Construction, Characterization and Measurement of Fe\u2013C and Pd\u2013C HTFPs at CEM

Abstract

The current state of the art for temperature realization and dissemination above 1300 K is through the MeP-K-19 [1]. A limited set of high-temperature fixed points (HTFPs), an essential component of the MeP-K-19, has their temperature determined (Co–C (1597 K), Pt–C (1011 K) and Re–C (2747 K)). It is really a need to increase the HTFPs available for realization and dissemination of the high-temperature MeP-K. Fe–C (1426 K) and Pd–C (1765 K) has been less investigated, their thermodynamic temperature hasn’t been definitively determined, and they have been considered good candidates for their inclusion in the MeP-K in the EMPIR project “Real-K” [2]. This paper describes the construction, characterization, and measurement of HTFPs of Fe–C and Pd–C at Centro Español de Metrología as part of its contribution to the EMPIR project “Real-K”. Cells made have hybrid-type crucibles and they have been filled applying the piston method. A series of 6 HTFPs has been constructed: 3 Fe–C and 3 Pd–C. Points of inflection of the melting plateaux are repeatable after several initial measurement cycles. Their corresponding International Temperature Scale (ITS-90) temperatures (t90), referenced to a Cu fixed point, and thermodynamic temperatures (t), by means of the spectral responsivity calibration, have been calculated. Additionally, the influence of the furnace in the temperature assigned to the cells has been determined for different furnaces types (one zone and three zone) and different temperature profiles.