Modified, commercially available thermocouple which measures the temperature of a spacecraft heat shield, is capable of continuous measurement in the range of minus 250 deg to 5000 deg F. The modified thermocouples may be used inside metal treating furnaces in high temperature technology, and in certain corrosive environments

Moen, W. K.

English

NASA Technical Reports Server

yllium Oxide 
Chem-Mill 
004-inch Off Wall Thickness 
Tantalum Sheath .040-inch Dia. 
.006-inch Wall 
mocouple Wire 
November 1966	 Brief 66-10461 
NASA TECH BRIEF	
a 
NASA Tech Briefs are issued to summarize specific innovations derived from the U. S. space 
program and to encourage their commercial application. Copies are available to the public from 
the Clearinghouse for Federal Scientific and Technical Information, Springfield, Virginia 22151. 
Modified Thermocouple Is Effective From —250° to 5000° F 
The problem: 
To develop a thermocouple capable of continuous 
measurement in the range of —250° to 5000°F. It was 
necessary to measure the temperature of a spacecraft 
heat shield, and no commercially available thermo-
couple was satisfactory. 
The solution: 
A modified, commercially available thermocouple 
that has been made more sensitive, but will not dis-
integrate at the desired temperature.
How it's done: 
Modify a commercially available thermcouple as 
follows: 
(1) Chem-mil 0.004 inch off the tantalum sheath to 
make the thermocouple more sensitive. 
(2) Coat the thermocouple with a thermally conduc-
tive ceramic coating that prevents disintegration 
at the desired temperature, but still permits the 
thermocouple to produce an output signal. 
After modification, bend the thermocouple as 
required and fasten to the equipment under test. 
(continued overical) 
This document was prepared under the sponsorship of the National 
Aeronautics and Space Administration. Neither the United States 
Government nor any person acting on behalf of the United States
Government assumes any liability resulting from the use of the 
information contained in this document, or warrants that such use 
will be free from privately owned rights.
https://ntrs.nasa.gov/search.jsp?R=19660000460 2020-03-11T17:37:06+00:00Z
Notes: 
1. There are many commercially available thermo-
couples that can easily be modified for use. 
2. The modified thermocouples may be used inside 
metal treating furnaces, in high temperature tech-
nology, and in certain corrosive environments. 
3. Inquiries concerning this invention may be di-
rected to:
Technology Utilization Officer 
Manned Spacecraft Center 
Houston, Texas 77058 
Reference: B66-10461
Patent status: 
Inquiries about obtaining rights for the commercial 
use of this invention maybe made to NASA, Code 
GP, Washington, D.C. 20546.
Source: W. K. Moen 
of North American Aviation, Inc.
under contract to
Manned Spacecraft Center
(MSC-420) 
Brief 66-10461	 Category 01


Modified thermocouple is effective from minus 250 deg to 5000 deg F

Abstract

Similar works

Full text

Available Versions

NASA Technical Reports Server