-Metal Thermometers

Commonly used in the food industry and home cooking, a bi-metal thermometer uses two strips of dissimilar metals that are bonded together inside the thermometer. The rate of expansion of the metals has to be correct for the thermometer to work with the application it is designed for. These thermometers are often used in cooking, liquid temperature regulation, and specialty applications. They are pretty accurate but not perfect. The percentage of variance is so small that most of the time you would not notice it.  

Liquid Thermometers

Liquid thermometers are pretty common and have been around for many years. They are made up of a glass or stainless steel tube that is filled with a liquid that has a specific expansion rate that applies to the application it is being used for. In many cases, the liquid of choice is mercury because of its extremely predictable rate of expansion and contraction. Unfortunately, mercury comes with some dangerous properties. More recently red alcohol spirit fill is being used as it is much safer but not the thermodynamics of the liquid are not as accurate as mercury. This style of thermometer is used in homes, industry, and many other applications. Industrial versions are typically much heavier duty and can be used to monitor many different processes but typically are not used in liquid applications.

Contact a company, like Direct Material , for more help.