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Thermocouple
We provide a wide range of temperature related, products and services, alongside our core activity of design, manufacture and supply of mineral insulated cables. Including multi-point temperature measurement cables and down-well cables.
In types types from type K to type E, to R, S and B. In configurations from simplex, duplex to triplex and others available via our R&D and engineering teams.
CES cable
CES Cable Key Technical Information Summary
1. Basic Definition
· CES: Combined Electrochemical Sensor Cable.
· Core Function: Simultaneously measures oxygen activity ([O]) in molten steel, providing real-time data for precise control of deoxidizer (e.g., aluminum) addition.
· Construction Feature: Adopts Mineral Insulated Cable (MICC), integrating oxygen probe signal wires and thermocouple wires into a single assembly.
2. Typical Technical Parameters
2.1 Construction & Specifications
· Conductors: 4-core configuration
o 2 cores for oxygen signal (high-purity platinum wire)
o 2 cores for S-type thermocouple compensation (PtRh10–Pt)
· Insulation: High-purity magnesium oxide (MgO), high-temperature resistant with excellent insulation.
· Metal Sheath: Copper.
· Outer Diameter: Standard φ6.0 mm; φ5.0 / φ8.0 mm available on request.
2.2 Electrical & Mechanical Performance
· Insulation Resistance: ≥100 MΩ @ 100°C
· Withstand Voltage: 2500 V AC / 1 min, no breakdown
· Shielding: Natural shielding by full metal sheath
· Minimum Bending Radius: ≥6× outer diameter
· Tensile Strength: ≥5 kN (short-term)
· Sheath Hardness: HV ≥150
2.3 Measurement Performance
· Thermocouple Type: Type S (PtRh10–Pt)
· Temperature Range: 0 ~ 1650°C (full operating range)
· Oxygen Sensing Signal: mV-level high-impedance oxygen concentration cell EMF, transmitted via high-purity platinum wires.
3. Pinout Definition (example: 8-pin LEMO connector)
| Pin | Function | Conductor Material | Connection |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Oxygen Probe Positive (O₂+) | Platinum | ZrO₂ cell positive |
| 2 | Oxygen Probe Negative (O₂–) | Platinum | ZrO₂ cell negative |
| 3 | Thermocouple Positive (S+) | PtRh10 | Type S positive |
| 4 | Thermocouple Negative (S–) | Pt | Type S negative |
| 5–8 / Shell | Unused / Shield / Spare | — / Stainless steel | Spare or system ground |
4. Compliance Standards
· International: IEC 60584 (Type S thermocouple tables)
· National: GB/T 18404 (armored cable specification)
· Enterprise: Internal specifications of CISDI, Heraeus, etc.
· Environmental: IP68 rating; withstands short-term high-temperature radiation up to 1100°C.
5. Application Scenarios (key metallurgical processes)
| Process Step | Temperature Range | Oxygen Range | Configuration |
|---|---|---|---|
| BOF Tapping | 1600–1650°C | 200–800 ppm | Type S + standard oxygen probe |
| LF Refining Endpoint | 1580–1620°C | 50–300 ppm | Type S + high-sensitivity oxygen probe |
| Continuous Casting Tundish | 1520–1560°C | <100 ppm | Type S + low-oxygen dedicated probe |
Widely used in critical steelmaking processes for real-time molten steel condition monitoring, ensuring quality and efficiency.
6. Handling & Usage Notes
1. Do not cut or re-terminate on-site to avoid damaging the hermetic seal and electrical performance.
2. Ensure connectors are clean and dry before use to prevent poor contact or short circuits.
3. Meter/model must be strictly matched to cable specifications to prevent overload.
4. Periodically test insulation resistance to ensure electrical safety.5
5. Avoid excessive bending during installation; bending radius shall not be less than the specified minimum
TCB cable
TCB Cable Technical Information Summary
1. Definition and Purpose of TCB Cable
· Full Name: Temperature Control – Type B, a mineral-insulated thermocouple cable specifically designed for Type B thermocouples (PtRh30–PtRh6).
· Core Purpose: Used for ultra-high-temperature melt temperature measurement (e.g., molten steel, special alloys, molten glass) where temperatures exceed 1600°C.
· Industry Applications: Steel metallurgy, special alloy melting, glass manufacturing, monocrystalline silicon/sapphire growth furnaces, etc.
2. Key Technical Parameters
| Item | Specification |
|---|---|
| Cable Type | Mineral-Insulated Thermocouple Cable (MICC) |
| Thermocouple Type | Type B (Positive: Pt-30%Rh; Negative: Pt-6%Rh) |
| Core Count | 2 cores |
| Conductor Material | High-purity precious metals (high Rh content, high cost) |
| Insulation Material | High-purity magnesium oxide (MgO), packing density ≥3.0 g/cm³ |
| Sheath Material | Copper |
| Outer Diameter | φ3.0 mm (common), φ6.0 mm (high mechanical strength) |
| Length | Standard: 3 m, 5 m, 8 m; Custom: 2–12 m |
| Temperature Range | 600 ~ 1700°C (short-term up to 1800°C) |
| ⚠️ Low-Temperature Note | Output voltage near 0 below 600°C; not suitable for low-temperature measurement |
| Thermoelectric EMF | ≈13.0 mV at 1600°C; Sensitivity ≈10 μV/°C |
| Electrical Performance | Insulation resistance ≥100 MΩ @100°C; Withstands 2500 V AC/1 min; Natural shielding via full metal sheath |
| Mechanical Performance | Min bending radius ≥6×OD; Tensile strength ≥3 kN |
| Termination | 4-pin LEMO connector (e.g., FGG.0B.304); Gold-plated contacts; Housing must be grounded |
| Service Life | 50–150 insertions (high cost, typically used for key-point measurements) |
3. Pinout Definition (4-pin LEMO Connector)
| Pin | Function | Material | Connection |
|---|---|---|---|
| Pin 1 | Type B Thermocouple Positive (+) | Pt-30%Rh | Connect to instrument TC+ |
| Pin 2 | Type B Thermocouple Negative (–) | Pt-6%Rh | Connect to instrument TC– |
| Pins 3–4 | Unused / Shield / Spare | — | Sometimes used for grounding in certain systems |
| Housing | Metal Sheath | Inconel 600 | Must be connected to system ground |
4. Typical Application Scenarios
1. UHP Electric Arc Furnace (EAF) tapping temperature measurement (1650–1700°C)
2. Vacuum Induction Melting (VIM) or directional solidification furnaces (1700–1750°C)
3. Glass furnace hot-spot monitoring (1550–1700°C)
4. Monocrystalline silicon / sapphire growth furnaces (long-term 1700°C+ temperature control)
5. Special steel refining endpoints (tapping temperature >1650°C)
5. Why Choose Type B (TCB) Over Type S (TCS)?
| Comparison | Type S (TCS) | Type B (TCB) |
|---|---|---|
| Max Long-Term Temperature | 1600°C | 1700°C |
| EMF at 1600°C | ≈12.4 mV | ≈13.0 mV |
| Low-Temperature Sensitivity | Good (usable from 0°C) | Very poor (almost no output <600°C) |
| Precious Metal Cost | High | Higher (double Rh content) |
| Typical Application | Standard molten steel (≤1650°C) | Ultra-high-temperature melts (>1650°C) |
✅ Conclusion: TCB is designed for extreme high-temperature, high-stability applications and is not suitable for routine low-temperature measurement.
6. Important Usage Notes
Do not use below 600°C (signal is invalid).
Instrument must be set to Type B thermocouple calibration.
Do not mix with TCS cables (different thermocouple materials).
Do not cut or modify terminations on-site (MgO absorbs moisture and fails).
Housing must be reliably grounded (for noise immunity).
TCS Cable
The TCS temperature sensing cable is a specialized mineral insulated thermocouple signal cable used in the metallurgical industry( particularly in steel plants )for the rapid temperature measurement of high temperature melts such as molten steel and molten iron. The name “TCS” is commonly understood to mean Temperature Control – S type, referring to MICC (Mineral Insulated Copper Sheathed) cables designed specifically for Type S thermocouples (PtRh10–Pt).
The following provides a comprehensive overview from two aspects: technical parameters and operating environment.
1. Core Technical Parameters of TCS Temperaturem Sensing Cable
Parameter Category | Technical Specification |
1. Cable Type | Mineral Insulated Thermocouple Cable (MICC) |
2. Thermocouple Type | Type S (Positive: Pt 10%Rh; Negative: Pure Platinum) (Type B is used for a small number of special purpose applications, but TCS typically refers to Type S) |
3. Core Count | 2 cores (thermocouple positive and negative) |
4. Conductor Material | • Positive: Pt 10%Rh • Negative: Pt (purity ≥99.95%) |
5. Insulation Material | High purity magnesium oxide (MgO), packing density ≥3.0 g/cm³, no organic materials |
6. Sheath Material | Copper |
7. Outer Diameter | φ3.0 mm (most common), φ6.0 mm (for high mechanical strength requirements) |
8. Length | Standard: 3 m, 5 m, 8 m (customizable according to thermo gun length, range: 2–12 m) |
9. Temperature Range | 0 ~ 1650°C (Type S is suitable for conventional molten steel temperatures) |
10. Electrical Performance | • Insulation resistance: ≥100 MΩ @ 100°C (500 V DC) • Withstand voltage: 2500 V AC / 1 min, no breakdown • Shielding: Natural shielding provided by full metal sheath (no additional braid required) |
11. Mechanical Performance | • Minimum bending radius: ≥6× outer diameter (e.g., φ3 mm → ≥18 mm) • Tensile strength: ≥3 kN (short term) |
12. Termination | • Connector type: 4 pin LEMO (e.g., FGG.0B.304.CLAD56Z) or aviation connector • Contacts: Gold plated copper alloy, ≥500 mating cycles • Housing grounding: Must be connected to system ground (for anti interference) |
13. Service Life | 100–300 insertions (depending on molten steel cleanliness and operational standards) |
2. Typical Operating Environments (Steel Metallurgy Scenarios)
2.1. BOF Tapping Temperature Measurement
· Temperature: 1600–1650°C
· Characteristics: High steel stream impact, severe splashing, measurement time <10 seconds
· Requirements: Cable must withstand instantaneous radiant heat (sheath surface >1100°C)
2.2. EAF Tapping Temperature Measurement
· Strong electromagnetic interference: Magnetic fields generated by high current electrodes
· Requirements: Full metal shielding to prevent signal noise
2.3. Ladle Refining (LF/VD) Process Monitoring
· Multiple insertions: 3–5 temperature measurements per heat possible
· Environment: Argon stirring, slag coverage, temperature 1550–1620°C
· Requirements: High reliability for repeated use
2.4. Continuous Casting Tundish Temperature Measurement
· Clean steel production: High accuracy required (±2°C)
· Safety critical: Avoid low temperature casting which may cause breakout
3. Detailed Environmental Adaptability
Environmental Factor | TCS Cable Capability |
High temperature radiation | Sheath can withstand short term surface temperatures of 1100–1150°C |
Molten metal splashing | Hermetically sealed structure prevents steel slag penetration |
Strong electromagnetic fields | Metal sheath forms a Faraday cage, shielding effectiveness >80 dB |
Mechanical shock | Sheath is compression and bend resistant, suitable for rapid insertion/withdrawal by thermo guns |
Moisture / oil contamination | No organic materials; does not absorb moisture or age |
Chemical corrosion | Resists alkaline steel slag environments and oxidation |
⚠️ Unsuitable Environments:
· Fluorine/chlorine containing highly corrosive atmospheres (e.g., certain chemical furnaces)
· Long term immersion in molten metal (only for instantaneous insertion)
4. Installation and Usage Precautions
1. Do not cut on site: Breaking the end seal allows MgO to absorb moisture, causing insulation failure.
2. Bending radius ≥6D: To avoid sheath cracking.
3. Mating/unmating: Hold the connector body; never pull on the cable.
4. Instrument matching: Must be set to “Type S” thermocouple and enable cold junction compensation.
5. Regular inspection:
o Before use, measure insulation resistance with a 500 V megohmmeter (should be >100 MΩ);
o Check if the gold plated contacts are oxidized.
5. Common Faults and Troubleshooting
Fault Symptom | Possible Cause | Solution |
Temperature shows “OL” or an extremely high value | Thermocouple open circuit | Check connector contacts and whether conductors are broken |
Reading low (e.g., 1500°C displayed as 1400°C) | Cold junction compensation failure or reversed polarity | Verify instrument settings and check wiring polarity |
Data fluctuates significantly | Electromagnetic interference or reduced insulation | Measure insulation resistance and ensure proper grounding |
Connector overheating | High contact resistance | Clean or ｒｅｐｌａｃｅ the connector assembly |
Summary
TCS temperature sensing cable = the “nerve ending” of molten steel temperature measurement
Core: Type S thermocouple
Armor and insulation: Copper + MgO
Operates in “hellish” environments of 1600°C+, strong magnetic fields, and splashing steel
Still accurately transmits mV level temperature signals
It is an indispensable basic component for modern smart steel plants to achieve precise temperature control, energy saving, consumption reduction, and quality improvement.