Alumina, Mullite, and Hexoloy SE protection tubes are used at high temperatures that have a small slope of temperature change. Any thermocouple type can be used in these ceramic tubes; however, Platinum-Rhodium and Chromel-Alumel are used most often due to their high operating temperature range. "Alumina" is an Aluminum Oxide ceramic (99.7% Al₂O₃). "Mullite" is a compound of Alumina and Silica (Silicon Carbide). "Hexoloy" is a sintered alpha Silicon Carbide. Alumina tubes can be used at 3400°F (1870°c), Mullite tubes can be used at 3100°F (1700°C) and Hexoloy will not slump at 3000°F (1648°C) even under load. These tubes are somewhat gas tight, sensitive to thermal shock, and can crack if one end of the tube is heated at a different rate than the other. If the tubes are exposed to a significant sharp decline or rise in temperature, they may crack. Hexoloy has excellent thermal shock resistance, universal corrosion resistance, and exceptional wear with high strength and extreme hardness for severe environment applications.

Platinum-Rhodium thermocouples should always be protected in ceramic protection tubes. Alumina should be used rather than Mullite for all atmospheres, except oxidizing, where Mullite can be used. The Silicon from the Mullite can contaminate the Platinum-Rhodium thermocouples.

We recommend that the user preheat the entire tube to ≈ 900°F (482°C) before installing it into a hot process environment.

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