Overview
Thermocouples are a reliable method for sensing temperature. While all temperature sensors have their strengths and weaknesses, thermocouples are distinguished by their simplicity, durability, and universality, which contribute to their widespread use across many industries.
- Simplicity: They are fundamentally composed of two wires joined together to form a temperature sensor.
- Durability: Typically constructed with large gauge wires, they are resistant to damage or breakage.
- Universality: Common types such as E, J, K, and T thermocouples feature well-defined outputs compatible with numerous control systems.
Minco supplies thermocouples for diverse applications in industries including industrial, medical diagnostics, test and measurement, semiconductor manufacturing, aerospace, oil & gas, power generation, food, beverage, pharmaceutical, and plastics.
Thermocouple Types
Minco offers thermocouples in a variety of forms, with many products being custom-designed to meet specific customer and engineer requirements.
Bolt-on Thermocouples (Figure A)
These thermocouples are designed for easy mounting and repositioning on equipment. Minco provides them in a wide range of thread sizes, connectors, and lead lengths to ensure system compatibility.
Figure A: Bolt-on thermocouples, showing various mounting configurations with threaded studs and lead wires.Flexible Thermal Ribbons (Figure B)
Ideal for applications with limited space or for measuring surface temperatures, Flexible Thermal Ribbons are often attached using PSA (Pressure Sensitive Adhesive) or epoxy. They can be installed temporarily or permanently in aerospace, medical, and industrial devices for accurate, fast-response temperature sensing. These ribbons are encapsulated in high-performance insulation materials such as polyimide, silicone rubber, and Mylar™ to meet demanding environmental requirements.
Figure B: Flexible thermal ribbon thermocouple, a flat, thin sensor element encapsulated in a high-temperature material.Embedment Thermocouples (Figure C)
As the name suggests, these thermocouples are embedded within components like bearings, plates, or other structures. They are typically secured using spring loading or epoxy potting, ensuring maximum contact with the surface being measured for accurate readings.
Figure C: Embedment thermocouple, designed to be inserted into a structure, often with a spring-loaded tip for optimal contact.Thermocouple Types (continued)
Thermocouple Probes and Probe Assemblies (Figure D)
Minco provides a variety of probes and probe assemblies for specialized applications, frequently used for process control or over-temperature protection in equipment and processes. Minco offers standard assemblies and certified assemblies for use in hazardous area applications.
Minco's straight thermocouple probes feature a sensing tip constructed of copper alloy. This copper alloy tip is twenty times more conductive than stainless steel, resulting in increased sensitivity and rapid response to temperature changes. The tip-sensitive design concentrates the temperature-sensing element near the probe tip, enhancing accuracy, especially within thermowells, bearings, and other installations. Hazardous area assemblies are certified as complete units for maximum protection.
Figure D: Thermocouple probes and probe assemblies, illustrating various probe tip designs and connection fittings, including a sensor assembly with a protective sheath.Minco's temperature sensor assemblies can be configured to monitor bearing temperature, process temperature, or virtually any temperature in hazardous areas, meeting specific application requirements and certifications.
Choosing a Thermocouple Type
Minco thermocouples are available in common types such as E, J, K, and T, as well as more specialized types like B, N, R, and S. High-temperature thermocouples and thermocouple arrays with multiple sensors are also offered.
For customers preferring alternative sensing technologies, Minco supplies resistance temperature detectors (RTDs), thermistors, and integrated circuit (IC) sensors in similar physical configurations. Additionally, Minco offers complementary products including 4-20 mA transmitters, monitors, controllers, hand-held temperature displays, and a comprehensive line of flexible heaters.
Contact the Minco sales team for assistance with all your thermal sensing and control needs.
