Temperature measurement is a key task in various fields of science and technology. Accurate and reliable temperature measurements are essential for ensuring the safety, efficiency, and quality of processes in industries such as manufacturing, medicine, environmental and Earth science, and many others. One potential application of temperature sensors in geophysics is the task of the rock mass precision temperature measurement. In recent years, there has been a significant increase in interest at highly sensitive temperature measurement methods, driven by advancements in technology and the need for improved accuracy and reliability in measurement systems. In this context, thermally sensitive quartz sensors, such, as for example, the RCT-206, offer a promising solution that can meet the current requirements for measurement systems. Quartz sensors possess unique characteristics that make them indispensable in various applications. They offer a wide range of operating temperatures, high stability and accuracy in measurements, and have a low dependence on external factors such as humidity and pressure. These advantages make them particularly attractive for use in environments where high levels of reliability and accuracy are required.
The main manufacturer of thermosensitive quartz sensors in Russian Federation is the company SCTB ELPA [1, 2]. The high degree of stability of these sensors under various conditions indicates the reliability of the circuits and materials used in their production. One of the most important parameters is, of course, the sensitivity of the sensors. The RKT-206 sensor has an average sensitivity of 1.9 Hz/°C. A comparison of the RKT-206 sensors with similar devices reveals their advantages in terms of lower error and improved adaptability. For example, in situations where it is necessary to account for temperature changes to compensate for other factors, quartz sensors can provide significantly more accurate results than traditional thermometers [3]. This makes them ideal for use in heat metering systems and other similar applications [4].
The advantages of thermosensitive quartz sensors are not only their high accuracy, but also their resistance to external factors. This allows for significant improvements in temperature control and monitoring in scientific research [5]. The stability of the metrological characteristics of quartz sensors is also a key advantage. This stability ensures reliability in the operation of high-precision thermometry systems, where accurate and consistent temperature measurements are required [2]. Compared to traditional copper and platinum thermocouples, the use of quartz sensors minimizes errors associated with signal transmission and digitization [5].
By comparing quartz sensors such as the RKT-206 with their foreign counterparts, several critical aspects related to their performance and applications can be identified. Western counterparts, such as sensors manufactured by Honeywell, are often designed to operate in a wider temperature range [6]. Additionally, one of the drawbacks of Western counterparts is their higher cost, which significantly limits their availability. For instance, competitive models from Europe may be 30-50% more expensive than the RKT-206, making them less accessible to consumers [7].
Quartz temperature sensors, despite their high accuracy and stability, have several limitations that must be considered when using them. Firstly, the operating temperature range of the RCT206 is important. It operates between -60°C and +150°C, and beyond these limits, the accuracy of the measuring may decrease significantly. Additionally, it is important to note that at extremely high or low temperatures, the physical and chemical properties of materials may change, which can lead to inaccurate measurements. Secondly, the sensitivity of quartz resonators can be affected by external factors such as mechanical vibrations or electromagnetic interference. For example, sensors with a sensitivity of 2-4 Hz/°C may experience significant frequency fluctuations when exposed to vibrations, which can make it difficult to obtain stable and accurate data [8]. Thermally sensitive quartz sensors also have limitations in terms of measurement error. For instance, when the temperature being measured changes rapidly, the error may increase, indicating that these sensors may not be as adaptable to rapidly changing operating conditions.
Nevertheless, the potential for developing temperature measurement technology for the rock mass using quartz sensors is promising. With ongoing advancements in materials science and microelectronics, we can expect new sensor models with even higher performance. This will open up new possibilities for their application in scientific research, where accurate measurements can significantly impact research outcomes and the efficiency of scientific instrumentation.
The work was carried out as part of the state assignment of the IPE RAS.