Thermocouple

A thermocouple is a temperature measurement sensor made from two different metals (heterogeneous). These two metals are joined at one end, and when the junction is heated or cooled, a small voltage proportional to the temperature is generated. Using reference tables, the temperature of the fluid can be calculated. Thermocouples are simple, durable, and cost-effective sensors widely used in temperature measurement applications. They are manufactured in various forms, such as thermocouple probes with connectors, infrared thermocouples, bare wire thermocouples, or just the wire itself.

Thermocouples are used in various applications, and knowing how they work, their structure, and their temperature ranges is crucial to selecting the appropriate type and model for a specific application.

 

Types of Industrial Thermocouples

 

 

 

• Type K Thermocouple

Features: Temperature Sensor This type is inexpensive, accurate, reliable, and has a wide temperature range.

Thermocouple wire: -454°F to 2,300°F (-270°C to 1,260°C)

 

•  Type J Thermocouple

Features: It has a smaller temperature range and shorter lifespan at higher temperatures compared to Type K. However, it is equally cost-effective and reliable.

Thermocouple wire: -346°F to 1,400°F (-210°C to 760°C)

 

• Type T Thermocouple

Temperature Range:

1. Thermocouple wire: -454°F to 700°F (-270°C to 370°C)
2. Extension wire: 32°F to 392°F (0°C to 200°C)

 

• Type E Thermocouple

Temperature Range:

1. Thermocouple wire: -454°F to 1,600°F (-270°C to 870°C)
2. Extension wire: 32°F to 392°F (0°C to 200°C)

 

• Type N Thermocouple

Temperature Range:

1. Thermocouple wire: -454°F to 2,300°F (-270°C to 392°C)
2. Extension wire: 32°F to 392°F (0°C to 200°C)

 

• 6. Noble Metal Thermocouples (Types S, R, and B)

Features: These sensors have very high accuracy and are suitable for high-temperature applications requiring high reliability.

Temperature Range:

1. Type S: 32°F to 2,912°F (0°C to 1,600°C)
2. Type R: 32°F to 3,272°F (0°C to 1,800°C)
3. Type B: 32°F to 3,572°F (0°C to 1,972°C)