Engineering topics
Publications and source records attributed to Gracey, C. M..
New furnace calibrates unknown thermocouple by comparing its electrical output to a reference thermocouple /previously calibrated by optical pyrometry/, as both are heated simultaneously. Thermocouples may be radioactive, thus heat source must be accessible by remote manipulation and inspection measurements. Advantages of furnace operation are cited.
Thermocouple measures continuously in flowing gaseous hydrogen at temperatures up to 4000 deg F, in environments made hazardous by radiation, and where rapid response and calibration reproducibility are critically important. Thermocouple wires extend continuously, without splice or foreign material, from cold junction to probe's tip.
Water-cooled, silver-infiltrated tungsten electrode has twice the operating lifetime of the pure tungsten electrode used in plasma jet generators. This electrode reduces the erosion rate, ensures excellent heat transfer, and reduces thermal stresses.
Plastic /polycarbonate/ insulator improves thermocouple reliability in test operations. The insulator is molded in half sections, assembled mechanically and eliminates electrical shorting.