Understanding The Various Thermocouple Types

By Elinor Tran


A thermocouple is a crucial tool in telling the degrees of temperature. This equipment is frequently applied in the manufacturing industries as well as various scientific situations. The main objective is to sense temperature levels. Various thermocouple types are used for different instances.

The most stable are types B, R and S. This three comprise of platinum and rhodium conductors but have low levels of sensitivity in comparison to others. Two conductors with varying percentages of rhodium are used. The cost of acquiring them is high and they are solely applicable for conditions of high temperatures. Both R and S can are useful for temperatures below 1600 degrees while B is employed for degrees less than 1800.

Type K consists of two alloys which are chrome and alumel. It is common and also cheap to acquire. The low cost of acquiring it can be attributed to the fact that it is less consistent. Type J on the other hand is higher in sensitivity than K but used over a smaller range. They however possess a common character in that they both contain magnetic alloys. An upcoming design of K is type N which is more stable and usable under high degrees.

Type E and T comprise another set possessing a different aspect of non magnetism. The two are common and E is important for high output. One can apply them when looking for temperature differences.

Type C and M is another set frequently used for high temperatures. This characteristic makes them effective in vacuum heaters. Oxygen has to be completely eliminated to make the instrument more effective. The two are not commonly used.

Picking one among the various thermocouple types depends on the price and also atmospheric conditions. These tools are useful in order to guarantee proper conditions of metal or alloy surfaces before manufacturing procedures. Sensitivity and consistency needed has to be considered when choosing the most suitable tool.




About the Author: