Temperature Control and Measurement

Industrial temperature controllers are used to maintain constant temperature of process or plant or any material. In such temperature controller system there is one reference temperature called set temperature. This is the desired temperature that must be maintained at all times.

Industrial temperature controllers in industry work much the same way they do in common household applications. A basic temperature controller provides control of industrial heating and cooling processes. Typical, in applications, sensors measure the actual temperature. This sensed temperature is constantly compared to a user setpoint. When the actual temperature deviates from the setpoint, the controller generates an output signal to activate other temperature regulating devices such as heating elements or refrigeration components to bring the temperature back to the setpoint.

Temperature controllers are used in a wide variety of industries to manage manufacturing processes or operations. Some common uses for temperature controllers in industry include plastic extrusion and injection molding machines, thermo-forming machines, packaging machines, food storage and food processing. Some common temperature control applications in industry:

• Heat Treat/Oven
• Packaging
• Plastics
• Healthcare
• Food & Beverage

Fluid temperature control is a highly effective process that ensures an unprecedented level of accuracy (within 1°C), bringing new levels of predictability to temperature control (even at -120°C or -184°F).

Fluid temperature control is crucial in today’s advanced hydronic heating systems, not only to increase overall system efficiencies, but also to increase the overall comfort level within a system. Fixed water temperature control is still applicable in process applications, however for fluid temperature control provided to a heating terminal unit, it should be a thing of the past.

Fluid temperature control in heating or cooling circuits using oil or water is an established method used in machines, systems and vehicles. Optimal temperature control is indispensable when keeping your production running smoothly or using your vehicles.

Many industrial processes require a precisely controlled temperature to ensure quality. Various thermal transfer media are used to cool and heat, including water, air, oil or mixtures of these substances. Process temperatures can be controlled reliably on the basis of the flow values and with the aid of an intelligent solution.

Although highly desirable, it is often difficult to control the temperature in a process because its measurement must be within a specified range of accuracy and have a specified degree of speed of response, sensitivity, and dependability. Additionally, temperature measurements must also be representative of true operating conditions in order to achieve successful automated control. The instrument selected, installation design, and location of the measuring points determine these specifications.

This Technology Zone offers an insight into the latest innovations in fluid temperature measurement and control.