Thermocouple - Introduction

Thermocouples are sensors for measuring temperature. They consists of two dissimilar metals wires, joined together at one end. When this junction of the two metals is heated or cooled a voltage is produced that can be correlated back to the temperature. They are POSITIVE TEMPERATURE COEFFICIENT devices i.e. Their effective Resistance increases with the increase in Temperature
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Peltier Seebeck Effect: Two dissimilar conductors connected at either end will generate a potential (a difference in voltage) between the two ends that is a function of the Conductors and the Temperature difference between the two ends. Hence, thermocouples measure the temperature difference

Thermocouple

Temperature Range

-150 degree TO 1800 degree CELCIUS

TYPE J (Iron Constantine) TYPE K (Chrome Alumeel ) - up to 800 deg. C - up to 1150 deg. C

TYPE S (Platinum Platinum alloy)- up to 1800 deg. C

Thermocouple Probe

A thermocouple probe consists of thermocouple wire housed inside a metallic tube. The wall of the tube is referred to as the sheath of the probe. Common sheath materials include stainless steel and Inconel. Inconel supports higher temperature ranges than stainless steel, however, stainless steel is often preferred because of its broad chemical compatibility.

The tip of the thermocouple probe is available in three different styles: Grounded, ungrounded and exposed. With a grounded tip the thermocouple is in contact with the sheath wall. A grounded junction provides a fast response time but it is most susceptible to electrical ground loops. In ungrounded junctions, the thermocouple is separated from the sheath wall by a layer of insulation. The tip of the thermocouple protrudes outside the sheath wall with an exposed junction. Exposed junction thermocouples are best suited for air temperature measurement.

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Thermocouple Housings

Thermocouple Probe

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