Thermocouple Thermometers

Thermocouple Thermometers

A summary of our thermocouple thermometer products. Click on the button to order or on the links to learn more about each model.

AQA 1810	Mini-K Compact Thermocouple Thermometer $41.50	Every now and then something surprising shows up that causes us to stop and think a bit about our product choices. Here is one such surprise. Priced at about half the cost of the least expensive thermocouple units we have been selling, this unit is a compact winner. Less than the size of a smallish cell phone, it delivers very credible accuracy, long battery life, and compatibility with the broad range of K-type probes that are available
AQA 32311	EconoTemp - Latest in Affordable Quality $118.00 (probe not included)	The EconoTemp™ is the latest low cost version from Atkins. Little is compromised to bring you a solid and accurate replaceable probe model with made in U.S.A. reliability and performance. State-of-the-art improvements in temperature compensation and battery efficiency have been added to this unit.
AQA 35100	Aquatuff™ Thermocouple Thermometer $215.00 (probe not included)	All QA offers this higher quality digital thermometer because it is durable, accurate enough for general use and is easily carried. This is the standard for several large international food service chains. Reads in full digits and F/C switchable. Tested for a 6 foot drop to a hard surface and will withstand high temperature exposure.
AQA 35200	Aquatuff™ Thermocouple Thermometer PLUS $245.00 (probe not included)	This popular thermocouple instrument is widely used and chosen by food industry professionals especially for its combination of features and ruggedness. The display also features an energy efficient electroluminescent backlight for low light environments. Reads in tenths and has instant hold function.
AQA 62812	Low Cost Thermocouple Thermometer $59.95 (probe not included)	All QA's popular thermocouple thermometer offers all of the flexibility and reliability of a thermocouple thermometer for a price that will fit tight budgets and a user-controlled calibration offset control. With care in calibration, this unit can perform at a high level of accuracy. Use one of our high quality probes and calibrate at or near the usage range.
AQA 1417	Super Accurate Digital Thermometer $345.00	This digital is a traceable reference standard for large fleets of thermometers--a lab grade instrument. Do your own high-level calibration. Has logging feature and RS-232 connection with software to download stored temperatures.
AQA 38653	Field Standard Platinum Thermometer $235.00	A traceable reference standard for use in field conditions (wet, hot, impact-prone). This high accuracy unit includes an integral platinum sensor, and has waterproof case that serves as a "cord wrapper". This is an ideal instrument for a food processing plant for managers who need to perform cross checking of other thermometers.
AQA 35140	High Accuracy Aquatuff™ $255.00	A thermocouple thermometer that combines the better accuracy of a matched probe and thermometer system with the ruggedness of truly industrial instrument. Most popular option is represented here (needle probe tip).
AQA 35240	High Accuracy AquaTuff™ PLUS $285.00	This unit is the same as the AQA 35140 except that the display is backlit with a low drain electroluminescent glow. The LCD reads in tenths and the unit is supplied with a hold button to capture a displayed temperature. Most popular option is represented here (needle probe tip).

Thermocouples are used widely because they can be configured into a variety of forms for different temperature measurement tasks and they are highly repeatable. When the mass of a thermocouple sensor is kept low, the probe can very responsive--this is important for taking rapid and accurate measurements.

Response Times

The response of a thermocouple probe of temperature versus time can be graphed as an exponential function. One Time Constant is defined as the time required to reach 63.2% of the temperature change. Two Time Constants is 86.5% and Three is 95% of the temperature change. At All QA, the response time is stated at Three Time Constants of the temperature change.

Air Temperatures: Air has very little thermal conductivity and density so probe response time seems quite slow. To achieve a more rapid response in air, wave the probe tip back and forth to obtain air motion over the measurement tip. Unless using a probe designed for air, select the lightest weight probe available to let the air heat or cool it more quickly, and shield the probe from direct exposure to heated or cooled sources.

Surface Temperatures: Surface temperatures are the most difficult to measure accurately, especially on poor heat-conducting materials such as paper and some plastic films. It is generally not practical to try to estimate the temperature within a solid by measuring the temperature on its surface.

The major source of error in making surface temperature readings is in obtaining adequate heat transfer from the surface into the measuring probe tip. To reduce this error: 1) use a small amount of oil or grease if at all possible to improve heat transfer into the tip; 2) use as large a contact area as practical – a big “footprint"; and 3) the probe tip's surface needs to fit snugly against the measured surface.

Needle Probes: To respond quickly, the probes must usually have only a small amount of metal at the measuring point, so oftentimes, the strongest probe tips may respond more slowly. Conversely, smaller probes may respond more quickly, but are often more fragile. Take care not to use excessive force when inserting the probe into the material to be measured.

Frozen Products: Some frozen products are soft or pliable and some products are hard and solid. It is impossible to recommend one probe for all frozen food applications. Avoid using the probe tip as an ice pick. When measuring temperatures of hard frozen products it is ALWAYS recommended to pre-drill the hole first, then insert the smaller needle.

Recommendations for Care and Usage

To prevent cross-contamination, sanitize probes between uses with wipes or a sanitizing solution. Do not allow the probe tips to remain in the sanitizing solution. After probes are sanitized, dry the probe tip and store.

Avoid over-stretching or kinking the probe cables for longest life.

Detach probe from thermometer by holding the plug firmly, do not pull plug out by the cable.

Avoid forcing probe into any product as you may risk bending the probe.

Always use a probe designed for your application.

Thermocouple Types: Specifications shown are for thermocouple Type K models--we recommend this type for all food applications, whether high temperature or low temperature.

Most probes are also available in thermo-couple types J and T. In some cases, the upper temperature limits for types J and T may differ from that shown in the catalog. Call for availability or specifications.

Probes with Special Limits of Error Cables are available for quote to high-volume users.

Accuracy Tolerances for Standard Thermocouples (A.N.S.I. MC 96.1 - 1982)

Type K Thermocouples

Above 32ºF or 0ºC: +0.75% of reading (or +4ºF (2.2ºC) if greater) to 2,282ºF (1,250ºC)

Below 32ºF (0ºC): ±2.0% of reading (or ¿4ºF (2.2ºC) if greater) to -328ºF (-200ºC),

All QA limit -112ºF (-80ºC)

Type J Thermocouples

Above 32ºF or 0ºC: +0.75% of reading (or +4ºF (2.2ºC) if greater) to 1,382ºF (750ºC)

Below 32ºF (0ºC): No A.N.S.I. specification. All QA spec is +1.0% of reading (or +4ºF (2.2ºC) if greater) to -112ºF (-50ºC)

Type T Thermocouples

Above 32ºF or 0ºC: +0.75% of reading (or +1.8ºF (1.0ºC) if greater) to 662ºF (350ºC)

Below 32ºF (0ºC): F1.5% of reading (or ±1.8ºF (1.0ºC) if greater) to -328ºF (-200ºC), All QA limit -148ºF (-100ºC)()