Description
R Type Thermocouple is a simplex platinum-rhodium ceramic tube thermocouple designed for continuous temperature measurement up to 1480°C. It uses a Platinum-13% Rhodium / Platinum (Pt13%Rh/Pt) sensing element that produces a slightly higher thermoelectric output (EMF) than a Type S thermocouple. This characteristic makes Type R an excellent choice for applications requiring precise measurement, reliable repeatability, and long service life under sustained high temperatures.
The sensing element is protected by a 500 mm high-purity Ker-710 alumina ceramic tube, which provides electrical insulation and shields the noble metal conductors from contamination within the hot zone. Outside the furnace, a 21 mm SS310 holding tube supports the ceramic assembly and provides mechanical strength during installation and operation. A weatherproof die-cast aluminium terminal head with IP67 protection safeguards the electrical connections against dust and moisture in industrial environments.
Like all platinum-based thermocouples, Type R performs best in oxidizing or inert atmospheres. Exposure to strongly reducing atmospheres can contaminate the noble metal element, reducing measurement accuracy and service life. Proper consideration of furnace atmosphere is therefore essential when selecting a high-temperature thermocouple.
High-temperature industrial processes demand temperature sensors that remain stable even after prolonged exposure to extreme heat. While Type S and Type R thermocouples are both noble metal thermocouples widely used in furnaces, kilns, and laboratories, Type R is often selected where higher measurement sensitivity and improved long-term stability are required.
Key Features
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Higher EMF Signal Output ($text{Pt-13%Rh / Pt}$) 13% rhodium content produces a higher voltage signal and better noise immunity than Type S thermocouples.
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Continuous High-Temperature Performance Reliable, ultra-low-drift measurement performance across operating ranges up to 1480°C (2700°F).
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Impervious Ker-710 Alumina Ceramic Sheath High-purity 99.7% $text{Al}_2text{O}_3$ ceramic tube protects thermoelement wires from hot furnace gas ingress.
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Rugged 21 mm SS310 Support Holding Tube High-chromium stainless steel holding sleeve provides mechanical strain relief where the sensor enters the furnace shell.
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Weatherproof IP67 Die-Cast Terminal Head Heavy-duty aluminum connection enclosure completely seals electrical terminals against dust, rain, and hose washdowns.
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Self-Powered Passive Operation Operates reliably without external power lines, generating its own low-voltage signal at the measuring tip.
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Preferred Industry Standard for Open Specifications Chosen over Type S in new installations for its superior thermal stability and higher millivolt output.
Applications
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Glass Manufacturing Tanks and Forehearth Crowns High-accuracy thermal regulation across molten glass channels, feeders, and furnace crowns.
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Steel, Metallurgy, and Foundry Operations Monitoring reheating furnaces, soaking pits, and high-heat metal processing lines up to 1480°C.
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Ceramic, Refractory, and Kiln Firing Precision temperature acquisition in tunnel kilns, shuttle kilns, and high-temperature research furnaces.
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Petrochemical and Energy Generation Plants High-temperature measurement in thermal reactors, gasifiers, and combustion test rigs.
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Calibration Laboratories and Precision Research Serving as secondary reference standards for calibrating industrial base-metal thermocouples.
Datasheet
FAQs
1. What is an R Type Thermocouple?
An R Type Thermocouple is a noble metal temperature sensor manufactured using Platinum-13% Rhodium (Pt-13Rh) and Pure Platinum (Pt) conductors. It is designed for highly accurate and stable temperature measurement in demanding industrial processes, providing reliable performance at temperatures up to 1480°C. Type R thermocouples are widely used in furnaces, kilns, heat treatment plants, and laboratory applications requiring high precision.
2. What is the difference between Type R and Type S Thermocouples?
Both Type R and Type S are platinum-rhodium thermocouples designed for high-temperature applications. However, Type R contains 13% rhodium in the positive conductor, whereas Type S contains 10% rhodium. This higher rhodium content gives Type R a slightly higher thermoelectric output (EMF) and can provide improved long-term stability and sensitivity in many high-temperature industrial processes.
3. When should I choose Type R instead of Type S?
Type R Thermocouples are commonly selected for glass manufacturing, calibration laboratories, research facilities, precision heat treatment, ceramic industries, and other high-temperature industrial applications where superior measurement sensitivity and long-term stability are important. Type S Thermocouples are also widely used, particularly where existing process instrumentation and calibration standards are already configured for Type S sensors.
4. What is the maximum operating temperature?
The ARWS R Type Thermocouple is designed for continuous operation up to 1480°C, depending on the process atmosphere, installation method, and operating conditions. Proper ceramic protection and installation practices help maximize sensor life and maintain measurement accuracy in high-temperature applications.
5. Can an R Type Thermocouple be customized?
Yes. Aavad Instrument Pvt. Ltd. R Type Thermocouples are manufactured to suit specific industrial applications. We offer customized insertion lengths, ceramic protection tubes, flange sizes, process connections, simplex or duplex configurations, terminal head options, and application-specific designs to ensure reliable performance in furnaces, kilns, glass plants, laboratories, and other high-temperature processing industries.
