BRTD44 – Copper Tip RTD with Armor and Twist Lock Bayonet is a resistance temperature detector specifically designed for bearing temperature or other rotating shaft temperatures. The copper tip probe is inserted directly into drilled holes (such as bearing housing, machine components) or the process. The copper tip design allows small changes in temperature to be detected quickly, helping to avoid major damage to the bearing or shaft.
Key Features:-
- Available in types: Pt100, Pt100 (0.00392), Pt200, Ni20 ohm.
- SS armored lead wire for harsh and demanding environments.
- 20 times faster response than standard stainless steel tips.
- Available in Class B, Class A, Class AA (IEC 60751 & ASTM E1137).
- Single and Duplex sensor elements.
- Temperature range: -50°C to 260°C (-58°F to +500°F).
- Adjustable bayonet on armor length for easy installation on-site.
- Sheath diameter available: 0.188″.
- Bayonet twist-lock for easy connect and disconnect.
- Insulation resistance: 1000 MΩ @ 500 VDC.
- Response time: < 5 sec in circulating water @ 1 ft/sec.
- Accuracy: As per IEC 60751 (see tolerance chart).
- Self-heating error: < 0.30°F (0.17°C).
- Time constant: < 3 sec.
Application Note
The BTC44 bearing thermocouple with bayonet lock is designed for accurate and reliable temperature monitoring of bearings in rotating machinery, ensuring secure and consistent contact with the bearing housing through its adjustable, spring-loaded bayonet locking mechanism. This design allows quick installation and removal without special tools while maintaining stable positioning even in high-vibration environments. The thermocouple is available in multiple calibration types including J, K, E, N, and T, with a wide selection of sheath materials such as 304 and 316 stainless steel to suit different application requirements. It features a standard 3/16″ tip diameter, with options for copper tip construction to enhance thermal response, and supports both grounded and ungrounded junctions depending on application needs. Additionally, it can be supplied with low- and high-temperature lead wires and compatible connectors, making it suitable for diverse industrial environments.
The BTC44 thermocouple is widely used in critical equipment where bearing temperature monitoring is essential to prevent overheating and avoid costly failures. Key applications include rotors, generators, turbines, and transformers in power generation systems, as well as pumps, compressors, dynamos, and drilling equipment in industrial settings. It is also extensively utilized in transportation and heavy-duty machinery such as aircraft engines and auxiliary power units, diesel engines, turbochargers, gearboxes, conveyor systems, and locomotive bearings. By providing continuous, real-time temperature measurement, the sensor helps detect abnormal temperature variations that may indicate lubrication issues, misalignment, or mechanical wear, thereby enhancing operational safety, efficiency, and reliability.
When integrated with modern data acquisition systems, PLCs, or IIoT platforms, the BTC44 thermocouple can deliver real-time temperature data for advanced monitoring and analysis. The addition of AI-enabled readout significantly enhances its functionality by enabling predictive maintenance strategies. AI and machine learning algorithms can analyze temperature trends, detect anomalies, and predict potential failures before they occur, allowing maintenance teams to take proactive action. Edge computing enables immediate processing and alerts at the machine level, while cloud-based systems support long-term data storage, fleet-wide analysis, and intuitive dashboard visualization. This intelligent integration reduces unplanned downtime, extends equipment life, improves safety, and optimizes maintenance schedules, ultimately lowering operational costs and transforming the BTC44 from a standard temperature sensor into a key component of smart, data-driven industrial systems.
