Mineral insulated high temperature thermocouples up to 2500°C

Mineral-insulated sheath thermocouples for the high-temperature range are used in industry and research to measure very high temperatures, sometimes under particularly difficult conditions. The selection of the respective thermocouple is significantly influenced by the environmental influences, temperature requirements and mechanical stress.

The thermocouple (inner wires) and the sheath material of mineral-insulated high-temperature thermocouples are made of high-quality precious metals. With the exception of a few versions, these are basically flexible and can measure temperatures of up to 2500°C, depending on their composition. They offer the usual advantages of high measuring accuracy, short response times and a long service life. An indispensable product with a wide range of applications in industry and research.

The selection of the sheath material for sheathed thermocouples is of central importance; it protects the measuring point and the thermocouple from external influences. In the high-temperature range, extreme temperatures prevail and there is a high level of interaction between sheath material, temperature, atmosphere and application area.

Especially for high temperature thermocouples type A and type C, in inert, reducing or oxidizing atmospheres, specific sheath materials are required for the respective application. The correct design increases the resistance and thus also the service life of the thermocouple.

When selecting the right sheath material for thermocouples for the high temperature range, it should be noted that some sheath materials are flexible and bendable in their design, while others can only be used in a rigid design. We will be happy to help you develop a solution for your application.

 
Jacket materialApplication temperature rangeMinimum bending radiusAreas of application
Inconel600 (I)0 to 750°C5x diameterInert and oxidizing atmosphere, vacuum
Platinum (PR)0 to + 1550°C5x diameterInert and oxidizing atmosphere
Tantalum (TA)0 to + 2200°C12x diameterInert atmosphere, vacuum
Molybdenum (MO)0 to + 2000°CRigid versionReducing atmosphere, vacuum, inert atmosphere
Rhenium (RE)0 to + 2200°CRigid versionInert and oxidizing atmosphere
Tungsten (W)*0 to + 2300°C Vacuum, very low outgassing
Molybdenum, 50% Rhenium *0 to + 2300°C Inert, hydrogen-containing, nitrogen-containing and ammonia-containing atmosphere, vacuum
    
*On request only  
 
         
Jacket materialOuter diameter in mm       
 1,01,51,62,03,2   
Platinum (PR)xxxxx   
Tantalum (TA)x x x   
Molybdenum (MO)  x x   
Rhenium (RE)  x x   
Molybdenum 50% Rhenium (MR)Upon request       
         

SELECTION INSULATION MATERIAL

High temperature thermocouples also differ from conventional thermocouples in the choice of insulator, i.e. insulation material. Usually, for thermocouples up to 1300°C, magnesium oxide is used as insulation between the thermocouple and the sheath of the thermocouple. However, magnesium oxide as well as aluminum oxide show decreasing insulation resistance and ductility as the temperature increases. For high temperature thermocouples type A and type C, hafnium oxide and beryllium oxide are often used as insulation material up to temperatures of 2500°C.

Hafnium oxide as insulation material in high temperature thermocouples tends to be rather coarse-grained. Its ductility is lower than that of beryllium oxide, which is why the material is often used for high-temperature thermocouples in rigid designs. Beryllium oxide as an insulator in high temperature thermocouples, on the other hand, is very suitable for flexible designs.

 
TypeMaterial designationApplication temperature rangeFeatures
    
MgOMagnesium oxide0 to 1600°CVery hygroscopic, common insulation material in sheath thermocouples. Only limited resistance behavior at high temperatures
AL2O3Alumina0 to 1550°CVery good application behavior using platinum
HFO2Hafnium oxide0 to 2200°CGood properties at high temperature, very good alternative to berryllium oxide, non-toxic, but with poor bending properties
BeO*Berryllium oxide0 to 2200°CVery good conductivity in the high-temperature range, very good resistance behavior
    
*Caution should be exercised when using berrylium oxide. Beryllium oxide is considered a toxic material. Incorrect or improper handling can lead to health problems

High temperature thermocouples also differ from conventional thermocouples in the choice of insulator, i.e. insulation material. Usually, for thermocouples up to 1300°C, magnesium oxide is used as insulation between the thermocouple and the sheath of the thermocouple. However, magnesium oxide as well as aluminum oxide show decreasing insulation resistance and ductility as the temperature increases. For high temperature thermocouples type A and type C, hafnium oxide and beryllium oxide are often used as insulation material up to temperatures of 2500°C.

Hafnium oxide as insulation material in high temperature thermocouples tends to be rather coarse-grained. Its ductility is lower than that of beryllium oxide, which is why the material is often used for high-temperature thermocouples in rigid designs. Beryllium oxide as an insulator in high temperature thermocouples, on the other hand, is very suitable for flexible designs.

 
TypeMaterial designationApplication temperature rangeFeatures
    
MgOMagnesium oxide0 to 1600°CVery hygroscopic, common insulation material in sheath thermocouples. Only limited resistance behavior at high temperatures
AL2O3Alumina0 to 1550°CVery good application behavior using platinum
HFO2Hafnium oxide0 to 2200°CGood properties at high temperature, very good alternative to berryllium oxide, non-toxic, but with poor bending properties
BeO*Berryllium oxide0 to 2200°CVery good conductivity in the high-temperature range, very good resistance behavior
    
*Caution should be exercised when using berrylium oxide. Beryllium oxide is considered a toxic material. Incorrect or improper handling can lead to health problems