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Gas turbines require precise temperature control: let us help

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Gas Turbines Solutions

At BASF we’re constantly improving the design of gas turbine engines, thanks in large part to our specially-designed Enclad® thermocouples.

BASF Enclad® products are a rigorously-controlled combination of select precious and base metal sheaths, high-purity ceramic insulations, and compatible precious metal thermocouple wires—all consolidated into a rugged assembly which can bend and fit into difficult-to-reach places.

Gas turbines require the correct temperature as a critical parameter to ensure long-life

Gas turbines need to be thoroughly assessed in order to be safely and correctly operated, with temperature being the most critical parameter. A poorly-regulated gas turbine means a short-lived engine. Our Enclad® thermocouples work quickly and precisely and are long-lasting, providing the most effective way of monitoring temperature and ensuring peak performance.

Thermocouple conductors are selected pairs, and are fully annealed or stabilized to comply with the latest version of internationally-recognized standards.
Gas turbine

Enclad®: Precision for a variety of diverse and demanding applications

BASF Enclad® products are a precise and rigorously controlled combination of select precious and base metal sheaths, high-purity ceramic insulations and compatible precious metal thermocouple wires consolidated into a rugged assembly which is bendable into difficult to reach places. Enclad® products include cable, standard thermocouples and composite-sheath thermocouples.

Enclad® thermocouples have been extensively used in the following select applications in which high temperature resistance or chemical inertness of the sheath material is required:

Crystal growth

Gas turbine combustor discharge

Liquid phase epitaxy

Biomedical research

Ion implant

Glass melting and working

Ceramic sintering

Refractory erosion monitoring

Nuclear research

Soaking pit control

Heat-treating furnaces

Energy conversion

Plasma physics research

Product specifications:

Specifying sheath materials - The choice of the outer sheath material must be made after considering its compatibility with the environment, its operating temperature and its structural loading. In general, the following temperatures have been found suitable for Enclad® sheath materials:

  • Pt— 1200°C
  • ODS Pt— 1600°C
  • Pt-10Rh— 1500°C
  • Pt-20Rh— 1650°C
  • Inconel 600— 800°C

Specifying thermocouple materials:

Type S and R thermocouple material are the most popular in the platinum-rhodium system. They are noted for excellent stability up to their recommended maximum-use temperature of 1400°C.

Type B thermocouples have proved effective for applications up to 1750°C, with excellent stability and sensitivity.

Thermocouple Recycling Services

Precious metal thermocouples always have value—even when they are no longer usable. The metal content of thermocouples can be recycled into new replacements or monetary credit can be given for the user with book credit for use at a later date. All reclamations are made on a weight basis. For the most accurate and beneficial credit, spent thermocouples should be returned intact for disassembly at the plant so that proper material and alloy separation can be performed.

Thermocouple recycling makes BASF a full range service supplier. Contact us for specific details on how to return spent thermocouples.

Thermocouple Wire

BASF has supplied science and industry with thermocouple wire for many years. We maintain an expert team of metallurgists, metrologists and process application engineers. All BASF thermocouple wire conforms to the latest version of international standards. For all combinations, the EMF-temperature relationships are in accord with the applicable IEC (International Electrotechnical Commission) Standards, which incorporate all major national institutions.

Our thermocouple wires are based on precious metals, long recognized as the most reliable sensing elements for high-temperature measurement.

Our major wire thermocouple combinations include:

Type S: Pt vs. Pt 10 Rh

One of the most popular and widely used precious metal thermocouple combinations is known for its high accuracy over a broad temperature range. The combination has excellent mechanical and chemical properties, low electrical resistivity, and is readily obtainable in uniform quality and in very fine diameters.

Type R: Pt vs. Pt 13 R

This widely used combination is almost identical to Type S except for a slightly higher thermoelectric output, which accommodates instruments that have been calibrated for this output.

Type B: Pt 6 Rh vs. Pt 30 Rh

This widely used thermocouple is very similar to other Pt and Rh combinations. It performs well at the higher application temperatures where other combinations may be subject to accelerated drift or physical degradation. It is unique in that, at reference junction temperatures below 100° C, compensating lead wire is generally not necessary: plain copper conductors are adequate.

Pt 20 Rh vs. Pt 40 Rh

An extremely stable combination for very high temperature use in problematical environments. Its low sensitivity (4 microvolts per °C) requires the use of direct EMF reading instruments. An excellent researcher's tool for high temperature measurement.

Platinel®

A development by BASF Catalysts that brings together the high electrical output of the high base alloys with the oxidation resistance and stability of the precious metals. Often used as a direct replacement for Type K in process control applications where long life, stability, and continuous trouble-free performance is required.

Type C

W3Re vs. W25Re and W5Re vs. W26Re - These refractory metal combinations provide the ability to measure and control temperatures up to 2800° C, limited only by the availability of suitable insulation. The W3Re/W25Re combination developed by BASF Catalysts introduced the concept of doping the low rhenium allow leg in order to improve ductility and handling. Today's improved version of the W5Re/W26Re combination is also doped for similar benefits.

Resources available for download

Looking for product specifications? Check out our product datasheets and industry brochures below.

Brochure

Enclad® Thermocouple Products Brochure
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