Watlow Thermocouples User Manual

MINERAL INSULATED THERMOCOUPLE

Registered Company

Richmond, Illinois USA

ISO 9001 : 2000ISO 9001 : 2000

Thermocouples,
Fast-Responding,
Durable and Capable;
Ideal for Handling
Higher Temperatures

Watlow’s mineral insulated thermocouples are fast­responding, durable and capable of handling higher
temperatures.

®

These thermocouples are manufactured with XACTPAK
Watlow’s trademark for metal-sheathed, mineral insulated
(MI) thermocouple material. XACTPAK responds fast
because the protective metal outer sheath allows the use of
smaller diameter thermocouple conductors. The rock hard
compacted MgO insulation further enhances the sensor's
ability to “read” temperature by transferring heat quickly to the
measuring junction.

The XACTPAK protecting sheath and compacted insulation
outperforms bare wire thermocouple in most applications.

,

Applications

• Heat treating

• Furnaces/kilns

• Turbines

• Bearing temperature

wer stations

o

P

•

• Steam generators

Diesel engines

•

• Nuclear reactors

• Atomic research

• Jet engines and test cells

et engines

k

Roc

•

• Semiconductor manufacturing

• Refineries/oil processing

Catalytic ref

•

• Food processing

ormers

Features and Benefits

Special mineral insulation

• Protects thermocouple from moisture and thermal shock

and permits operation in high temperature, high pressure
environments

Small diameters - as little as 0.010 in. (0.25 mm)

• Ideal when physical space or extremely fast response are

critical

Flexibility of the XACTPAK®material

• Allows forming and bending of the thermocouple, without

the risk of cracking, to meet design requirements

Outer sheath

• Protects the wires from oxidation and hostile environments

Wide range of sheath materials, diameters and
calibrations

• Meet specific requirements

In-house manufacturing of XACTPAK material

• Rigid quality control procedures

Assures high standards are met

•

• Single source reliability

Custom capabilities

Include options such as special lead lengths

•

and terminations

, lead wires

RIC-MIT-0305

5710 Kenosha Str
Richmond, Illinois 60071 USA
Phone: [phone]

AX: [phone]

F
Internet: www.watlow.com/sensors
e-mail: info@watlow

© 2005 Watlow Electric Manufacturing Company Printed in the USA on Recycled Paper, 15% Postconsumer Waste

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Styles

Cut and Stripped - Style AB

The main f
allo
is simply a section of XACTPAK material, junctioned and
stripped. It is the most basic of all the mineral insulated
thermocouple styles.

Because it is constructed with XACTPAK mineral insulation,
the thermocouple is protected from moisture, thermal shock,
high temperatures and high pressure.

Features

• Cold end, stripped and sealed with epoxy inhibits
moisture penetration.
Dual element style allows two instruments to run off the

•
same element, reducing costs.

eature of Watlow’s Style AB thermocouple is that it

ws you to terminate the thermocouple yourself. Style AB

Plug or Jack Termination - Style AC

Featuring plug or jack terminations, Style AC thermocouples
can be quic
time, this thermocouple style offers the advantage of ease of
use even by inexperienced personnel. In addition, the
thermocouples are color coded per ASTM E 230
specifications so you can easily determine the calibration.

On all Style AC thermocouples except ASTM E 230 Type R
and S, the pins and contacts are of the same alloy as the
thermocouple, resulting in higher accuracy. This technique
eliminates errors due to temperature gradients across the
connector. Type R and S connectors have compensating
alloys.

Features

• Plugs and jacks are easy to connect and disconnect,

saving you time.
ASTM color coded connectors allow quick identification

•

of the thermocouple calibration.

•

Miniature connectors, available with thermocouple
diameters up to 0.125 in. (3.0 mm), can be used in
locations where space is minimal. The miniature plug
permits quick connection to portable instrumentation.

Matc

•

•

An adapter assures the connector is mounted rigidly to the
sheath, preventing the connector from turning or twisting

kly connected or disconnected. Besides saving

hing thermocouple allo

ys

vide higher accur

pro

acy

Metal Transitions - Styles AF and AQ

Metal transitions are the distinguishing feature of Styles AF
and AQ thermocouples. The transition provides a durable,
potted connection between the XACTPAK sheathed
thermocouple material and the flexible SERV-RITE
insulated wire

On Style AF the transition is crimped to the sheath 0.040 in.
(1 mm) and larger. Crimping is a quick, reliable method of
attachment.

The Style AQ miniature transition thermocouple is designed
for limited space applications where size and/or response
time are cr
various mediums. More accurate readings are possible
because of its small size and fast response.

Features

• The transition body is filled with a potting compound,
which insulates and strengthens the splice.

•

Coiled spring strain relief on Style AF protects the wire
against sharp bends in the transition area.
Custom lead wire terminations include plug-in jacks,

•
spade lugs, plugs with mating connectors and more.
Many made-to-order options are available in lead wire

•
construction, length and sheath material.

• Stranded lead wire construction is
applications where the lead wire is subjected to continuous
flexing.

.

itical. It is designed to give instant readings in

an ideal choice for

®

Connection Head - Style AR

Featuring connection heads, Style AR mineral insulated
thermocouples are resistant to dust and moisture, ensuring
continuous long term reliability. This is possible because the
covers keep the connection to the extension wire clean.

The connection heads are designed for mating to a conduit,
allowing permanent installation. A variety of head styles are
available, including plastic, cast iron, aluminum and explosion
proof.

Features

• Connection head provides superior dust and moisture

.

resistance.

le to meet v

Eight diff

•
application requirements.

•

Lugs on covers allow tightening with either a screwdriver
or wrench.

•

Plastic heads are w
to weak acids, organic solvents, alkalies, sunlight and dust.
Bottom mounting is standard; side mounting is available on
request.
Cast iron heads are available in standard and miniature

•
siz
environments, such as heavy industrial and process
applications.

•

Optional head-mounted transmitter, 4-20mA, reduces
electr
head Styles A, B, C, D, E and H.

erent head styles

es and are suitab

The tr

ical noise

.

eather resistant and can be e

or demanding high temperature

le f

ansmitter is a

ailab

v

are a

vailable on connection

arious

xposed