NiCr-NiSi Thermocouple Compensating Extension Wire Type K Suitable For Challenging Industrial Applications

NiCr-NiSi Thermocouple Compensating&Extension Wire Type K Suitable for Challenging Industrial Applications

NiCr-NiSi (Type K) Thermocouple Compensating and Extension Wire is a widely used temperature measurement solution known for its robustness and accuracy.  Composed of Nickel-Chromium alloy, which is resistant to oxidation and offers high-temperature stability. Made from Nickel-Silicon alloy, also known as Nispan or Nisil, which complements the NiCr alloy for temperature measurement. Type K thermocouples can measure temperatures from -200°C to 1370°C for short-term use and 0°C to 1260°C for continuous use, making them suitable for a broad range of high-temperature applications.They produce a relatively high electromotive force (EMF), which contributes to their accuracy and sensitivity in temperature measurement.Type K thermocouples are suitable for use in oxidizing and inert atmospheres but should not be used in reducing atmospheres or environments with sulfurous gases. 

The NiCr alloy has a high melting point and good mechanical strength, while the NiSi alloy offers excellent electrical conductivity and resistance to corrosion. The stranded construction of Type K wires increases flexibility and durability, making them suitable for applications where the wire may be subject to mechanical stress.The positive wire (NiCr) is typically colored yellow or red, and the negative wire (NiSi) is usually blue or green, facilitating easy identification during installation and maintenance.

Type K thermocouples are used in various industries, including manufacturing, petrochemicals, food processing, and research, where accurate temperature control and measurement are critical.Manufactured to comply with international standards such as IEC 60584-1, ensuring reliability and consistency in performance across different applications.Compensating wires are used to extend the measurement range of Type K thermocouples without affecting their accuracy, allowing for greater flexibility in installation and use.These features make Type K thermocouples a popular choice for high-temperature measurement applications where accuracy and reliability are crucial.

 
Color codes of thermocouple wire (K type)
 
Positive wire is yellow, negative wire is red.

Thermocouple temperature range and tolerance

Compensating Wire Reciprocating Resistance

 
Some key features include:

• Wide Temperature Range: Type K thermocouples are suitable for a broad temperature range, from -200°C to 1300°C for short-term use and 0°C to 1100°C for long-term use.
• Chemical Composition: The positive leg (NiCr, KP) consists of approximately 90% Nickel (Ni) and 10% Chromium (Cr), while the negative leg (NiSi, KN) is made up of approximately 97% Nickel (Ni) and 3% Silicon (Si).
• High EMF Output: Type K thermocouples generate a high electromotive force (EMF) against Platinum 67, offering excellent temperature accuracy, sensitivity, and stability.
• Resistance to Oxidation: They exhibit strong resistance to oxidation compared to other base metal thermocouples, making them suitable for use in oxidizing or inert atmospheres.
• IEC 60584-1 Compliance: Designed and manufactured in accordance with the IEC 60584-1 standard, ensuring high-quality performance and interoperability with international systems.
• Physical Properties: The density of both KP and KN is 8.6 g/cm³, with melting points of 1427°C and 1360°C respectively. Tensile strengths are ≥490 Mpa for KP and ≥390 Mpa for KN, with elongations of ≥10% for KP and ≥15% for KN. Resistivity at 20°C is 0.71 Ω·mm²/m for KP and 0.30 Ω·mm²/m for KN.
• Applications: Type K thermocouples are widely used in various industries, including manufacturing, petrochemicals, food processing, and research. They are suitable for measuring temperatures in ovens, furnaces, engines, and other high-temperature environments.
• Color Coding: The positive leg (chromel) is usually yellow, and the negative leg (alumel) is usually red, facilitating easy identification during installation and maintenance.

These features make Type K thermocouples a popular choice for high-temperature measurement applications where accuracy and reliability are crucial.

Applications:

• Food Processing: Type K thermocouples are used to measure the temperature of food during cooking, processing, and storage to ensure safety and quality standards.
• HVAC Systems: They are employed in heating, ventilation, and air conditioning systems to measure air and surface temperatures, helping to maintain optimal comfort levels and energy efficiency.
• Automotive Industry: Type K thermocouples are used in engines and exhaust systems to measure temperatures, which is crucial for performance monitoring and emissions control.
• Aerospace Industry: They are utilized in aerospace applications, such as measuring the temperature of rocket engines and turbine blades, where high-temperature measurements are essential for safety and performance.
• Manufacturing: Type K thermocouples are commonly used in various manufacturing processes, including heat treatment and industrial furnaces, for temperature monitoring and control.
• Petrochemical Industry: They are suitable for measuring temperatures in petrochemical processes where high temperatures are required.
• Research and Scientific Applications: Due to their accuracy and wide temperature range, Type K thermocouples are used in scientific research and cryogenics for low-temperature measurements.
• Furnaces and Kilns: For temperature monitoring and control in high-temperature environments such as furnaces and kilns.
• Combustion Systems: Used in gas turbines, engines, and other high-temperature environments within combustion systems.
• Power Generation: In boilers and steam systems within power generation facilities to ensure efficient and safe operations.
• Heat Treatment Processes: For controlling the heating of metals or materials in various industrial processes.

These applications highlight the versatility and importance of Type K thermocouples in a range of high-temperature and critical measurement environments.