Why Platinum is a Preferred Choice in RTD Sensors?

Brian Craig

October 14, 2021

Resistance Temperature Detectors, abbreviated as RTDs are wire wound and thin film devices that are widely employed to measure temperature in laboratory and industrial processes. The device, which is made of thin layer of metals on a ceramic substrate, is reliable and can offer a higher degree of accuracy compared to other temperature measuring instruments such as thermocouples or thermistors. However, in order to withstand high temperatures while maintaining excellent stability, RTD temperature sensors must be manufactured using specialized materials. Therefore, to meet the rising demand for precision temperature sensing, RTDs are generally made using Copper, Nickel, and Platinum. Amongst these metals, Platinum is largely preferred for most of the industrial applications where accuracy and stability are of paramount importance. What account for the rising popularity for Platinum resistance temperature detectors? This post describes the same in brief.

A Brief about Pt100s and Pt1000s

Pt100s and Pt1000s are the major type of platinum resistance thermometers available for critical temperature sensing applications today. As simply defined, a Pt100 is 100Ω at 0°C and a Pt1000 is 1000Ω at °C, however both share the same operating temperature range, and response time. The RTD Pt100 and Pt1000 are also available in similar range of tolerances, and temperature coefficients of resistance. Their high resistivity and non-degradable electrical resistance over time make them suitable for a wide range of processes and instruments. Pt100 sensor comes in both thin-film and wire-wound constructions and are compatible with most industrial instruments and processes. On the other hand, Pt1000 is offered in 2-wire configurations, making it suitable for applications that run on battery power. Irrespective of their difference, both Pt100s and Pt1000s offer great consistency, high accuracy, long-term stability, and so on.

Benefits of Using Platinum in RTD Temperature Sensors

Offering unmatched and reliable performance in rugged and harsh conditions, RTDs made of Platinum have developed a reputation for accuracy, repeatability, and stability. Platinum resistance temperature detector offers unfailing performance in a broad temperature range. They show limited susceptibility to contamination, impressive chemical stability, stable electric properties, and high wear and tarnish resistance. The following are the most notable reasons that substantiate the use of Platinum in the making of RTDs.

Easy to Shape and Machine: Platinum, a highly valued and desired metal, is extremely soft and malleable. This property of the metal makes it easy to machine and stretch to desired shape as per the RTDs technical specifications without affecting its dimensional stability.
Unreactive: This heavy, precious, silver-white metal, is described as a noble metal owing to its unreactive nature. It resists most environmental
Durability: Platinum is one of the most stable elements, and is not affected by external loads, mechanical vibrations, and shocks. This feature is one of the added advantages as RTD temperature sensors are often exposed to such harsh circumstances during industrial operations.
Withstand High Temperatures: Platinum resistance temperature detectors work consistently in a broad temperature range. It offers a higher degree of accuracy even if it is exposed to temperature range of -200°C to 600°C.

The question ‘why use Platinum in RTD temperature sensors’ is well described with the discussion above. Now, you must have the query in mind that from where to source Platinum resistance temperature detectors that perform the job most accurately without any errors. If that is your requirement, then explore the huge inventory of The Transmitter Shop (TTS), who have been meeting the customers’ requirements with ready-to-ship industrial instrumentation products of the best brands. With more than 32 years of experience, the company sources only the finest range of RTD temperature sensors that work exceptionally well in your industrial processing applications. You can consult the team at TTS today with your specialized requirements in terms of Platinum resistance temperature detectors. TTS will certainly fulfil your needs with prompt and efficacious customer service.