Exposed: Thermocouple junction is not protected by welded cap. Used for quick response, but is susceptible to corrosive failure.
Time Constants: The time constant is the amount of time required for a thermocouple to indicated 63.2% of step change in temperature of a surrounding media. Some of the factors influencing the measured time constant are sheath wall thickness, degree of insulation compaction, and distance of junction from the welded cap on an ungrounded thermocouple. In addition, the velocity of a gas past the thermocouple probe greatly influences the time constant measurement.
In general, time constants for measurement of gas can be estimated to be ten times as long as those for measurement of liquid. The time constant also varies inversely proportional to the square root of the velocity of the media.
In general, time constants for measurement of gas can be estimated to be ten times as long as those for measurement of liquid. The time constant also varies inversely proportional to the square root of the velocity of the media.
Approximate time constants for different sheath diameters in water are shown below for a step change from 0 to 100°C: