Common dial thermometers include bimetal or bi-metallic, liquid or gas-filled, and vapor-tension-based. A bimetal thermometer uses a bimetal spring as temperature sensing element. A liquid or gas actuated thermometer uses a gas/vapor as temperature sensing element. The dial display shows temperature in Fahrenheit or Celsius, or both on dual displays, min/max readings and/or other 'extras.' Dial thermometers are useful in a variety of industrial and laboratory applications.
Specialty features often distinguish dial thermometers. These features can include dial displays, digital displays, flexible capillaries, zero adjustment, max/min indication, and vibration dampening. A dial is a mechanical needle. A digital thermometer has a display that is LCD or LED. A flexible capillary is a bulb or sensing element that is connected to the display with a flexible capillary tube. This feature is for liquid/gas/vapor types only. Dial thermometers with zero adjustment can reset to a zero point. A thermometer with max/min indication can record or indicate max and/or minimum values. With vibration dampening the needle is dampened, usually with a liquid filling the dial cavity. This feature is for mechanical needles only.
Common dial thermometers include bimetal or bi-metallic, liquid or gas-filled, and vapor-tension-based. A bimetal thermometer uses a bimetal spring as temperature sensing element. A liquid or gas actuated thermometer uses a gas/vapor as temperature sensing element. The dial display shows temperature in Fahrenheit or Celsius, or both on dual displays, min/max readings and/or other 'extras.' Dial thermometers are useful in a variety of industrial and laboratory applications.
Specialty features often distinguish dial thermometers. These features can include dial displays, digital displays, flexible capillaries, zero adjustment, max/min indication, and vibration dampening. A dial is a mechanical needle. A digital thermometer has a display that is LCD or LED. A flexible capillary is a bulb or sensing element that is connected to the display with a flexible capillary tube. This feature is for liquid/gas/vapor types only. Dial thermometers with zero adjustment can reset to a zero point. A thermometer with max/min indication can record or indicate max and/or minimum values. With vibration dampening the needle is dampened, usually with a liquid filling the dial cavity. This feature is for mechanical needles only.
Important display or scale characteristics for dial thermometers include dial or display diameter, probe, stem or bulb diameter and length, and the maximum capillary length. Common dial or display diameters range from one inch to five inches and up. Stem lengths can range from as short as two inches to greater than eighty inches. Common applications for dial thermometers include industrial, laboratory, food service or sanitary, and weatherproof or meteorological. Common configurations and features for dial thermometers include probe style, surface measurements, pocket configuration, NPT fittings, flange fittings, thermowell, and explosion proof. A probe style thermometer has a probe. Some thermometers are configured for surface measurements only. Pocket style thermometers are small and made to carry in pocket has clip and/or sheath. Thermometers can come with NPT or flange fittings. Some thermometers are designed for use with a thermowell. Thermometers may have explosion proof construction.
Important operating parameters to consider for dial thermometers include operating temperature, maximum shock, and maximum vibration.
