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1.1 This guide establishes criteria for the various parameters needed to define a digital contact thermometer (DCT) suitable for measuring temperature in the test methods utilized by Committee D02. The DCT criteria are based on the design and sensing characteristics of the liquid-in-glass thermometers that have been used successfully in Committee D02 test methods.

1.2 The values stated in SI units are to be regarded as standard. No other units of measurement are included in this standard.

1.3 This standard does not purport to address all of the safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appropriate safety, health, and environmental practices and determine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use.

1.4 This international standard was developed in accordance with internationally recognized principles on standardization established in the Decision on Principles for the Development of International Standards, Guides and Recommendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.

5.1 The DCT criteria listed in Table 1 have been found to be suitable for replacing some of the noted liquid-in-glass thermometers with a DCT. The criteria stated are based on the liquid-in-glass (LiG) thermometer design which are the bulb length, immersion depth, precision of measurement, thermometer position, and so forth. The parameters for sensor length, immersion depth, sheath diameter are especially critical when measuring the temperature of small static samples due to temperature probe thermal conductivity. A DCT that is suitable for use in a stirred constant temperature bath will likely result in measurement errors when used to measure small sample temperature. These can be a degree or more when the sample temperature differs from room temperature by 40 °C or more using a 7 mm probe. This error is due to the difference in thermal conductivity of a DCT and LiG thermometer. The most effective way to counter this is by reducing DCT sheath diameter, insulating the sheath above the immersion level, and using a probe that has a small immersion depth as determined by Practice D7962.

5.2 When replacing a LiG thermometer with one of the D02-DCTs listed in Table 1 and the test method does not list any DCT criteria, it is incumbent on the user to verify the suitability of the DCT they have selected. This can be done by comparing measurements made with the selected DCT to those of a LiG thermometer and following the test procedure. Comparative measurements are especially important when measuring the temperature of a small static sample where there is a large difference between sample and room temperature. Covering the DCT probe sheath except for the sensing portion with a glass, plastic, or tubing with a lower thermoconductivity can improve the agreement between LiG and DCT measurements.