Thermocouple Products Iridium–Rhodium Thermocouple
Leveraging its advanced materials technologies and extensive experience with iridium (Ir), a rare metal, Furuya Metal provides iridium–rhodium thermocouples that maximize the potential of iridium. These thermocouples enable direct temperature measurement at ultra-high temperatures exceeding 2,000°C and deliver outstanding reliability even in extreme environments where alternative approaches are often unsuitable.
In addition, through optimized designs tailored to specific operating conditions, Furuya Metal’s iridium–rhodium thermocouples provide stable and highly accurate temperature measurement in harsh environments, including oxidizing and corrosive atmospheres.
Characteristics
The Ir–Rh (iridium–rhodium) thermocouple consists of an Ir–40%Rh positive leg and an iridium negative leg. Leveraging the unique properties of precious metals, it enables direct temperature measurement at temperatures exceeding 2,000°C.
Traditionally, temperature measurement in ultra-high-temperature environments has relied primarily on non-contact methods such as radiation thermometers. However, these methods can be affected by factors such as the distance to the measurement target and the presence of obstructions between the sensor and the object being measured, resulting in reduced accuracy. In addition, Type C thermocouples (WRe thermocouples), another type of thermocouple, cannot be used in oxidizing atmospheres.
To address these challenges, Furuya Metal successfully developed the Ir–Rh thermocouple by drawing on its long-established precious metal processing technologies, particularly its expertise in iridium. The result is a thermocouple that combines excellent durability with highly accurate temperature measurement. Beyond manufacturing thermocouple wire, Furuya Metal also possesses extensive expertise in designing optimal specifications tailored to specific operating environments, including thermocouples equipped with iridium protection tubes.
(1) Thermoelectromotive force characteristics
The Ir–Rh thermocouple exhibits highly linear thermoelectromotive force characteristics.
(2) Temperature Measurement Accuracy
The temperature measurement accuracy of the Ir–Rh thermocouple conforms to the requirements of ASTM E988-1996 (2002) for WRe thermocouples.
Related components
To enable optimal temperature measurement, Furuya Metal has developed dedicated components, including protection tubes, compensation cables, and data loggers.
Applications
The Ir–Rh thermocouple has a proven track record in oxidizing atmospheres at temperatures of around 2,000°C, including the following applications:
- Manufacturing processes for SiC single crystals used in power semiconductors, as well as substrate heat-treatment processes
- Combustion testing for rocket engines
- Crystal growth processes for sapphire crystals used as substrate materials for LED devices
- Growth processes for oxide single crystals used in piezoelectric devices and medical equipment
- Firing processes for ceramics used in automotive exhaust gas purification systems
- Firing processes for ceramics used as high-temperature, heat-resistant components in glass and steel melting applications
Contact Us
For inquiries or consultations regarding our products and technologies, please feel free to contact us.
A representative will get back to you shortly.
Related products by industry
