High Pressure Tungsten Rhenium Thermocouple

Key Features

Extreme Pressure & Temperature Resistance: Operates seamlessly under high pressure and ultra-high temperatures (up to 2200°C), maintaining accuracy in extreme industrial settings.

Durable Construction: Tungsten rhenium alloy elements with high melting points, corrosion resistance, and anti-oxidation coating (optional) for extended service life.

Customizable Designs: Available in various sheath materials (Tungsten tube,Molybdenum tube or Tantalum tube), diameters (4-8mm), lengths (100-2000mm), and connection types (threaded, flanged, quick-connect) to fit specific application requirements.

Stable Signal Transmission: Equipped with high-temperature-resistant compensation cables, minimizing signal interference and ensuring consistent data output.

We are one of the first companies that R&D tungsten-rhenium thermocouples. The high-temp high pressure tungsten rhenium thermocouple that could apply for 2000℃ environments and 1600℃ high-temp vacuum calibration devices for thermocouples were successfully worked out by us first. Our products in the tungsten-rhenium thermocouple category which capture top market share, were evaluated as "China Instrument Extrodinar" and "Chongqing Famous Product".

● Connectors and junction box are commonly used to connect the wires.

● To combat highly pressurized vacuum environment, our clients can bringing up the needs to customize integrated anti-high-pressure device on the thermocouple.

● 4.0℃ or 0.5·t/℃ tolerance for 1st class, 2nd class tolerance is 1.0·t/℃.

● Test calibration: It can only been tested or calibrated in vacuum or inert atmosphere, the specified max calibration temperature is 1700℃.

Recommend Using Temperature And Environment

Application

W-Re thermocouples are primarily used for high-temperature measurements in the following fields:

Aerospace: Measuring extreme temperatures in jet/rocket engine nozzles and heat shield surfaces.
Vacuum/Inert Atmosphere Furnaces: Sintering, heat treatment, and crystal growth processes (e.g., sapphire) up to 2500°C.
Metallurgy: Molten metal temperature measurement.
Research & Development: High-temperature material testing and specialized nuclear reactor environments.

Key Limitation: They must be used in oxygen-free atmospheres (inert, hydrogen, or vacuum) to prevent rapid oxidation. Common types include Type C (W-5%Re vs W-26%Re) ,Type D (W-3%Re vs W-25%Re) and Type A (W-5%Re vs W-20%Re).

Advantages of Tungsten-Rhenium Thermocouples over Platinum-Rhodium Thermocouples

Tungsten-rhenium (W-Re) and platinum-rhodium (Pt-Rh, mainly Types S, R, and B) thermocouples are both noble-metal thermocouples for high-temperature measurement, but each has its focus. The key advantages of tungsten-rhenium thermocouples are highlighted in the following areas:

1. Higher Maximum Temperature Limit

W-Re Thermocouples: Can measure up to approximately 2300°C continuously (e.g., Type WRe3-WRe25), and up to 3000°C for short-term use under certain conditions. This is their core advantage.

Pt-Rh Thermocouples: The most heat-resistant Type B (Pt-30%Rh/Pt-6%Rh) has a continuous upper limit of about 1700°C, reaching 1800°C short-term. Types S and R are lower (around 1600°C).

Conclusion: For extreme temperature measurements exceeding 1800°C, W-Re thermocouples are virtually the only choice.

2. Significant Cost Advantage

W-Re Thermocouples: Use tungsten and rhenium. Although rhenium is also a precious metal, its cost is far lower than platinum. A W-Re thermocouple typically costs only one-third to one-half of an equivalent Pt-Rh thermocouple, or even less.

Pt-Rh Thermocouples: Use platinum and rhodium, both extremely expensive and volatile precious metals.

Conclusion: In scenarios involving high-volume use, disposable applications, or harsh conditions prone to damage, the economic advantage of W-Re thermocouples is substantial.

3. Higher Thermoelectric EMF and Sensitivity

W-Re Thermocouples: Generate a much higher thermoelectromotive force (output millivolt signal) in high-temperature ranges compared to Pt-Rh thermocouples. For example, at 1600°C, the output of WRe5-WRe26 is about 30mV, while Type B is only about 12mV.

Advantage: A stronger signal means relatively lower requirements for measuring instruments, slightly better noise immunity, and improved resolution.

4. Higher Mechanical Strength and Wear Resistance

W-Re Thermocouples: Tungsten-rhenium alloys are hard, high-strength, and more wear-resistant, and less prone to deformation at high temperatures.

Pt-Rh Thermocouples: Pt-Rh alloys are relatively soft, susceptible to grain coarsening and embrittlement after prolonged high-temperature use, leading to reduced mechanical strength.

Conclusion: In applications with vibration, abrasion, or requiring long unsupported lengths, W-Re thermocouples offer more reliable mechanical performance.

5. Faster Response Time

Due to the use of finer wires (enabled by high strength), the hot junction of W-Re thermocouples can be made smaller, resulting in lower thermal inertia and faster response.

How to Choose:

Choose a W-Re Thermocouple when: Measuring temperatures above 1800°C; operating in vacuum, inert, or reducing (hydrogen) atmospheres; cost is a major concern, especially in consumable applications.

Choose a Pt-Rh Thermocouple when: Measuring in air or oxidizing atmospheres (the most common industrial environment); requiring very high long-term stability and accuracy; the temperature range is below 1800°C and budget allows.

In summary, tungsten-rhenium thermocouples are the "cost-effective champions for extreme temperatures and special atmospheres," while platinum-rhodium thermocouples are the "stable benchmarks for high-temperature measurement in oxidizing atmospheres."

Why Choose Us?

Professional Manufacturing: Over 20 years of experience in tungsten rhenium thermocouple production, adhering to ISO 9001 and CE standards.

Customization Capability: Engineering team provides tailored solutions based on your specific pressure, temperature, and installation requirements.

Rigorous Quality Control: 100% inspection of raw materials, in-process testing, and final calibration to ensure product reliability.

Manual Welding

Automatic Welding

Insulation Testing

Laser Marking

Warehouse Managing

Thermocouple Assemble

Vacuum Leak Detection

Surface Polishing

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