Thermodynamics Lab

Thermocouple

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CONTENT
1. Objective
2. Introduction
3. Theory
4. Procedure
5. Reading
6. Discussion
7. Conclusion

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OBJECTIVE
1. Measurement of the temperature for a liquid using
thermocouple.
2. Calibration of the thermocouple using thermometer.

INTRODUCTION
Thermocouple is a such type of sensor which is used for
measuring the temperature of any specific environment or
object. It is made with two different material wires. The
one end of these wires is connected together for making
the junction .This junction is placed in that specific
environment or object whose temperature want to
measure. When the temperature is changed then two
different materials are started to deform, as a result the
resistance is changed .Actually, its output is milli volt
signal whose voltages are changed when resistance is
changed. This change in voltages could be measured
easily with the help of thermocouple.

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THEORY
The thermocouple can be defined as a kind of
temperature sensor that is used to measure the
temperature at one specific point in the form of the EMF or
an electric current. This sensor comprises two dissimilar
metal wires that are connected together at one junction.
The temperature can be measured at this junction, and the
change in temperature of the metal wire stimulates the
voltages. The amount of EMF generated in the device is
very minute (millivolts), so very sensitive devices must be
utilized for calculating the e.m.f produced in the circuit.
The common devices used to calculate the e.m.f are
voltage balancing potentiometer and the ordinary
galvanometer. From these two, a balancing potentiometer
is utilized physically or mechanically.

EQUIPMENT
1. Heater
2. Thermometer
3. Beaker
4. Thermocouple

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PROCEDURE
The procedure for temperature measurement using
thermocouple type T and the calibration of thermocouple
using thermometer are displayed as follow:
1. Add distillated water with ice cubes into the bath to
become as a reference point (Temp.= 0°C).
2. Place a junction (J2) in the ice bath container, and the
J1 junction in contact with the body that require measuring
its temperature. See fig. (2).
3. Connect the other two ends of the copper wires with the
Voltmeter to measure the electromotive force (mV).
4. Place the thermometer at the surface that requires
measuring its temperature (with J1 Junction).
5. Record the readings for the Voltmeter and the
thermometer at the same time, then repeat the readings
during intervals.
6. Draw a graph to relate the temperature (°C) and
electromotive force (mV)
7. Make a statistical relation between the temperature and
electromotive force using Microsoft Excel.

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READING
Thermometer Temp. Electromotive Force.
(C ) (mV)
20 0.2
30 0.5
40 0.9
50 1.4
60 1.8
70 2.2
80 2.7
90 3.2
100 3.5

DISCUSSION
Q1/ What differences do we see between the T and the K
type thermocouples? Why?
Answer: Type K thermocouple is used in furnaces with
magnetic materials processed while type T thermocouples
are used in atmospheres with inert pressures. Each type
has its own calibration curve (millivolts vs temperature)
and almost all thermocouple readers are selectable for
which type you use.
Q2/ What role does the reference junction play in
thermocouple readings?

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Answer: Reference Junction is necessary when making
temperature measurements using thermocouples.
Reference junction becomes necessary because the
junction between each end of the thermocouple and your
measuring system (connector block, terminal block)
also adds a potential difference to the thermocouple
voltage.
Q3/ What are the sources of errors in a thermocouple
reading?
Answer:
1. Selecting the Wrong Type of Thermocouple on the
Transmitter.
2. Problems Related to the Thermocouple Extension Wire.
3. Inherent Variations in Alloys.
4. Temperature Variations around the Reference Junction
Connection.
5. Thermocouple Grounded at More Than One Location.

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CONCLUSION
The purpose of this experiment was to measure the
temperature of a liquid using thermocouple and calibration
of thermocouple using thermometer. The theory says that
The Electromotive force is directly proportional to
temperature. At first, distillated water with ice cubes was
added to the bath to become a reference point. A junction
was placed in the ice bath container and the other junction
was in contact with the body that requires measuring its
temperature. The other two ends of the copper wires were
connected with the Voltmeter to measure the
electromotive force (mV). The thermometer was placed at
the surface that requires measuring its temperature.
Readings for the Voltmeter and the thermometer were
recorded at the same time. The result of the experiment
verify the theory to a high extent as it shows that as the
temperature increases, the electromotive force also
increases.