One of the most popular type of temperature sensing instruments is the type K thermocouple. It is suitable for different types of industrial applications because of its unique properties. For instance, the device can be used to measure very low as well as very high temperatures. It is this property that makes it more suitable for industrial purposes.
In control engineering, feedback signals are needed to stabilize the system. These signals are normally obtained from sensors that are attached to the output. Examples of sensors include thermocouples and photo-diodes among others. A thermometer can therefore not be used because it does not have an electrical output that can be used as a feedback signal. Another disadvantage of thermometers is that they cannot measure temperatures that are too low or very high.
Many types of thermocouples exist in the market. They are categorized based on the material used to make their probes. Different types of thermocouples can measure temperatures of different ranges. The junctions of thermocouple are normally made of alloys because of their enhanced physical and electrical properties.
In order to measure temperature, thermocouples must have at least two junctions. These conductors or probes are made of different materials, normally metals and their alloys. Type K thermocouple uses Chromel and Alumel in its two junctions. Chromel is an alloy made of 10 percent chromium and 90 percent nickel, while Alumel is an alloy made of one percent silicon, 95 percent nickel and 2 percent each of manganese and aluminum.
Thermocouples have two junctions that are normally placed in contact with the environment where temperature readings need to be taken. The temperature difference between the junctions of the device creates a potential difference, which is a reflection of the temperature of the system. The relationship between temperature difference is normally linear within the operating limits of the device.
Every measuring instrument has an operating limit. There is a lower and upper limit. The difference between the two is what is commonly referred to as the operating range. For type K thermocouple, the upper limit is 1,350 degrees while the lower limit is -200 degrees centigrade. Since industrial temperatures normally fall within this range, type K thermocouples are normally best suited for such environments.
The accuracy of a device is a very important factor to consider when looking for an instrument. Ideally, an instrument should be very accurate with little margin or error. This thermocouple has an accuracy of 0.75 percent - plus or minus. During calibration, the error may be compounded due to one reason or the other. There is therefore need to re-calibrate the device every so often.
Thermocouples normally wear out very fast. The high temperatures and corrosive chemicals in the industry are to blame for this. As with any other item, harsh conditions minimizes the life of objects. It is because of this that manufacturers recommend regular replacements to ensure accurate readings are obtained. Fortunately, these sensors are affordable, so any company can afford to carry out regular replacements without feeling the pinch.
There are three types of type K thermocouple probes. They include grounded, surface and exposed probes. Different environments need different types of probes.
In control engineering, feedback signals are needed to stabilize the system. These signals are normally obtained from sensors that are attached to the output. Examples of sensors include thermocouples and photo-diodes among others. A thermometer can therefore not be used because it does not have an electrical output that can be used as a feedback signal. Another disadvantage of thermometers is that they cannot measure temperatures that are too low or very high.
Many types of thermocouples exist in the market. They are categorized based on the material used to make their probes. Different types of thermocouples can measure temperatures of different ranges. The junctions of thermocouple are normally made of alloys because of their enhanced physical and electrical properties.
In order to measure temperature, thermocouples must have at least two junctions. These conductors or probes are made of different materials, normally metals and their alloys. Type K thermocouple uses Chromel and Alumel in its two junctions. Chromel is an alloy made of 10 percent chromium and 90 percent nickel, while Alumel is an alloy made of one percent silicon, 95 percent nickel and 2 percent each of manganese and aluminum.
Thermocouples have two junctions that are normally placed in contact with the environment where temperature readings need to be taken. The temperature difference between the junctions of the device creates a potential difference, which is a reflection of the temperature of the system. The relationship between temperature difference is normally linear within the operating limits of the device.
Every measuring instrument has an operating limit. There is a lower and upper limit. The difference between the two is what is commonly referred to as the operating range. For type K thermocouple, the upper limit is 1,350 degrees while the lower limit is -200 degrees centigrade. Since industrial temperatures normally fall within this range, type K thermocouples are normally best suited for such environments.
The accuracy of a device is a very important factor to consider when looking for an instrument. Ideally, an instrument should be very accurate with little margin or error. This thermocouple has an accuracy of 0.75 percent - plus or minus. During calibration, the error may be compounded due to one reason or the other. There is therefore need to re-calibrate the device every so often.
Thermocouples normally wear out very fast. The high temperatures and corrosive chemicals in the industry are to blame for this. As with any other item, harsh conditions minimizes the life of objects. It is because of this that manufacturers recommend regular replacements to ensure accurate readings are obtained. Fortunately, these sensors are affordable, so any company can afford to carry out regular replacements without feeling the pinch.
There are three types of type K thermocouple probes. They include grounded, surface and exposed probes. Different environments need different types of probes.
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