The mineral-insulated thermocouple, or MI cable, is a durable industrial temperature sensor. Its sturdy construction encapsulates a matched pair of thermocouple elements inside a stainless steel or nickel-based alloy sheath. The metal sheath material is more durable than wire coverings. It is impervious to most liquids and gases and will withstand high external pressure. The sheath is available in various diameters (see simplex and duplex sheath tables). The larger sizes ensure that it can endure usage in abusive industrial environments. Benefits of Flexible Metal-Sheathed Thermocouples include:

• Durability: The metal-sheathed construction helps to overcome bending, twisting, and compaction stresses in more difficult industrial environments.
• Flexibility: While MI thermocouples are robust due to the mineral insulation (MgO) and metal sheath, they can be bent and shaped to fit specific installation requirements.
• Can Survive High Temperatures: Suitable sheath materials can handle unfavorable environmental conditions such as corrosive atmospheres and extremely high temperatures.
• Metal sheaths are impervious to most liquids and gasses
• Sheath makes possible the ability to withstand high external pressures

Types of Flexible MI Cables

The mineral-insulated thermocouple elements are held in place by Magnesium Oxide (MgO). This enables it to be used in an environment with temperatures up to 2200°F (1200°C). The elements are of various ANSI types (J, K, T, E, N, R, and S) depending on the measured temperature range (see TC type table). Normal accuracy is achieved with standard limits material. Applications requiring high precision can be ordered with "special limits" material.
Hot end terminations on our mineral-insulated thermocouples can be chosen among grounded junction (G), ungrounded junction (U), exposed junction (E).