Reliable, cost-effective, solid-state systems for downhole measurement of temperature, as a function of temperature, are desired. Measuring temperature during drilling and operation of geothermal and natural gas wells is critical to operation. A resistance-temperature device will be fabricated from wire, which has been coated with an impervious, high temperature glass/ceramic insulator. By choosing a wire alloy having appropriate resistance vs. temperature behavior, a two-wire device that measures temperature as a function of current can be fabricated in very straightforward manner. Phase I will identify and characterize alloys whose resistance depends heavily upon temperature. Alloy will be converted to wire, coated with ceramic, formed into sensing elements, and characterized as temperature sensing elements in the laboratory, and in real downhole application.
Commercial Applications and Other Benefits as described by the awardee: Increasing power levels in electronic designs require that the elements of electronic assemblies are capable of surviving higher and higher temperatures. This technology will allow continuous usage of electrically and thermally conductive materials in harsh, high temperature environments.
