Q-Pak thermocouple assemblies are metal-sheathed, mineral insulated temperature sensing elements manufactured by Swift. They are recommended whenever moisture-proof, non-porous insulation is a requirement. Fast-responding Q-Pak® thermocouples are pressure resistant and adapt to high temperature applications. They can be bent to practically any contour and are flexible enough to reach otherwise inaccessible areas. All Swift thermocouple assemblies are produced under the most stringent quality control conditions. Checkpoints are established for every step of production from selection of raw materials to final packaging. Testing is performed at each critical step in the manufacturing process.
Q-PAK® Thermocouple Assemblies are Availible in the following Calibration types:
ISA Code Conductor & Characteristics Temperature Range
Positive Negative deg F deg C
J Iron
(Magnetic) 		Constantan
(Non-magnetic) 		32 to 1382°F 0 to 750°C
Jx Iron
(White) 		Constantan
(Red) 		32 to 392°F 0 to 200°C
T Copper
(Yellow Metal)		 Constantan
(Silver Metal) 		-328°F to 32°F 32° to 662°F -200°C to 0°
0 to 350°C
Tx Copper
(Blue) 		Constantan
(Red) 		-76°F to
+212°F 		-60°C to +100°C
K Chromel
(Non-magnetic) 		Alumel
(Magnetic) 		32 to 2282°F 0 to 1250°C
Kx Chromel
(Yellow) 		Alumel
(Red) 		32 to 392°F 0 to 200°C
E Chromel Constantan 32 to 1652°F 0 to 900°C
Ex Chromel
(Purple) 		Constantan
(Red) 		32 to 392°F 0 to 200°C
* Thermocouples and thermocouple materials are normally supplied to meet the limits of error
...specified in the table for temperatures above 0°C. The same materials, however, may not
...fallwithin the sub-zero limits of error given in this section. If materials are required to meet
...the sub-zero limits, the purchase order must so state. Selection of materials usually will be
...required.
** Little information is available to justify establishing special limits of error for sub-zero
....temperatures.
Notes
NOTE 1 - Values for J, T, K, E, R, S and B are same as those specified in ANSI specification
...........MC96.1 - 1982.
NOTE 2 - Where error is given in percent, the percentage applies to the temperature being
...........measured, not the range. Select whichever is greater.
 
Limit Temperature°F Continuous Duty
Sheath Diameter OD Inches Nominal Tube Wall Thickness Inches Wire Gauge B & S ISA Calibration
Single TC Element Dual TC Element J T K* E
.020 .003 38   700 400 1600 800
.032 .004 34   700 400 1600 800
.040 .006 33   700 400 1600 800
.062 .009 28   700 400 1600 800
.125 .017 22 23 700 400 1600 800
.187 .025 20 20 900 500 2000 1000
.250 .033 16 19 1000 600 2000 1100
.313 .041 16   1000 600 2000 1100
.375 .052 15   1100 700 2000 1200
o Above 871 °C(1600°F) contact your local Swift sales representative or our engineering
..department for proper selection of sheath material.

All Swift thermocouple assemblies are produced under the most stringent quality control conditions. Checkpoints are established for every step of production from selection of raw materials to finalpackaging. Testing is performed at each critical step in the manufacturing process.
Limits of error for Thermocouple and Extension Wire. Reference Junction 0°C (32°F)
ISA CODE Conductor & Characteristics Temperature Range Limits of Error
Note 2
Positive Negative deg F deg C Standard Special
J Iron (Magnetic) Constantan (Non-magnetic) 32 to
1382°F 		0 to 750°C ±2.2°C
(4°F) or ±0.75% 		±1.1°C(2°F) or ±0.4%
Jx Iron (White Constantan (Red) 32 to
392°F 		0 to 200°C ±2.2°C
(4°F) 		±1.1°C(2°F)
T Copper (Yellow Metal) Constantan (Silver Metal) 328°F to
32° F

32° to
662°F 		-200°C
to -0°c

0°c to
350°C 		±1°C
(1.8°F) or ±1.5%

±1°C
(1.8°F) or
± 0.75% 		* *
* *

±0.5°C(0.9°F) or ±0.4%
Tx Copper (Blue) Constantan (Red) -76°F to
+212°F 		-60°C to +100°C ±1°C
(1.8°F) 		±0.5°C(0.9°F)
K Chromel (Non-magnetic) Alumel (Magnetic) 32 to 2282°F O to
1250°C 		±2.2°C
(4°F) or ±0.75% 		±1.1°C(2°F) or ±0.4%
Kx Chromel (Yellow) Alumel (Red) 32 to 392°F 0 to 200°C ±2.2°C
(4°F) 		-
E Chromel Constantan 32 to 1652°F 0 to 900°C ±1.7°C
(3°F) or ±0.5% 		±1°C(1.8°F) or ±0.4%
Ex Chromel (Purple) Constantan (Red) 32 to 392°F O to 200°C ±1.7°C
(3°F) 		-
Application Notes on table above
J Reducing atmosphere recommended. Iron oxidizes rapidly at elevated temperatures
Jx Compensating extension wire for J curve.
T Can be used in oxidizing or reducing atmospheres. Rust and corrosion resistant. Fine for sub-zero temperatures.
Tx Compensating extension wire for T curve.
K Oxidizing atmosphere recommended. Vented protection tube suggested in reducing atmosphere.
Kx Compensating extension wire for K curve.
E Oxidizing atmosphere recommended. Highest emf output of thermocouples commonly used.
Ex Compensating extension wire for E curve.
* Thermocouples and thermocouple materials are normally supplied to meet the limits of error
...specified in the table for temperatures above 0°C. The same materials, however, may not fall
...within the sub-zero limits of error given in this section. If materials are required to meet the
...sub-zero limits, the purchase order must so state. Selection of materials usually will
...berequired.
** Little information is available to justify establishing special limits of error for sub-zero
...temperatures.
Notes
NOTE 1-Values for J, T, K, E, R, S and B are same as those specified in ANSI specification
.........MC96.1 - 1982.
NOTE 2-Where error is given in percent, the percentage applies to the temperature being
.........measured, not the range. Select whichever is greater.

Proper selection of the type of thermocouple wire, insulation, protection tube and wire gauge will produce long life and accurate millivolt signals. Assistance in selecting the proper wire size is provided in the following table:
Upper Temperature Limit for Various Wire Sizes (AWG), deg F (deg C)
Thermocouple Type No. 8
Gauge (0.128 in.) (&25 mm) 		No. 14 Gauge (0.064 in.) (1.63 mm) No. 20 Gauge (0.032 in.) (0.81 mm) No. 24 Gauge (0.020 in.) (0.51 mm) No. 28 Gauge (0.013 in.) (0.33 mm)
T   700 (371.1) 500 (260.0) 400 (204.4) 400 (204.4)
J 1400 (760) 1100 (593.3) 900 (482.2) 700 (371.1) 700 (371.1)
E 1600 (871) 1200 (648.9) 1000 (537.8) 800 (42d7) 800 (426.7)
K 2300 (1260) 2000(1093.3) 1800 (982.2) 1600 (871.1) 1600 (871.1)
Information on protection tubes is provided in our Technical Information Bulletin. These devices protect the wire from hostile atmospheres and provide support against flow pressures. For temperatures in excess of 538°C (1000°F) particular attention should be paid to the selection of the protection tube. Contact your local Swift Sales Representative, or our Engineering Department for assistance or information.

In addition to the Noble Metals mentioned in this section, Refractory Metals are utilized for high temperature applications and are available upon request.
The refractory group of thermocouple assemblies includes:

Tungsten vs. Tungsten +26%Rhenium
Tungsten +3%Rhenium vs. Tungsten +25%Rhenium
Tungsten +5%Rhenium vs. Tungsten +26%Rhenium

No. 24 gauge is the standard wire size for both the Noble and Refractory Metal Assemblies.

Protection Tubes

Information on protection tubes is provided in our Technical Bulletin. These devices protect the wire from hostile atmospheres and provide support against flow pressures. For high temperature applications particular attention should be paid to the protection tube size and material. Contact your local Swift Sales Representative or our Engineering Department for assistance or information.

All Swift thermocouple assemblies are produced under the most stringent quality control conditions. Checkpoints are established for every step of production from selection of raw materials to final packaging. Testing is performed at each critical step in the manufacturing process.
ISA CODE Conductor & Characteristics Temperature Range Limits of Error
Note 2
Positive Negative deg F deg C Standard Special
S Platinum 10% Rhodium Platinum 32 to 2642°F 0 to 1450°C ±1.5°C(2.7°F) or ±0.25% ±0.6°C(1.1°F) or ±0.1%
R Platinum 13% Rhodium Platinum 32 to 2642°F 0 to 1450°C ±1.5°C(2.7°F) or ±0.25% ±0.6°C(1.1°F) or ±0.1%
Sx Copper (Black) 11 Alloy (Red) 32 to
392°F 		0 to 200°C ±.057mv -
B Platinum 30% Rhodium Platinum 6% Rhodium 1472 to 3092° 800 to 1700°C ±0.5% -
Bx Copper (Black) Copper (White) 32 to
212°F 		Oto 100°C ±.OOOmv -
W Tungsten Tungsten 26% Rhenium 32 to 800°F 800 to 4200°F Oto 472°C 472 to 231 5°C ±4.5°C(8°F) ±1%*** -
W3 Tungsten 3% Rhenium Tungsten 25% Rhenium 32 to 800° F 800 to 4200° 0 to 472°C 472 to 231 5°C ±4.5°C(8°F) ±1V*** -
W5 Tungsten 5% Rhenium Tungsten 26% Rhenium 32 to 800° F 800 to 4200° F Oto 472°C 472 to 231 5° ±4.5°C(8°F) + 1%*** -
Application Notes for table above
S Oxidizing atmosphere recommended. Easily contaminated. The accepted laboratory standard in premium grade due to its reproducibility.
R Same conditions as 10% above but has slightly higher emf. Mostly used in industrial applications.
Sx Compensating extension wire for S & R curves
B Used in place of type R or S where temperatures exceed 1450°C
Bx Uncompensated extension wire for Type B curve.
W Needs protective atmosphere such as hydrogen, inert gas or vacuum. Do not use in oxidizing atmospheres.
W3 Similar to Type W except greater ductility in positive leg.
W5 Higher mechanical strength than Type W.
......*** For wire sizes of .010" dia. and larger.
Notes
NOTE 1 - Values for J, T, K, E, R, S and B are same as those specified in ANSI specification
...........MC96.1 - 1982.
NOTE 2 - Where error is given in percent, the percentage applies to the temperature being
...........measured, not the range. Select whichever is greater.

All Swift thermocouple assemblies are produced under the most stringent quality control conditions. Checkpoints are established for every step of production from selection of raw materials to final packaging. Testing is performed at each critical step in the manufacturing process.
ISA CODE Conductor & Characteristics Temperature Range Limits of Error
Note 2
Positive Negative deg F deg C Standard Special
J Iron (Magnetic) Constantan (Non-magnetic) 32 to
1382°F 		O to
750°C 		±2.2°C(4°F)
or ±0.75% 		±1.13C(2°F)
or ±0.4%
Jx Iron (White) Constantan (Red) 32 to 392°F O to
200°C 		±2.2°C(4°F) ±1.1°C(2°F)
T Copper (Yellow Metal) Constantan (Silver Metal) -328°F to 32°F 32° to 662°F -200°C to 0°C* O to
350°C 		±1°C(1.8°F)
or ±1.5%
±1°C(1.8°F)
or ±0.75% 		**
±0.5°C(0.9°F)
or ±0.4%
Tx Copper (Blue) Constantan (Red) -76°F
to +212°		 -60°C to +100°C ±1°C(1.8°F) ±0.50C(0.9°F)
K Chrome (Non-Magnetic) Alumel
(Magnetic)		 32 to 2282°F O to
1250°C 		±2.2°C(40F)
or ±0.75% 		±1.1°C(2°F)
or ±0.4%
Kx Chromel (Yellow) Alumel (Red) 32 to 392°F O to
200°C 		±2.20°C(4°F) -
E Chrome Constantan 32 to
1652°F 		O to
900°C 		±1.7°C(3°F)
or ±0.5% 		±1°C(1.8°F)
or ±0.4%
Ex Chromel (Purple) Constantan (Red) 32 to
392°F		 O to
200°C 		± 1.7°C(3°F) -
S Platinum 10% Rhodium Platinum 32 to 2642°F O to
1450°C 		±1.5°C(Z7°F)
or ±0.25% 		±0.6°C(1.rF)
or ±0.1%
R Platinum 13% Rhodium Platinum 32 to 2642°F O to
1450°C 		± 1.5°C(2.7F)
or ±0.25% 		±0.6°C(1.1°F)
or ±0.1%
Sx Copper (Black) 11 Alloy (Red) 32 to 392°F O to 200°C ±.057mv -
B Platinum 30% Rhodium Platinum 6% Rhodium 1472 to 3092°F 800 to
1700°C 		± 0.5% -
Bx Copper (Black) Copper (White) 32 to
212°F 		O to 100°C ±.000mv -
W Tungsten Tungsten 26% Rhenium 32 to 800° F 800 to 4200°F O to 472°C 472 to 231 5°C ±4.5°C(8°F) ±1%*** -
W3 Tungsten 3% Rhenium Tungsten 25% Rhenium 32 to
800°F 800 to 4200°F 		O to 472°C 472 to 2315°C ±4.5°C(8°F)
±1%***		 -
W5 Tungsten 5% Rhenium Tungsten 26% Rhenium 32 to 800°F 800 to 4200°F O to 472°C 472 to 2315°C ±4.5°C(8°F)
±1%***		 -
Application Notes for table above
J Reducing atmosphere recommended. Iron oxidizes rapidly at elevated temperatures.
Jx Compensating extension wire for J curve
T Can be used in oxidizing or reducing atmospheres. Rust and corrosion resistant Fine for sub-zero temperatures.
Tx Compensating extension wire for T curve.
K Oxidizing atmosphere recommended. : Vented protection tube suggested in reducing atmosphere.
Kx Compensating extension wire for K curve.
E Oxidizing atmosphere recommended. Highest emf output of thermocouples commonly used.
Ex Compensating extension wire for E curve.
S Oxidizing atmosphere recommended. Easily contaminated. The accepted laboratory standard in premium grade due to its reproducibility
R Same conditions as 10% above but has slightly higher emf. Mostly used in industrial applications.
Sx Compensating extension wire for S &R curves
B Used in place of type R or S where temperature exceed 1450° C.
Bx Uncompensated extension wire for Type B curve.
W Needs protective atmosphere such as hydrogen, inert gas or vacuum. Do not use in oxidizing atmospheres.
W3 Similar to Type W except greater ductility in positive leg.
W5 Higher mechanical strength than TypeW
...* Thermocouples and thermocouple materials are normally supplied to meet the limits of error
.....specified inthe table for temperatures above 0°C. The same materials, however, may not fall
.....within the sub-zero limits of error given in this section. If materials are required to meet the
.....sub-zero limits, the purchase order must so state. Selection of materials usually will be
.....required.

.** Little information is available to justify establishing special limits of error for sub-zero
.....temperatures.
*** For wire sizes of .010" dia. and larger.
Notes
NOTE 1 - Values for J, T, K, E, R, S and B are same as those specified in ANSI specifications
...........MC96.1 - 1982.
NOTE 2 - Where error is given In percent, the percentage applies to the temperature being
...........measured, not the range. Select whichever is greater.

Resistance temperature detectors (RTD'S) are used for temperature measurements in the range of -328° F to 1166°F (-200°Cto630°C). The electrical resistance of the wire utilized is proportional to temperature variation. The electrical resistance in the RTD is measured by an indicating instrument which converts the reading to temperature. Swift RTD'S provide electrical and mechanical stability with negligible driftand error. Their design allows for easy installation in new or existing equipment. RTD'S are excellent for use in detecting stator and winding temperatures in large and medium motors, generators and transformers. Other typical applications include temperatures in processing equipment for chemicals, petroleum, power, food, plastics and solar energy.
Selecting the RTD element
The selection of an element to be used in a system to control, monitor or measure temperature depends on many factors. Listed below are factors comparing the three standard element materials.

  Platinum Nickel Copper
Maximum Operating Temperature 630°C 300°C 316°C
Accuracy ±.1% ±.5% ±.2%
Cost HIGH MEDIUM LOW
Linearity NEARLY NON MOST
Resistance HIGH HIGH LOW
R/T Charcteristic Reproducibility EXCELLENT GOOD POOR
All Swift RTD'S are produced under the most stringent quality control conditions. Checkpoints are established for every step of production, from selection of raw materials to final packaging. Testing is performed at each critical step in the manufacturing process.
For further technical assistance regarding standard or custom designs, contact your local Swift Sales Representative or our Engineering Department.
Typical Bridge Circuits For 2, 3 & 4 Wire RTD'S
2 WIRE WHEATSTONE



The Meter reads RT + the two lead resistances, RL1, & RL2

3 WIRE WHEATSTONE

1 lead resistance is included in each of two arms of the bridge. The errors reduce to
RL1 - RL2
4 WIRE VOLTAGE MEASURMENT



Errors can be made negligible by having a very high input impedance amplifier.
 4 WIRE COMPENSATING LOOP WHEATSTONE

RL3 & RL4 appear in one arm of the bridge. RL1 & RL2 appear in the other. Errors are RL1+ RL2 + RL3+ RL4
Accuracy
The standard accuracy for Resistance Temperature Detector Elements is ± .1% for platinum, ± .2% for copper, ± .5% for nickel. These accuracy ratings are at the calibration temperature for each curve.

Stability
Resistance Temperature Detector Elements are aged at the factory thereby ensuring the optimum level of stability. For example, platinum elements tested over the range -200°C to +600°C showed less than .05% drift in their resistance values after ten temperature cycles.

Vibration
Proper support of the resistance element is a crucial factor in determining the vibration resistance characteristics of an RTD assembly. When proper support is provided, resistance temperature detector elements will withstand a vibration level of 30g over the frequency range 10Hz to 1KHz

Pressure
Frequent and large changes in pressure do not affect resistance elements due to their rugged construction. However, to suitably protect the element it should be encased in a hermetically sealed metal sheath.

Temperature Range
The line of resistance temperature detector elements covers an overall operating range from -200°C to 630°C. For temperature range of a particular element or assembly consideration must be given to the element material and overall construction of the assembly.

Thermal Response Time
The following response time information was derived from testing resistance elements in water flowing at 1.3 feet per second. The results show 50% and 90% response to a step change of 10°C from ambient temperature.
Element Diameter
Inches

.178 - .197
.118-.126
.095-.110
.063
.045
.036
Response Time
Seconds
50%
0.6
0.4
0.35
0.3
0.25
0.15
90%
2.2
2.0
1.8
1.6
1.3
0.7
Resistance Tables
Temperature is stated in degrees Celsius. Resistance is stated in OHMS.
Platinum, 100 Ohms at 0°C, Alpha = .00385
°C 0 -10 -20 -30 -40 -50 -60 -70 -80 -90 -100
-100 60.25 56.18 52.09 47.98 43.85 39.68 35.49 31.27 27.02 22.73 18.40
0 100.00 96.09 92.16 88.22 84.27 80.31 76.33 72.33 68.32 64.30 60.25
 
°C 0 10, 20 30 40 50 60 70 80 90 100
0 100.00 103.90 107.79 111.67 115.54 119.39 123.24 127.07 130.89 134.70 138.50
100 138.50 142.29 146.06 149.82 153.58 157.32 161.05 164.76 ,168.47 172.16 175.84
200 175.84 179.51 183.17 186.82 190.46 194.08 197.69 201.30 204.89 208.46 212.03
300 212.03 215.59 219.13 222.66 226.18 229.69 233.19 236.67 240.15 243.61 247.06
400 247.06 250.50 253.93 257.34 260.75 264.14 267.52 270.89 274.25 277.60 280.93
500 280.93 284.26 287.57 290.87 294.16 297.44 300.70 303.96 307.20 310.43 313.65
600 313.654 316.86 320.86 323.24 326.41 329.57 332.72 335.72 338.99 342.10 345.21
Back to Top