For flexibility and expansion capability, you can use thermocouples from Omega

[www.omega.com]

For testing and experiments associated with combustion and fire, you will predominately use Type K thermocouples. You can buy the thermocouple wire in bulk and use a thermocouple welder to make the bead between the two leads of the wire.

You will then need a data acquisition system (digital boards and software). We have used data acquisition digital boards attached to a computer manufactured by National Instruments. LabView is the software platform for the hardware system.

[www.ni.com]

The initial cost will be more than just buying some pre-made thermocouples and a handheld reader. If you desire flexability and relative ease of use, this is a good way to go. You can also use the data aquisition system for other measurement devices for fire testing and experimentation. Sometimes temperature is a good measurement to make, but for ignition, radiometers are better suited. With some digital board expansion, you can accommodate other types of measurements.

Douglas J. Carpenter, MScFPE, CFEI, PE, FSFPE
Vice President & Principal Engineer
Combustion Science & Engineering, Inc.
8940 Old Annapolis Road, Suite L
Columbia, MD 21045
(410) 884-3266
(410) 884-3267 (fax)
www.csefire.com