What is Atex Thermocouple

 

 

A thermocouple is formed by fusing two different metals or alloys. The point at which the metals are fused is placed the point whose temperature is to be measured. This is called the hot junction of the thermocouple. The other end is called the cold junction. An electro motive force / voltage is generated between these junctions which is measured or used in an electronic circuit.

Benefits of Atex Thermocouple
 

Wide Temperature Range

Thermocouples can measure temperatures ranging from very low (cryogenic temperatures) to very high (over 2000°C), making them suitable for a wide range of applications.

 

 

Fast Response Time

Thermocouples have a rapid response time, meaning they can quickly detect changes in temperature, which is crucial in processes where temperature changes occur rapidly.

Simple Construction

Thermocouples consist of only two wires made from different metals joined at one end. This simplicity makes them easy to manufacture, install, and replace.

 

 

Ruggedness

Thermocouples are robust and resistant to vibration, mechanical shock, and environmental factors such as moisture and corrosion, making them suitable for harsh industrial environments.

Why Choose Us

One-stop Service

We promise to provide you with the fastest reply, the best price, the best quality, and the most complete after-sales service.

Competitive Pricing

We offer competitive pricing for our services without compromising on quality. Our prices are transparent, and we do not believe in hidden charges or fees.

Best After Service

Provide professional installation and training. Detailed operation manual and video for customer installation. Any problems will be solved within 24 hours. Broken parts will be sent to customer by air during guarantee period.

State-of-the-art Technology

We use the latest technology and tools to deliver high quality services. Our team is well-versed in the and advancements in technology and uses them to provide the best results.

What are Some Common Applications of Thermocouples

 

Steel And Iron Industries

Thermocouples are used to monitor the temperature and chemistry of molten metal during various stages of the steel-making process. Types B, S, R, and K thermocouples are commonly used in electric arc furnaces, ladles, tundishes, molds, and rollers.

 

Gas Appliances

Thermocouples are used to detect the presence of a pilot flame in gas heaters, boilers, ovens, stoves, and fireplaces. If the pilot flame goes out, the thermocouple shuts off the gas supply to prevent gas leakage or explosion.

 

Thermopile Radiation Sensors

Thermopiles are arrays of thermocouples connected in series that measure the intensity of incident radiation (especially visible and infrared light). They are used in devices such as pyrometers, radiometers, spectrometers, thermal cameras, and solar panels.

 

Manufacturing

Thermocouples are used to measure and control the temperature of various processes and products in manufacturing industries such as food processing, chemical processing, pharmaceutical, aerospace, automotive, and biomedical industries. Types K, J, T, E, and N thermocouples are commonly used to measure and control the temperature of various processes and products in these industries.

 

Power Production

Thermocouples are used to measure and monitor the temperature of various components and systems in power plants, such as boilers, turbines, generators, transformers, reactors, and fuel cells. Types R, S, B, K, and N thermocouples are commonly used in power production applications.

 

Process Plants

Thermocouples are used to measure and control the temperature of various fluids and gases in process plants, such as oil refineries, petrochemical plants, gas pipelines, and water treatment plants. Types K, J, T, E, and N thermocouples are commonly used in process plant applications.

 

Thermocouples As Vacuum Gauge

Thermocouples can be used to measure the pressure of a vacuum by measuring the temperature difference between a heated wire and an unheated wire in a thermocouple circuit. The pressure of the vacuum is inversely proportional to the temperature difference. This type of vacuum gauge is known as a thermocouple gauge or a Pirani gauge.

How to select a thermocouple
 

Determine The Application Scenario
Thermocouples can be used across industries and applications, so selecting the right one starts with knowing exactly how and where you want to use it

 

Determine The Temperature Range
The temperature range of the selected thermocouple should preferably cover the desired temperature range. This requires us to know the temperature range of different types of thermocouples.
A type K thermocouple offers a wide temperature range and is one of the most often used thermocouples. However, if your thermocouple probe will be exposed to extreme temperatures, a type N thermocouple is more stable in high temperatures and a type T thermocouple is best for extremely low temperatures.

Pt100 Digital Thermometer

 

K Type Explosion Proof Thermocouple

Determine The Fast Response Time And Durability
There are three types of thermocouple junctions: exposed, grounded or ungrounded. An exposed junction will provide the fastest response time. However, if the probe will be exposed to corrosive gas or high pressure, an exposed junction should not be used. An ungrounded thermocouple offers the slowest response time but can still be the best choice if it is also desirable to have the thermocouple electronically isolated from and shielded by the sheath. Generally, thermocouples with large wire diameters have very good durability but poor thermal response.

 

Consider The Operating Environment
An exposed thermocouple is limited in use to noncorrosive applications. Both a grounded or ungrounded thermocouple can be used in corrosive or high-pressure environments, but an ungrounded probe is best if there is a need to have the thermocouple electronically isolated from and shielded by the sheath.

 

Consider The Installation Requirements
The thermocouple may need to be compatible with existing equipment.

 

Consider The Price
Noble metal thermocouples are generally more expensive than base metal thermocouples. Users can select the appropriate thermocouple according to the actual situation to ensure the normal measurement.

 
What are the different types of thermocouples
 
01/

B-Type Thermocouple
Type B thermocouple comprises of Platinum (30% Rhodium) and Platinum (6% Rhodium) alloy. It has a high-temperature range between 1370 to 1700 °C, making it suitable for applications with very high temperatures like glass production.

02/

E-Type Thermocouple
Type E thermocouple comprises Chromel and Constantan alloys. It has a lower temperature range than type B (0 to 870 °C). They can be used in an inert environment, but they need to be protected against a sulphurous environment. Type E thermocouples are mostly used in power plants.

03/

J-Type Thermocouple
Type J thermocouple comprises of Iron and Constantan. It has a low-temperature range of 0 to 760 °C. This type of thermocouple is used primarily in inert and vacuum environments. One of the most common applications is Injection moulding.

04/

K-Type Thermocouple
Type K thermocouple is made of Chromel and Alumel. It has a temperature range between 95 and 1260 °C. It is best suited for neutral or oxidising environments and is mostly used in refineries.

05/

N-Type Thermocouple
The alloys used for type N thermocouples are Nicrosil and Nisil. Its temperature range is between 650 to 1260 °C. The unique point of this type of thermocouple is that it offers high resistance to degradation due to green rot and hysteresis. Generally, type N thermocouples are used in petrochemical and refineries industries.

06/

R-Type Thermocouple
Type R thermocouples comprise of a combination of Platinum (13% Rhodium) and Platinum and have a temperature range between 870 to 1450 °C. Due to the fact that they are very stable and accurate, they are used in Sulphur recovery units.

07/

S-Type Thermocouple
Type S thermocouples are a mixture of Platinum (10% Rhodium) and Platinum. They have a higher temperature range between 980 to 1450 °C making them perfect for applications involving high temperatures.

08/

T-Type Thermocouple
Last but not least, type T thermocouple comprises Copper and Constantan. The temperature range it has is between -200 to 370°C. It is suitable for inert and vacuum environments, making it perfect to be used in cryogenics and food production.

 
How does it work thermocouple

Two different metals are joined to make a thermocouple. Both the metals after connecting form two junctions that are subjected to different temperatures. The difference in the temperature of junctions generates Peltier emf within the circuit.


The temperature at both the junctions should be necessarily different as the equal temperature will result in zero net current flowing through the circuit. The generated emf in the circuit depends on the materials used as metals in making the thermocouple.


A device for measuring the emf/current flowing through the circuit is attached to the thermocouple. It measures the current flow which is generated by the temperature difference of the two metals in the thermocouple. The temperature of the reference junction is known and the other junction is unknown.


The output of the circuit is calibrated against the junction with the unknown temperature.the temperature of the unknown junction is determined using the thermocouple.


To measure the current, highly sensitive instruments are used as the emf developed in the circuit is very small. The most commonly used devices are voltage balancing potentiometer and galvanometer.

How Do You Install and Maintain a Thermocouple

 

 

Select a suitable location for the thermocouple probe or wire that will ensure good contact with the object or medium whose temperature is to be measured. Avoid locations that are exposed to excessive heat, moisture, corrosion, vibration, or mechanical stress.


Connect the thermocouple wires to the measuring instrument according to the polarity and color code of the thermocouple type. Use appropriate connectors, terminals, or adapters that match the thermocouple type and size. Avoid loose or broken connections that may cause errors or noise in the thermocouple circuit.


Calibrate the thermocouple and the measuring instrument before use to ensure accuracy and consistency of measurement. You can use a reference thermometer or a calibration source to compare the thermocouple output with a known temperature value. You can also use a calibration table or a formula to correct for any deviation or error in the thermocouple output.


Check the thermocouple regularly for any signs of damage, corrosion, contamination, or aging that may affect its performance or reliability. Replace the thermocouple if it shows any signs of deterioration or failure.

 
 
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FAQ

Q: What is a thermocouple?

A: A thermocouple is a temperature sensor (electrical device) used to measure temperature. It comprises two types of metal which are joined together at one end forming a junction. When the junction is cooled or heated it produces a so-called “temperature-dependent voltage” which is used to measure temperature.
Said in another way, a thermocouple is a very simple, robust and inexpensive sensor for temperature measurement which is used in a variety of processes for measuring temperature.

Q: How does a thermocouple work?

A: A thermocouple is a pair of dissimilar conductors that give an EMF when they pass through a temperature gradient. Because there are different metals they have different conduction rates creating a small but useful measure of EMF. The EMF depends on the alloys used and the temperature difference.

Q: What happens if a thermocouple fails?

A: Usually, because thermocouples are fairly simple devices, they either work or do not work. Probe failure is quite an unexpected event. Instruments usually indicate thermocouple failure, if no signal is detected. Instruments software needs to be programmed to respond safely to thermocouple failure, by switching off or on the heaters or coolers as appropriate.

Q: What problems you can have with thermocouples?

A: You always need to think of cold junction compensation. This is because the cold junction is usually inside an instrument, an allowance must be made because all thermocouples lookup tables are based on cold junctions on 0 degrees centigrade, which is rarely the case in practice. Most instruments will deal with this for you but you can create an ice bath for use in the most demanding calibrations.
Thermocouple drift occurs because the materials get used at the upper end of their practical range which causes material deterioration and that affects the output. Thermocouple replacement is the only solution to that problem.
For high temperatures, rare metals are used which can become very expensive.

Q: What are the advantages of using thermocouples?

A: Thermocouples are very simple, rugged temperature sensors which are easy and simple to manufacture and usually are not expensive. Moreover, they are useful over a wide array of temperature ranges and can be inserted in tough locations such as nuclear reactors, body cavities and more.thermocouples can be made with fine wires to measure the temperature of very small objects like insects.

Q: How do you set up a thermocouple?

A: When you set up a thermocouple for the first time, you need to be sure that the type of thermocouple being used matches the instrument thermocouple type. You also need to use compensating cables or thermocouple extension cables between the sensor connection point and the instrument.
The position of the hot junction needs to be carefully thought about to avoid radiant energy from the heaters. The hot junction also needs to be sufficiently immersed in the process to avoid conduction errors along with the sensor itself.

Q: What are the materials used for thermocouples?

A: The most useful materials for thermocouples have high-temperature stability such as nickel and platinum, however, there are other materials such as copper, iridium, constantan, chromel, alumel, iron and rhodium which are commonly used in different types of thermocouples.

Q: How many wires does a thermocouple have?

A: A thermocouple is always comprised of two wires (conductors) made from dissimilar metals. These two wires are joined to form a temperature measurement junction. Each of them made of a specific metal or metal alloy.
For example, the positive (+) conductor of a type K thermocouple is made of a chromium/nickel alloy called chromel and the negative (-) conductor is made of an aluminum/nickel alloy called alumel. The wire which is used to make a thermocouple junction is called thermocouple wire.

Q: Thermocouple probes vs. Thermocouple wire?

A: Thermocouples are available in different combinations of metals or calibrations. The most common are the "Base Metal" thermocouples known as Types J, K, T, E and N. There are also high temperature calibrations - Also known as Noble Metal thermocouples - Types R, S, C and GB.
Each calibration has a different temperature range and environment, although the maximum temperature varies with the diameter of the wire used in the thermocouple.
Although thermocouple calibration dictates the temperature range, the maximum range is also limited by the the diameter of the thermocouple wire. That is, a very thin thermocouple may not reach the full temperature range.
K Type Thermocouples are known as general purpose thermocouple due to its low cost and temperature range.

Q: How do I choose a thermocouple?

A: Because a thermocouple can take many shapes and forms, it is important to understand how to correctly select the right sensor.
The most commonly criteria used to make that choice are the temperature range, the chemical resistance, the abrasion and vibration resistance and the installation requirements. Installation requirements would also dictate your choice of a thermocouple probe.
There are different types of thermocouples and their applications may vary. An exposed thermocouple will work best when high response times are required, but an ungrounded thermocouple is better in corrosive environments.

Q: How do I know which junction type to choose?

A: Sheathed thermocouple probes are available with one of three junction types: grounded, ungrounded or exposed. At the tip of a grounded junction probe, the thermocouple wires are physically attached to the inside of the probe wall. This results in good heat transfer from the outside, through the probe wall to the thermocouple junction. In an ungrounded probe, the thermocouple junction is detached from the probe wall. Response time is slower than the grounded style, but the ungrounded offers electrical isolation.

Q: What are the accuracies and temperature ranges of the various thermocouples?

A: It is important to remember that both accuracy and range depend on such things as the thermocouple alloys, the temperature being measured, the construction of the sensor, the material of the sheath, the media being measured, the state of the media (liquid, solid, or gas) and the diameter of either the thermocouple wire (if it is exposed) or the sheath diameter (if the thermocouple wire is not exposed but is sheathed).

Q: Thermocouple probes vs. Thermocouple wire?

A: It is important to remember that the only temperature a temperature sensor measures is its own temperature. That said, the selection of a probe style sensor vs. a wire style sensor is a matter of how best to get the thermocouple junction to the process temperature you are trying to measure.
Using a wire style sensor may be fine if the fluid does not attack the insulation or conductor materials, if the fluid is at rest or nearly so, and the temperature is within the capability of the materials. But say that the fluid is corrosive, high temperature, under high pressure or flowing through a pipe, then a probe style sensor, maybe even with a thermowell, will be a better selection.
It all comes down to how best get the thermocouple junction to the same temperature as the process or material you are trying to measure the temperature of, so to get the information you need.

Q: Which is more accurate thermometer or thermocouple?

A: Although thermocouples usually have a lower accuracy and stability than RTDs, they have a wider temperature range. Thermocouples can measure temperatures up to 200 °C and 2,500 °C. Depending on the material used, thermocouples are calibrated for specific ranges.

Q: How many volts does a thermocouple put out?

A: 30 DC millivolts
This small value of voltage, usually around 25 – 30 DC millivolts, provides the power to hold the pilot light valve open during normal operation. The types of metals used in the construction of the thermocouple depend upon the values of temperature they are to be subjected to.

Q: What is the most reliable thermocouple?

A: Type K thermocouples are so popular because of their wide temperature range and durability. The conductor materials used in Type K thermocouples are more chemically inert than Type T (copper) and Type J (Iron).

Q: What is the best thermocouple for high temperature?

A: Generally speaking, refractory metal tungsten-rhenium thermocouples Type C and Type D are considered the highest temperature thermocouples, capable of being used for temperature measurement up to 2300ºC, provided it is not an oxidizing environment.

Q: How do you know if you have a bad thermocouple?

A: If the pilot flame ignites but goes out after you release the gas control knob, the cause may be a dirty or defective thermocouple. If the gas is on but the flame will not ignite at all, a pilot tube obstruction is the most likely issue. Remove the pilot tube from the gas valve and spray compressed air to clear it.

Q: How do you test a thermocouple with a magnet?

A: You can easily test the polarity of a Type K thermocouple. The negative wire is MORE magnetic than the positive wire. Just put a magnet up to each wire. One will be more magnetic than the other.

Q: What happens if a thermocouple fails?

A: Normally when the thermocouple malfunctions or isn't working, it simply shuts off the gas to your heater. This is important, particularly if the pilot light is out, because it prevents harmful gas from leaking into your home.

As one of the leading atex thermocouple manufacturers in China, we warmly welcome you to buy atex thermocouple made in China here from our factory. All customized products are with high quality and competitive price.

Atex Thermocouple