Thermocouple Testing Methods, Data Analysis and Reporting Calibration Results with Emphasis on Noble Metal Types

Thermocouples are rugged, fast responding temperature sensors that very often cover large ranges of temperature. In addition, their economical affordability and ease of adaptation to a variety of configurations serve to increase their popularity and consequently the customer demand for traceable calibrations. Like all other measurement and test equipment, thermocouples, due primarily to their classification categories, exhibit a range of performances and accuracy expectations. This establishes the need for several methods of testing and analysis for effective, accurate result reporting with respect to the written standard and the temperature scale. This paper and its presentation discuss approaches employed to calibrate thermocouples and report their calibration results. It continues by illustrating some of the mathematics that can be used to furnish results on the calibration certificate. Examples of those applications with realistic thermocouple data are shown.