The standard Peltier Plate (shown in the figure below) is the most widely used temperature control system for the rheometers. It uses the Peltier thermoelectric effect to control the temperature accurately, with rapid heating and cooling. The plate consists of a copper disc, with hard chrome plating on the upper surface. A Pt100 temperature probe is embedded in the disc, in thermal contact with it and close to the surface. Copper is used as the disc material for its very high thermal conductivity, ensuring negligible temperature gradients across the surface of the plate. The hard chrome plating prevents mechanical or chemical damage to the plate.
The basis of the Peltier effect is this: When an electric current passes across the junction between two dissimilar metals or semiconductors, a temperature gradient across the junction results—the temperature will rise on one side and fall on the other. The direction of the current determines on which side the temperature rises.
On the DHR and AR Rheometer plates, a set of Peltier elements is placed below and in thermal contact with the copper disc. The desired level of active heating or cooling can be achieved by controlling the direction and magnitude of the current supplied to these elements.
For additional information related to the Peltier Plate, refer to the following:
DHR/AR Series Peltier Plate Getting Started Guide
