The Temperature Sensor Specialists

Constantly improving temperature measurement.

logo

Tag Archives: tc

Ceramic used in High Temperature Sensor Designs

Temperature Sensors operating above 1100°C normally use ceramic protection sheaths and insulators. The most useful ceramics for temperature sensors are Recrystalised alumina and Aluminous Porcelain.

Recrystalised Alumina Ceramic

Recrystalised Alumina is commonly called RA, Alsint ®, RUBALIT ®  , AluSIK-99 ZA ®, 

RA is the higher temperature grade, with applications up to 1700°C. The specification most usually referred to is DIN 799. A similar grade DIN 710 is now no longer readily available, but it is still seen on older thermocouple specifications sheets. DIN 799 grade is minimum 99.7% Al2O3. Some ceramic shape manufacturers claim 99.8%. My understanding is that the basic raw material before extrusion is 99.8%.… Read more

Temperature Measurement by Exhaust Thermocouple in Engines

Exhaust Thermocouple Sensors are a key element of modern engine management. Measuring the temperature of exhaust gas can provide an important input into system algorithms to improve efficiency, reduce pollutants and extend engine life.

Exhaust Gas sensors are usually thermocouples due to the very high temperatures involved. Often 800°C or more can be achieved. Thermocouple type K is the most common although type J is also found in lower performance engines.

Exhaust Thermocouple Design

The Primary requirement of an Exhaust Thermocouple is to be robust enough to survive a high vibration environment. After that it must be small enough to respond quickly and not disrupt gas flows.… Read more

POX Temperature Sensor for Chemical Plants

Peak Sensors supplies temperature sensors to many specialised applications. POX, Partial Oxidation is a chemical plant process which uses fuel / air mixture to partially oxidise the gases into other useful products. Carbon Monoxide is the common product. The POX temperature sensor requires some novel design detail to survive the plant and to be safe should failure occur.

POX Process

This process occurs at temperatures around 1200 deg C. It is a very aggressive environment for temperature sensors. Heat, Pressure, Oxygen and Combustion products are present. A number of Probes are typically situated almost within the insulation to give them some protection. As insulation deteriates over the plant life the probes get an even tougher life.… Read more

Compost Temperature Sensor Design

Commercial Composting demands good temperature measurement and control. Elevated temperatures are required for throughput management and legal compliance. Compost temperature sensors are required for process management.

Compost Process

Temperatures of around 65 deg C are needed to optimise micro organism activity, accelerate organic matter breakdown, destroy pathogens and eliminate weed seeds. Low temperatures will allow anaerobic rotting to occur.

Throughput, process control and material handling are improved by using in vessel composting systems. Temperature sensors are inserted at strategic positions.

Compost Temperature Sensor design

The sensors have unique design features for this application. The temperature sensors get a rough tough life. Nothing seems to be delicate when making compost so probes must be very robust.… Read more

Glass Furnace Temperature Sensors

Glass furnaces have significant temperature control issues. Glass furnace temperature can range from around 1100 °C to 1600 °C. Thermocouples need to be made of Precious metals to survive this.

Melter Furnace

During the initial melting of glass cullet, sufficient melt temperature is required to achieve the glass condition required for processing, however excess heating uses extra fuel, shortens plant life and can affect the glass batch properties in an undesirable way.

Melters have temperature sensors in Walls, Roof (Crown) and Bottom. Sensors are often tagged: Melter Bottom, Sump Bottom, Riser sidewall, Channel bottom, Crown, Melter Side wall and so on.… Read more

TC Temperature Sensors

TC is a common abbreviation for Thermocouple. A TC is made from two different wires joined in a loop. When the temperatures of the joins (Hot Junction and Cold Junction) are different a very small current flows. It the cold junction is split, and a voltmeter is placed there, it detects an EMF. When the dissimilar wire alloys are defined alloy pairs, the EMF can be used to determine the temperature difference, and thus the temperature of the hot junction.

 

Common TC Pairs

 

K Type is the most common. (NiCr v NiMgAlSi) This TC operates from -200 to + 1300°C.… Read more

Tri Level Thermocouple Sensors for Glass Furnaces

Tri Level thermocouples are used in a glass forehearth. They monitor the condition of the glass before forming into shapes. The sensors provide feedback to heaters allowing temperature control across the glass channel. Tri Level sensors have three measuring points at defined positions along the sensor length. Glass depths are often around 150mm. Three measuring points, say 25, 75, and 125mm from the bottom give the temperature profile of the glass flow. A thimble 200mm is normally adequate.

Tri Level thermocouples are often in banks of 4 pieces. One upstream, central in the forehearth channel, detecting the approaching glass flow temperatures, then 3 in a line across the glass channel as the product nears the bowl.… Read more

Original Equipment Temperature Sensors

Many equipment designers require temperature measurement inputs in Original Equipment they are creating. Demands for thermal control, overheat protection, temperature compensation, heater and cooler switching all require system signals.

 

Working with Original Equipment Designers.

 

Peak Sensor staff are never happier than when we are talking to a design engineer about a new application. Engineers know their product well. Peak Sensors staff know about sensors. Put the two together and great solutions can emerge.

 

Good sensor design identifies the balance between a number of conflicting parameters

 

  • Probe Cost
  • System cost
  • Robustness
  • Protection from ambient conditions
  • Speed of response
  • Process connection
  • Accuracy
  • Sensor lifetime
  • Subsequent assembly
  • Replacement

 

Peak Sensors has a long history of working with designers to create optimal solutions for original equipment.… Read more