Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
I heard that K thermocouples are weak in hydrogen atmospheres, but why is this?
The surface of the chromel wire of the K thermocouple has an oxide film, but hydrogen takes away the oxygen from this film, and then the oxidation of the chromium progresses rapidly. This is called the green rot phenomenon, and it deteriorates rapidly and the electromotive force decreases. It can occur not only in hydrogen but also in reducing atmospheres such as carbon monoxide.