Types of Temperature Transmitters

Temperature transmitters are used in industrial manufacturing as a means of process control as they can provide feedback on temperature at different stages of the manufacturing process.To do this, a temperature transmitter receives a signal generated by a temperature sensor, such as a thermocouple, and uses this signal to calculate the heat level.Next, the data about the temperature is converted into different types of signals and transmitted to the corresponding receiving device.There are several different types of temperature transmitters and several types of mounting setups.Three general categories of temperature transmitters include weatherproof and explosion proof transmitters,DIN rail or panel mount transmitters, and head mount transmitters.Three common mounting setups include rail mounting, field mounting, and head mounting.Some types of transmitters are named after the method of installation, which means there is some overlap between types and methods of installation.

Weather-Proof and Explosion-Proof Transmitters 

In applications where the transmitter must withstand the wear and tear associated with constant exposure to the elements, weatherproof and explosion proof transmitters are suitable.This particular type of transmitter has an enclosure, usually made of stainless steel or a designated explosion-proof material, that is hermetically sealed to protect sensitive internal components.Internally, the transmitter is divided into two compartments:one contains the sensor, and the other contains the electronics associated with calculating the temperature and transmitting the new signal.Weatherproof and explosion proof transmitters tend to be highly accurate and can often be adjusted and monitored locally as needed.

Panel Mount or DIN Rail Mount Transmitters

DIN rails are used to mount switches, relays and transmitters.The rail itself is a single piece of metal that is shaped so that devices such as transmitters can be attached using spring clips that slide into the bends of the metal rail and secure themselves.The metal rails can then be attached to a panel or wall along with the attached transmitter.The acronym DIN stands for Deutsches Institut fur Normung, the German Institute for Standardization.DIN rail transmitters, also known as panel mount transmitters, are commonly used in a variety of applications because they are relatively low cost and can work with a range of different sensors. They are also easy to install thanks to their DIN rail configuration. They are slightly less accurate than weatherproof and explosion proof transmitters due to the longer wiring configuration required to secure the transmitter. For temperature transmitters, rail mounting is the oldest mounting method.

Headset transmitter

Head-mounted transmitters integrate the transmitter into the sensor's junction box or housing.Due to this design, they are easy to install and require minimal wiring as the sensor head simply becomes the sensor head transmitter.

Field Install Transmitter

This particular type of temperature transmitter is housed in its own housing, which enables it to be used "in the field" where conditions may require additional protection, such as in high performance industrial operations.Field-installed transmitters can be located relatively close to the sensor to increase signal strength.