TE Wire & Cable Thermocouple Solutions Blog

A major step forward in Type K and N thermocouple performance for use in industrial temperature measurement.

Written by: Trevor Ford, CCPI Europe Ltd, Sheffield, United Kingdom

Part 2: Applying New Low-Drift Thermocouple Cable Technology

In Part 1, we discussed the history of mineral insulated thermocouple as the industrial temperature measurement sensor of choice and recent developments that will further enhance the temperature range and performance of type K and type N thermocouples.

In Part 2, we’ll define how you can learn more about the new low-drift mineral insulated thermocouple cable design and development as well as what makes this new design a unique solution for industrial temperature measurement and how it can be applied to the industry.

A major step forward in Type K and N thermocouple performance for use in industrial temperature measurement.

Written by: Trevor Ford, CCPI Europe Ltd, Sheffield, United Kingdom

Part 1: Mineral Insulated Thermocouple: Then and Now

Introduction

The base metal mineral insulated (MI) thermocouple is the most widely used temperature sensor for industrial temperature measurements for over 80 years. The reasons why this has been and will continue to be the case is due to the fundamentals of the thermocouple itself, that is, it is a sensor which is simple, robust, low cost with an easily measured output. 

If you’ve found it challenging to make the right thermocouple wire selection for your various heat treatment applications, you’re not alone. There are many considerations, all of which can result in manufacturing issues and other problems if you don’t make an educated decision.  

As a result of research conducted by the Department of Materials Science and Metallurgy at the University of Cambridge and tests conducted in the calibration laboratory at CCPI Europe Ltd., a new mineral insulated (MI) thermocouple cable has been developed for sensor manufacturing.

Thermocouples are the most frequently used temperature sensor in the heat process and control industries, with the majority of applications falling within the range of 500 to 1500°C. There are newer technologies like fiber optic distributed temperature sensing systems, wireless sensing, laser IR temperature sensors, IR Cameras, and thermal noise thermometers. However, most exhibit high error, packaging problems, high price or a combination of these issues.

As I mentioned in my previous blog “Aerospace Doesn't Need Inconsistent Autoclave Composites Quality”, the impending show was something I was looking forward, not only for the new experiences but to share what I’ve learned about our “Failure is NOT an option” commitment to providing 100% tested pre-made autoclave thermocouple systems to aviation/aerospace autoclave manufacturers.

I wanted to take a moment to acknowledge another milestone for one of our sister companies, CCPI Europe. On July 2^nd, they celebrated their second anniversary as an integral part of the Marmon Engineered Wire & Cable Group / a Berkshire Hathaway Company.

Ever since my childhood, I've been wildly fascinated by planes, rockets, and the very cool idea of deep space travel. Buzz Lightyear was my hero. As an adult, the idea of traveling to the stars has continued to intrigue me and has led me into a career focused in the aerospace industry. The Herculean effort required in order to accomplish such an engineering feat seems to becoming more and more of a reality.

Beyond funding, one of the countless important items that could hinder our progress of space exploration is the impact of inconsistent or poor composites quality.  

I have to admit, it’s absolutely amazing to be a part of the composites industry and witness the steady growth, continuous improvement and developing technologies. Business is booming. As reported by JEC*, from 2014 to 2016, the market grew in value to $82 billion USD, or by 11%. Not too shabby. Every indication is the growth will continue.