Duro-Sense Thermocouple Wire and Thermocouple Extension Wire

Insulated thermocouple wire is single pair wire that can be made into a thermocouple. Thermocouple wire is made from two dissimilar metals conductors that are joined (welded) together at the sensing end. Different metal wires are used for the various types of thermocouple types (J, K, T, E, etc). These dissimilar metals produce a millivolt electrical signal at the cold junction that is proportional to the change in temperature at the sensing end. Thermocouple wire has two grades; standard and Special Limits of Error. Special Limits of Error wire is made of the same metals as standard wire, but uses a higher grade with increased accuracy and higher expense than standard thermocouple wire.

Thermocouple extension wire is a single pair wire that cannot be made into a thermocouple, but is used to carry the signal form a thermocouple to the recorder, controller, or instrument reading the signal. Extension grade wire usually has lower ambient temperature specifications. It is used to carry signal representing the higher temperature seen by the sensing location, but extension wire cannot be generally cannot be exposed to those higher temperatures. Extension wire cannot be used to make a thermocouple, but thermocouple wire can be used as extension wire. Insulation is typically PVC, but other option are available.

For more information about Duro-Sense thermocouple wire, visit their website here.

Duro-Sense is currently having their annual wire sale (while supplies last). Here is a list of inventory that is on sale now. Call 310-533-6877 with questions.

Plastics Industry Thermocouple Catalog

Plastics industry thermocouples are designed as an economical solution for the plastics molding and forming industry, and have many other general uses as well.  Their design typically includes a bayonet connection which is ideal for spring loaded sensing of injection mold equipment. They typically are constructed with the "hollow-tube" design for economy and ease of manufacturing. Most common applications are plastic extruders, injection molding machines, and rubber industry presses.

DOWNLOAD THE PLASTICS INDUSTRY CATALOG HERE

Resistance Temperature Detector (RTD) Catalog

Resistance Temperature Detectors (RTD’s) operate under the principle that the electrical resistance of certain metals increases or decreases in a repeatable and predictable manner with a temperature change. RTD’s may have a lower temperature range than some thermocouples and a slower response time, however, they are more stable and repeatable over long periods of time. RTD’s higher signal output makes them easier to interface with computers and data loggers and reduces the effects of radio frequency interference. RTD’s are used in the plastic processing industry, environmental test chambers, motor windings, pumps and bearings, ovens, kilns, waste treatment and the pulp and paper industry, as well as many other applications.

DOWNLOAD THE DURO-SENSE RTD CATALOG HERE

Engine Compressor Thermocouples

Duro-Sense Engine Compressor Thermocouples (ECT) are designed and manufactured to provide the finest quality available to insure maximum reliability. The unique preparation of premium grade conductors, MgO insulation and stainless steel tubing through reduction swaging and drawing produces a uniform thickness of sheath and high density of insulation. The result is a product that is mechanically strong and impervious to penetration of corrosive gases and moisture. This material has the advantage of high dielectric strength plus the ability to withstand severe physical abuse. It can be formed in a radius equal to its own diameter without damage and can be brazed without loss of dielectric integrity. They are available in a variety of configurations to satisfy numerous applications.

DOWNLOAD THE DURO-SENSE ENGINE COMPRESSOR THERMOCOUPLE CATALOG HERE

Base Metal Thermocouples

The most commonly used industrial thermocouples are identified for convenience by type letters, with the most commonly used base metal thermocouples being types E, J, K, and T.  Of these, type J and type K are probably the most typical.

Many metals and alloys are suitable to be used in thermocouples as the thermoelectric effect happens when two dissimilar materials are put in contact forming a thermal junction. Thermocouple materials are chosen according to maximum sensibility over the operating range, long-term, cost, and compatibility with the instrumentation.

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DOWNLOAD THE DURO-SENSE BASE METAL THERMOCOUPLE CATALOG HERE

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Full Duro-Sense Product Catalog Now Available

DOWNLOAD THE CATALOG HERE

Duro-Sense Corporation designs and manufactures the finest quality thermocouples, RTDs, and custom temperature assemblies used in a wide variety of industries including aerospace, medical, power generation, food and beverage, pulp & paper, chemical processing, plastics, pharmaceutical, and life science. Duro-Sense products are known throughout these industries for their quality and reliability.

From simple wire and tube assemblies for the plastics industry, to mineral insulated and multipoint thermocouples, to custom sensors for specific applications, Duro-Sense can design, manufacture, and deliver solutions to virtually any temperature related application.

Engine Compressor Thermocouples Provide the Reliability Needed for Offshore Use

Offshore oil and gas platforms require an uninterrupted source of electricity to power a wide variety of specialized equipment used to drill for oil. Pumps, valve operators, critical communications, turntables, motors, and safety systems are just a subset of the drilling and production ecosystem requiring a reliable source of power. Just as critical is the large amounts of electrical power required for the habitation. Electrical generators provide the power for comfort heating, cooling, desalination of water, food preparation, and even waste processing. The power requirements of an offshore platform is not unlike that of a small town.

The most common source of power for these offshore rigs are diesel powered generators. While diesel is still the most common, alternative fuels such as gas, heavy oil, and steam turbines are being produced for offshore platform use. Major turbine manufacturers continue to develop technologies that efficiently use one, or a combination, of these fuels. Additionally, increased savings and efficiencies are being realized through adopting waste heat recovery systems. These recovery systems assist by reusing and recycling energy from exhaust gases of turbines and generators.

Conditions on offshore platforms are harsh. Equipment and components must provide stable
operation and, by design, reduce the need for frequent maintenance and overhaul.  A specialized temperature sensor, referred to as an "engine compressor thermocouple" is used on platform generator turbines. These are specially designed, heavy-duty temperature sensors used for measuring the exhaust gases from engines, turbines and compressors. These sensors are time-tested and built to withstand the harsh mechanical and environmental conditions subjected by offshore, marine conditions.

For more information about offshore platform compressor thermocouples contact Duro-Sense. You can reach them by phone by calling 310-533-6877 or visit their web site at https://duro-sense.com.

Three Simple Questions for Choosing Thermocouples or RTDs

What's the best choice for your industrial temperature sensing requirement, a thermocouple or RTD? In industrial installations, both types of sensor can be specified with similar mounting accessories, dimensional specifications, and instrument interfaces. However, there are three criteria you need to consider before choosing between an RTD or thermocouple probe.

First, what is the temperature range you are trying to monitor?

Generally, if the temperature exceeds five hundred degrees Celsius (500 deg C), thermocouples are for you. RTD's are best between -200 and 500 °C, while thermocouples have a range of -180 to 2,320 °C. For anything above 500 Celsius, you should select the appropriate thermocouple calibration for the sensing range you're working in.

Second, what type of sensor accuracy do you need? 

RTDs are more accurate temperature sensors, offer highly repeatable readings, drift less over time, and are suitable for high precision requirements. Thermocouples are generally less accurate and are subject to drift. Typical thermocouple accuracy is 2 deg. C.

Third, how about the budget you're working under? 

Thermocouples can be up to three times less expensive than RTD probes, making thermocouples a good choice if high accuracy and repeatability are not critical. One caveat though. Make sure you consider any additional cost incurred with long runs of thermocouple extension wire. For installations requiring dozens or even hundreds of temperature sensors, the significant difference in basic sensor cost is an important consideration.

These three criteria are VERY basic, and intended just to point you in the right direction. There are many other differences between thermocouples and RTDs that need to be understood before application.  Consult a temperature sensor expert prior to installing or specifying a thermocouple or RTD wherever or whenever failure can cause harm.

Temperature Sensors for the Toughest Applications

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Duro-Sense Corporation manufactures the finest quality temperature sensors available. The company has a long history of supplying thermocouples and RTDs to the top manufacturers in aerospace, medical equipment, semiconductor processing, plastics processing, and heavy industry.  From large industrial thermocouples used in primary metal production, to miniature, discreet sensors used in military aircraft, Duro-Sense products are proven to be ultra-reliable, accurate, and of extremely high value.

All Duro-Sense customers benefit from years of tackling difficult applications. By implementing stringent quality practices and advanced manufacturing processes, Duro-Sense continues to solve the most challenging temperature sensing applications.

Duro-Sense is a one-stop, full service provider of anything related to temperature sensing. Service. Quality. On-time delivery.

Rely on the Duro-Sense difference.
www.duro-sense.com  |  310-533-6877.

Power Plant Temperature Sensors

Power plants (generating facilities) transform the mechanical energy of a spinning generator into electrical energy. Heat (from flame, nuclear reaction, or chemical reaction) is used to create steam that, in turn, produces the mechanical energy to drive turbines. There are many areas where precision temperature measurement and monitoring is critical to keep power plant systems running. Thermocouples and RTD sensors provide accurate, repeatable, and reliable  measurement.

Duro-Sense
https://duro-sense.com
Phone: 310-533-6877

Welcome to the Duro-Sense Blog

Welcome! We hope (over time) you find this blog interesting to visit and it becomes a trusted resource for all-things-temperature-measurement.

We plan on weekly educational and informative blog posts about innovative temperature sensor solutions, insight to how sensors work, and new products that solve tough engineering challenges.

Specific products we'll be discussing are:

• Thermocouples
• RTDs
• Thermowells
• Sensor Accessories

Please come back often!