Bimetallic Thermometer

Bimetallic Thermometer

This thermometer uses the following two principles:

 A metal tends to undergo a volumetric dimensional change
(expansion/contraction), according to the change in temperature.
 Different metals have different coefficient of temperature. The rate of volumetric
change depends on this coefficient of temperature.

Construction:
 The bimetallic thermometer consists of a bimetallic strip. A bimetallic strip is
made of two thin strips of metals which have different coefficients of expansion.
The two metal strips are joined together by brazing, welding or riveting so that
the relative motion between them is arrested.
 The bimetallic strip is in the form of a cantilever beam. An increase in
temperature will result in the deflection of the free end of the strip as shown in
diagram below. This deflection is linear and can be related to temperature
changes.
 The radius of the curvature of the bimetallic strip which was initially flat is
determined using the following relationship.

Where:
t-the total thickness of the strip (t1+t2)
n-the ratio of moduli of elasticity=EB/EA
m-the ratio of the thickness (t1/t2)
T2 – T1-change in temperature
TA, tB-the thickness of metal A and metal B.
αA, αB-the thermal coefficient of expansion of metal A and B.
 Bimetallic Strip

The following are the important properties a material should have to be selected
for bimetallic thermometers:
 Coefficient of expansion
 Modulus of elasticity
 Elastic limit after cold rolling
 Electrical conductivity
 Ductility
 Metallurgical ability

Different common forms of bimetallic sensors:

 Helix Type
 Spiral Type
 Cantilever Type
 Flat Type

Metals used in bimetallic strips:

 High Expansion
 Yellow Brass
 Nickel (Iron alloy with Chromium and Manganese)

 Low Expansion
 Invar (Alloy of Nickel and Iron)

Advantages:
 The bimetallic thermometer has good accuracy.
 Wide ranges are available.
 The bimetallic thermometer is easily installed and maintained.
 The cost is very low.
 They are fully mechanical devices no need of power sources.
 These thermometers work best at higher temperatures.
Disadvantages:
 They are not recommended for temperature above 400°C.
 When regularly used, the bimetallic may permanently deform, which in turn will
introduce errors.
 Their sensitivity and accuracy is less at low temperature.

Applications:
 The bimetallic strip is used in control devices.
 The spiral strip is used in air conditioning thermostats.
 The helix strip is used for process application such as refineries, oil burners, tyre
vulcanisers etc.