Aug 01, 2011

Producers that perform verification testing of thermocouples and thermocouple components, along with those who write thermocouple product specifications, will be the primary users of a newly approved standard, ASTM E2820, Test Method for Evaluating Thermal EMF Properties of Base-Metal Thermocouple Connectors.

The new standard is under the jurisdiction of Subcommittee E20.04 on Thermocouples, part of ASTM International Committee E20 on Temperature Measurement.

According to Richard Phillips, senior principal engineer, Goodrich Sensors and Integrated Systems, and an E20 member, the supply chain for thermocouple materials has undergone significant changes in recent years.

“It is becoming increasingly difficult to source material needed to manufacture thermocouple components like connectors,” says Phillips. “The new test method allows product to be defined based on performance rather than solely raw material requirements. ASTM E2820 will reduce the risk of over-specification.

“Connectors are common to most thermocouple circuits,” Phillips says. “ASTM E2820 allows a user to better understand how the connector may affect temperature measurement accuracy.”

To purchase ASTM standards, visit www.astm.org and search by the standard designation number, or contact ASTM Customer Relations (phone: 610-832-9585; https://www.astm.org/contact).  ASTM International welcomes and encourages participation in the development of its standards. For more information on becoming an ASTM member, visit www.astm.org/JOIN.

ASTM Committee E20 Next Meeting: Nov. 14-15, November Committee Week, Tampa, Fla.
Technical Contact: Richard W. Phillips, Goodrich Sensors and Integrated Systems, Eagan, Minn., Phone: 651-681-8876; rich.phillips@goodrich.com
ASTM Staff Contact: Christine DeJong, Phone: 610-832-9736; cedjong@astm.org
ASTM PR Contact: Barbara Schindler, Phone: 610-832-9603; bschindl@astm.org

Release #8929