CO1-K Cement-On Polyimide Fast Response Surface Thermocouples

Supported Applications

The Omega CO Series Cement-On thermocouples are thin-film sensors designed for fast surface temperature measurement. These devices are intended to be bonded directly onto flat and curved metals, plastic, and ceramic surfaces using adhesives or cement.

Operating Conditions & Performance

Performance varies by style and model, with maximum temperatures defined by continuous operation versus short-duration exposure (600 hours or 10 hours). Continuous operating ranges span from 150°C (300°F) to 540°C (1000°F), depending on the specific thermocouple type and construction. Short-term limits extend higher; for example, Style 2 Type K models support up to 650°C (1200°F) for a duration of 10 hours.

Response times are style-dependent when grounded or cemented to a surface:

• Style 1 & Style 1-B: 150 to 200 milliseconds
• Style 2: 2 to 5 milliseconds
• Style 3: 300 milliseconds

The response time, or "time constant," is defined as the time required to reach 63.2% of an instantaneous temperature change.

Configuration Options

The series offers four construction styles with varying thicknesses and accuracy grades:

• Styles 1, 1-B, and 2: Constructed from extremely low inertia flat thermocouple alloy (0.13 mm or 0.0005" for Styles 1 & 2; 0.18 mm or 0.008" for Style 1-B). These conform to ANSI "Special Limits of Error."
• Style 3: An economy version constructed from 0.25 mm (0.010") diameter beaded wire, conforming to Standard Limits of Error.

Available thermocouple types include K (CHROMEGA™-ALOMEGA), E (CHROMEGA™-Constantan), T (Copper - Constantan), and J (Iron - Constantan). Lead lengths vary by model, with standard options including 1 m (40") or 150 mm (6"). Additional lead wire can be ordered for Styles 1, 1-B, and 3.

Installation requires surface bonding. The series supports the following adhesives:

• Omega CC High Temperature Cement: Recommended for temperatures above 500°F on Style II thermocouples only; not recommended for Styles I or III as it will break down insulation.
• OB Epoxy Adhesives (100, 101, and 200): Suitable for applications under 260°C (500°F).

Note: Type K and Type E thermocouples will not bond properly with soft solder. The silicone impregnation in the glass braid is destroyed at approximately 205°C (400°F), while the glass braid provides electrical insulation to 480°C (896°F).

Key Product Differences

The CO Series distinguishes itself through four primary construction styles:

• Style 1 & Style 1-B: Flat, extremely low inertia constructions. Style 1 uses 0.13 mm (0.0005") alloy, while Style 1-B utilizes a special process to create a very thin and flat butt-welded junction from 0.18 mm (0.008") thick thermocouple alloy.
• Style 2: Features the fastest response time in the series (2 to 5 milliseconds) with a continuous rating up to 540°C (1000°F).
• Style 3: Uses beaded wire construction for applications where extremely fast response is not essential.

Model numbering follows the format CO<Style><Thermocouple Type>, with optional length suffixes (e.g., CO1-K, CO1-T-B-80).