Selecting suitable mechanical thermometers for an activity is not a quick task. Bimetal thermometers or gas-actuated thermometers ? the decision on the type of thermometer alone depends on several factors. Just about the most important selection criteria is the response time of the measuring Instrument.
In terms of speed, there is absolutely no way around gas-actuated thermometers. As a rule of thumb, these thermometers take about 30 seconds for a temperature adjustment from 10�C to 90�C. A bimetal thermometer would display exactly the same final value after 90 seconds. Due to their short response times, gas-actuated thermometers are particularly suitable for integration into switching requirements.
The difference in speed is explained by the different functional principles of both thermometer types ? unlike the bimetal thermometer (which uses the principle of different expansion coefficients), the measuring system of a gas-actuated thermometer is filled with helium under pressure. Any change in temperature causes an immediate change in internal pressure in the stem. The pressure deforms the measuring tube and the deflection is transferred to the pointer with a movement.
Plague affect the response time
Much like other measuring instruments, in critical processes, mechanical thermometers must be coupled with a thermowell. It ought to be considered that such a sleeve may also have an influence, to some extent significant, on the response time of the thermometer. From what extent, depends on the material and wall thickness of the thermowell.
Note
Further details on mechanical thermometers can be found on the WIKA website under the headings Dial thermometers and Thermometers with switch contacts.
See also our articles
Selection criteria for mechanical thermometers (2): process temperature
Selection criteria for dial thermometers (3): Capillary