Platinum Resistance Thermometers (PRTs), specifically those with a resistance of 100 ohms at 0C (designated Pt100), exhibit a predictable relationship between their electrical resistance and temperature. Determining the temperature from a measured resistance involves applying a standardized conversion formula or utilizing lookup tables. This process leverages the material properties of platinum, which provide a relatively linear and stable response across a broad temperature range. For example, if a Pt100 sensor exhibits a resistance of 107.79 ohms, a calculation (or a lookup table consultation) would reveal a corresponding temperature of approximately 20C.
Accurate temperature determination through resistance measurement is crucial in many industrial, scientific, and control applications. The stability and reproducibility of platinum make Pt100 sensors preferred choices where precision and reliability are paramount. This technique allows for precise monitoring and control of temperature-sensitive processes in sectors ranging from pharmaceuticals and food processing to chemical engineering and HVAC systems. Its usage has a long history, with continuous improvement in sensor design and calibration techniques yielding increasingly accurate results.
