Type B Thermocouple Temperature Sensor

Type B Thermocouple – High-Temperature Industrial Sensor

Our Type B thermocouple provides accurate and reliable temperature measurement for ultra-high-temperature industrial applications. Made with Pt30Rh–Pt6Rh alloy and mineral-insulated (MgO) sheath, it performs exceptionally in harsh environments.

Main Benefits of Thermocouple Type R

• Wide temperature range: 0°C to 1820°C

• High-precision sensing with minimal thermal drift

• Mineral-insulated design for fast response and durability

• Hermetically sealed tip for leakproof and vibration resistance

• Strong oxidation and corrosion resistance at extreme temperatures

• Compatible with standard controllers, recorders, and data acquisition systems

• Customizable: probe diameter, length, sheath material, connector, and thread type

Typical Applications of Type B Thermocouple

Glass Manufacturing 
Type B thermocouples are used to monitor the temperature of molten glass in furnaces and forehearths. Glass melting requires sustained temperatures around 1500°C to 1600°C. Our Type B sensor can withstand these temperatures for long periods without the “drift” (accuracy loss) that occurs in Type S or R sensors.

Steel and Ferrous Metal Production
In the steel industry, Type B thermocouples are essential for:

–Blast Furnaces: Monitoring the intense heat required to smelt iron ore.

– Casting and Forging: Ensuring the metal remains at the correct viscosity for pouring.

–Heat Treatment: Large-scale industrial ovens that require high-precision thermal profiles above 1200°C.

Semiconductor and Electronics Industry
The production of silicon wafers and high-end electronics requires extremely clean, high-temperature environments.

-Crystal Pulling: Type B sensors are used in the growth of single-crystal silicon.

-Diffusion Furnaces: They provide the stability needed for chemical vapor deposition (CVD) processes.

Aerospace and Jet Engine Testing
Type B thermocouples are used in the research and development of jet engines and rocket nozzles.

Exhaust Gas Temperature (EGT): They measure the extreme heat of combustion gases to ensure engine efficiency and safety.

Material Testing: Testing the thermal resistance of ceramic matrix composites (CMCs) used in modern aerospace heat shields.

Medical and Laboratory Research
High-temperature laboratory muffle furnaces and dental porcelain ovens rely on Type B sensors.

Sterilization Equipment: Specialized high-heat autoclaves.

Materials Science: Sintering advanced ceramics and high-melting-point alloys.

Type B Thermocouple Specifications

1. What materials are used in a Type B thermocouple?

The Type B thermocouple is a “noble metal” sensor, meaning it is composed of platinum and rhodium. Specifically:

• Positive Leg (+): Platinum-30% Rhodium

• Negative Leg (-): Platinum-6% Rhodium

Because of these precious metal components, Type B thermocouples are highly resistant to oxidation and corrosion, making them the industry standard for high-temperature glass, steel, and semiconductor manufacturing.

2. What is the temperature range of a Type B thermocouple?

Type B is designed for extreme heat. It offers one of the highest temperature capacities of all standard thermocouples:

• Continuous Operating Range: 870°C to 1700°C (1598°F to 3100°F)

• Short-term Peak: Up to 1820°C (3308°F)

Note:We do not recommend using Type B thermocouples below 600°C (1112°F). At lower temperatures, the voltage output (mV) is so low that it becomes difficult for most instruments to provide an accurate reading.

3. What is the color code for Type B thermocouples?

Thermocouple color codes vary by region. Under the ANSI (United States) and IEC (International) standards, the coding is as follows:

4. How accurate is a Type B thermocouple?

Type B thermocouples are known for their stability at high temperatures. They are typically available in two accuracy grades:

• Standard Limit of Error: ± 0.5 %of the temperature reading (when above 800°C).

• Special Limit of Error (SLE): ±  0.25 % of the temperature reading.

One unique advantage of the Type B is that it produces nearly the same output at 0°C and 42°C. This means you generally do not require cold-junction compensation if your ambient temperature stays within that range.

5. Why is the price of Type B thermocouples higher than Type K or J?

The price of a Type B thermocouple is significantly higher because it contains 36% Rhodium and 64% Platinum.

Precious Metal Market: The cost fluctuates based on the global market price of Platinum and Rhodium.

Longevity: While the initial investment is higher, they last significantly longer in high-heat oxidizing environments where base-metal sensors (like Type K) would melt or drift.

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