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Thermocouples are essential instruments designed to monitor temperature in critical applications involving harsh conditions, extreme weather and high-vibration environments. They are often used in automation, power, pharmaceuticals, life sciences, clean-in-place, refining, and chemical system installations. When configured to meet the demands of equipment like turbine systems, gas compressors, pumps and other equipment, the main function of the thermocouple is to provide clear and reliable signals to communicate whether a system is working properly, or not. In doing so, these instruments help reduce downtime, lower maintenance costs and increase productivity. A key part of the configuration process is selection of the correct junction type for optimal sensor performance. My knowledge in this area is based on 20 years of experience working as an engineer specializing in temperature measurement instruments. In this article, you will learn about the different thermocouple components, including two of the most common types of junctions: grounded and ungrounded. You will also learn the advantages of each junction type, and which is preferable for different applications. When you are done reading, you will have a clear understanding of the best junction to select for your specific needs.

If your business currently depends on fossil fuel, you may be thinking about transitioning to a cleaner energy solution like hydrogen because it has less impact on the environment. While hydrogen may be a great solution for electric trucks, cars, buses and materials handling equipment, it is important to understand the unique standards and safety requirements for the production and transportation of this highly combustible substance. Temperature sensors used in hydrogen applications must adhere to rigid standards to maintain a safe working environment. For decades, Ashcroft has been offering a wide range of temperature sensors to clients in a variety of fields, including hydrogen fuel production. Using the knowledge we have gained, we are able to guide customers to the best solution for their needs. In this article, we’ll touch on the advantages of hydrogen energy, its risks and challenges, and some real-world examples of how sensors are used in hydrogen environments.

Consistently accurate measurements of temperature are vital to several industrial processes in fields from construction to energy to manufacturing. And while there are many ways to measure temperature of gas and liquid, thermocouples are among the most popular thanks to their simple design and versatility. But over time, a thermocouple’s performance may tail off for any number of reasons. Two of the most common are drift and elevated temperature.

Maintenance, reliability, process, and Health Safety Environment (HSE) teams rely on accurate and stable temperature measurements to meet their goals. Thermocouples, new out of the box, are a critical tool for these measurements that help plant personnel maintain safe and efficient operations.

Temperature can be measured with a variety of methods. Glass thermometers, resistance temperature devices (RTDs), bimetal instruments, gas expansion (gas-actuated) thermometers and infrared radiation, to name a few. Each offers a unique set of advantages for specific applications. Another extremely common temperature measurement device is the thermocouple. Its simple design makes it remarkably versatile, reliable and cost-effective. But how does a thermocouple work? This article will describe the function of thermocouples, the different types and their material composition.

Temperature sensors are key components in helping to ensure a safe and reliable application. RTDs and thermocouples both provide accurate and repeatable temperature measurements for your process. But, how do you know which sensor is the best one to use in your application?