Do All Thermocouples Contain Platinum?
In answer to the question above, “do all thermocouples contain platinum?” we will offer you a quick response . . .
No, not all thermocouples contain platinum
But we would like to offer an additional comment . . .
If you do find a large batch of thermocouples that do contain platinum, you can make a lot of money by having us recycle them for you
So, how can you tell what kind of thermocouple wire you are looking at? In today’s post, we are going to give you a quick education.
Base Metal vs. Rare Metal Thermocouples
Rare metal thermocouples can measure higher temperatures than base metal thermocouples can. If you pull apart an air conditioner or a kitchen stove, for example, the thermocouples you find in them will be base-metal thermocouples, and therefore less valuable. But if you find a batch of thermocouple wire that was used to measure high temperatures on, say, a production line where glass fiber panels were manufactured, then you are almost certainly looking at rare metal thermocouples that contain platinum.
Let’s Explore in Greater Detail
Rare metal thermocouples almost always contain some platinum. They are used to measure temperatures up to about 3,600° Fahrenheit.
Base metal thermocouples can contain nickel, copper, and even aluminum casings. They are used to measure temperatures only up to about 2,200°.
What about measuring low temperatures? Well, that’s a smart question to ask because thermocouples are used to measure low temperatures – down as low as -250° Fahrenheit. Both rare metal and base metal thermocouples can be used to measure those low ranges.
Common Thermocouples and What They Contain
Some common base metal thermocouples are classified as Type E, Type K, Type J, Type N, and Type T.
Common rare metal thermocouples include Type R and Type S.
How Can You Tell What Kind of Thermocouples You Have?
In some cases, the contacts on the ends of thermocouples will be stamped with a letter like E, R, or S, which indicates its type. (See “Common Thermocouples and What They Contain,” above.”) But not all. To further complicate matters, it is not uncommon for precious metal hunters to find thermocouples that have had their ends snipped off.
For that reason, your first step in deciding whether you have base metal or precious metal thermocouples is to consider how they were used. As we explained above, thermocouples that were used in low temperature applications (like domestic appliances) are probably base metal, while thermocouples that were used in high temperature applications (like manufacturing) are more likely to contain precious metals.
Want to Know More?
You might want to read an article on Wikipedia, which does a good job of describing the different kinds of thermocouples, what they contain, and what purposes they serve.
The Mixed-Batch Problem
Because large batches of scrapped thermocouple wire are often tossed into bins, they look like spaghetti. All kinds of thermocouples could be mixed together.
So, how can you definitively know just what you are looking at?
Simple solution. Call Specialty Metals Smelters and Refiners at 800-426-2344 and we will test them for you.
The process of profiting from thermocouple scrap might seem complicated. It’s not. Rest assured, we can simplify the process for you.