tech Notes

Technote #16 IRt/c repeatability and long-term accuracy

The ability of a measuring device to maintain its

generally constructed to be as small and light as

calibration under service conditions and over a long

possible to enhance response time. This makes

period of time, is of fundamental interest in tempe-

them vulnerable to deformations that can change

rature control. The IRt/c is rated at less than 0.1°C

the thermoelectric properties. More importantly, the

(0.2°F) repeatability and has no measurable long-

conventional thermocouple must operate at eleva-

term calibration change. This makes it well suited

ted temperature, since it merely measures its own

to reliable temperature control. These attributes

temperature. The metallurgical changes which affect

are inherent in the basic design and construction

thermoelectric properties are a strong function of

of every IRt/c. Repeatability is defined as the

temperature. They are negligible at room tempera-

ability of a measuring device to reproduce its

Quick installation guide

ture, but are of serious concern at high temperature,

calibration under identical conditions. The IRt/c is a

and the IRt/c solves both problems by its design and

solid, hermetically sealed, fully potted system that

does not change mechanically or metallurgically

pre-calibrted models

basic operation. It has a solid fully potted construc-

tion in a mechanically rigid stainless-steel housing,

during service. There are no active electronic com-

and operates at near room temperature conditions.

ponents and no power source to produce the signal,

This essentially eliminates the classical drift pro-

only the thermoelectric effects that produce a

blems of conventional thermocouples. Every IRt/c

thermocouple signal. Long-term accuracy is

is double annealed at temperatures above 100°C

influenced by the same things that influence

(212°F) to ensure long term stability, then tested five

repeatability: mechanical and metallurgical chan-

times prior to packaging. Barring a small percentage

ges, which are known to change the calibration

of failure, the IRt/c has potentially unlimited

of thermocouples over time. Mechanical changes

long-term calibration accuracy.