What is a Thermocouple and How Do I Choose One?

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<h1>What is a Thermocouple and How Do I Choose One?</h1><strong> Author: <a href='http://www.articleseen.com/profile_Jake Ward.aspx'>Jake Ward</a></strong><br /><p>Thermocouples are constantly secretly working all around you. But what is a thermocouple and how does it work? In simple terms, a thermocouple is a sensor which measures temperature. It produces a unique voltage at a given temperature which can then be measured and interpreted by a thermocouple thermometer. They are used for a measurement and control, widely used in science and the manufacturing industry. Thermocouple thermometers are used for temperature measurement in kilns, diesel engines, ovens and industrial processes. Thermocouples work because of the thermoelectric effect, which states that a conductor generates a voltage when it is subjected to a thermal gradient. A thermocouple can be calibrated in a number of different ways, but there are four which are more common than others. These most common calibrations are referred to as calibration J, K, T and E. Each one has a different temperature range and environment that it is useful for. By making the wire in the thermocouple thicker, you can also increase the maximum temperature that it will measure. When choosing a thermocouple, as with most products, it is best to follow a set of guidelines to ensure you purchase one to suit your needs. The first thing that you will want to do when selecting a thermocouple to use is to check the temperate range that it covers. You will also want to take into account the chemical resistance of the thermocouple or the sheath material as well as the abrasion and vibration resistance. You may also want to make sure that you are aware of what installation requirements the thermocouple has, as it may be required to be compatible with existing equipment for example. The type of thermocouple is also key. The three main sub-categories are Grounded, Ungrounded and Exposed thermocouples. A Grounded thermocouple has the wires physically attached to the inside of the probe wall which can help with the direct reading of temperatures. An Ungrounded thermocouple is separate from the probe wall, which offers the benefit of electrical isolation. An Exposed thermocouple protrudes out of the tip or the sheath and is therefore exposed to all of the surrounding environment. Various different thermocouples will offer better or more accurate readings but only in certain conditions. Therefore sometimes it may be required to sacrifice response time or speed of reading due to the requirements of the environment in which you are measuring in.</p><strong>About the Author:</strong><br /><a rel="nofollow" href="http://www.mitsco.co.uk/">MITSCO</a> is a family run business which offers a huge range of instrumentation and sensor products, including thermocouples. Their entire product range is supported by fully trained staff and engineers with years of experience, meaning they can provide the support and advice that you require. <p/>For more information about <a rel="nofollow" href="http://www.mitsco.co.uk/index.html">Thermocouples by MITSCO</a>, visit: www.mitsco.co.uk<p/><p> Article Source: <a href='http://www.articleseen.com/Article_What-is-a-Thermocouple-and-How-Do-I-Choose-One_123219.aspx'> http://www.articleseen.com/Article_What is a Thermocouple and How Do I Choose One?_123219.aspx</a></p>

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Keywords : thermocouple, measurement, temperature, products,

Category : Product Reviews : Consumer Electronics