Thermometers are well known to almost every person as a means that provide information about the temperature regime in a particular environment. Despite the simplicity of the task, manufacturers produce this device in different variations, differing in design and performance.
Modern thermometer is an ergonomic measuring device that presents the climatic indicators of the target environment in a user-friendly way. At least, the developers of this device strive for such a perception of their products.
General information about thermometers
Outwardly, most of the measuring instruments of this type are small devices, the filling of which is focused on fixing a certain kind of vibration of the sensitive element. The classic example is an elongated tube filled with liquid enclosed in a glass case. People call it a thermometer. It can be used both for medical purposes and for tracking outdoor temperature. In this case, the measurement principle is based on the ability of a liquid to expand under the influence of heat. An electronic thermometer is also popular. This is also a compact device that records temperature readings due tosensitive element in the form of a sensor. Such models lose to mercury counterparts due to a high degree of error, but they are completely safe and easy to use.
Classifications 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 by working environment. On the market you can find thermometers focused on measuring in air, soil, water, a living body, etc. According to the principle of operation of the sensitive element, traditional liquid, electronic, gas and mechanical devices can be distinguished. More modern include infrared, digital and optical devices. It is important not to forget that the measuring device must not only capture 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 regime 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 reading accuracy.
Water thermometers
Such models are called aquarium thermometers, with the help of which the user can evaluate the temperature regime in the aquatic environment. Devices of this type are presented in two versions. A more common water thermometer is a liquid-type device in which the indicator function is performed byalcohol instead of mercury. Since the measurement technique involves immersion in the middle layers of water, hazardous toxic substances are not used in liquid models.
The second variant of water thermometers is an overhead adhesive device. That is, it is not immersed directly into the medium, but is fixed on the tank wall. The principle of measurement is based on the properties of certain substances in a liquid to change their qualities depending on the intensity of heating. The adhesive thermometer for water is provided with a thermochemical paint, presented in the form of a temperature scale. The advantages of this type of instrument include mechanical stability, installation flexibility and safety. However, this thermometer is not capable of providing high measurement accuracy - especially if there are active heat sources near the water tank.
Manometric thermometer
This is a separate group of instruments for measuring temperature, the principle of operation of which is associated with fixing pressure indicators in a particular substance or medium. Actually, the change in pressure under the influence of temperature performs the function of a sensitive element. Another thing is that the pressure itself is recorded and converted for the temperature scale after measurement through a complex pressure gauge device. Usually, a system is used for this with the combination of an immersible sensing element, a tubular spring and a capillary wire. Depending on temperature fluctuations, there is a change in pressure in the target submersible object. The slightest deviation in the indicatorthe manometric thermometer reflects through the pointer mechanism. Gas, condensing and liquid devices are distinguished by the type of working substance.
Multifunction thermometers
In a sense, the above-mentioned manometric 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 instruments most often use the principle of measuring pressure only as an auxiliary operation to fix 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 available in mechanical and electronic formats, making them accurate and easy to use.
Remote probe thermometer
In such devices, a special conductor is provided, through which information received through a sensitive sensor is transmitted. That is, the basis of the device is a panel with an interface and a display, by which the user learns about the temperature. And the sensor, in turn, can be placeddirectly in the target environment. Such models are usually used to determine the temperature regime in the same aquariums or on the street. At the same time, a thermometer with a sensor can also work via a wireless communication method. 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 on thermometer manufacturers
The most technologically advanced, accurate and reliable models are offered by manufacturers Bosch, Dew alt, 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 a 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 can be daunting if you dive into the market 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 must be protected from and what additional functions it has.
For example,outdoor multifunctional 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 only needs to correctly install the device and correctly organize its work, which will allow you to expect to receive more accurate information.
