Radiation Errors In Air Ducts Under Nonisothermal Conditions Using Thermocouples Thermistors And A Resistance Thermometer

Studies were made to determine the radiation error in temperature measurements made with thermocouples, thermistors, and a resistance thermometer in moving air at velocities ranging from 300 to 1300 fpm when the temperature of the duct wall surrounding the air stream was from 0 to 50 deg F higher than that of the air in the center of the duct. To eliminate all but the variable under study, conduction errors were minimized to a point where they were almost nonexistent by using Chromel P-constantan thermocouple wire and by employing other techniques. Radiation effects were studied when the probe housing the three types of temperature sensors was unshielded and again when it was shielded. Under the test conditions that prevail in the testing of air conditioners and heat pumps in laboratories, it should be possible to reduce the error in temperature measurement of the moving air to about 0.2 deg F by a suitable combination of air mixers, duct insulation, radiation shields, and calibration techniques. (Author).