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OBJECTIVE
The objective of this experiment was to produce a temperature correction curve using a
thermocouple and digital thermometer in order to gain insight into the workings of
temperature measuring instruments
THEORY
A thermocouple is a temperature reading instrument that consists of two conductors of varying
types that are in contact with each other at one or more points. The instrument produces a
voltage when the temperature of one spot is different from other parts of its internal circuitry.
It acts as a temperature sensor and also is able to produce electricity by difference in
temperature gradient between the thermocouples.

Fig. 1: Thermocouple Controller


A dry-well temperature calibrator is a device that acts as a heater. It is a highly calibrated
instrument that heats to specified temperatures slowly which can then be used as a
comparison for other thermometers to ensure they are calibrated properly. This is similar
concept to weights accurately machined that are used to judge the calibration of a weight scale.
The dry-well device was used in conjunction with the digital thermocouple and the temperature
readings between the two were compared and scrutinized for error margins.

0
Fig. 2: Dry-Well Temperature Calibrator

APPARATUS

Hart Scientific Dry-Well temperature calibrator


DP25-TC programmable J-Type thermocouple with digital thermometer

PROCEDURE
1. The digital thermometer and dry-well were connected to the powersupply
2. J-type thermocouple attached to digital thermometer was inserted into the well of the
calibrator
3. The calibrator power switch was switched to the ON position
4. The temperature was modulated to the lowest calibration point for the well
5. The calibrator was allowed to stabilize its temperature to +/- 0.02F for the first
calibration point (lowest) of 32F
6. The well temperature was modulated to the specified given readings as per lab manual
data table
7. At each temperature well was allowed time to heat up slowly to the temperature
8. Temperature readings were note for both the well readings and the Digital
Thermometer reading
CALCULATIONS/DISCUSSIONS:

Dry-Well
Calibrator Reading
(F)

Digital
Thermometer
Reading (F)

Error
(F)

Correction
(F)

32.0

31.9

0.1

+0.1

70.0

69.99

0.01

+0.01

110.0

110.00

150.2

149.98

0.22

+0.22

190.4

189.98

0.42

+0.42

212.4

211.96

0.44

+0.42

Table 1: Data and Error Calculation

A thermo operates by an electrical device built inside it that responds to different temperatures
by producing an electric current. Thermocouples can operate from -200 to 1600 degrees
celcius and are rugged devices used in various applications; measure temperatures inside
furnances, measure temperatures inside jet engines, and also in lab experiments
They operate on the Seebeck Effect (howstuffworks) also known as the thermoelectric effect:
A direct conversion of temperature differences between one end of the thermo couple and the
other. The two ends each have a different type of metallic alloy. Aside from reading
temperature, they can be used to generate electricity, and as temperature controllers.
Temperature can be controlled using thermocouples as heating and cooling depend on the
polarity of the applied voltage.
The dry-well operates through temperature controlled metal blocks that are heated to specified
temperatures using a DC powersource. They are often used in industrial applications to test
thermometers are highly calibrated.
If the following readings were obtained on a digital thermometer: 30, 56, 84, 147, 200, 225.
Then the corrections would be as follows:
Actual(F)

Digital Thermometer Readings


(F)

Correction(F)

32.0

30.0

2.0

70.0

56.0

14.0

110.0

84.0

26.0

150.0

147.0

3.0

190.0

200.0

-10.0

212.0

225.0

-13.0

Table 2: Error Calculation from Given Data from Lab Manual

References:
[1] Lassaline, J.V. MEC516: Fluid Mechanics I Laboratory Manual. Ryerson University. 2014
[2] Yunus, A. et. al., Fluid Mechanics Fundamental Applications, 2nd Edition. 2011
[3] Stokes Flow [online image]. (2014).Retrieved October 1 2014
from http://urbana.mie.uc.edu/yliu/Images/Stokes_Flow_Around_A_Cylinder.bmp
[4] The Dynamic Viscosity of Motor Oils. Engineeringtoolbox.com
http://www.engineeringtoolbox.com/dynamic-viscosity-motor-oils-d_1759.html
(accessed Sept 30, 2014)
http://www.instrumart.com/products/21216/fluke-calibration-dry-well-temperature-calibratorformerly-hart-scientific

Appendix:
Sample Calculations:
Thermocouple reading: 32F
Digital thermometer reading: 31.9F
Correction calculation: 32-31.9 = +0.1F

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