Standardization News

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, E2820, Test Method for Evaluating Thermal EMF Properties of Base-Metal Thermocouple Connectors.

E2820 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 difficult to source material needed to manufacture thermocouple components like connectors," says Phillips. "E2820 allows product to be defined based on performance rather than solely raw material requirements and will reduce the risk of over-specification." Phillips also notes that E2820 will allow a user to better understand how the connector may affect temperature measurement accuracy.

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CONTACT Technical Information: Richard W. Phillips, Goodrich Sensors and Integrated Systems • Eagan, Minn. • Phone: 651-681-8876 • O ASTM Staff: Christine DeJong • Phone: 610-832-9736 • O Upcoming Meeting: Nov. 14-15 • November Committee Week • Tampa, Fla.