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A thermocouple is a type of electrical temperature sensor that is used to measure and monitor temperature changes in process applications. Similar to resistance temperature detectors (RTDs), these sensors are designed to ensure accurate temperature readings in applications where precise temperature control is essential for safety and efficiency. As part of Ashcroft's Understanding the Basics series, this article will provide you with a high-level review of these instruments, including their origin, how they work for different applications and more. You will also gain insights about when to use (or not to use) this type of sensor and be directed to additional resources that can help you deepen your knowledge on the topic of temperature sensors. This information comes from 40 years of industry experience with temperature and pressure measurement, design, engineering, and product management, which includes 17 years working with Ashcroft - a leader in temperature and pressure instrumentation.

In a previous Understanding the Basics blog, I provided an overview of temperature sensors, including RTDs and thermocouples. That article explained how they are used to measure the temperature of original equipment manufacturing (OEM) systems, light industrial processes or other complex applications. Since that piece was published, we have received more questions about RTDs and Thermocouples and the lag options you have when ordering these instruments.

This article was originally published on December 4, 2023, by Rick Zerafin and updated on September 26, 2024. If your work involves critical applications with harsh conditions, extreme weather and high-vibration environments, thermocouples are essential instruments that can keep your system operating efficiently. They are often used in equipment like turbine systems, gas compressors, pumps and other equipment 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. Selecting the correct junction type is critical to ensure optimal temperature sensor performance. With 40 years of measurement instrument experience, I am often asked about the differences and benefits of each junction option. 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.

This article was originally published on August 23, 2023, by Rick Zerafin and was updated on June 26, 2024, by Dave Dlugos. Consistently accurate temperature measurements are vital to several industrial processes in numerous industries from construction to energy to manufacturing. Although many instruments can measure the temperature of gas and liquid in these processes, thermocouples are among the most popular thanks to their simple design and versatility. Over time, however, the thermocouple’s performance may tail off for any number of reasons. Two of the most common are drift and elevated temperature. As a leading authority in temperature measurement instrumentation, we help customers understand the factors to consider when selecting instruments and the steps needed to keep systems running efficiently. If your process includes temperature measurement with a thermocouple, this article will explain why it is important to calibrate your instrument and how to do it. You will also get access to helpful resources that can help you gain deeper knowledge on the subject of temperature sensors.

This article was originally published on July 24, 2023, by Rick Zerafin and was updated on April 29, 2024, by Dave Dlugos. 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. Today, instrument designers use a wide array of thermocouple types, such as Type K, Type E and Type T to measure temperatures in applications ranging from cryogenic temperatures of -196 °C to the extremes of 1700 °C. This article will discuss how thermocouple calibration offers added benefits that promote process improvements and support compliance requirements. When you are done reading, you will also find additional related resources that can help you gain more insight into these important instruments.

Not every application is the same, so you need to get the right equipment for your specific needs. When it comes to temperature measurement, inaccurate readings can severely impact your process. So, how can you ensure you are correctly and reliably monitoring temperature? Whether your application is for light-industrial temperature measurements or critical heavy-duty installations, Ashcroft®, an industry leader in pressure and temperature instrumentation, has developed a line of reliable thermocouple probes that are custom-configured to meet your specific application requirements. This article will discuss how to choose the best thermocouple lead wire for common applications. When you are done reading, you will also find additional related resources that can help you gain more insight into thermocouples.