A Type K thermocouple is a thermocouple with a range of -270°C to 1250°C. It’s made with chromel and alumel alloys and has the highest accuracy among all other types of thermocouples. Here are its advantages and uses.
Definition of Type K Thermocouple
A Type K thermocouple is a type of thermocouple that has a negative temperature coefficient (NTC). It is also referred to as an N-type thermocouple, which means it responds to decreasing temperatures in the environment. The greater magnitude of this response is due to its positive temperature coefficient (PTC) and negative temperature coefficient (NTC) properties.
The Type K Thermocouple’s Value vs. Temperature Curve, when the temperature value increases by one °C, then 2.21 mV voltage decreases concerning each other in a Type K Thermocouple.
Range of Type K Thermocouple
You can use a Type K Thermocouple to measure temperatures ranging from -200 degrees Celsius (-328 degrees Fahrenheit) to 1350 degrees Celsius (2448 degrees Fahrenheit). This range is usually expressed in Celsius.
Advantages of Type K Thermocouple
Type K thermocouples have a longer life than Type J and K thermocouples, making them more cost-effective. Additionally, they are more accurate than Type J and K thermocouples, making them useful in various industrial applications such as science labs or chemical plants. They are also less sensitive to vibration than Type J and K thermocouples, so they can be used reliably in the field without fear of degradation due to changing temperatures or vibrations that could affect their measurements. Since they’re less likely to fail over time due to wear and tear on their wires (as opposed to corrosion), Type K thermocouple is also more stable than Type J or K thermocouple.
Uses of Type K Thermocouple
- Temperature measurement
Type K thermocouples are used in temperature measurement, particularly for industrial applications. A Type K thermocouple is made using nickel-chromium alloy wires that can withstand high temperatures and is commonly found on large heaters and ovens. The most common type of thermocouple for industrial use is the Type J, which has a temperature range between -200°C and 1200°C (-328 degrees F to 2192 degrees F).
- Food processing
Type K thermocouple can also be used in food processing applications such as cooking meat in an oven or grilling on a barbecue grill. These devices typically measure food at 257 degrees Celsius (500 degrees Fahrenheit) or above, so they require a type k type connector cord with high accuracy.
What it is Made Of
A Type K thermocouple is made with chromel and alumel alloys. Chromel, which is a nickel-chromium alloy, can be used to measure temperatures ranging from -200 to 1252 degrees Fahrenheit (-130 to 904 degrees Celsius). Alumel, a nickel-aluminum alloy, can measure temperatures ranging from -270 to 2192 degrees Fahrenheit (-170 to 1200 degrees Celsius).
Both of these materials are used together for the thermocouple to function correctly. The alumel alloy has a lower thermal conductivity than chromel; therefore, its use allows for better stability at higher temperatures.
Type K Thermocouple
Although there are many types of thermocouples, they all share the same essential characteristics. The type K thermocouple is one of the most popular because it has a wide range of applications in industry and research. It can be used to measure temperatures between -200°C and 1300°C with an accuracy of ±0.2°C at room temperature. For more information regarding our infrared boiler thermometer, contact us today.