Patent ID: 6983223
Filing Date: 2006-01-03
Classification: G01K

Abstract:
1. A method of detecting thermocouple failure in a temperature monitoring circuit, the method comprising: inputting and storing manufacturers values for an initial resistance R measuring a loop resistance LR at an indicated initial temperature T computing and storing an initial circuit resistance R measuring a current loop resistance LR at a current indicated temperature T computing a thermocouple confidence level % CL based on comparing a predicted LR, to the current measured LR at the current indicated temperature T determining whether the thermocouple confidence level % CL has exceeded a predetermined limit; measuring another current loop resistance LR at the current indicated temperature T generating an alarm for maintenance of the thermocouple, if the % CL has exceeded the predetermined limit; and wherein the limit of the thermocouple confidence level corresponds to an impending thermocouple failure and the prediction thereof.