termocoupleiden

Thermocouples are temperature-measuring devices consisting of two dissimilar electrical conductors forming junctions at two distinct locations. When these junctions are at different temperatures, a voltage is produced that is proportional to the temperature difference. This phenomenon is known as the Seebeck effect, which forms the basis of thermocouple operation.

The two conductors are typically made of different metals or alloys, such as iron and constantan (Type J), chromel and alumel (Type K), or platinum and rhodium (Types B, R, S). The specific combination of metals determines the temperature range, sensitivity, and accuracy of the thermocouple. One junction, the measuring junction, is placed at the point where the temperature is to be measured. The other junction, the reference junction, is kept at a known, constant temperature, often ice water at 0 degrees Celsius.

The voltage generated by the thermocouple is then measured by a voltmeter or a specialized temperature controller. This voltage is then converted into a temperature reading using calibration tables or algorithms specific to the thermocouple type. Thermocouples are widely used in industrial processes, scientific research, and many other applications due to their robustness, wide temperature range, and relatively low cost. They are particularly suitable for measuring extreme temperatures where other sensors might fail.