ASTM E839-05
(Test Method)Standard Test Methods for Sheathed Thermocouples and Sheathed Thermocouple Material
Standard Test Methods for Sheathed Thermocouples and Sheathed Thermocouple Material
SIGNIFICANCE AND USE
This test method provides a description of test methods used in ASTM specifications that establish certain acceptable limits for characteristics of thermocouple assemblies and thermocouple cable.
The intended use of these test methods is to define the methods by which the characteristics shall be determined.
The usefulness and purpose of the included tests are given for the category of tests.
SCOPE
1.1 These are test methods for sheathed thermocouple material and assemblies.
1.2 The tests are intended to ensure quality control and to evaluate the suitability of sheathed thermocouple material or assemblies for specific applications. Some alternative test methods to obtain the same information are given, since in a given situation an alternative test method may be more practical. Service conditions are widely variable and so it is unlikely that all the tests described will be appropriate for a given thermocouple application. A brief statement is made following each test description to indicate when it might be used.
1.3 The tests described herein include test methods to measure the following properties of sheathed thermocouple material and assemblies.
1.3.1 Insulation PropertiesCompaction-absorption method and tension method.
Thickness.
Resistance-room temperature and elevated temperature.
1.3.2 Sheath PropertiesIntegrity-water test (two test methods) and mass spectrometer.
Dimensions-length, diameter, and roundness.
Wall thickness.
Surface-gross visual, finish, defect detection by dye penetrant, and cold-lap detection by tension test.
Metallurgical structure.
Ductility-bend test and tension test.
1.3.3 Thermoelement PropertiesCalibration.
Homogeneity.
Drift.
Thermoelement diameter, roundness, and surface appearance.
Thermoelement spacing.
Thermoelement ductility.
Metallurgical structure.
1.3.4 Thermocouple Assembly PropertiesDimensions-length, diameter, and roundness.
Surface-gross visual, finish, reference end seal, and defect detection by dye penetrant.
Electrical-continuity, loop resistance, and connector polarity.
Radiographic inspection.
Thermoelement diameter.
Thermal response time.
Thermal cycle.
General Information
Relations
Standards Content (Sample)
NOTICE: This standard has either been superseded and replaced by a new version or withdrawn.
Contact ASTM International (www.astm.org) for the latest information
Designation:E839–05
Standard Test Methods for
Sheathed Thermocouples and Sheathed Thermocouple
1
Material
This standard is issued under the fixed designation E839; the number immediately following the designation indicates the year of
original adoption or, in the case of revision, the year of last revision. A number in parentheses indicates the year of last reapproval. A
superscript epsilon (´) indicates an editorial change since the last revision or reapproval.
INTRODUCTION
Thermocouples are widely used in industry and they provide reliable service. However, if
thermocouples fail in service, the consequences can range from negligible to life threatening. Often
a loss of equipment, product, or operating time will result. The user should weigh the potential
consequences of thermocouple failure when considering what tests should be performed. No tests are
required by this document except those specifically ordered by the user. This document lists methods
for testing sheathed thermocouples and thermocouple material but does not state criteria for
acceptance. The acceptance criteria for the particular thermocouple, when subjected to the tests, are
given in other ASTM standard specifications for that thermocouple. Examples from ASTM
thermocouple specifications for acceptance criteria are given for many of the tests. These tabulated
values are not necessarily those that would be required to meet these tests, but are given here as
examples only.
Users should be aware that certain characteristics of thermocouple materials, including the emf
versus temperature relationship may change with time in use; consequently, test results and
performance obtained at time of manufacture may not necessarily apply throughout an extended
period of use. It should be further noted that due to possible changes in homogeneity, attempting to
recalibrate used thermocouples is likely to yield irrelevant results, and is not recommended.
1. Scope 1.3.1.1 Compaction—absorption method and tension
method.
1.1 These are test methods for sheathed thermocouple
1.3.1.2 Thickness.
material and assemblies.
1.3.1.3 Resistance—room temperature and elevated tem-
1.2 The tests are intended to ensure quality control and to
perature.
evaluate the suitability of sheathed thermocouple material or
1.3.2 Sheath Properties:
assemblies for specific applications. Some alternative test
1.3.2.1 Integrity—water test (two test methods) and mass
methods to obtain the same information are given, since in a
spectrometer.
given situation an alternative test method may be more
1.3.2.2 Dimensions—length, diameter, and roundness.
practical. Service conditions are widely variable and so it is
1.3.2.3 Wall thickness.
unlikely that all the tests described will be appropriate for a
1.3.2.4 Surface—gross visual, finish, defect detection by
given thermocouple application. A brief statement is made
dye penetrant, and cold-lap detection by tension test.
following each test description to indicate when it might be
1.3.2.5 Metallurgical structure.
used.
1.3.2.6 Ductility—bend test and tension test.
1.3 The tests described herein include test methods to
1.3.3 Thermoelement Properties:
measure the following properties of sheathed thermocouple
1.3.3.1 Calibration.
material and assemblies.
1.3.3.2 Homogeneity.
1.3.1 Insulation Properties:
1.3.3.3 Drift.
1.3.3.4 Thermoelement diameter, roundness, and surface
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These test methods are under the jurisdiction of ASTM Committee E20 on
appearance.
Temperature Measurement and is the direct responsibility of Subcommittee E20.04
1.3.3.5 Thermoelement spacing.
on Thermocouples.
1.3.3.6 Thermoelement ductility.
Current edition approved Nov. 1, 2005. Published December 2005. Originally
approved in 1989. Last previous edition approved in 1996 as E839 – 96 which was
1.3.3.7 Metallurgical structure.
withdrawn inAugust 2005 and reinstated in November 2005. DOI: 10.1520/E0839-
05.
Copyright © ASTM International, 100 Barr Harbor Drive, PO Box C700, West Conshohocken, PA 19428-2959, United States.
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E839–05
1.3.4 Thermocouple Assembly Properties: Tables for Non-Letter Designated Thermocouple Combi-
3
1.3.4.1 Dimensions—length, diameter, and roundness. nations
1.3.4.2 Surface—gross visual, finish, reference end seal, E2181/E2181M Specification for Compacted Mineral-
and defect detection by dye penetrant. Insulated, Metal-Sheathed, Noble Metal Thermocouples
1.3.4.3 Electrical—continuity, loop resistance, and connec- and Thermocouple Cable
tor polarity. 2.2 ANSI Standard
4
1.3.4.4 Radiographic inspection. B 46.1 Surface Texture
1.3.4.5 Thermoelement diameter.
3. Terminology
1.3.4.6 Thermal response time.
1.3.4.7 Thermal cycle.
3.1 Definitions—The definitions given in Terminology
E344 shall apply to these test methods.
2. Referenced Documents
3.2 Defini
...
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