Platinum Rhodium Thermocouple (Type S / R / B) for 1600°C
Hongtai Platinum Rhodium Thermocouples (Noble Metal Sensors) are the industry standard for ultra-high temperature measurement where stability and accuracy are non-negotiable. Designed for critical applications in glass melting, ceramic firing, and laboratory metrology, these probes can withstand continuous operating temperatures up to 1600°C (Type S/R) and 1700°C (Type B).
The reliability of a Type S thermocouple depends entirely on protection. We utilize premium Ceramic protection tube C799 (99.7% High Purity Alumina/Corundum). This ultra-pure shield prevents “Platinum Poisoning”—a common failure where impurities from lower-grade ceramics (like C610) contaminate the platinum wire, causing drift and breakage at high heat.
Key Technical Features & Benefits
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High Purity Protection: We exclusively use Alsint 99.7% (C799) ceramic tubes. This material is gas-tight and chemically inert, ensuring the Platinum rhodium thermocouple wires remain uncontaminated by silica or iron vapors.
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Class 1 Accuracy: Manufactured to IEC 60584-1 Tolerance Class 1 standards. Essential for calibrating other sensors or controlling precise Molten glass temperature sensor zones.
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Wire Diameter Options: Available in 0.3mm, 0.4mm, and standard 0.5mm wire diameters to balance cost vs. lifespan.
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Double Protection: Often designed with a double ceramic tube structure (Inner 99.7% Alumina + Outer Silicon Carbide or Recrystallized Alumina) for extra physical strength in kilns.
Technical Specifications (WRP/WRQ/WRR Series)
| Parameter | Type S (WRP) | Type B (WRR) | Type R (WRQ) |
| Composition (+) / (-) | Pt-10%Rh / Pt | Pt-30%Rh / Pt-6%Rh | Pt-13%Rh / Pt |
| Temp Range (Continuous) | 0°C – 1300°C | 600°C – 1600°C | 0°C – 1300°C |
| Temp Range (Short Term) | 1600°C | 1800°C | 1600°C |
| Accuracy (Class 1) | ±1.0°C or ±[1+0.003(t-1100)]°C | ±0.0025t | ±1.0°C |
| Protection Tube | Ceramic protection tube C799 (Corundum) | – | – |
| Wire Diameter | 0.5mm (Standard) | 0.5mm | 0.4mm / 0.5mm |
| Process Connection | Ceramic Flange / SS Support Tube | – | – |
Industry Applications
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Glass Industry: Forehearth and tank crown monitoring. Our Molten glass temperature sensor assemblies use special thimbles to resist erosion from the glass melt.
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Ceramics: Sintering of technical ceramics and brick kilns.
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Metallurgy: Vacuum furnaces and ladle temperature testing.
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Calibration Labs: Used as a reference standard to check standard Type K probes.
The Danger of “Platinum Poisoning”
Why do cheap thermocouples fail?
At 1400°C, Silica (SiO2) from standard ceramic tubes can reduce to Silicon gas, which alloys with the Platinum wire. This makes the wire brittle and lowers its melting point, leading to catastrophic open-circuit failure.
Hongtai Difference: Our C799 (99.7% Al2O3) tubes contain almost zero silica, effectively eliminating this risk and doubling the sensor’s service life.
FAQ
Q: What is the difference between Type S and Type R?
A: They are very similar. Type S thermocouple is the historical standard (Pt-10%Rh). Type R (Pt-13%Rh) has a slightly higher output signal (EMF) and better stability, but Type S is more common in existing control systems.
Q: Can I recycle the old platinum wire?
A: Yes. Platinum is a precious metal. Do not throw away broken sensors. We (or local scrap refiners) can recycle the wire scrap value.
Q: Why is the price fluctuating?
A: The price of this High temperature furnace probe 1600C is directly linked to the daily market price of Platinum and Rhodium. Quotes are typically valid for 3-7 days.
(See our Industrial Assembly Thermocouples for lower temperature zones. Check current Platinum/Rhodium Market Prices.)
