ASTM E1137/E1137M-08 (2020) PDF

Full title and description

ASTM E1137/E1137M-08 (reapproved 2020) — Standard Specification for Industrial Platinum Resistance Thermometers. This specification establishes physical, performance and testing requirements, resistance‑to‑temperature relationship and tolerances for metal‑sheathed industrial platinum resistance thermometers (PRTs) intended for direct immersion temperature measurement across a broad temperature range.

Abstract

This standard defines construction, materials, dimensional and electrical characteristics, calibration basis (ITS‑90), and qualification tests for industrial platinum resistance thermometers (PRTs). It applies to PRTs with a nominal resistance (commonly 100 Ω at 0 °C) and an average temperature coefficient of resistance of 0.385 %/°C (0 to 100 °C), covering devices suitable for all or part of the range −200 °C to 650 °C. Key performance and acceptance tests include insulation resistance, resistance versus temperature, minimum immersion length, pressure, thermal response time, vibration, self‑heating, stability, thermoelectric effects, mechanical shock, and dimensional checks.

General information

• Status: Current (edition reapproved in 2020; revision work items open for review as of 2024).
• Publication date: Current edition approved May 1, 2020 (designation shown as E1137/E1137M‑08(2020), original edition dated 1 November 2008).
• Publisher: ASTM International.
• ICS / categories: 17.200.20 — Temperature‑measuring instruments (temperature measurement).
• Edition / version: E1137/E1137M‑08 (reapproved 2020).
• Number of pages: 7 pages (typical published PDF / data sheet length).

Scope

This specification covers metal‑sheathed industrial platinum resistance thermometers (PRTs) suitable for direct immersion. It applies to PRTs having an average temperature coefficient of resistance of 0.385 %/°C (over 0 to 100 °C) and nominal resistance at 0 °C of 100 Ω (or other specified values). Devices intended for all or part of the temperature range −200 °C to 650 °C are addressed. The standard references the International Temperature Scale of 1990 (ITS‑90) as the basis for temperature values and specifies both inch‑pound and SI units as independent systems. Required materials, construction details, electrical connection configurations (2‑, 3‑, 4‑wire), tolerance grades, and qualification tests are defined.

Key topics and requirements

• Nominal resistance and temperature coefficient: typically 100 Ω at 0 °C and α ≈ 0.385 %/°C (0 to 100 °C).
• Temperature range covered: −200 °C to 650 °C (full or partial coverage permitted depending on design).
• Tolerance grades and resistance‑vs‑temperature tolerances (Grade A, Grade B or specified alternatives).
• Construction and materials requirements for sheaths, sensing elements, insulations, connection wires and end closures.
• Connection configurations: 2‑wire, 3‑wire and 4‑wire arrangements with guidance on compensating loops and wiring practices.
• Qualification and acceptance tests: insulation resistance, resistance vs temperature verification, minimum immersion length, pressure testing, thermal response time, vibration, self‑heating, stability (long‑term), thermoelectric effects, mechanical shock, and dimensional checks.
• Calibration basis: values tied to ITS‑90; guidance on units and dual unit presentation (inch‑pound and SI).

Typical use and users

Used by manufacturers of industrial PRTs, instrument designers and integrators, calibration and metrology laboratories, process engineers, quality assurance personnel, and procurement/specification writers who require a standardized specification for metal‑sheathed platinum resistance thermometers in industrial measurement and monitoring applications.

Related standards

Standards commonly referenced alongside E1137/E1137M include ITS‑90 (International Temperature Scale of 1990) as the calibration basis, and several ASTM standards for related thermometry work such as ASTM E230 (temperature‑emf tables for thermocouples), ASTM E220 (calibration of thermocouples by comparison), and ASTM E644 (test methods for industrial resistance thermometers). Users should consult the normative/reference section of the standard for the complete list.

Keywords

PRT, platinum resistance thermometer, industrial PRT, metal‑sheathed thermometer, ITS‑90, temperature coefficient, nominal resistance, Grade A, Grade B, immersion thermometer, thermometry standards.

FAQ

Q: What is this standard?

A: ASTM E1137/E1137M‑08(2020) is an ASTM International specification that sets out construction, material, performance, calibration basis and testing requirements for metal‑sheathed industrial platinum resistance thermometers used for direct immersion temperature measurement.

Q: What does it cover?

A: It covers nominal resistance and temperature coefficient requirements (commonly 100 Ω and 0.385 %/°C), applicable temperature ranges (−200 °C to 650 °C, fully or partially), tolerance grades, wiring configurations, materials, and a suite of qualification and acceptance tests (insulation, response time, vibration, stability, etc.). The standard bases temperature values on ITS‑90.

Q: Who typically uses it?

A: Device manufacturers, calibration labs and metrology organizations, process and instrumentation engineers, test laboratories, and procurement/specification authors who need a consistent, industry‑accepted specification for industrial PRTs.

Q: Is it current or superseded?

A: The designation E1137/E1137M‑08 was reapproved in 2020 (shown as E1137/E1137M‑08(2020)). ASTM has active work items to review/revise the document (initiated in 2024), so users should confirm the status before quoting the standard for new procurements.

Q: Is it part of a series?

A: It is part of ASTM Committee E20’s temperature measurement family of standards and is commonly used in conjunction with other thermometry documents (for example E230, E220, E644 and calibration guides). The standard cross‑references ITS‑90 and related ASTM test and calibration standards.

Q: What are the key keywords?

A: PRT, platinum resistance thermometer, ITS‑90, resistance‑temperature relationship, nominal 100 Ω, α = 0.385 %/°C, immersion thermometer, Grade A/Grade B, industrial thermometry.