Curiosity Corner: Learn Something New Every Day

A humidity instrument is a type of measuring instrument that is used to measure humidity, which is the amount of water vapor in the air. There are several different types of humidity instruments, including hygrometers, psychrometers, and humidity transmitters. These instruments use different methods to measure humidity, such as by using materials that absorb or lose moisture in response to changes in humidity, or by using sensors such as capacitive sensors or resistive sensors. Humidity instruments are widely used in a variety of applications, such as in weather stations, HVAC (heating, ventilation, and air conditioning) systems, and industrial process

A PID controller is a control system that is commonly used in industrial processes to maintain a desired output. PID stands for Proportional-Integral-Derivative, and these terms refer to the three components of the control algorithm used by the controller. A PID controller uses feedback from the process being controlled to continuously calculate the appropriate control output, which is then used to adjust the process and maintain the desired output. PID controllers are widely used in a variety of applications, such as in manufacturing, robotics, and aviation, to maintain a desired output and ensure the smooth and efficient operation of

An accelerometer is a device that is used to measure acceleration, or the rate of change of velocity. It works by detecting changes in the position or orientation of an object and translating that information into an electrical signal. Accelerometers are commonly used in a variety of applications, such as in smartphones to detect the orientation of the device and enable features such as auto-rotate, in automobiles to deploy airbags in a collision, and in industrial machinery to monitor vibration and prevent damage. They are typically small, lightweight, and durable, and are able to provide accurate measurements over a

A thermistor is a type of resistor that has a resistance that is highly sensitive to temperature. Unlike a standard resistor, the resistance of a thermistor changes dramatically with even small changes in temperature. This property makes thermistors useful for temperature sensing and control applications. When used as a temperature sensor, a thermistor can provide accurate and precise measurements over a wide range of temperatures. They are often used in a variety of electronic devices, including thermostats, temperature sensors, and temperature-controlled devices. How does a thermistor work? A thermistor works by utilizing the change in its electrical resistance in

A load cell is a device that is used to measure weight or force. It works by converting the force being measured into an electrical signal, which can then be read and calibrated to provide an accurate measurement. Load cells are commonly used in a variety of applications, such as weighing scales, industrial machinery, and structural engineering, to name a few. They are typically made of metal and are designed to be very durable and accurate. How does a load cell work? A load cell works by converting a force, such as weight or pressure, into an electrical signal.

A strain gage load cell is a type of transducer that is used to measure force or weight. It consists of a spring element, typically made of metal, that deforms under the applied load. This deformation is measured using strain gages, which are small sensors that detect changes in the dimensions of the spring element. The output from the strain gages is then amplified and converted into a measurable electrical signal, which can be read by a digital display or other measurement device. Load cells are commonly used in a variety of applications, including industrial weighing systems, force measurement

A Venturi flow meter, also known as a Venturi tube or Venturi nozzle, is a device used to measure the flow rate of a fluid passing through a pipe. It is named after Giovanni Venturi, an Italian physicist who first described the concept in 1797. The Venturi flow meter works by constricting the flow of the fluid in a specific area, which creates a pressure difference between the inlet and outlet of the constriction. This pressure difference is then used to calculate the flow rate of the fluid. The Venturi flow meter is a simple and efficient way to

A type S thermocouple is a temperature-sensing device that consists of two wires made of different types of metal. When the junction of the two wires is heated or cooled, a voltage is generated that is proportional to the temperature. Type S thermocouples are made with a positive wire of platinum-rhodium alloy and a negative wire of pure platinum, and they are capable of measuring temperatures up to around 1600 degrees Celsius (2912 degrees Fahrenheit). These thermocouples are commonly used in high-temperature applications such as furnace control, boiler control, and heat treatment processes. What is the range of S

A Linear Variable Differential Transformer (LVDT) is a type of electrical transformer that is used to measure the displacement of an object. It consists of a primary coil, a secondary coil, and a movable core that is attached to the object whose displacement is being measured. When an AC voltage is applied to the primary coil, it creates an alternating magnetic field. This magnetic field then induces a voltage in the secondary coil, which is proportional to the displacement of the movable core. The LVDT is a type of transformer because it uses electromagnetic induction to convert an AC

A thermocouple is a type of temperature sensor that is commonly used in a wide range of applications such as in industrial and scientific settings. It consists of two different types of wire that are joined together at one end, forming a junction. When the junction is heated or cooled, a voltage is generated that is proportional to the temperature difference between the two wires. This voltage can then be measured and used to determine the temperature at the junction. The two wires that make up a thermocouple are typically made of different metals, such as copper and iron