The versatility of thermocouples makes them ideal for a wide range of applications, both in science fields and industry. From being commonly utilized as thermal sensors in domestic applications to high-temperature applications such as furnaces, turbines, and nuclear reactors, thermocouples are well developed and understood today.Here are some of the most common examples where you will find these temperature measuring devices playing a critical role in keeping the thermal systems and/or processes in check:
Thermocouple for Vehicle Diagnostics
Thermocouples for Vehicle Diagnostics
The thermocouple plays an important role in your vehicle onboard diagnostics system. Because of their ability to withstand high temperatures, thermocouples are commonly used to measure important readings for your vehicle such as exhaust gas temperature (EHT), cylinder head temperature (CHT), and engine surface temperature.
Additionally, thermocouples are also employed to measure the temperature changes in spark plugs, disc brake, and battery. This temperature data is then utilized by the diagnostics system along with the data from other sensors to determine the health and performance of your vehicle.
Thermocouple as Food Thermometer
Temperature plays a major role in controlling the bacteria in food. It is for this exact reason that food must be cooked thoroughly to prevent foodborne illness. A thermometer is the only reliable way to determine whether the food is completely cooked.
Measuring the Temperature of Food with a Thermocouple Probe
While there are many types of thermometers available to carry out temperature measurement, a thermocouple food thermometer offers a fast and accurate temperature reading from all.
It takes just a few seconds to show precise temperature readings at multiple locations to ensure that food is thoroughly cooked. This is extremely useful when cooking meat and poultry.
Since thermocouples have small tips, they can even measure the temperature of very thin foods accurately. A thermocouple food thermometer is most commonly used in retail or foodservice kitchens. However, consumer-grade models are also available now in the market.
Thermocouple in Medical Applications
Known for their accuracy, thermocouples find applications in an array of medical machinery and processes that involve thermal interaction. While a medical thermometer is the most common example, special thermocouples with fine-gauge wires are often utilized in implants, external sensors, and catheter probes.
A thermocouple needle forms one of the important parts of cryosurgery, a procedure used to treat external tumors. The needle measures the temperature of the tissue at its tip and helps the physician identify the depth of freezing.
Thermocouples used in medical applications are specially designed for precision and accuracy and are smaller in size.
Thermocouples for Industrial Boilers and Furnaces
Thermocouples for Industrial Boilers and Furnaces
Because of their rugged nature, thermocouples are excellent for high-temperature applications. They form a critical part in ensuring the smooth functioning of large boilers and furnaces. Installed at strategic locations, thermocouples monitor temperatures within these heat-generating devices.
In the process, thermocouples help the operators to locate hot spots, identify tube-blockage conditions, and keep the operations efficient. A thermocouple also serves as a sensor in hot water systems with standing pilots to control the gas valve, in order to maintain a constant temperature.
Thermocouples used in such heavy-duty applications are designed to function over longer periods and are sheathed for the entire length to keep them moisture resistant.
Thermocouple for Thermostats
Thermocouple and thermostat are terms that are often used interchangeably because of their similarities in functioning. However, they both are entirely different.
While a thermocouple measures the temperature difference using electrical discharge, a thermostat is more like a switch that goes on and off at a specified temperature. A thermostat, however, uses a thermocouple to perform this action. As such, a thermocouple essentially serves the purpose of a trigger for the thermostat, by providing the temperature data through electrical signals.
Apart from the above applications, thermocouples are extensively utilized in areas that require temperature testing such as in oil refineries and process plants. They also act as a heat pump for thermoelectric cooling and are often utilized to measure infrared radiation.
Thermocouple – A Versatile Measurement Device
Factors such as low-cost, accuracy, and high-temperature limits make thermocouples an ideal temperature measurement device for nearly every scientific and industrial application. Besides, their availability in different types and sizes along with wide temperature ranges ensure precision during the measurements that are specific to every individual application.
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