Features and Capabilities
1-5
August 2003
Probes
Probes are the part of the system that come into contact with the
process flow. The PM880 uses various types of probes to fit the
needs of a wide range of applications.
The term “probe” includes devices such as moisture sensors and
pressure transducers. Although you can supply your own probes
for certain measurements, GE Panametrics provides the following
standard probes to make moisture, temperature, and pressure
measurements:
•
Moisture (M) Series - moisture and temperature (in gases and
liquids)
•
Three Function (TF) Series and Moisture Image Series Probes
- moisture, temperature, and pressure (in gases and liquids)
Note:
The PM880 only works with standard GE Panametrics
probes.
The most commonly used probes are discussed in more detail
below.
M Series and TF Series Moisture Probes
The M Series and the TF Series probes are very similar. Both
probes use the GE Panametrics aluminum oxide sensors to
measure moisture, and a thermistor bead to measure temperature
(the thermistor is optional). The TF Series, however, also has an
optional built-in strain-gage-type pressure transducer. The sensor
assemblies are secured to a probe mount and are usually protected
with a sintered stainless-steel shield (TF-9 probes do not have a
shield). Other types of shields are available. See Figures 1-3 and
1-4 on page 1-6.
If the optional temperature thermistor or pressure transducer is
not used, the user can enter fixed values for temperature and
pressure into the PM880 memory.
