A thermometer is what? Types of thermometers

Thermometers are well known to virtually every person as a means that give information about the temperature regime in this or that environment. Despite the simplicity of the task, manufacturers produce this device in different variations, differing in design and performance.

The modern thermometer is an ergonomic measuring device, which in a user-friendly form represents the climatic parameters of the target environment. At least, to this perception of their products, the developers of this device aspire.

General information about thermometers

Outwardly, most measuring instruments of this type are small devices, the filling of which is oriented to fixing a certain kind of oscillation of the sensing element. A classic example is an oblong tube with a liquid enclosed in a glass case. In the people it is called a thermometer. It can be used both for medical purposes and for tracking street temperatures. In this case, the measurement principle is based on the ability of the fluid to expand under the influence of heat. An electronic thermometer is also popular . This is also a compact device that captures temperature values due to a sensitive element in the form of a sensor. Such models lose to mercury analogues due to the high degree of error, but they are completely safe and convenient to operate.

Classification of thermometers

There are many parameters by which thermometers are divided, and the above representatives of this group of measuring instruments illustrate only two examples of their performance. One of the main classifications is the division of the work environment. On the market you can find thermometers, focused on the product of measurement in air, soil, water, living body, etc. By the principle of the sensitive element can be distinguished traditional liquid, electronic, gas and mechanical devices. To more modern are infrared, digital and optical devices. It is important not to forget that the measuring instrument should not only record the values in a certain way, but also provide them in one form or another. In this sense, a thermometer is an apparatus that reflects the temperature readings in the form of a scale or by means of an electronic display. Digital models gradually replace analogues with a mechanical way of presenting data, but they lose in terms of accuracy of readings.

Thermometers for water

Such models are called aquarium thermometers, with the help of which the user can evaluate the temperature regime in an aquatic environment. Apparatus of this type are presented in two versions. A more common water thermometer is a liquid-type device in which the function of the indicator is performed by alcohol instead of mercury. Since the measuring technique involves immersion in the middle layers of water, dangerous toxic substances in liquid models are not used.

The second version of water thermometers is an overhead gluing apparatus. That is, it is not immersed directly in the medium, but is fixed on the wall of the reservoir. The principle of measurement is based on the properties of certain substances in the liquid to change its quality depending on the intensity of heating. Adhesive thermometer for water is provided by thermochemical paint, presented in the form of a temperature scale. The advantages of this type of instrument include mechanical stability, flexibility in installation and safety. However, this thermometer is not capable of providing a high measurement accuracy - especially if there are active heat sources near the water tank.

Manometric thermometer

This is a separate group of devices for measuring temperature, the principle of which is associated with the fixation of pressure indicators in a particular substance or medium. Actually, the pressure change under the influence of temperature and performs the function of a sensitive element. It is another matter that the pressure itself is recorded and converted for a temperature scale after a measurement through a complex gauging device. Usually, a system is used for this by combining a submersible sensing element, a tubular spring and a capillary wire. Depending on the temperature fluctuations, the pressure in the target submerged object changes. The slightest deviation in the indicator is a gauge thermometer that reflects through the switch mechanism. By the type of working substance, gas, condensation and liquid devices differ.

Multifunctional thermometers

In a sense, this group of thermometers can include the abovementioned manometer apparatus. It allows one to obtain not one, but several measured values - in particular, pressure and temperature. However, manometric devices most often use the principle of measuring pressure only as an auxiliary operation for fixing the main indicator in the form of temperature. Full-fledged multifunctional devices can separately track several indicators, among which the same pressure, humidity and even wind speed. This is a kind of meteorological station, which provides a barometer, thermometer, hygrometer and other measuring components.

As a rule, such complexes are used by fishermen, travelers and employees of specialized enterprises, whose work depends on external conditions. The stations are also mechanical and electronic, which determines their accuracy and convenience in operation.

Thermometer with remote sensor

In such devices, a special conductor is provided, through which the information received through the sensor is broadcast. That is, the basis of the device is a panel with an interface and a display, through which the user learns about the temperature. And the sensor, in turn, can be placed directly in the target environment. Such models are usually used to determine the temperature regime in the same aquariums or on the street. In this case, the thermometer with the sensor can work and wirelessly. In this case, the sensor itself will be more massive, since its power supply will require a special niche for the battery or batteries.

Reviews about the manufacturers of thermometers

The most technologically advanced, accurate and reliable models are offered by the manufacturers Bosch, Dewalt, Ryobi, Stanley, etc. This product is used by ordinary consumers for private needs, and specialists. However, for professional tasks, it is still recommended that the products of companies that are purposefully engaged in the development of measuring equipment. The greatest trust is enjoyed by ADA, Mastech, Fluke and Testo. Domestic producer "Megion" also produces a high-quality thermometer, which is underscored by the high accuracy and convenience in application. In addition, the models of this line are much cheaper - the average cost is 2-3 thousand rubles.

Conclusion

Choosing the right thermometer model may seem difficult if you dive into the market's assortment without a clear understanding of the tasks that the device should perform in a particular case. Before buying it is important to know in what conditions the device will work, what accuracy is required from it, what threats it should protect and what additional functions to possess.

For example, a street multifunction thermometer is not just a temperature recorder, but also a means of transferring climatic data to a computer. Moreover, as already noted, in addition to temperature, data on pressure, humidity and wind speed can also be transmitted. The user only needs to properly perform the installation of the device and correctly organize its operation, which will allow to expect more accurate information.