Surface Thermocouples
Contact Thermocouples for Surface Temperature Measurement Applications
We offer a range of contact thermocouples designed to measure the surface temperature of various materials. The range includes simple bead thermocouples, magnetic thermocouples for use on ferrous materials along with various self adhesive patch thermocouples and hand held sensors for on the spot measurements.
How do you use a thermocouple on a surface?
A surface thermocouple temperature sensor such as a K-type thermocouple (Chromel / Alumel) or type T (Copper / Constantan) is a surface temperature probe that generates a thermoelectric emf or voltage in a thermocouple circuit proportional to temperature changes over a specified temperature range. They are usually supplied with a length of cable and can be terminated in a miniature connector if required for connection to a thermcouple thermometer.
How do you attach a surface thermocouple?
Depending on the surface material (copper, lead, aluminium, plastic, rubber, steel, iron, nickel etc.), there are three main methods of attaching thermocouples to surfaces to measure temperature. Magnet thermocouples, like our spring loaded magnet thermocouple, can be quickly attached and removed from ferrous metal surfaces. These are rugged sensors that can withstand high temperatures.
The second method requires some kind of mechanical fixing of the sensor, like our washer thermocouples or pipe clamp thermocouples, which tend to be more permanent sensors for long term measurement of surface or pipe temperatures.
Then we have a range of self adhesive thermocouples, like our patch thermocouples, which again are usually used for more permanent measurements and tend to be self adhesive thermocouples for attachment to any surface, although we also have magnetic patch thermocouples available.
For 'on the spot' measurements, perhaps with a hand held digital thermometer, we have a range of hand held surface thermocouples suitable for on-site temperature measurements of all surfaces.
We also have some more application specific thermocouples such as the Moving Surface Roller Thermocouple which is a surface probe designed to monitor the surface temperature of rollers and conveyor belts.
Finally, for applications where the use of a fixed sensor in any form is not possible, we have a range of Infrared Thermometers for remote spot temperature measurements of surfaces.
What Type of Surface Mount Thermocouples are available?
Wire Thermocouples for Surface Temperature Measurement
Simple welded junction bead thermocouples made from bare or insulated leads for attachment to surfaces. Ideal where a quick and simple installation is required. With an almost instant response to changes in temperature, these sensors can be attached using adhesive tape, epoxy resin, underneath a washer or gently clamped in place.
Hand Held Surface
Thermocouple Probes
A range of hand held surface sensors. Ideal for 'on the spot' on-site measurements when used with hand held digital measurement insytruments. Fast response ribbon style sensors or spring loaded conductor tip thermocouples are available for surface measurements up to 750ºF
Patch
Thermocouples
A range of patch thermocouples suitable for a wide variety of surface temperature measurement applications. Various self adhesive and cement on patch thermocouples are available as well as a 'Leaf Thermocouple' which has a weld pad that can be mechanically fixed to the surface by welding, soldering or placed under banding.
High Temperature
Magnet Thermocouple
Versatile magnet thermocouples suitable for high surface temperatures on ferrous materials up to 570ºF. The sensor is supplied with stainless steel braided lead wire with fiberglass insulation and is available in thermocouple types K, T, J, N or E.
Heavy Duty Magnet Surface Thermocouples
This extremely powerful magnet thermocouple is suitable for heavy duty temperature measurements on ferrous surfaces up to.
Spring Loaded High Temperature Magnet Thermocouple
Spring loaded high temperature magnet thermocouples provide excellent surface temperature measurement between the range of 14°F to +890°F for K type, J and N (750°F max. for type T).Perfect for applications where very close contact to the surface is critical whilst maintaining the durability to withstand high temperatures.
Alligator Clip
Thermocouple
An Alligator surface thermocouple probe makes direct contact and have a fast response for quick and easy temperature measurements of a variety of surfaces. Fitted with stainless steel braided fiberglass wire and suitable for use up to 570°F.
Pipe Clamp
Thermocouple 90º to pipe
For pipe surface mount temperature measurement up to 1100ºF. These sensors are made with a mineral insulated thermocouple and can be supplied with insulated or grounded junctions. Sensor sits 90º to pipe.
Pipe Clamp
Thermocouple in line to pipe
For pipe surface mount temperature measurement up to 1100ºF. These sensors are made with a mineral insulated thermocouple and can be supplied with insulated or grounded junctions. Sensor sits in line to pipe.
Velcro Thermocouple for Measuring Pipe Surface Temperatures
This velcro thermocouple temperature sensor can simply be wrapped around a pipe, providing a quick and easy method of measuring the surface temperature of pipes from -150°F to +300°F.
Moving Surface Roller
Thermocouple
These high accuracy sensors have a long life, low friction spring loaded detection head incorporating the thermocouple sensor. They are supplied complete with a built in thermocouple jack connection, matching plug and mounting bar. For temperatures up to 480ºF and rotating linear speeds up to 900 ft per minute.
Washer
Thermocouple
These flat washer thermocouples are available in types K, T, J, E and N are suitable for surface temperature monitoring of plates, pipes and vessels up to a maximum temperature of 750°F. The washers are made from plated brass and are available in 3/8", 1/4" and 1/8" diameter.
