A New Co–C Eutectic Fixed-Point Cell for Thermocouple Calibration at 1324∘C

The eutectic Co–C is a promising system to serve as a thermometric fixed point beyond the freezing point of copper ( 1084.62 ∘ C ). Some national metrology institutes have developed, characterized, and compared their Co–C fixed-point cells based on conventional designs. Indeed, the fixed-point cells constructed are directly inspired by the technologies applied to the fixed points of the ITS-90 to the lower levels of temperature. By studying the eutectic metal–carbon systems, is appears that the high temperatures of implementation give a set of difficulties, such as the strong mechanical stresses on the graphite crucibles, due to the important thermal expansion of the eutectic alloys during their phase transitions. If these devices are suitable with research activities to serve like primary standards, it is not envisaged to propose them for a direct application to the calibration activities for the industry. As regards the limited robustness of the conventional fixed-point cells constructed, an intensive use of these device would not be reasonable, in term of cost for example. In this paper, a new Co–C fixed-point design is introduced. This low cost device has been developed specifically for intensive use in thermocouple calibration activities, with the aim of achieving the lowest level of uncertainties as is practicable. Thus, in this paper, the metrological characterization of this device is also presented, and a direct comparison to a primary Co–C fixed-point cell previously constructed is discussed.