Termopaarimittarit

Termopaarimittarit, commonly known as thermocouples, are temperature-measuring devices based on the thermoelectric effect. This effect, also known as the Seebeck effect, describes the phenomenon where a voltage is generated when two dissimilar metals are joined at two different temperatures. A thermocouple consists of two wires made of different metals joined at one end, which forms the measuring junction. The other ends of the wires are connected to a measuring instrument. The voltage produced is proportional to the temperature difference between the measuring junction and the reference junction (where the wires connect to the instrument). By measuring this voltage, the temperature at the measuring junction can be determined.

Thermocouples are widely used across various industries due to their robustness, wide temperature range, and relatively low cost. They can measure temperatures from cryogenic levels up to very high temperatures, often exceeding 1000 degrees Celsius, depending on the type of metals used. Different combinations of metals create different types of thermocouples, each with specific temperature ranges, sensitivities, and chemical inertness. Common types include Type J (iron-constantan), Type K (chromel-alumel), and Type T (copper-constantan). The choice of thermocouple type depends on the specific application requirements, such as the operating temperature, the presence of corrosive substances, and the desired accuracy.