Basics About Type J Thermocouple

By Tiffany Gill


Type J thermocouple can be termed as the second most popular temperature-sensing device after K. Like other thermocouples, it is made of two terminals, the positive and the negative. The terminals are made of iron and constantan. The iron and constantan make a junction that produces a voltage when there is a temperature disparity at any point in the circuit. The positive terminal is white while the negative is red.

Generally thermocouples are employed in controlling and managing temperature changes in applications. Sometimes they are applied in converting temperature gradients into electrical energy, hence they function as transducers of some sort. The commercial types are availed with connectors and can be interchanged in places they are installed. As most manufacturers make the appliances in masses, the cost has reduced making them inexpensive and affordable.

The device can measure a broad range of temperatures in various environments. The range lies between -40 degrees to +750 degrees of temperature. The temperature would be more if it were not for the presence of iron in the positive lead. The characteristics of iron change once the temperature reaches or goes beyond 770 degrees. This therefore dictates the upper limit of temperature the device can measure.

Even though the temperature range measured by this device is low and restricted, the sensitivity is very high. It has a sensitivity of about 50 microvolts per degree centigrade of temperature. This temperature sensitivity is of great importance in many industrial applications. Some of the places sensitivity is needed include furnaces, heaters, gas turbine exhaust, diesel engines among other electrical appliances. Thermocouples are also used in businesses, offices, and residences in temperature sensors and in flame sensors in safety gadgets.

Wires used in manufacturing thermocouples are available in various metallurgical formulations relying on the type. Generally, the cost and accurateness decreases as the grade lowers. Extension cables are also present in various grades to permit connection at distant places. The extension wires assist to avoid introduction of undesired material in the connection circuit. Unwanted materials might cause generation of undesired voltages.

Thermocouples are normally applied in atmospheres with high temperature levels. As so, the components age after some time. Thermoelectric coefficient of thermocouples installed in high temperatures change over time. Measurement voltage also falls with the co-efficient proportionally. Already aged appliances cannot be recalibrated to find error. Alternating cold and warm atmospheres accelerate or cause aging.

It is also known that thermocouples can produce electrical current that can drive certain processes without external power source or circuitry. A good example is where the power from a thermocouple is used in activating a valve. This occurs during a change in temperature. The electricity originates from the conversion of heat energy into a current. When these devices are connected in series, they form a thermopile.

Type J thermocouple could be acquired from any store worldwide. They are availed inexpensively due to improved production techniques. Most models are available easily from the market. Any piece that malfunctions within a system can be replaced with ease as the procedure of replacing is simple.




About the Author:



No comments:

Post a Comment