Custom Thermocouple Temperature Sensors for Industrial Applications
Thermocouples: Precision Temperature Sensors for Industrial Applications
Thermocouples are vital instruments in industrial applications, providing precise temperature measurement through voltage potential. These sensors are made from two dissimilar metals, joined at electrical junctions. When exposed to varying temperatures, the junctions produce a voltage that is directly proportional to the temperature difference, enabling accurate monitoring and control.
At Cleveland Electric Laboratories, we specialize in custom-engineered thermocouples designed for high-performance environments, including aerospace, power generation, and industrial manufacturing. Our thermocouples are known for their durability and fast response times, providing reliable temperature measurement solutions for even the most demanding applications.
Advanced Thermocouple Technology
We offer a wide range of thermocouple sensors to meet the diverse needs of industrial environments, including:
- Mineral Insulated Thermocouples
- General Purpose Thermocouples
- Industrial Thermocouples
- Specialty Thermocouples
- Multipoint Thermocouples
Each type is designed with industry-specific considerations in mind, ensuring optimal performance across different applications and environments.
How Thermocouple Sensors Work
Thermocouples function by creating a millivolt signal at the junction of two dissimilar metals, which varies with temperature changes. This signal is processed by temperature controllers, enabling precise monitoring of system temperatures.
We provide thermocouples in multiple configurations, including Type K, Type J, Type E, Type T, Type S, and Type R thermocouples, with both grounded and ungrounded options available. Our sensors are housed in high-quality, insulated sheath materials, designed to withstand harsh industrial conditions.
Grounded vs. Ungrounded Junctions: Key Considerations
- Grounded Junctions: These sensors provide faster response times by physically connecting the junction to the metal sheath. However, they may be more susceptible to electrical noise, which could impact accuracy in some environments.
- Ungrounded Junctions: These sensors isolate the junction from the metal sheath, reducing electrical interference and providing more stable measurements, albeit with a slightly slower response time.
Custom Thermocouple Solutions for Your Industry
With over 50 years of experience, Cleveland Electric Laboratories is a trusted partner for custom thermocouple solutions in critical industries such as aerospace, power generation, and industrial manufacturing. Our engineering team works closely with you to design sensors that meet your exact specifications, ensuring the best performance for your application.
All our thermocouples are NIST-traceable for calibration, providing you with the assurance of accurate, reliable temperature readings across a wide range of temperatures.
Thermocouple Calibration and Specifications
We offer comprehensive calibration services for thermocouples, traceable to the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST). Calibration services are available for a wide temperature range, from -100°F to 3000°F (-79°C to 1650°C), depending on the specific material used.
Our thermocouples are available in the following calibration types:
- Type E, J, K, T Thermocouples: 32°F to 2300°F (0°C to 1250°C)
- Type R, S Thermocouples: 32°F to 3000°F (0°C to 1649°C)
Each thermocouple is tested and calibrated to meet stringent industry standards, ensuring reliability and accuracy in critical temperature measurement applications.
Industry-Specific Thermocouple Sheath and Configuration Options
Our thermocouples are available in a variety of sheath diameters, ranging from .020″ to .500″, with single- and double-circuit configurations. We use high-purity magnesium oxide and other advanced materials to ensure superior insulation and durability, allowing our sensors to perform reliably in extreme environments.
At Cleveland Electric Laboratories, we provide custom sheath configurations and offer extensive testing, including:
- Dimensional and visual testing
- Helium leak detection
- Radiographic (X-ray) inspections
- Thermal cycling and insulation resistance tests
Our focus on quality and precision ensures that our thermocouple sensors meet the highest standards of performance, even in the most challenging industrial applications.