Fundamentals Concerning Type K Thermocouple

By Serena Price


Type K thermocouple is the most preferred temperature sensing device used in a wide range of applications. The device is preferred because it provides the largest operating temperature range. They are nickel based that is why they can withstand that large range of temperatures. The elements used to make the terminals are nickel, manganese, silicon, and chromium. Nickel makes the largest portion of both terminals. The rest of this article discusses further information about type K thermocouples.

Like most other temperature measuring appliances, type k thermocouples contain two legs, the negative and the positive legs. Negative legs come in red color and comprise of aluminium, silicon, manganese, and nickel. Silicon and manganese make up 2 percent, aluminum makes 1 percent, while Nickel makes up 95 percent. On the other hand, the positive legs are yellow colored and are made from chromium and nickel only. Here again, nickel metal comprises 90 percent whilst chromium only consists of ten percent.

The operating temperature for this device can go as high as 1260 degrees Celsius. The sensibility is also high at about 41 microVolts per degree Celsius. In order to maximize the time the device can remain useful, it should be covered using appropriate metal or ceramic protection tube. Protection is more necessary in reducing environments than in oxidizing or other kinds of working environments.

When purchasing thermocouples, there are a few elements that should be considered. Some the elements worth considering are wire sensitivities and margins of error. Type K is preferred because it has greater error margins compared to other models of thermocouples. Some manufacturers are usually willing to trade accurateness for sensitivity. The margins of error are related to temperatures being measured.

The material used to make the device is cheap making the price at which it is sold to be low too. The connection wires have good resistance against any attempts of being oxidized by the surroundings when the temperatures are below 1000 degrees Celsius. Linearity of temperature measured and the margin of error is also good making them an elegant choice.

Some of the drawbacks of these gadgets are that they are affected when temperatures go beyond 354 degrees Centigrade. The negative effect comes from the nickel metal reaching Curie point. All magnetic substances like nickel undergo step change in their outputs when they reach their Curie point temperature. The gadgets are also not advisable for use within reducing atmospheres. They also are vulnerable to sulfur attack, leaving them unsuited for application in settings containing sulfur.

This kind of thermocouple can be used in a wide range of applications and environments. In all the applications they are put to, their primary purpose is to measure temperatures. Environments of application include chemical solutions, water, dry places, and gaseous areas. They can be used in boilers, oil heaters, thermometers, and furnaces. Places of use include health facilities, military, food industry, and manufacturing platforms among others.

Type K thermocouple could be utilized far from the position where temperature measurements are being taken by applying extension cables. When purchasing extension cables, they must be tested or checked to make sure they match with those on the thermocouple. Failure to observe compatibility requirements may lead to sensitivity problems in the appliance.




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