What is a Thermocouple

What is a Thermocouple?

A Thermocouple is a sensor used to measure temperature. Thermocouples consist of two wire legs made from different metals. The wire’s legs are welded together at one end, creating a junction. This junction is where the temperature is measured. When the junction experiences a change in temperature, a voltage is created. The voltage can then be interpreted by calculating the temperature.

Is there different types of Thermocouples
There are many types of thermocouples, each with different characteristics in terms of temperature range, durability, vibration resistance, chemical resistance, and application compatibility. Type J  K, T “Base Metal” thermocouples, the most common types of thermocouples. Type R and S thermocouples are “Rare Metal” thermocouples, which are used in high-temperature applications

Where are Thermocouples used?
Thermocouples are used in many industrial, scientific, applications. They can be found in nearly all industrial markets: Power Generation, Mining, Oil/Gas, Pharmaceutical, BioTech, Cement, Paper, Glass, and many more. Thermocouples are also used in everyday appliances like stoves, furnaces, kilns, and pizza ovens.
Why use a Thermocouple?

Thermocouples are typically selected because of their low cost, high-temperature limits, wide temperature ranges, and durable nature.

So, when did the thermocouple originate?

The history of the thermocouple

Back in 1821, German physicist Thomas Johann Seebeck explored the notion of different metals when they are joined together. He discovered that temperature changes between the joints and a magnetic field were observed – this is known as the Seeback effect.

From there, the magnetic field was later discovered to be part of the thermoelectric current. The voltage generated from the two types of wire is what is used to measure temperature from very high to low.

The threshold of the temperature measurement depends on the type of wire material used, and although at a very low current, power can be generated from a thermocouple junction.

Scientists Michael Faraday and Georg Ohm used the Seeback effect to conduct experiments to help further understand the impact and temperature measurement.

From this discovery, and after further research from scientists throughout history, thermocouples were manufactured in the early 1900s. Since then the technology has developed and advanced to what it is today. They are now used in many different appliances from food preparation to pharmaceutical manufacturing.

Manufacturing of a thermocouple

Since the discovery of temperature measurement, the manufacturing of the device has continued to be simple but effective. The two metal alloys come together to form a junction.

One part of the junction is placed on the source where the temperature needs to be measured. The second point of the junction is maintained at the constant temperature source.

The temperature range is dependent on the type of metal used in the manufacturing of the thermocouple. Nickel and nickel have a temperature range of -50 to 1,410, while rhenium and rhenium measures from 0 to 2,315 degrees.

The construction of a thermocouple is simple, and manufacturers assemble the temperature gauges from the pair of wires. A protective layer of insulated tubing usually covers these wires.

Manufacturers of thermocouples decide the combination of metals and calibration used to assemble. The use of the thermocouple is dependant on the environment. The different diameters and materials are all factors considered when manufacturing the specific type of thermocouple.

In other cases, the installation of a thermocouple to a pre-existing system can alter how the manufacturer designs the device.

Types of thermocouples

Various thermocouples are manufactured for different purposes, using a variety of metals.

The various types of popular thermocouples include:

• Type K: the most common type of thermocouple, it is inexpensive, reliable and accurate
• Type J: also, very common, but has a smaller temperature range and also has a shorter lifespan at higher temperatures than the type K
• Type T: a stable thermocouple and is used for lower temperatures
• Type E: has a stronger signal and a higher accuracy
• Type N: shares the same accuracy and limits as K but it slightly more expensive
• Type S: for very high temperatures and is used mainly in the pharmaceutical industry
• Type R: similar to type S in terms of performance and is often used in lower temperature because of its accuracy and stability
• Type B: has the highest temperature range out of all the thermocouples

The different types of thermocouples are grouped together, which include industrial, general-purpose, and multipoint.

Industrial thermocouples are a popular type. Manufacturers offer these thermocouples on a range from “IS A – M”. General-purpose thermocouples are suited for most applications and come at a low cost. The most commonly manufactured general-purpose thermocouple is Type K.

Lastly, multipoint thermocouples are the most accurate form of temperature measurement. They are used where the correct measurement and management of temperature is critical. These are manufactured as types E, K, J, N, and T, which are made from different materials.

Final thoughts on manufacturing a Thermocouple

The manufacturing of a thermocouple ranges and is dependent on the different needs of temperature measurement. From low to high, there is a variation of metals and materials used to form the right type of thermocouple for any maintenance of temperature.

When it comes to choosing the right one, it is all about the research and your manufacture’s knowledge. The correct temperature of any element is crucial for the manufacturing of all temperature related products.