As detailed by Instrumentation Tools in their article “Thermocouple Properties, Temperature Ranges, Element Construction,” thermocouples are essential for measuring temperature in various industrial settings. They can be used in a range of environments, including vacuum, oxidizing, reducing, and inert atmospheres, depending on the type of thermocouple.

Type T (Copper vs Constantan) Type T thermocouples can be used in vacuum, oxidizing, reducing, and inert atmospheres and are resistant to corrosion in most environments. They offer high stability at sub-zero temperatures, making them reliable for cryogenic applications.

Type K (Chromel vs Alumel) Type K thermocouples are recommended for continuous use in oxidizing or inert atmospheres up to 2300°F (1260°C). They should not be cycled above and below 1800°F (1000°C) due to EMF alterations from hysteresis effects. They are reliable at high temperatures but should be protected in sulfurous or alternating reducing and oxidizing atmospheres.

Type E (Chromel vs Constantan) Type E thermocouples can be used in oxidizing or inert atmospheres but are not recommended for alternating environments. They produce the highest EMF per degree among standard thermocouples and must be shielded from sulfurous atmospheres.

Types S and R (Platinum vs Platinum Rhodium) Types S and R thermocouples are suitable for oxidizing or inert atmospheres. Reducing environments may cause excessive grain growth and calibration drifts.

Type N (Nicrosil vs Nisil) Type N thermocouples can be used in oxidizing, dry reducing, or inert atmospheres and must be protected in sulfurous conditions. They are very reliable and accurate at high temperatures and can often replace Type K thermocouples.

Type W (Tungsten vs Rhenium) Type W thermocouples are recommended for use in vacuum, high purity hydrogen, or pure inert atmospheres. They can withstand very high temperatures (up to 2316°C) but are inherently brittle.

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Article with all rights reserved, courtesy of instrumentationtools.com