Precision measurements are crucial when dealing with elevated temperatures. Different industries, such as power generation, aerospace, and chemical facilities, rely on the measurement of heat to ensure optimum safety and productivity at work. To work efficiently in these adverse conditions, mineral insulated thermocouple cables are the best option available. How are these cables primarily associated with elevated temperature work? Let’s discuss this in detail.
What Are Mineral Insulated Thermocouple Cables?
At first look, mineral insulated thermocouple cable may look like the regular cable used for temperature measurement applications. But the manufacturing material is far superior. This is made using a pair of thermocouple wires placed inside a metallic sheath. A mineral insulating material, typically magnesium oxide fills the gaps between the thermocouple material.
This design protects it from physical wear, chemicals, moisture, and interference. This insulation material protects these cables from the environment — moisture, rust, and stress. It helps increase the life of these cables in the long run, which is quite helpful.
Advantages of Mineral Insulated Thermocouple Cables
Withstand Extreme Temperatures
Operators and maintenance men use these cables in establishments, factories, warehouses, and areas with temperatures above 1000°C. Be it in a furnace, turbine, or reactor chemical chamber; these cables are essential for an industry where a single error could result in somebody’s death.
Mechanical Durability
These are cables with high resistance to mechanical stress; the metal sheath covering the thermocouple wires and the very asset of the device becoming insensitive to the conditions of the harsh industrial environment. These exposed cables can also last when they collide or vibrate without having the signal unaltered as these change with contact and discomfort. In other words, thermocouples must be as strong and at the same temperature reading when the environment becomes unfavorable.
Resistance to Moisture and Corrosion
If a usual cable was hit and moistened or rusted, it could lose its conductivity. It would become useless, but the mineral-insulated cable for the thermocouple can survive rust and dampness.
Customizable Configurations
MI thermocouple cables are customizable for specific applications. Available sheath materials, lengths, diameters, and thermocouple types (such as K, J, N) allow these unique products to be designed and built to satisfy specific high-temperature, or equipment-specific industrial requirements.
Industries That Benefit from Mineral-Insulated Thermocouple Cables
Power Generation: These cables run from turbines to boilers and are an essential part of monitoring temperatures to ensure these power plants run safely.
Aerospace: They are required for airplane engines and exhaust systems to accurately control temperatures for the safety and performance of these devices.
Chemical Processing: In environments with corrosive materials, high-pressure steam, and other harsh environmental elements, the cables will provide precise temperature measurements.
Selecting the Right Mineral Insulated Thermocouple Cable
Temperature Range: The first step in the process is to learn about the temperature at which the cable can operate properly. Different thermocouples have different temperature measurement ranges. For example, Type K thermocouples can operate efficiently up to 1260° C (2300° F), and Type N cables at greater temperatures.
Environmental Conditions: In places with high moisture or corrosion in the air, you should choose mineral-insulator thermocouple cables that can withstand this type of environment. You must make sure tough sheath material insulates the inner wires from that type of environment.
Length and Flexibility: From the beginning, you should know the flexibility you need. You should choose a short cable if you need to make it bend around through tight curves. Choose long cables if you need to raise an alarm to get the desired response.
Response time: Some applications will require a quick response time. These cables provide the best high-speed response times and you should choose them for manufacturing processes. If you are working with high temperatures or high heat-loading applications, the cables must work according to the requirements and give accurate and measuring time duration.
