ASTM E644-11

These test methods provide uniform methods for testing industrial resistance thermometers so that a given tester may expect to obtain the same value of a test result from making successive measurements on the same test article within the limits of repeatability given in Appendix X4. Independent testers may also expect to obtain the same result from the testing of the same article within the limits of reproducibility given in Appendix X4.

These tests may be used to qualify platinum resistance thermometers for use in specific applications to meet a particular specification such as Specification E1137/E1137M, or to evaluate relative merits of equivalent test articles supplied by one or more manufacturers, or to determine the limits of the application of a particular design of thermometer.

The expected repeatability and reproducibility of selected test methods are included in Appendix X4.

Some non-destructive tests described in these test methods may be applied to thermometers that can be subsequently sold or used; other destructive tests may preclude the sale or use of the test article because of damage that the test may produce.

1.1 These test methods cover the principles, apparatus, and procedures for calibration and testing of industrial resistance thermometers.

1.2 These test methods cover the tests for insulation resistance, calibration, immersion error, pressure effects, thermal response time, vibration effect, mechanical shock, self-heating effect, stability, thermoelectric effect, humidity, thermal hysteresis, thermal shock, and end seal integrity.

1.3 These test methods are not necessarily intended for, recommended to be performed on, or appropriate for every type of thermometer. The expected repeatability and reproducibility of the results are tabulated in Appendix X4.

1.4 These test methods, when specified in a procurement document, shall govern the method of testing the resistance thermometer.

1.5 Thermometer performance specifications, acceptance limits, and sampling methods are not covered in these test methods; they should be specified separately in the procurement document.

1.6 This standard does not purport to address all of the safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appropriate safety and health practices and determine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use. Specific precautionary statements are given in 5, 6, 8, 16, and 17.