High-Temperature Thermocouple Type K, Exposed Tip, Plug, -40 to +1000°C
The type K thermocouple is known as an all-rounder. The temperature measurement range is wide, cost is low and while accuracy is not as precise as a Type T, the accuracy of this class 1 type K is ±1.5°C over the range –40 to +1000°C.
The new high-temperature fibreglass insulation is suitable for running continuously at +750°C and the 0.8 mm conductor is suitable for +1000°C. It makes for a very robust and affordable exposed junction probe ideal for oven temperatures. When it’s fixed in position so that the insulation is not flexed, the probe is more than capable of even higher temperatures: that’s why we give the conductor rating at +1000°C, which keeps it within the class 1 tolerance.
Technical data:
Sensor: thermocouple type K
Measuring range: -40 to +1000°C
Accuracy: ±1.5°C over the range -40 to +1000°C (class 1)
Response time:
Probe sizes: Ø0.8mm x 1m, 2m, 3m or 5m (please select cable length when ordering) with flat mini thermocouple connector
General information about the structure and functionality of high-temperature thermocouples:
Here is the translation with the HTML formatting preserved:
An industrial high-temperature thermocouple is a sensor used to measure very high temperatures, such as in industrial processes, furnaces, or aerospace applications. It is based on the Seebeck effect, where an electrical voltage is generated when two different metals are connected, and a temperature difference exists along this connection.
Structure of a High-Temperature Thermocouple
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Thermocouple Wires:
- It consists of two different metal or metal alloy wires that are connected together.
- Special materials are used for high-temperature thermocouples to withstand high temperatures and chemically aggressive environments, e.g.:
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Platinum and Platinum-Rhodium (Type S, R, or B).
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Nickel Alloys such as Chromium-Aluminum (Type K).
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Tungsten and Tungsten-Rhenium for extremely high temperatures (up to 2300 °C).
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Measuring Junction (Hot Junction):
- The two wires are connected at one end (welded or soldered) to form the measuring junction.
- This measuring junction is inserted into the high-temperature zone.
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Reference Junction (Cold Junction):
- The other end of the wires is connected to a measuring device and kept at a known reference temperature or electronically compensated.
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Protective Sheath:
- The wires and the measuring junction are often enclosed in a protective tube (e.g., made of ceramic or metal) to shield them from mechanical damage, oxidation, and chemical influences.
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Insulators:
- An insulating material (e.g., ceramic or glass) is used between the two wires to prevent short circuits.
Functionality of a High-Temperature Thermocouple
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Seebeck Effect:
- When the measuring junction and the reference junction are at different temperatures, an electrical voltage is generated along the thermocouple wires.
- This voltage is proportional to the temperature difference and depends on the materials used.
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Temperature Measurement:
- The generated voltage signal is measured with a temperature measurement device (e.g., a voltmeter or a digital thermometer).
- The voltage is converted into a temperature using a calibration table or with the help of a microcontroller.
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Reference Compensation:
- Since the thermocouple measures the temperature difference, it is necessary to know the reference junction temperature.
- Modern devices often use cold junction compensation, where the reference junction temperature is electronically accounted for.
High-Temperature Resistant Materials
High-temperature thermocouples use specially alloyed materials:
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Platinum-Rhodium (Type S, R, B): Highly stable, for temperatures up to 1700 °C.
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Nickel Alloys (Type K): Robust and cost-effective, suitable for temperatures up to about 1200 °C.
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Tungsten-Rhenium: For extremely high temperatures (up to 2300 °C), but sensitive to oxidation.
Advantages of High-Temperature Thermocouples
- Very high temperature range.
- Robustness and reliability in harsh environments.
- Relatively fast response times.
- Simple design and good integration into industrial processes.
High-temperature thermocouples are indispensable in many high-temperature applications and offer a proven method for precise temperature monitoring.
Product safety information
Manufacturer information:
PSE - Priggen Special Electronic GmbH
Rothenberge 60
Nordrhein-Westfalen
Wettringen, Deutschland, 48493
priggen@priggen.com
https://www.priggen.com
