Product category Temperature sensors from MRC. Thermocouple temperature sensors, specifically type K thermocouples, are widely used for industrial temperature measurement. They consist of two different metal wires (typically nickel-chromium and nickel-aluminum) joined at one end to form a junction. When a temperature difference exists between this junction and the other end of the wires, a voltage is generated which can be used to determine the temperature. Type K thermocouples have a wide temperature range and are suitable for high-temperature measurement, typically up to around 1,400 degrees Celsius.
What is a wire thermocouple?
A wire thermocouple is a type of temperature sensor that uses the thermocouple principle to measure temperature. It is composed of two wires made of different types of metal, which are joined together at one end to form a junction. When a temperature difference exists between this junction and the other end of the wires, a small voltage is generated. This voltage can be used to determine the temperature of the object or environment being measured.
The two wires used in a wire thermocouple are called the "positive" and "negative" legs. The positive leg is made of one type of metal, and the negative leg is made of a different metal. The most common metal combinations used in wire thermocouples are copper-constantan, iron-constantan, nickel-chromium-nickel-aluminum, and platinum-rhodium. The metal combination used will depend on the application and the temperature range to be measured.
Types of Thermocouples
Thermocouples can be classified into different types, depending on the metal combinations used in the positive and negative legs. The most common types include type J, K, T, and E. Type J thermocouples are made of iron and constantan and are typically used in applications that require a temperature range of -210°C to 1,000°C. Type K thermocouples are made of nickel-chromium and nickel-aluminum and are typically used in applications that require a temperature range of -200°C to 1,300°C. Type T thermocouples are made of copper and constantan and are typically used in applications that require a temperature range of -250°C to 350°C. Type E thermocouples are made of nickel-chromium and nickel-aluminum and are typically used in applications that require a temperature range of -200°C to 900°C.
Application
Wire thermocouples can be used in a variety of applications, including industrial processes, laboratory experiments, and HVAC systems. They are known for their high accuracy, stability, and durability and can be used in a wide range of temperatures and environments.
How to measure the temperature
In order to measure the temperature, wire thermocouple must be connected to an instrument called thermocouple meter or thermocouple indicator. This device amplifies the small voltage generated by the thermocouple and converts it into a temperature reading.
It is worth mentioning that wire thermocouples can be sensitive to electromagnetic interference, so they must be protected against it in order to maintain accurate temperature measurement. Additionally, the thermocouple junction must be kept free from contamination as it can greatly affect the accuracy of the temperature measurement.
Types of temperature probes
-Immersion temperature probes, also known as well-type temperature sensors, are inserted directly into a fluid or liquid to measure its temperature. They can be made of various materials such as stainless steel or thermocouple and are often used in industrial and laboratory settings.
-Penetration probes are similar to immersion probes but they have a pointed tip which allows them to be inserted into solid materials such as food products or wood to measure their internal temperature.
-Surface probes are designed to measure the temperature of solid surfaces, often used in industry and laboratory setting.
-Magnet probe is another type of temperature probe, it uses the variation of magnetic susceptibility to a change in temperature to infer the temperature of the sample. These are typically used in very high-temperature environments like furnace where other sensors can't be used.
-Thermistor temperature sensors are widely used, inexpensive, and accurate. They consist of a resistor that changes value with temperature. This type of temperature sensors typically have a more limited temperature range, and are more sensitive to changes in temperature than thermocouple or RTD.
-Thermocouple, immersion, penetration, surface and magnet probe are some common types of portable temperature sensors used for industrial and laboratory measurement.
-Thermocouple Probes: These probes use the thermocouple principle to measure temperature. They come in different types such as type K, J, T, and N thermocouples and are suitable for a wide range of temperatures and industrial environments.
-RTD Probes: RTD stands for resistance temperature detector. These probes use the principle of electrical resistance to measure temperature. They are highly accurate and precise and are suitable for low- and medium-temperature measurement.
-Thermistor Probes: These probes use the principle of electrical resistance to measure temperature. They are suitable for low-temperature measurement and have a fast response time.
MRC is a company that manufactures a wide range of temperature probes and sensors for various industries and applications.
Thermocouple temperature sensors
-Termocopoles are the most useful temperature sensors in the laboratory in research and industry.
-The most useful thermocouple is type K chromium alum which covers a wide temperature range from 50-Celsius to 1270Celsius.
For temperatures in the range 200 - Celsius up to 200+ Celsius Useful T Cooper Constant Thermocouple
Which is also more accurate — popular in human body temperature measurements, in the medical field, and in agriculture.