Monday, October 8, 2012

General Information About A Type K Thermocouple

By Leslie Mitchell


Just as with thermometers, thermocouples are used to measure temperatures as well. These sensors are made by getting two metals, both differ in temperature, to come together. Once they have come together, the two will each be releasing voltages. The phenomenon is what many term as Seebeck effect. These sensors can be categorized into several classifications. The more common types include E, J and T. The most commonly used though, is type K thermocouple.

There are many people who prefer getting the K types because these can be used in many different ways. They come with alumel which is paired along with chromel elements. An advantage to getting these types of sensors is cost-efficiency since they are not that expensive in the market. They are also very handy and dependable most times.

Unlike the K type, other sensors do not have the capacity to get the measurements of extreme temperatures. However, the durability of these types will still be depending on where and how they have been manufactured. Most are able to measure a maximum of 1,370 degree Celsius though and have errors of below 2 degrees. Generally, they are most ideal for measuring more than 540 degrees. To prevent excessive error, oxidizing usage will have to be limited within the range of -200 and 1,260 degrees.

Know that all thermocouples come with cons. Before you decide to use one, you will have to carefully calibrate it first. Most also release low output signals. Hence, they will not be very effective and accurate in noisy surroundings. The more these devices age, the more prone they become not only to strain but to corrosion and stress as well.

K types are not very stable especially when exposed to temperatures that are too extreme. They tend to start moving on to positive directions while on the process. The size of their drifts depend on how extreme the temperature is though. On another note, their chromel elements can be subject to green rots as well. Green rotting takes place when oxidation happens and the chromium turns green, ultimately becoming corroded. This occurs when the devices are exposed to reduced oxygen environments.

It is also important for you to remember not to allow getting these types exposed to sulfurous environments. The reason for which is that the sulfuric atmospheres will turn them brittle, hence, making them breakable. Make sure that you do not use them for vacuums as well since their chromium elements are susceptible to getting vaporized.

Nonetheless, there are ways on how the occurrence of these complications can be minimized. Users only need to use the devices within recommended temperatures or environments. Careful calibration can also contribute to minimizing the surfacing of such complications. Users might also need to see through the installation of proper wires or connectors and use compensation circuits for aid.

The types that are mainly designed for error reduction come with proper insulation. These are also known to have been pre-aged as well as annealed above their operating temperatures. As a safety measure, users are recommended to consider replacing the devices every once in a while.

A type K thermocouple can be found available in various hardware stores. They can also be available online, especially in auction sites such as eBay. They are often used to measure the temperature of water, gases, dry areas and mild chemical solutions.




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