THERMOCOUPLES

What are thermocouples?

• Thermocouples operate under the principle that a circuit
made by connecting two dissimilar metals produces a
measurable voltage (emf-electromotive force) when a
temperature gradient is imposed between one end and
the other.

• They are inexpensive, small, rugged and accurate when

used with an understanding of their peculiarities.
A Demonstration of the Law of
Intermediate Temperatures
emf1-2+ emf2-3= emf1-3

C
emf13 emf23
emf

emf12 Fe

T1 T2 T3
Let’s take a look at this circuit
Material EMF versus Temperature
Chromel With reference to
the characteristics
of pure Platinum
Iron
emf Copper
Platinum-Rhodium

Alumel

Constantan
Temperature
 Thermocouple Tables
(EMF-Temperature)
• Thermocouple tables correlate temperature to
emf voltage.
– Need to keep in mind that the thermocouple
tables provide a voltage value with respect to
a reference temperature. Usually the
reference temperature is 0°C. If your
reference junction is not at 0°C, a correction
must be applied using the law of intermediate
temperatures.
 What thermocouple materials
should be used?
• Depends on requirements:
– Temperature range
– Required accuracy
– Chemical resistance issues
– Abrasion or vibration resistance
– Installation requirements (size of wire)
– Thermal conduction requirements
Thermocouple Material Vs EMF
Types T, J, and K are most commonly used thermocouples (see
Table 16.8 of the “Handbook”).
 Law of Intermediate Metals
2) Insertion of an intermediate
metal into a thermocouple
circuit will not affect the emf
voltage output so long as the
two junctions are at the same
temperature and the material
is homogeneous.
– Permits soldered and welded
joints.
 Law of Intermediate
Temperatures
If a thermocouple circuit develops a net
T2 T1 emf1-2 for measuring junction
temperatures T1 and T2, and a net
emf2-3 for temperatures T2 and T3,
then it will develop a net voltage of
T3 T2 emf1-3 = emf1-2 + emf2-3 when the
junctions are at temperatures T1 and
T3.

T3 T1
emf1-2+ emf2-3= emf1-3
If a thermocouple circuit of materials A and C generates a net emfA-C
when exposed to temperatures T1 and T2, and a thermocouple of
materials C and B generates a net emfC-B for the same two
temperatures T1 and T2, then a thermocouple made from materials
A and B will develop a net voltage of

emfA-B = emfA-C + emfC-B

between temperatures T1 and T2.

• Sometimes useful in the calibration of different thermocouple

wires.
 Temperature Measurement
Errors
• Conduction
• Convection
• Radiation
• Response Time
• Noise
• Grounding issues and shorts, especially
on metal surfaces