What crucial role did the introduction of electrical sensors like the platinum resistance thermometer play in logging evolution?
Answer
They shifted temperature measurement from a local, visual act to a remote, electrical signal
The integration of electrical sensors, particularly the resistance thermometer perfected by Werner von Siemens using platinum, represented a paradigm shift away from visual readings of liquid-in-glass tubes. Because the sensor produced an electrical signal proportional to temperature, that signal could be transmitted via a wire. This meant the temperature reading could be monitored far away from the source—for example, from a process tank back to a central control room. This capability was the essential prerequisite for automated data logging, as it allowed remote monitoring necessary for capturing data over long, unattended periods.
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