Tough temperature measurement problems overcome by new, extremely accurate linear temperature products from Apprise

Citation

(2003), "Tough temperature measurement problems overcome by new, extremely accurate linear temperature products from Apprise", Sensor Review, Vol. 23 No. 1. https://doi.org/10.1108/sr.2003.08723aaf.004

Tough temperature measurement problems overcome by new, extremely accurate linear temperature products from Apprise

Tough temperature measurement problems overcome by new, extremely accurate linear temperature products from Apprise

Keywords: Temperature

Apprise Technologies Inc. has announced the commercial release of their newest sensor product. TempLine™, a linear temperature measurement product, overcomes the limitations of thermistors and provides accurate, multiple point sensing over distance (see Plate 3). The patent pending matrix design reduces the cable size required for multiple sensors providing greater accuracy over greater distance. TempLine is designed to enhance temperature measurement in surface water, groundwater, marine, meteorological and industrial applications where thermistors are often used.

Plate 3 TempLine™ linear temperature monitoring. Accurate multiple point sensing over distance

TempLine has a broad temperature range from 50 to 100°C with a swift response time of less than 20 s and has excellent long-term stability for extended deployments. TempLine is available in two versions, one for long-term deployment and one designed for disposable use. Two predominate features make the TempLine unique in the marketplace: the unique matrix addressing; and measurement of current instead of voltage.

The matrix-addressing feature of the Apprise TempLine system allows for a significant reduction in the number of wires required for multi-point measurements, which reduces both cost and weight while maintaining accuracy. As an example, 100 temp sites require only 20 wires. The measurement of current instead of voltage eliminates cable voltage “noise”, interference due to cable temperature gradient and connector effects.

The TempLine’s semiconductor is easy to calibrate to an accuracy of 0.01°C, with the calibration coefficients residing in the memory chip of the connector, allowing for the calibration to “travel” with the cable. The output signal from the TempLine cable is processed using an embedded microcontroller and is transferred via RS-232 communication protocol allowing for data transfer to numerous systems.

Apprise, with cooperation from the Jet Propulsion Laboratory of NASA, has successfully deployed this technology for long-term monitoring of temperature at four buoy locations on Lake Tahoe as part of its ground-truthing effort for the Terra Satellite program. Drift buoy applications tests utilizing buoy platforms produced by MetOcean of Halifax, Nova Scotia, are also underway.

The TempLine is sold directly by Apprise and through quality distributors reaching the specific needs of several industries. Apprise Technologies Inc. is a measurement and control company specializing in the development and manufacturing of rugged cost-effective equipment for process control and resource monitoring.

For more information, contact: Apprise Technologies Inc. Tel: 218-624-2800; Web site: www.apprisetech.com