Step-Change Improvements in Traceable Process Control Thermometry : Key to product quality, safety and sustainability

Abstract

Measurement and control of process temperature is key to maximising product quality, optimising efficiency, reducing waste, safety and minimising carbon dioxide and other harmful emissions. Drift of temperature sensor calibration due to environmental factors such as high temperature, vibration, contamination and ionising radiation results in a progressively worsening temperature measurement error, which in turn results in suboptimal processes. Here we outline some new developments to overcome sensor calibration drift and so provide assured temperature measurement in process, including self-validating thermocouples, embedded temperature reference standards, and practical primary Johnson noise thermometry where the temperature is measured directly without the need for any calibration. These new developments will give measurement assurance by either providing measurements which are inherently stable, or by providing anin situcalibration facility to enable the detection and correction of calibration drift.