Manufacturers of measuring equipment pay special attention to the means for working with the characteristics of air environments. On the market, you can also find specialized devices for determining a specific parameter, as well as multifunctional devices that inform the user about a wide range of indicators. Each device is designed for operation in specific areas and conditions. However, temperature meters can be classified as universal devices. They are used in the professional sphere, in production, and in the household. Those who plan to acquire such a device face a difficult task of choice.
Key Features of Meters
The main performance indicator is the sensitivity of the functional element, which determines the range of measured temperatures. So, modern devices are able to record values in the range from -50 to 2200 ° C. Of course, this does not mean that every device is capable of covering this entire range. Extreme values can only be fixed by specialized devices, while conventional temperature meters operate in-20 to 60 °C. This is explained by the fact that this spectrum is the most common. Going beyond these values is typical for industries and other special conditions. But in addition to the temperature range, it is important to take into account the error, which can be important both in research work and in routine checks of the operating mode. On average, it is 1-1.5 °C. This is normal for a consumer device, but professional use still requires a more accurate level.
Classification by operation method
Depending on the conditions of use and the tasks that are solved with the help of this device, its design data may differ. Accordingly, the method of use may in each case have its own characteristics. As a rule, on this basis, two types of meters are distinguished - stationary and mobile. In the first case, we are talking about devices that can be installed at critical points, where the state of the air gives an idea of the parameters of the surrounding area. In particular, in production, a temperature meter-controller is used, which not only monitors the readings of the air environment, but can also automatically send signals to communication equipment to correct microclimate parameters. As for mobile devices, they are also often used in production, as well as for research purposes. These are hand-held devices that can be used to measure the temperature of objects.
Classification by purpose
It has already been noted thatdevices can have a professional purpose and household. Models for specialized applications are characterized by a wider range of operating values, high accuracy and, depending on the application, a set of additional options. For example, medical and building modifications can be attributed to highly specialized functional devices. Household temperature meters are simpler both in their design and performance. Such devices are used to assess weather conditions, in planning various events, etc. Oddly enough, among models of this type there are many multifunctional devices that allow you to literally display several readings on one screen at once. Another thing is that the accuracy of the values in such devices is rather modest.
Digital meters
Usually this category is represented by portable thermohygrometers, which are characterized by high accuracy of the measurements. However, there is a significant drawback of such devices. Since all mobile devices assume dynamic measurement modes when moving from one room to another, an important characteristic is the ability to quickly update data. So, an electronic temperature meter requires a long time period to set new readings. But in terms of ergonomics, this is one of the best options for a measuring device. Informative display, intuitive settings management system and small size are just some of the advantages,that digital models have.
Features of laser models
The principle of operation of such meters is due to the function of infrared radiation, which forms a kind of pointer from a laser beam. Thus, information is read from the external environment and the temperature regime is determined. This is not to say that these are the most accurate and advanced devices for performing thermometer tasks, but in some areas they really show the best result. It's all about the possibility of non-contact analysis of the environment, which supports this temperature meter. The laser infrared beam is most productive in operating conditions in high-precision industries, where prompt assessment of temperature parameters is important. There are also household models of this type, but due to the high cost for home use, laser devices are not practical to purchase.
Additional functionality
Among the most popular options that modern devices of this type are endowed with are standby mode, the ability to save readings, generating statistical data, managing ranges of values, etc. The introduction of special operating modes that allow optimizing energy consumption is also being practiced. on portable devices. Typically, such innovations have a battery temperature meter. The digital device also allows you to send data to the computer base. But it is important to note here thatby itself, the electronic "stuffing", despite the technological development, still does not imply a radical improvement in terms of measurement accuracy. But from the point of view of ergonomics and convenience, such models are considered the most advanced.
Temperature and humidity meter
There are devices designed only for measuring temperature, there are many universal models that can work with almost all relevant characteristics of the air environment, and there are thermohygrometers. These are devices that are designed to measure the two most popular climatic parameters - humidity and air temperature. In practice, such devices show good accuracy, despite the combined design. On the one hand, these are temperature meters that can evaluate the thermal conditions in the working room, and on the other hand, these are humidity controllers, which, for example, the agricultural industry cannot do without. At the same time, it is very important to combine two functions in one device, as this allows you to perform a comprehensive examination of the working area with time savings.
Manufacturer Reviews
The leader in the segment is the ADA brand and its TemPro line. Many owners note the high accuracy and physical reliability of the models of this brand, although their cost is quite high. For example, household models with medium capabilities can be purchased for 6-7 thousand rubles, and a professional laser temperature meter is estimated at 20-25 thousand. Bosch products. Owners praise German devices for easy operation, clear indication and low error. Ryobi is known for inexpensive yet functional meters. For example, for only 4-5 thousand, you can purchase a device that will be able to transfer data via the Internet.
Conclusion
Despite the growing demands for measuring instruments, the demand for such products is increasing only in highly specialized sectors. At the household level, such devices still occupy their modest positions without any special claims to quality and manufacturability. But in production, construction and medicine, the air temperature meter is going through new technical and functional reincarnations. The advent of electronic and laser devices is just the pinnacle of the modernization process that affects this niche. Manufacturers, along with improving the basic performance parameters, also seek to increase the functionality, but without compromising the measurement accuracy.