What is precious metal thermocouple？

A precious metal thermocouple is a temperature-sensing device that uses wires made from noble or precious metals, such as platinum and its alloys, to measure high temperatures accurately. These thermocouples are particularly valued for their stability, durability, and ability to withstand extreme conditions, making them suitable for demanding industrial and scientific applications.

Key Characteristics:

1. Material Composition:

• Type S (Platinum-10% Rhodium / Platinum): Used for high-temperature measurements up to 1600°C in controlled environments.

• Type R (Platinum-13% Rhodium / Platinum): Similar to Type S but slightly more stable and accurate.

• Type B (Platinum-30% Rhodium / Platinum-6% Rhodium): Used for temperatures up to 1800°C, with high resistance to oxidation.

2. Applications:

• Used in industries such as glass manufacturing, metal processing, and semiconductor production.

• Common in laboratories and research settings where precise temperature control is essential.

3. Advantages:

• High accuracy and repeatability.

• Excellent resistance to oxidation and chemical degradation at high temperatures.

• Long operational life compared to base metal thermocouples.

4. Challenges:

• Higher cost due to the use of precious metals.

• Fragility compared to base metal alternatives.

Working Principle:

Thermocouples operate based on the Seebeck effect, where a voltage is generated at the junction of two different metals when exposed to a temperature gradient. The voltage corresponds to the temperature and can be calibrated using standard reference tables.

Precious metal thermocouples are widely chosen for applications requiring reliability and precision over extended periods in extreme environments. If you need more specific details on their usage or calibration, let me know!