It is actually a type of sensor called a K-type thermocouple, which ranges from -200 degrees Celsius (as cold as an Antarctic winter night) to 1250 degrees Celsius (almost as hot as molten steel). That’s a huge range! It consists of two different types of metals known as chromel and alumel A wire is a joining of these two metals. If any of this wire is heated up it generates a small amount of electricity. This flow provides information like the temperature. Isn’t that amazing?
Out of all the thermocouples, Type K is widely used in factories and industrial applications due to its reliability and accurate readings. They can be found in popular industries such as food processing, chemical production, and even aerospace! Since the measuring range is so wide it makes them ideal for extreme built environment such as ovens and furnaces where it can be exceedingly hot.
In the food industry, for example, these sensors allow ensuring that food is cooked at the proper temperature which is related to both safety and taste. They are used in chemical manufacturing to monitor temperatures while reactions are taking place to maintain safety and proper functioning.
Before we can understand the workings of a type K thermocouple, it is important to study a bit about thermoelectricity. That means that it generates an electric current when there is a temperature difference between the two metals. A larger temperature difference creates a stronger current.
In a type K TC, chromel and alumel are used because they experience different thermal response to the heat promised. You get a junction at the spot where these two metals are joined together. When this junction heats up, a small voltage is produced that can be read with an instrument known as a voltmeter. This value is the temperature that we measure!!
K type thermocouples are a common option for various applications. In the case of food processing, for example, they are used to evaluate the heat in ovens and grills for proper cooking. The chemical industry tracks temperatures to ensure that all reactions are safe and operating as intended.
In aeroplanes, division K thermocouples play an essential position as they gauge the temperature of engines and other fundamental parts. Which helps make sure that everything is up and running. This also makes them very useful for metalworking. As in the foundries they monitor temperature of melted metals to avoid accidents and maintain quality.
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