Consider the
following checklist:
Here are some questions to ask:
the desired answers are shaded in grey.
| 1. Metrological properties (range, resolution, calibration requirements, etc.) |
Yes | No |
|
Does the sensor cover the range with the required resolution, using the intended instrumentation? |
||
| Can a calibration be obtained with the required uncertainty? | ||
| 2. Accessibility / contact / ease of installation (size, shape, etc.) | Yes | No |
|
Can the sensor be mounted in good contact with the measurement site? |
||
| Is the immersion adequate (can heat flows along the connecting leads affect the measurement)? | ||
| Is there provision or space for connections, feed-through etc.? | ||
| 3. Instrumentation and communication (connection to control point) | Yes | No |
|
Is instrumentation (hardware and software) available with suitable specification? |
||
| Are the means of connection acceptable (thermally, mechanically, electrically)? | ||
| 4. Compatibility with the environment (atmosphere or medium, material components) | Yes | No |
|
Is there potential for oxidation or other chemical reaction? |
||
| Does the atmosphere need to be controlled? | ||
| Might any liquids or moisture in the measurement site affect the sensor? | ||
| Can any other physical influences or conditions (noise, vibration, electromagnetic fields, thermal or ionising radiations, etc.) affect the performance? | ||
| 5. Reliability / durability (drift, recalibration interval, time to failure) | Yes | No |
|
Are the short, medium or long-term properties of the sensor adequate to ensure reliability for a sufficient time? |
||
| Can periodic checks, recalibration or replacement be implemented? | ||
| Can the sensors be duplicated for security, or made fail-safe? | ||
| 6. Cost and availability (initial, maintenance, commercial status, R&D need) | Yes | No |
|
Is the preferred solution affordable, or can an acceptable compromise be found? |
||
| Can it be bought in from established commercial sources? | ||
| Has all necessary R&D been satisfactorily undertaken? | ||
| 7. Infrared remote-sensing | Yes | No |
| Has infrared remote-sensing thermometry been considered? |
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