Applications

Thermocouple Applications by Industry

Thermocouples are the workhorse temperature sensor across nearly every high-temperature industry. The right type depends on the temperature, atmosphere, and accuracy each application demands. This guide maps common industries to the types and standards that serve them.

Aerospace & Heat Treating

Furnace temperature uniformity surveys and system accuracy tests under AMS 2750 pyrometry rely heavily on Types K, N, and the noble metals R/S for calibration. Tight tolerance classes and documented traceability are mandatory.

Type K · Type N · Type R/S · Calibration

Power Generation & Turbines

Gas-turbine exhaust, boiler, and steam measurements use rugged Type K and Type N for oxidizing high-temperature service, with Type E where high output improves low-noise sensing.

Type K · Type N · Type E

Glass, Ceramics & Kilns

Sustained temperatures above 1200°C in oxidizing atmospheres call for noble-metal Types R, S, and B. Type B's near-zero output below 50°C makes cold-junction error negligible.

Type R · Type S · Type B

Semiconductor & Vacuum Furnaces

Diffusion and crystal-growth furnaces use Type K and noble metals; vacuum and inert high-temperature processes above 1700°C require tungsten-rhenium Type C, which must never see oxygen.

Type C · Type S

Food Processing & Pharma

Autoclaves, ovens, and cold chains use Type K and Type T. Type T's stability at sub-zero and low temperatures suits refrigeration and cryogenic validation.

Type T · Type K

Petrochemical & Refining

Reformers, heaters, and reactors use Type K and Type J in thermowells. Atmosphere matters: Type J suits reducing atmospheres up to 760°C; avoid Type K green rot in low-oxygen conditions.

Type J · Type K · Green rot

Cryogenics & Research

Type T and Type E perform well far below zero, with Type E offering the highest output of the standard types for low-temperature sensitivity.

Type T · Type E

Laboratory & Calibration

Type S is the historical ITS-90 reference between the silver and gold points and serves as a working reference standard in comparison calibration of other types.

Type S · Procedures

Selecting by Atmosphere

Temperature alone does not determine the type — atmosphere is often decisive. Oxidizing atmospheres suit K, N, and the noble metals; reducing atmospheres favor J; vacuum and inert high-temperature work requires Type C; and sulfurous atmospheres attack most base metals. See the atmosphere compatibility table for the full matrix.

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