What Is Mineral Insulated Metal Sheath (MIMS)?
What is a MIMS cable?
Mineral insulated cable (mims cable) is a type of bendable metal cable used in temperature sensor manufacture. It is also known as Mineral insulated metal sheath or MIMS for short. Mineral insulated cable is made from a seamless metal tube, tightly packed with Magnesium Oxide powder. Thermocouple wires run through the metal tube and the magnesium oxide powder helps keep these wires insulated and separated.
Mineral insulated metal-sheathed cables are standardised under the international standard IEC 61515 (Mineral insulated metal-sheathed thermocouple cables and thermocouples).
Advantages of MIMS cable
MIMS (Mineral Insulated Metal Sheathed) cables offer several advantages for temperature sensors:
High Temperature Resistance: MIMS cables are capable of withstanding extremely high temperatures, making them suitable for use in environments where temperature fluctuations are significant.
Robustness and Durability: These cables are highly durable and robust due to their construction, which consists of a metal sheath surrounding the conductors. This design provides protection against physical damage, corrosion, moisture, and chemical exposure, ensuring a longer lifespan compared to other types of cables.
Excellent Thermal Conductivity: MIMS cables offer excellent thermal conductivity, allowing for accurate and rapid temperature sensing and response. This is particularly advantageous in applications where precise temperature monitoring and control are critical.
Flexibility: Despite their rugged construction, MIMS cables can be relatively flexible, allowing for easier installation in various environments and configurations.
Immunity to Electromagnetic Interference (EMI): The metal sheath of MIMS cables provides effective shielding against electromagnetic interference, ensuring accurate temperature measurements even in electrically noisy environments.
Wide Range of Applications: MIMS cables are suitable for a wide range of applications, including industrial processes, HVAC systems, aerospace, automotive, and laboratory settings, where accurate temperature measurement is essential for safety, efficiency, and quality control.
Longevity: Due to their sturdy construction and resistance to environmental factors, MIMS cables typically have a longer service life compared to other types of temperature sensor cables, reducing maintenance costs and downtime.
Compatibility: MIMS cables are compatible with various types of temperature sensors, including thermocouples, resistance temperature detectors (RTDs), and thermistors, making them versatile for use in different measurement scenarios.
Overall, MIMS cables offer reliability, accuracy, and durability, making them a preferred choice for temperature-sensing applications in demanding environments.
What is a MIMS cable used for?
MIMS (Mineral Insulated Metal Sheathed) cables are commonly used for temperature sensors in various industrial and commercial applications due to their excellent heat resistance and durability. Here are some common uses for MIMS cables in temperature sensing:
Process Industries: MIMS cables are widely used in process industries such as chemical, petrochemical, and pharmaceutical plants to monitor temperature in reactors, pipelines, and storage tanks.
HVAC Systems: In heating, ventilation, and air conditioning systems, MIMS cables are utilised to measure temperatures in ducts, pipes, and HVAC equipment for efficient temperature control.
Power Generation: MIMS cables are employed in power generation facilities, including nuclear, fossil fuel, and renewable energy plants, to monitor temperature in turbines, boilers, and other critical equipment.
Food Processing: In food and beverage processing plants, MIMS cables are utilised to ensure proper temperature control during various stages of production, storage, and transportation.
Aerospace and Automotive Industries: MIMS cables are used in aerospace and automotive applications to measure temperature in engines, exhaust systems, and other critical components to ensure optimal performance and safety.
Laboratories and Research Facilities: MIMS cables find application in laboratories and research facilities for precise temperature monitoring in experiments, test setups, and analytical instruments.
Oil and Gas Exploration: In oil and gas exploration and production operations, MIMS cables are employed to monitor temperature in drilling rigs, pipelines, and downhole equipment under extreme conditions.
Environmental Monitoring: MIMS cables are used in environmental monitoring systems to measure temperature in soil, water, and air for climate research, weather forecasting, and ecological studies.
Medical Equipment: In medical devices and equipment, MIMS cables are utilised for temperature sensing in applications such as patient monitoring, medical imaging, and laboratory diagnostics.
Safety and Fire Protection: MIMS cables are used in fire detection and suppression systems to monitor temperature in critical areas and trigger alarms or activate fire suppression systems when temperatures exceed predefined thresholds.
Overall, MIMS cables play a crucial role in temperature sensing applications across various industries where reliable and accurate temperature monitoring is essential for process optimisation, quality control, and safety compliance. More details about mineral-insulated cables can be found in our temperature sensor design guide.
