Information On Thermocouples

By Author: Redfish Sensors
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Thermocouples are also known as TC. These TC’s are based on a simple principle that says when two dissimilar metals are joined; a proportional amount of voltage is generated in that process. This voltage is related to the difference in temperature between the measuring junction and the reference junction. Since there Thermocouples can be easily constructed, the use of these TC’s has extensively increased in the recent years in different types of industries. These TC’s have different types of advantages as well as disadvantages. There are thermocouples that can be classified into different names and categories .

Different Thermocouples-
One of them is of Type K which is called as Chromel Alumel Thermocouples. This type is made from Chromel and Alumel. This is the most popular and useful Thermocouple among all available. This type of thermocouple has a wide range is readily available in the market. They can be purchased at a very low cost. The range of temperature in which this thermocouple operates range from -200 to 1200 degree C. They have been proved as a very good component for general purpose.

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... other category is Transition Thermocouple. These types of thermocouples are made up of metals like Rhodium and platinum which makes them a good conductor of heat and electricity. Since there is a use of high ranked of metals they are extremely costly and can’t be seen generally for the same purpose. They belong to Type S of Thermocouples.

Mineral Insulated Thermocouples are special type of thermocouples that are generated from some superior grade materials. Different types of Mineral Insulated Thermocouples are as follows-

Hot End Junction – These types of junctions are perfect for applications where low EMF pick-up is extremely essential. It has high purity MgO powder insulation.

Bonded Junction – They are not suitable for multi point instrumentation. They are of a character that they give faster temperature response as compared to the insulated junction type.

Exposed Junction – These give a fast temperature response. They can’t be used for temperatures in excess of 300ºC.
Extended Tip Junction – This consists of a pointed tip 15 mm long. This type of junction is used for ideal for spot welding or peening to the contact surface.

The temperature of the Thermocouples is measured by Handheld Infrared Thermometers. The infrared thermometers have lately become very popular. They offer non contact and accurate measurements. Non Contact Infrared Thermometers are very important in regards to thermocouples. For more information http://www.redfishsensors.com