Aircraft Engine Manufacturer Reduces Scrap With Correct Thermocouples

Problem:

A manufacturer of commercial and military turbine engines required thermocouple durability and accuracy for correct process control. To prolong the life and reliability of turbine engines, a manufacturer heat treats specialty alloy components.

Heat treating is performed in vacuum furnaces at temperatures in excess of 1800°F (980°C). The manufacturer was particularly concerned with thermocouple drift and insulation integrity as they pertain to producing good parts.

Solution:

Watlow worked with this manufacturer to establish test methods and parameters along with qualification tests for pass/fail limits. Through the proper selection of materials and insulating methods, the manufacturer was able to assure that correct heat treatment controls were maintained, while reducing the number of non-conforming components produced.