Thermocouples: An Overview
A thermocouple is an electrical device consisting of two dissimilar electrical conductors that form junctions at differing Temperatures. When subjected to a Temperature gradient, a thermocouple produces a small voltage due to the thermoelectric effect. This voltage is Temperature-dependent and can be interpreted using standard reference tables or instruments to accurately measure Temperature. Owing to their simplicity, durability, and ability to function without external power, thermocouples are widely used in a range of industrial, scientific, and commercial applications.
Working Principle
The fundamental working principle of a thermocouple lies in the Seebeck effect, where a voltage is generated at the junction of two dissimilar metals when exposed to a Temperature difference. One junction (the hot junction) is placed at the measurement site, while the other (the cold or reference junction) remains at a known Temperature. The voltage generated is proportional to the Temperature difference between these two junctions and is used to determine the unknown Temperature. Accurate Temperature readings are possible with proper cold junction compensation and reference standards.
Type R, S, and B Thermocouples
Type R Thermocouples are composed of a Platinum (Pt) and Platinum-Rhodium (Pt-13%Rh) combination. They are known for their high accuracy (±0.25%) and stability, typically used for Temperature measurement in the range of 0 to 1600°C. Due to their reliability, Type R thermocouples are often used in critical and high-precision applications, including laboratories and high-Temperature furnaces.
Type S Thermocouples, similar in composition to Type R but with a 10% Rhodium component (Pt-10%Rh), also provide exceptional accuracy (±0.25%) and can operate up to 1600°C. They are widely used in the pharmaceutical, glass, and semiconductor industries where high precision is essential.
Type B Thermocouples are made from Platinum and Platinum-30% Rhodium. They are particularly suited for extremely high-Temperature environments, capable of measuring Temperatures up to 1800°C with an accuracy of ±0.50%. Their performance at high Temperatures and excellent stability make them ideal for applications such as steel and ceramic manufacturing.
Model P1 – Manufactured by Ajmer Thermotech Pvt. Ltd.
Ajmer Thermotech Pvt. Ltd., an ISO 9001:2015 and CE certified company, manufactures and supplies the Model P1 Noble Metal Thermocouple (Bare Element). This model is engineered for high-Temperature and high-precision applications using noble metal combinations such as Type R, S, or B thermocouples.
The Model P1 consists of bare thermocouple wires without any protection sheath, designed to offer fast response times and direct exposure to the process medium for improved accuracy. It is ideal for laboratory settings, calibration processes, and controlled industrial environments where rapid and precise Temperature readings are essential.
Ajmer Thermotech provides customization for the Model P1, including wire gauge, thermocouple type, junction configuration, and lead wire length, ensuring suitability for a variety of user-specific requirements. The bare element configuration allows it to be easily integrated into advanced sensor assemblies or experimental setups.
With a focus on quality, precision, and flexibility, Ajmer Thermotech’s Model P1 delivers reliable performance for critical Temperature measurement tasks in industries such as metallurgy, research labs, and high-Temperature Temperature Control.
