Ceramic Thermocouple

Ceramic Thermocouples are protected with ceramic tubes or insulators and provide solutions for High Temperature applications and with reducing or vacuum atmospheres. Typically the thermocouples in these environments are Type R, S, B, C, K or N.

• Type B thermocouples are typically utilized in temperature ranges from 1112°F to 3092°F (600 to 1700°C)
  • Type B platinum based thermocouples can operate up to 3,092°F (1700°)  and works in air or oxidizing environments, although are sensitive to contamination from a furnace and/or materials being processed.
  • Type B thermocouples must be in air filled vacuum-tight assemblies when used in a vacuum or reducing environment. The ceramic tube protection material must be compatible with the environment.
  • Click here for additional Type B information

• Type C thermocouples (Tungsten Rhenium) are for extreme high temperatures up to 4,200°F (2315°C), they work well in vacuum, hydrogen, or inert atmospheres, although will fail very quickly in air at high temperatures.
  • Click here for additional Type C information

• Type R and S thermocouples are typically used at 2000°F (1100°C) and Higher temperatures up to 2700°F (1480°C)
  • Type R and S also work well in air and have the same conditions as Type B with contamination, and subject to deterioration in vacuum or reducing environments
  • Type R has 3% more Rhodium and it offers improved stability and a slightly higher temperature range than Type S. It also has 15% more milivolt ouput.
  • Click here for additional Type R/S information

• Type K and N thermocouples are used up to 2000°F (1095°C) and can work in both a vacuum and inert atmospheres. Both are sensitive to reducing atmospheres, an must be protected when using a process gas such as hydrogen.
  • Type K and N thermocouples operating in vacuum at high temperature for extended periods can become inaccurate due to vaporization of chrome from the positive leg.
  • Type K and N thermocouples are less expensive than the platinum based Type R, S and B along with the tungsten rhenium based Type C.
  • Click here for additional information on Type K