We present experimental data on the time response behavior of industrial platinum resistance thermometers (IPRT) to help with the selection of proper sensors in industry and research laboratories. Time constants of IPRTs were measured using a method specified in ASTM standards. Two different sensors of different protecting sheath diameters were tested in air, water and silicon oil at temperatures from 0 °C to 200 °C. The time constant was the smallest in water and the highest in air. As the test temperature increased, time constants tended to decrease at all heat conducting media. For different diameters of sheath of IPRT at the same temperature, it was found that the IPRT of larger diameter showed higher time constant in air, but the opposite dependence was observed in water and oil. From the measured results, it was suggested that the sensor diameter and heat conducting medium should be considered if one wants to select proper thermometer to measure the dynamic temperature change in industry and research area.
