Saturday, April 13, 2013

Basics Of Type J Thermocouple

By Camille Nicholson


Generally, thermocouples are the most used devices for sensing temperature. The type J thermocouple has many properties that make it stick out among the huge range of commodities within this category. In general, thermocouples are interchangeable, can be used to measure a huge range of temperatures, have standard connectors, and are inexpensive. They are also accessible from almost every store that sells electrical devices.

However, type J thermocouples, can only be employed to measure temperature within a limited range. This limitation renders them less popular than K type thermocouples. The range lies between -40 and +750 degrees Celsius of temperature. The primary implication in this situation is that, equipment that previously utilized old models of thermocouples cannot use new ones. This is because the sensor undergoes decalibration with temperatures above 560 degrees Celsius.

Thermocouples are made basing on the Seebeck effect, which was accidentally invented in the 1822. During that year, Seebeck noticed that the junction between any two metals generates a voltage which is a function of temperature. Any two metals can be used to achieve this effect even though there are those that are standard. The standard metals can accommodate a larger temperature gradient and possess more predictable output voltages. In J type thermocouples, constantan and iron are used to make the junction.

J thermocouples are the second most popular thermocouples after K. They are best when utilized for general purpose functions where moist conditions are not involved. These form of thermocouples work best in vacuum, air, reducing, or oxidizing environments up to the stipulated higher limit. The lifetime of the thermocouple is restricted because of the rapid oxidation process on the iron wires utilized to form the junction.

This writing outlines some main drawbacks associated with category J thermocouples. To start with, accuracy is a key limitation. It is hard to attain system errors lower than 1 degree Celsius. If incorporated in sensitive system environments, they could lead to problems in system functions or cause total failure.

This device cannot be used in some environments too. It should not be used at temperatures above 540 degrees centigrade in sulfurous atmospheres. It is also advisable not to use them in subzero environments. This is because of possible rusting and embrittlement of iron part of the junction.

Thermocouples are misused in most cases because people lack proper knowledge on how they work. It must be understood that they age over time leading to loss in accuracy. The length of period and time span they are utilized in environments within their temperature limits must also be kept low to attain full life span of operation. When connecting, the polarity should be observed and connectors used to extend junctions must be made from the same material.

Type J thermocouple operates best when there are proper mechanisms installed in position to ensure that the noise level is low. Thermal shunting is another major problem that affects how the gadget functions. This effect is realized because the mass of the thermocouple takes in some of the warmth generated at the junctions.




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