Steps To Choose the Best Temperature Controller

Author: Conway Chris

Since years now, the industry of temperature controllers has been using modern technology so that the process control equipment becomes a user friendly one. This doesn’t mean that any controller can be picked up for the application. When the right temperature controller has to be chosen, a lot of homework is needed. The choice would be perfect when there is a perfect match between the technical data of the manufacturers and the application data. In this article, you will get tips for making an appropriate choice. Follow the steps that are given below for finding the best temperature controller:

Step 1

Real information about the process must be collected:

  • The temperature band at which the controller operates must be found
  • Check the accuracy requirement
  • See which probe is needed, RTD or Thermocouple
  • See the output, whether it s a 4-20 mA output or a relay switch
  • Check environmental conditions while installation

Step 2

Check how to decide on mounting the temperature controller, shape and correct size. The shape and size of the controller is quite standardized. Usually, the manufacturing of these controllers is seen in 4 DIN sizes. These include ¼ DIN, 1/8, 1/6 and 1/32 DIN. The mounting of the temperature controller is done in a control panel and so accommodating it in the panel is extremely necessary. Selecting the size must be guided as per the size of the display. The operator should make it comfortable for reading the display. Normally, mounting of DIN rail is preferred for control panel applications.

Blind controllers don’t have display and the smallest size can be chosen. The relevant criteria for selection of size are the available space of panel. This depends on various controllers, the installation of which has to be done in 1 panel. It should be kept in mind that small controllers are having tiny buttons and so operators wouldn’t be comfortable in wearing gloves.

Step 3

What kind of control operation is the best for the process?

Usually, the manufacturing of temperature controllers is done with 4 kind of control operations. These include Fuzzy Logic controls, PID, Proportional and on-off controls. If the budget and accuracy is low, on-off control must be selected. Setting this controller is easy and it is straightforward. On-off control is very good for using domestically.

Fuzzy logic mimics the process of human thinking. In this, wrong data inputs are corrected and adjusted so that an error free and smooth control operation is achieved. The device is costly and must be used only when the process needs it.

About the Author:

The writer is an expert in the field of Electronic with focus on Signal Splitter and Panel Meter etc..