Industrial temperature monitoring system uses a sensor, such as a thermocouple probe, to collect temperature data. The thermocouples, thermistors, and resistance thermometer detectors (RTDs) are the three most popular industrial temperature sensors used in temperature monitoring systems.
Proper temperature monitoring and process control are essential for the success of any industrial operation. The right temperature readings at the right time is essential to an efficient operation. This is why many companies have invested in a industrial temperature monitoring system to help them keep their operations running smoothly.
Let’s look at what a monitoring system is and how it can help you and your business.
What Is a Remote Temperature Monitor?
In basic terms, a remote temperature monitor consists of a temperature probe/sensor, measurement device, and data storage system to keep track of temperature and/or humidity of products, storage facilities, or (in the case of hospitals) people. Remote temperature monitors are used in industrial or medical applications where maintaining a consistent ambient temperature is crucial for ensuring product quality, upholding regulatory standards, and even saving lives.
Different Types of Industrial Temperature Monitoring Systems
Before you decide what kind of industrial temperature monitor you need, let’s first look at the basic parts that make up this type of system. While remote or wireless temperature monitoring systems vary greatly (because there are so many different industries that use them), they all consist of these basic components:
Temperature Probe or Sensor
The three most common industrial sensors are the thermocouple, the thermistor, and the RTD.
The thermocouple is the most widely used temperature measurement system. Thermocouples are cheap, self-powered, and can even be welded or soldered on site. They aren’t necessarily appropriate for high-accuracy purposes, and you’ll need a separate data logger to convert the voltage-to-temperature reading.
The thermistor is a highly sensitive temperature reader. Thermistors are more accurate than thermocouples and are well-suited for tight spaces. The size of a thermistor can lead to self-heating issues, and unlike thermocouples, they do require a current source.
An RTD is the most accurate temperature sensor, so if your readings need to be precise, an RTD is worth the extra cost (unfortunately an RTD’s accuracy does make it slower and more expensive).
Thermal Buffer
Any industrial temperature monitoring system requires a thermal buffer to ensure the readings are accurate. Thermal buffers are thermal masses that prevent temperature spikes from being recorded on your data. Temperature spiking is often caused by a sudden change in temperature caused by opening a refrigerator door, for example.
Thermal buffers are most often made of nylon blocks or bottles filled with glycol or glass beads.
Temperature Measurement Device
This is what measures and even records the temperature. Depending on the size, complexity, and purpose of your temperature monitoring system, the measuring device will be connected to a network/LAN, wirelessly to a network, or as a standalone device with built-in memory.
Data Logger
You need to be able to record and store data, and depending on your needs, your data will be stored within the system, on a cloud-based service, or locally via base station, gateway, or PC. The amount of data you need to store will determine how much you’ll spend on storage.
Software
This is the brain of the monitor, which operates any alarming system, provides data configuration, and facilitates reporting.
Alarm System
Finally, if you want to be notified about any fluctuations in temperature, you’ll need an alarm system that can be as basic as a light or as high-tech as a text message.
To manage temperature and humidity in healthcare, scientific, food service and more, 39 products use wireless temperature monitoring systems from Grainger. Whether you need to monitor the temperature and humidity in your cleanroom, ensure temperatures in your refrigerator or freezer, or verify dishwasher sanitizing temperatures, Grainger can help with high-quality, precision wireless temperature monitoring systems. Shop online today!
Industries That Utilize Industrial Temperature Monitoring Systems
Many industries are utilizing industrial temperature monitoring systems to ensure the quality and safety of their products. The healthcare industry uses this type of system in hospital rooms to monitor patient temperature, and it is, in fact, one of the biggest market segments utilising temperature monitoring systems.
Industries like food service, medical, scientific, and IT use various temperature monitoring systems for cleanrooms, server rooms, industrial dishwashers, and commercial and medical refrigerators/freezers.
The Practical Benefits of a Temperature Monitoring System
Since the pandemic, the rise of hospital temperature monitoring systems for patients has skyrocketed, but prior to COVID, its prevalence was already on the rise because of the increasing elderly and infant population. Hospital temperature sensors ensure compliance with medical standards and reduce the potential cost of unusable products.
In the IT industry, wireless temperature monitoring can significantly lower cooling costs by alerting IT engineers of possible overheating issues.
In the food service industry, temperature monitors can eliminate costly wastage that are caused by malfunctioning refrigerators, freezers, and warmers.
Choose the Right Industrial Temperature and Humidity Monitor for Your Business
It’s important to select the appropriate type of system for your business. Choose the right data storage options and a software that meets the compliance needs of your industry. With the right combination of features, you’ll have a reliable temperature sensor system that will boost your operational efficiency and protect your products and patients.