|
Thermocouples are the best and the easiest form of temperature measurement, used widely in the industry for varied purposes. Discovered in the early 19th century, thermocouples are two ends of different metals joined together at one end. When the joined end is heated or cooled, the resultant voltage can help measure the temperature. Thermocouples use a variety of metals, usually in the form of wires, and cover temperature ranges from 2600o C to 200o C on an average. Thus, one of the most common forms of temperature measure in the industries, thermocouples are of great value. Understanding thermocouples better is the first step towards its appropriate usage and handling. Thermocouples – How accurate are they The accuracy of a thermocouple is not the highest as it gets difficult to measure temperatures with errors of less than 1o C. So, they are not very well suited for applications where the minutest of temperature changes need to be recorded. For more accurate readings, other temperature measure applications need to be employed. Also, the level of accuracy required in readings is different in its various applications. So, the use varies with requirement. Thermocouples – What are the types The variety that is available in thermocouples is quite wide. The different types depend on the metal wire used and their calibrations. The temperature range and environment of each calibration varies. It is even the thickness of the wires that can be instrumental in varying the maximum temperature of a thermocouple. Which means that a highly thin calibration may not necessarily reach the maximum temperature range. The most common calibrations for high level temperatures are GB, R, S and C. While other calibrations like T, E K and J are also commonly used. The basis on which the type of thermocouples for use can be chosen are the temperature range that they offer, the resistance levels to vibration and abrasion, the chemical resistance of the thermocouples, and the various requirements for installation. Thermocouples – What is the price range Thermocouples are not very expensive and can be found in affordable price ranges. They do not even require batteries and the price range varies with the quality and the type of thermocouple used. But thermocouples are one of the cheapest temperature measurement instruments available in the market for mass use. Thermocouples – Where are they used The applications of thermocouple are mostly industrial. Steel and iron industry used thermocouples to measure temperature throughout the process of making steel and iron. Type S thermocouple is used in electric furnaces to measure the temperature of the steel before the steel is tapped. Thermocouples are also used in the manufacturing industry to test several mechanical and electrical instruments. They are also used in process plants and in radioisotope thermoelectric generators. One of the most common applications of thermocouple is in ovens and water heaters to secure against fire hazards and health risks. Thus, thermocouples are rugged and simple to use. On understanding the use of thermocouples, one can make the best use of them in the industries and elsewhere.
Related Articles -
Thermocouples,
|
