In temperature measurement, the thermocouple term is common and is mainly used in thermometer as the sensor of temperature measurement. The ability of thermocouple who can measure very high until the very low temperature is the main reason why so many industries applying it. This article has given the benefits and drawback of the thermocouple to better understand this topic.
Advantages or benefits of thermocouple:
- Very wide temperature range about -200oC to +2500oC
- Fast response time
- They are a simple construction
- Low initial cost
- Durable
- Easy to read has a clear screen and good scale
- Quick response for any temperature changes
- Precision accuracy in temperature measurement
- It is not easily broken good durability
- Good to be used temperature variation measurement with below 1 cm distance range
- Available in small sheath sizes
- Not required bridge circuit
- Good accuracy
- Does not required bridge circuit
- Good reproducibility
- High-speed response
- They are rugged
- They are a self-power active device
Disadvantages or drawback of thermocouple:
- Not as stable as RTD
- Recalibration is difficult
- More susceptible to RFI/EMI
- They are nonlinear
- It is used for only temperature measurement only
- They have a low output voltage
- Less sensitivity
- They require a reference for operationThe stray voltage pick up is possible
- As output voltage is very small so it needs amplification
- Decreased accuracy comparing to RTD
- Difficult to verify
- Require expensive TC wire from the sensor to recording device
- The cold junction and lead compensation is essential
You can also read: