MeasureNet Blog

Acid Resistant Temperature Probes for the Chemistry Lab

  

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What makes the MeasureNet temperature probe unique? Two features in combination are what set this probe apart from other stainless-steel sheathed probes on the market; its rapid four-second response time and its acid resistant coating. These two characteristics are essential for conducting experiments like thermometric titrations and freezing point depressions in the general chemistry lab.

Before I go into the details of how we achieve these two essential characteristics, lets examine the most common temperature sensor options found in the chemistry lab. Listed in the table below are the three types most commonly used sensors and their properties:

• Thermocouple

• Thermistor

• Resistive Temperature Device (RTD)

   

One sensor not mentioned is the solid-state temperature sensor. We selected the LM35CH solid-state sensor for the MeasureNet temperature probe for three reasons; its response time, temperature range, and its easy interface to the measurement stations. 

In designing the MeasureNet temperature probe, we focused on two characteristics; response time and acid resistance. The response time is particularly pertinent when selecting a temperature probe. When  trying to measure a fast thermal reaction with a temperature probe that has a slow response time, as they say, garbage-in equals garbage-out! The other consideration is acid resistance, which impacts the probes durability. 

This is where MeasureNet's acid resistant and thermally conductive coating comes in to play. It maintains its superior protective properties over long periods of time with minimal impact on its response time. It has passed extensive tests for protecting the probe in hydrochloric, phosphoric, sulfuric and nitric acid solutions. Most of the temperature probes on the market designed for rugged lab use embed the temperature sensor in a stainless-steel sheath. Although this gives the probe superior mechanical strength and some protection against weak acids, it  slows the response time of the probe to 8-30 seconds depending on the sensor used and the design of the sheath. MeasureNet designed the temperature probe with the end user in mind, students in the chemistry lab.