Do you know about the thermometer? The Best Mercury Thermometer In a mercury-in-glass thermometer, a glass tube is crammed with mercury, and a customary scale is marked on the tube.
With temperature changes, the mercury expands and contracts, and therefore the temperature is often scanned from the size.
Mercury thermometer is often wont to confirm body, liquid, and vapor temperature. Mercury thermometer is utilized in households, laboratory experiments, and industrial applications.
What is the Mercury Thermometer
A Mercury thermometer is a type of thermometer that uses mercury as the working fluid to measure temperature. It consists of a glass tube with a bulb at one end, which is filled with mercury and sealed. The tube is marked with a scale that indicates temperature, typically in Celsius or Fahrenheit.
When the thermometer is placed in contact with a warm object or in a warm environment, the mercury in the bulb expands and rises the tube, indicating the temperature. Conversely, when the thermometer is exposed to a cooler environment, the mercury contracts and moves down the tube, indicating a lower temperature.
Mercury thermometers have been widely used in various fields, including medical, scientific, and industrial applications, due to their accuracy and reliability. However, they are no longer commonly used due to the toxic nature of mercury, which can cause serious health and environmental hazards. As a result, alternative digital thermometers that use non-toxic materials, such as alcohol or electronic sensors, have become more popular.
Household Uses of Best Mercury Thermometer
Mercury thermometer common ménage uses of mercury thermometers embody fever thermometers and kitchen appliances, candy, and meat thermometers.
Though this unit did not make it to our best blood pressure monitor it still has some quality. Let’s have a look!
Fever Thermometers
Mercury fever thermometers are the product of glass the dimensions of straw, with a silvery-white liquid inside. They are common in many households, schools, and medical facilities. 2 general varieties of thermometers measure body temperature:
Oral/Rectal/baby thermometers, containing about 0.61 grams of mercury. Basal temperature thermometers contain about 2.25 grams of mercury.
Is There Mercury in My Thermometer?
If the liquid in the thermometer bulb is any color other than silver, it is not a thermometer.
Educational and Medical Uses of Mercury Thermometer
Mercury thermometers are also utilized in several applications, including chemical experiments, water and acid baths, blood banks, ovens, and incubators.
Industrial Uses
Mercury thermometers are used in:
1. Power plants and piping
2. Chemical tanks and vats
Phasing out in Industrial
EPA has launched an attempt to cut back the utilization of mercury-filled non-fever thermometers in industrial settings wherever appropriate alternatives exist.
As part of a partnership EPA developed with the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST), NIST no longer provides calibration services for the best mercury thermometer.
EXIT These changes provide flexibility to use alternatives to mercury-containing thermometers. View a list of the updated ASTM standards.
For additional info regarding phasing out industrial mercury thermometers, visit EPA’s Phasing out of Thermometers Used in Industrial and Laboratory Settings page.
Restrictions on Sales
Some states and municipalities have passed laws or ordinances barring the manufacture, sale, and/or distribution of mercury fever thermometers.
This is to assist take away the threat of measuring device breakage and therefore the sequent unharnessed mercury vapor inside.
Alternatives to Fever Thermometer
A variety of correct and reliable mercury-free fever thermometers are on the market at your native pharmacy.
The most similar alternatives to mercury fever thermometers are battery- and solar-powered digital thermometers. These are just like mercury thermometers in each worth and use.
You should choose a thermometer that is easy to use and read. If you are choosing a battery-powered digital thermometer, choose one that contains a replaceable battery. Some of these thermometers do not have replaceable batteries.
Cleanup and Disposal
If you break a thermometer while using it or if you improperly dispose of it, the thermometer will release mercury vapors that are harmful to human and ecological health.
1. What to do when a mercury fever thermometer breaks
2. How to recycle and dispose of mercury products
The Mercury-in-Glass
Mercury thermometers are extremely repeatable and accurate over many years. You could put a working mercury thermometer in a time capsule and bury it for 10,000 years and it would still be working accurately.
The volume of mercury changes slightly with temperature; the small change in volume drives the narrow mercury column a relatively long way up the tube.
The 7 Best Mercury Thermometers for 2024
Mercury thermometers have been a trusted tool for measuring for centuries. Despite the popularity of digital thermometers, many still prefer the accuracy and reliability of mercury thermometers. In this article, we will explore the 7 best mercury thermometers available on the market today.
1. Vee Gee Scientific 83211-10 – This mercury thermometer features a temperature range between -10 to 150 degrees Celsius, making it ideal for a variety of applications. It has a durable glass construction and is easy to read.
2. Thomas Traceable Long Stem – With a long stem design, this mercury thermometer allows for easy temperature measurements in those hard-to-reach areas. It has a range of -30 to 120 degrees Celsius and is accurate to within +/- 1 degree.
3. Brannan Precision Deep – The Brannan Precision Deep mercury thermometer is perfect for use in deep freezers and refrigerators. With a range of -40 to 40 degrees Celsius, it ensures accurate temperature readings for food storage.
4. Eisco Labs 12-inch Wall – Designed for wall mounting, this mercury thermometer is excellent for monitoring temperatures in rooms, laboratories, or greenhouses. It has a temperature range of -30 to 120 degrees Celsius and is easily readable from a distance.
5. H-B DURAC Glass – This mercury thermometer offers the convenience of dual-scale readings, displaying temperature measurements in both Fahrenheit and Celsius. Its sturdy glass construction ensures durability, and it has a range of -20 to 150 degrees Celsius.
6. Fisher Scientific Traceable – With a range of -50 to 150 degrees Celsius, the Fisher Scientific Traceable mercury thermometer is suitable for various applications. It features an easy-to-read dual-scale display and provides accurate measurements.
7. Kimble Chase Kimax – The Kimble Chase Kimax mercury thermometer is a classic option with a range of -20 to 110 degrees Celsius. Its precision-bore tubing ensures precise temperature measurements, making it a reliable and durable choice.
When choosing a mercury thermometer, it is essential to consider factors such as temperature range, accuracy, and durability. Additionally, always ensure the product complies with safety regulations regarding the handling and disposal of mercury-based thermometers.
Buying Guide
A mercury thermometer is a classic instrument used for centuries to measure body temperature accurately. It consists of a glass box loaded with mercury, which extends or contracts depending on the temperature. However, due to the potential risks of handling mercury, it’s essential to understand certain factors before purchasing a mercury thermometer. This buying guide will examine the critical references to help you make an informed decision.
Accuracy
The primary reason for purchasing a mercury thermometer is to obtain proper temperature tasks. Look for thermometers that have been calibrated and tested to ensure precise measurements. Reviews and advice from trusted sources can also help you determine the accuracy of a particular brand or model.
Safety
Mercury is toxic and damaging if it comes into contact with the skin or is accidentally ingested. It is crucial to choose a mercury thermometer with safety features, such as a shatterproof casing to prevent exposure to mercury in case of accidental breakage. Also, ensure the thermometer has a marked scale to avoid potential mishaps.
Durability
A high-quality mercury thermometer should withstand regular use and be resilient to minor mishandling. Look for thermometers made from sturdy materials and consider the plant’s reputation for producing reliable and long-lasting products.
Ease of Use
Since measuring body temperature with a mercury thermometer involves placing it under the tongue or in the armpit, choosing a model that is easy to use and comfortable for the patient is essential. Features like a flexible tip or an ergonomically designed handle can significantly enhance the user experience, especially for children or older people.
Easy-to-Read Scale
The readability of the thermometer is essential for correctly interpreting temperature readings. Look for a mercury thermometer with a clear and well-marked scale that is easy to read, even in low-light conditions. Some thermometers may also feature color-coded temperature ranges to make readings more accessible.
Availability
Due to environmental concerns and potential health risks, mercury thermometers are being phased out in many places. Before purchasing a mercury thermometer, check local regulations regarding the sale and use of mercury-based instruments. Additionally, view the availability of replacement parts or additional mercury if needed.
Price
While price should not be the only determining factor, it is essential to evaluate your budget when purchasing a mercury thermometer. Remember that higher-priced thermometers often have added features like improved accuracy, safety mechanisms, or durability. However, you can still find affordable options while maintaining quality and accuracy.
Purchasing a mercury thermometer requires careful consideration of accuracy, safety, durability, ease of use, easy-to-read scale, availability, and price. By considering these factors, you can ensure that you find the suitable mercury thermometer that meets your needs while prioritizing safety and precision.
(FAQs)
Q. Do they still make mercury thermometers?
A. Those days have passed. Since 2001, 20 states have banned mercury “fever thermometers” for medical use, and regulations tightened per annum.
But as of today, the federal has more or less killed the mercury-in-glass thermometer within the United States—NIST has announced it will not calibrate mercury thermometers.
Q. Are mercury thermometers accurate?
A. In clinical studies between 9 and 23% of repeated measurements using an electronic thermometer differ by 0.5 degrees C or more whilst the corresponding range for mercury thermometers is 0.6%.
Q. Which is better thermometer or digital?
Answer: Digital thermometers provide faster results. Digital thermometers provide fast results as against mercury thermometers whose readings are slower to understand because you have to wait for the mercury to heat and then slowly rise to display the temperature.
Q. How long do you leave the thermometer in your mouth?
Answer: After shaking the mercury down, place the thermometer under the child’s tongue, with the bulb toward the back of the mouth. Leave the thermometer in place for 3 minutes.
A Final Note
In principle, thermometers made of a different material might be expected to give different intermediate readings due to different expansion properties.
In practice, the substances used are chosen to have reasonably linear expansion characteristics as a function of true thermodynamic temperature, and so give similar results.
If you are interested in checking other best thermometers be sure to check the Best Instant Read Thermometer and these other articles.
