Thermometers are well known to almost every person as a means that provide information about the temperature regime in a given environment. Despite the simplicity of the task, manufacturers produce this device in different variations, which differ in their constructional design and performance.
A modern thermometer is an ergonomic measuring device, which in a user-friendly form represents the climatic parameters of the target environment. At least, the developers of this device are striving for such a perception of their products.
Thermometer Overview
Outwardly, the majority of measuring instruments of this type are small instruments, the filling of which is focused on fixing a certain kind of vibrations of the sensing element. A classic example is an elongated fluid tube enclosed in a glass case. People call it a thermometer. It can be used both for medical purposes and for monitoring street temperatures. In this case, the measurement principle is based on the ability of a liquid to expand under the influence of heat. The electronic thermometer is also popular . This is also a compact device that captures temperature indicators due to a sensitive element in the form of a sensor. Such models lose to their mercury counterparts due to a high degree of error, but they are completely safe and convenient to use.
Thermometer Classifications
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 execution. One of the main classifications is the separation of the working environment. On the market you can find thermometers oriented to measuring in air, soil, water, a living body, etc. By the principle of operation of a sensitive element, one can distinguish traditional liquid, electronic, gas, and mechanical devices. More modern are infrared, digital and optical devices. It is important not to forget that the measuring device must not only record values in a certain way, but also provide them in one form or another. In this sense, a thermometer is an apparatus that reflects temperature indicators in the form of a scale or using an electronic display. Digital models are gradually replacing 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 them the user can evaluate the temperature in the aquatic environment. Devices of this type are presented in two versions. A more common water thermometer is a liquid type instrument in which alcohol instead of mercury acts as an indicator. Since the measurement technique involves immersion in the middle layers of water, hazardous toxic substances are not used in liquid models.
The second version of water thermometers is a patch adhesive device. That is, it is not immersed directly in the medium, but fixed on the wall of the tank. The measurement principle is based on the properties of certain substances in the liquid to change their qualities depending on the intensity of heating. An adhesive thermometer for water is provided with a thermochemical paint, presented in the form of a temperature scale. The advantages of this type of device include mechanical stability, installation flexibility and safety. However, this thermometer is not able to provide high measurement accuracy - especially if there are active heat sources near the water tank.
Manometer 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, a change in pressure under the influence of temperature also serves as a sensitive element. Another thing is that the pressure itself is recorded and converted for the temperature scale after measurement through a complex gauge device. Typically, a system is used for this with a combination of an immersion sensing element, a tubular spring and a capillary wire. Depending on the temperature fluctuations, a change in pressure occurs in the target submersible object. The slightest deviation in the indicator is reflected by a gauge thermometer through a dial mechanism. According to the type of working substance, gas, condensation and liquid devices are distinguished.
Multifunction thermometers
In a sense, the above-mentioned gauge apparatus can also be attributed to this group of thermometers. It allows you to get 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 allow you to separately monitor several indicators, including 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. Stations are also mechanical and electronic, which leads to their accuracy and ease of use.
Remote sensor thermometer
In such devices, a special conductor is provided for transmitting information received through a sensitive sensor. That is, the basis of the device is a panel with an interface and a display, by which the user learns about the temperature indicators. 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 outdoors. In this case, the thermometer with the sensor can also work 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 of manufacturers of thermometers
The most technologically advanced, accurate and reliable models are offered by Bosch, Dewalt, Ryobi, Stanley, etc. These products are used by both ordinary consumers for private needs and specialists. However, for professional tasks, the products of companies that are purposefully engaged in the development of measuring equipment are still recommended. The most trusted companies are ADA, Mastech, Fluke and Testo. The domestic manufacturer "Megeon" also produces a high-quality thermometer, reviews of which emphasize the rather high accuracy and ease of use. 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 plunge into the market 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, from which threats it should be protected and what additional functions it should have.
For example, a multifunctional outdoor thermometer is not just a temperature recorder, but also a means of transmitting climate 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 is only required to correctly install the device and competently organize its work, which will rely on receiving more accurate information.