How Does DTS System Work?

How Does DTS System Work?

John McGee

Distributed temperature sensing (DTS) is the process of monitoring the temperature of a piece of equipment by placing sensors in different locations. DTS systems, as Silixa’s ULTIMA DTS range, are used in manufacturing facilities and other industrial settings to monitor and control heat processes, such as heating, cooling, condensing, or evaporating liquids or gasses.

It uses distributed probes to monitor the temperature at various locations in the machine instead of using one probe. Read on to know how the DTS system works and how beneficial it is to your processes.

Understanding How a DTS (Distributed Temperature Sensing) System Works

In a DTS (Distributed Temperature Sensing) system, the temperature in an industrial process or equipment is monitored by sensors inside the same machine. These sensors are connected to a central computer that monitors and records the temperature data at each location.

The computer then calculates the average temperature of all the locations and compares it with the desired set-point value. Based on this comparison, it adjusts the power output of a heating, cooling or condensing unit to maintain an optimal temperature for an extended period.

6 Applications of a DTS (Distributed Temperature Sensing) System

Here are a few applications of a DTS system.

  1. Heating, Ventilation and Air Conditioning

The DTS system is used in heating, ventilation and air conditioning systems to maintain a constant temperature. The sensors are placed in rooms which are prone to temperature changes.

They usually monitor the temperature at various locations within the room and provide information to the central computer. In this way, the central computer can adjust the output of air conditioning units accordingly.

  1. Refrigeration Plants

The DTS system is used in refrigeration plants to optimise cold or heat inside a machine or device. The sensors are connected to a central computer that checks the temperature at different locations inside the device and sends out power output signals as required. This makes it possible for an industrial process to remain at an optimal level for extended periods.

  1. Process Monitoring Systems (PMS) for Chemical Industries

In chemical industries, it is necessary for processes such as sterilisation, fermentation, and distillation to be operated with calibrated temperatures always in a controlled range. This avoids damage to the sensitive components of equipment or machinery.

The DTS system is used in these processes to monitor temperatures and give accurate information on how long they can be left without causing damage. This enables industrial engineers to operate equipment with higher precision and ensure they do not overheat parts that require constant cooling or heating.

  1. Food and Beverage Industry

A DTS system is also used in the food and beverage industry to ensure that critical processes are controlled at the required temperatures. For example, exact temperatures are needed when cooking or pasteurising foods to avoid damaging the flavour or texture of these products.

The system can monitor the temperature at different stages in a process and provide actionable info. It is also used in breweries, wineries and distilleries where precise temperatures are needed when fermenting, ageing or distilling products.

  1. Pharmaceutical Industries

The pharmaceutical industry is one of the industries that use temperature control systems more than any other. Pharmaceuticals are very sensitive to temperatures and can be damaged if not handled correctly.

The stages of production require very accurate temperatures, and the system is used for monitoring. It is also instrumental in ensuring no temperature fluctuations throughout processes such as mixing, sterilisation and packaging.

  1. Automotive Applications

Temperature control systems are also widely used in automotive applications where they can be used to monitor and maintain the temperature of vehicle components such as engines, transmissions, brakes and exhaust systems.

They may also be required to ensure proper temperatures during vehicle assembly or repairs so that assembled or repaired products will not suffer from overheating or freezing damage. The systems can monitor temperatures during cold weather operations, such as when heating and cooling systems need to maintain a specific range of temperatures for optimal performance.

So How Does DTS System Work?

DTS is a technology that helps various manufacturers monitor temperatures, humidity and other critical environmental variables in real-time. The system helps users identify and remediate potential problems before they lead to reduced uptime or quality control issues.

It does this by identifying areas in which readings are not as expected and then alerting operators of the problem areas so they can take action. As such, understanding the benefits of DTS goes beyond knowing it’s a measure of temperature, humidity and other factors.