# US 10,760,979 B2 · Method for calibrating a temperature sensor located in a process of automation technology

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- Number: US 10,760,979 B2
- Document ID: US10760979B2
- Status: Granted
- Kind: B2
- Application number: 15/758,451
- Filed: 2016-08-26
- Published: 2018-09-06
- Granted: 2020-09-01
- Earliest claimed: 2015-09-15
- Assignees: Endress + Hauser Wetzer GmbH + Co. KG
- Applicants: Endress+Hauser Wetzer GmbH+Co. KG
- Inventors: Helmut Kalteis
- Web page: https://patentgrep.com/patent/US10760979B2

## CPC

- G01K 15/005: {Calibration}
- G01K 7/02: using thermoelectric elements, e.g. thermocouples
- G01K 7/16: using resistive elements
- G01K 13/02: for measuring temperature of moving fluids or granular materials capable of flow
- G01K: MEASURING TEMPERATURE; MEASURING QUANTITY OF HEAT; THERMALLY-SENSITIVE ELEMENTS NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR (radiation pyrometry G01J5/00)

## Abstract

The application discloses a method for calibrating a temperature sensor located in a process of automation technology, wherein the calibration method comprises method steps as follows: specifying or ascertaining a temperature measuring range, which is passed through in the process of automation technology; specifying or ascertaining a reference temperature arising in the temperature measuring range; determining temperature measured values by means of the temperature sensor; detecting whether temperature measured values are at least approximately constant in the temperature measuring range during a specified time span; correcting the at least approximately constant, measured value of temperature in the temperature measuring range to the reference temperature.

## Claims

### Claim 1

A method for calibrating a temperature sensor in a process of automation technology, wherein the calibration method comprises method steps as follows:
ascertaining at least one variable for calibrating the temperature sensor during the process from the temperature sensor, which is to be calibrated, by measuring the temperature of the process for at least one cycle of the process after installation of the temperature sensor in the process, wherein the variables are a temperature measuring range, a reference temperature and a time span;
specifying the temperature measuring range, which is passed through in the recurring process of automation technology;
specifying the reference temperature arising in the temperature measuring range;
specifying the time span, during which the temperature measured values plateau in the temperature measuring range;
determining temperature measured values using the temperature sensor;
detecting whether temperature measured values plateau in the temperature measuring range during the specified time span; and
correcting the measured value of temperature in the temperature measuring range to the reference temperature.

### Claim 2 (depends on 1)

The method of claim 1, wherein the temperature sensor in the process of automation technology is subjected to a recurring sterilization- or cleaning process, wherein the sterilization- or cleaning process is performed at a defined reference temperature.

### Claim 3 (depends on 1)

The method of claim 1, wherein the process of automation technology is recurringly interrupted, wherein during the duration of the interruption a specified reference temperature is present in the vicinity of the temperature sensor.

### Claim 4 (depends on 1)

The method of claim 1, wherein the calibration method of the temperature sensor can be activated or deactivated.

### Claim 5

A temperature measuring apparatus comprising a temperature sensor in a process of automation technology, and a control/evaluation unit for performing the following method:
ascertaining at least one variable for calibrating the temperature sensor during the process from the temperature sensor, which is to be calibrated, by measuring the temperature of the process for at least one cycle of the process after installation of the temperature sensor in the process, wherein the variables are a temperature measuring range, a reference temperature and a time span;
specifying the temperature measuring range, which is passed through in the recurring process of automation technology;
specifying the reference temperature arising in the temperature measuring range;
specifying the time span, during which the temperature measured values plateau in the temperature measuring range;
determining temperature measured values by using of the temperature sensor;
detecting whether temperature measured values plateau in the temperature measuring range during the specified time span; and
correcting the measured value of temperature in the temperature measuring range to the reference temperature.

### Claim 6 (depends on 5)

The temperature measuring apparatus of claim 5, wherein the temperature sensor is a platinum resistor, which is affixed in a measuring tube via a potting compound or a powder.

### Claim 7 (depends on 5)

The temperature measuring apparatus of claim 5, wherein the temperature sensor is a thin film sensor, a thick film sensor or a wire wound temperature sensor, which is affixed in a measuring tube via a potting compound or a powder.

### Claim 8 (depends on 5)

The temperature measuring apparatus of claim 5, wherein the temperature sensor is a thermocouple, which is affixed in a measuring tube via a potting compound or a powder.

### Claim 9 (depends on 5)

The temperature measuring apparatus of claim 5, wherein the temperature sensor has a surrounding protective tube.

### Claim 10 (depends on 5)

The temperature measuring apparatus of claim 5, wherein the control/evaluation unit performs the correcting of the current temperature measured value to the reference temperature, when the temperature measured value of the temperature sensor is plateaued within the temperature measuring range and is plateaued for the specified time span.