Temperature Controllers

Temperature controllers are used in situations where temperatures need to be kept within a specified range or at a specific setpoint regardless of the environmental conditions. This can involve either heating, cooling or both.

The accurate control of temperature is greatly important across a wide variety of applications. Some common uses for temperature controllers in industry include plastic extrusion and injection molding machines, thermo-forming machines, packaging machines, food processing, food storage, and others. Temperature controllers are also useful in commercial and even residential settings. In fact, one of the simplest types of temperature controllers is the thermostat used to keep your house warm in the winter and cool in the summer.

Thermostats work in the same manner as all other temperature controllers. A temperature sensor, often some type of thermocouple or RTD (resistance temperature detector), senses the actual temperature and provides input to the controller/thermostat. When the temperature is found to deviate from the setpoint, the controller/thermostat generates an output signal to activate other temperature regulating devices such as heating elements (or furnace in the case of a thermostat) or refrigeration components (or air conditioning unit in the case of a thermostat) to bring the temperature back to the setpoint.

By carefully monitoring the process temperature and taking corrective action when it deviates from the setpoint, temperature controllers greatly assist in reducing variability, increasing efficiency, and ensuring safety.