RTD Temperature Sensors

Temperature Sensors

Dwyer Instruments, Inc. offers a wide variety of temperature sensors that use RTDs as the sensing element.

RTDs are based on the principal that the electrical resistance of the wire is a function of the temperature, with the resistance increasing as temperature increases. The resistance varies nearly linearly with temperature per the Callendar Van-Dusen equation. The wire used in RTDs as the sensing element is usually constructed of platinum, copper, or nickel.  Platinum is the best material for this element, as it has the widest useful temperature range of these materials. It also has a very repeatable and linear temperature to resistance correlation. Continue reading “RTD Temperature Sensors”

U.S. and International Threaded Connection Standards

Threaded Connections

Threaded connections are often referred to as a process connection type. For Dwyer product specifications, this connection type is typically NPT (National Pipe Thread), which is an American standard thread. These connections allow products to be installed directly into piping or with the use of threaded fittings.

For threaded connections there are two common types, (1.) straight or parallel thread and (2.) tapered thread. Continue reading “U.S. and International Threaded Connection Standards”

How is Water Treated for Homes?

Water Treatment Process

According to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), more than 280 million people get their drinking water from a community water system. Drinking water supplies in the United States are among the safest in the world, but even these water sources can become contaminated. Before fresh water can be considered potable, it must be treated to be made safe for drinking. Systems are set in place to ensure ongoing water quality, which then allows this treated water to be sent through water pipes and into our homes. Continue reading “How is Water Treated for Homes?”

Pressure Transducers: What are They and What to Consider

Pressure transducers can be used in off-road equipment, construction machinery, performance racing, railroads, engines, and other applications where a transducer may be exposed to shock and vibrations. Transducers can be exposed to shock and vibrations through normal use, as well as during maintenance. Although not all applications subject a transducer to shock or vibrations, these devices tend to be very sensitive and their ability to accurately read pressure can be affected easily. Continue reading “Pressure Transducers: What are They and What to Consider”

Drinking Water Regulation

For the past few years, questions about the safety of drinking water have constantly been in the news. Following the 2014 crisis in Flint, Michigan, cities across the U.S. launched their own investigations to determine whether their own drinking water supplies were safe. Drinking water is contaminated when old lead pipes corrode, allowing lead and other chemicals to enter the water supply. While lead is most dangerous when ingested, even outside of potable water applications there are still strict regulations regarding the materials and chemicals that may come in contact with water. This minimizes risk of contamination. Continue reading “Drinking Water Regulation”