Heat Flux Transducers & Thermocouples

A copper thermal system, copper Heat Flux Transducer, red fine wire thermocouples, high-temp thermometer, and electric tube

Raptor Scientific manufactures high-performance heat flux transducers, thermocouples and related parts used in heat flux sensors and infrared radiometers. Applications include defense, space, and industrial/commercial activities involving the ability to measure very high temperatures in hostile environments.

Heat Flux Products From Raptor Scientific

Browse our selection of thermal flux sensors, transducers and thermocouples:

Heat flux transducers: Our selection of heat flux transducers includes the 24 series, 64 series and 8 series. All series models are designed to perform in rugged environments with the utmost accuracy.
Thermocouple probes: Raptor Scientific offers a series of thermocouple products, including fine wire, high temperature and coaxial models. Measure gas temperature with the fine wire probes or use our tantalum sheathed high temperature probes for extreme environments. Coaxial probes are made to measure surface temperature in 1 microsecond.
Thermocouples: We offer three versions of our rapid-response heat flux thermocouples. Use respective models for surface temperature, internal temperature and heat flux measurements. These thermocouples have been developed with unique temperature sensors to outperform ordinary temperature probes.
Heat flux probes: Our furnace heat flux probes can measure total flux and radiant flux during insertion in an industrial furnace. These probes include a removable calcium fluoride window attachment designed to block convective heat.

Applications

Raptor Scientific supports a range of industries with transducers and thermocouples, including:

Defense: The defense industry relies on transducers and thermocouples to measure the performance and safety of critical military systems. Potential use cases include flammability testing, engine performance monitoring and heat signature analysis.
Aerospace: Aerospace developments require heat flux testing to ensure performance in harsh environments. Heat flux equipment is commonly used for flight testing, thermal protection system testing, heat transfer monitoring for propulsion systems and hypersonic vehicle development.
Industrial: Like aerospace and defense, many industrial systems need to perform accurately in rugged environments. Heat flux sensors can be used in various industrial applications, such as monitoring insulation performance, detecting early system failures and overseeing blast furnace performance.

These high-temperature sensor components are often the only source for certain applications, such as space flight-certified heat flux transducers, and gas base thermocouples, and are listed as the standard for many U.S. and International fire testing specifications.

Solutions You Can Trust

Raptor Scientific has been developing and manufacturing precision measurement equipment for over 60 years. Our work in the industry empowers our customers to maintain accuracy and safety in their most critical equipment. We are a top brand in mass properties measurement and continue to back our systems with our team of committed and knowledgeable experts.

Request a Quote Today

Our selection of heat flux transducers and thermocouples plays a critical role across many industries. With a range of models in each equipment category, our team can connect you with the right model for your applications. Get in touch with us today for more information and to discuss your options with our experts.

Heat Flux Transducers and Thermocouples FAQ

What is a heat flux sensor and how does it work?
A heat flux sensor (transducer) measures the rate of heat transfer across a surface, typically expressed in watts per square meter (W/m²) or BTU per hour per square foot. Heat flux sensors work by using materials with known thermal properties to absorb heat from a test environment, then measuring the temperature rise to calculate heat flow. Different sensor types (like Raptor Scientific's 8, 24, 64, and GTW series) offer different sensitivities and temperature ranges suited to different testing scenarios. This allows engineers to quantify heat transfer in high-temperature, high-speed, and extreme environments.
What's the difference between heat flux sensors and thermocouples?
Thermocouples measure temperature only, using two dissimilar metals that generate a small voltage proportional to temperature. Heat flux sensors measure the rate of heat transfer (heat flux) by combining thermal measurement with the sensor's known thermal properties. While thermocouples tell you how hot something is, heat flux sensors tell you how fast heat is being transferred into or out of an object. For comprehensive high-temperature testing, both are often used together—thermocouples for temperature monitoring, heat flux sensors for understanding heat transfer rates. Raptor Scientific offers both thermocouple and heat flux transducer solutions.
What industries use heat flux sensors?
Heat flux sensors are essential in aerospace (re-entry vehicle testing, engine testing, aerodynamic heating analysis), defense (high-speed weapon testing, hypersonic vehicle development), space (thermal protection system validation, spacecraft testing), marine applications, and high-temperature materials testing. Any application involving extreme heat or the need to understand heat transfer rates relies on heat flux measurement data. Raptor Scientific serves these demanding industries with specialized measurement solutions.
How do I choose between different heat flux sensor types?
Selection depends on several factors: the temperature range you'll encounter (different series handle different maximum temperatures), the required sensitivity (some applications need to measure very small heat flux values), the thermal time constant (how quickly the sensor responds), and the physical size needed for your test setup. For example, fine-wire thermocouple probes offer fast response but limited temperature range, while more robust sensors handle higher temperatures but respond more slowly. Raptor Scientific's 8, 24, 64, and GTW series heat flux transducers cover different temperature ranges and applications—the right choice depends on your specific testing requirements.
What accuracy specifications matter for high-temperature testing?
Accuracy, repeatability, and thermal response time are critical. Accuracy specifications define how close the sensor reading is to actual heat flux (typically within ±3-5% for quality sensors). Repeatability ensures the same test conditions produce the same results. Thermal response time matters because fast-response sensors can capture transient heat events, while slower sensors miss rapid changes. For aerospace and defense testing, sensors must meet industry specifications and provide traceable calibration. Raptor Scientific's heat flux transducers are designed and calibrated for the demanding accuracy requirements of aerospace, defense, and space applications.
How do you install and calibrate heat flux sensors?
Installation requires proper mounting to ensure good thermal contact with the test surface—poor contact introduces measurement error. Sensors must be positioned to capture representative heat data for your test objectives. Calibration is typically performed by the manufacturer using controlled blackbody sources or other calibration standards that produce known heat flux values. Raptor Scientific's heat flux transducers are calibrated to traceable standards, and recalibration services are available to ensure continued accuracy throughout the sensor's service life. For specific installation and calibration guidance for your application, contact Raptor Scientific at (860) 829-0001.