What is K-type thermocouple?

A K-type thermocouple is a type of temperature sensor that utilizes the Seebeck effect to measure temperature. It consists of two different metal wires, a positive wire made of chromel (a nickel-chromium alloy) and a negative wire made of alumel (a nickel-aluminum alloy). These wires are joined together at one end to form a measuring junction, while the other ends are connected to a temperature measuring instrument or control system.

When there is a temperature difference between the measuring junction and the other end of the thermocouple, it generates a voltage proportional to that temperature difference. This voltage can be measured and converted into a temperature reading using appropriate instrumentation.

K-type thermocouples are widely used in various industrial applications due to their wide temperature range, which typically spans from -200°C to 1372°C (-328°F to 2502°F). They are known for their excellent corrosion resistance, high accuracy, and stability.

Due to their versatility and reliability, K-type thermocouples find applications in HVAC systems, automotive industry, scientific research, and other fields where precise and high-temperature measurements are required.

It's important to note that K-type thermocouples have specific temperature limitations and accuracy specifications, so they should be selected based on the specific requirements of the application.

K-type thermocouple is a commonly used temperature sensor with the characteristics of wide measurement range, fast response speed and easy installation. It is mainly composed of two wires of different materials. By connecting these two wires, the temperature of the object can be measured.

2. Working principle of K-type thermocouple

The working principle of K-type thermocouple is based on the thermoelectric effect. When two wires of different materials are connected together and a temperature difference is applied at both ends, a thermoelectric potential is generated. The magnitude of this thermoelectric potential is proportional to the temperature difference at both ends. By measuring this thermoelectric potential, the temperature of the object can be known.

3. Composition structure of K-type thermocouple

K-type thermocouple is mainly composed of two wires, one is copper (Cu) and the other is nickel-chromium (Ni-Cr). The connection point of these two wires is called the "cold end" of the thermocouple, and the other end is called the "hot end". When the temperature of the cold end and the hot end is the same, the thermoelectric potential is zero.

4. Advantages and disadvantages of K-type thermocouple

The advantages of K-type thermocouple include: wide measurement range, fast response speed, strong anti-interference ability, simple structure, easy installation, etc. But its disadvantages are: relatively low accuracy, sensitive to ambient temperature, and inability to measure high temperatures.

5. Application fields of K-type thermocouples

K-type thermocouples are widely used in various industrial occasions, such as steel, petrochemicals, machinery manufacturing, electricity, etc.