Description
The Aavad Instrument Model ASFS Blast Furnace Thermocouple is specifically engineered for continuous temperature measurement up to 1500°C in blast furnace and ironmaking applications. It combines the long-term stability of a Type S (Platinum-10% Rhodium / Platinum) noble metal sensing element with a flameproof die-cast aluminium terminal head (IP67), making it suitable for hazardous industrial environments where a standard weatherproof head may not be appropriate.
Blast furnace operations expose temperature sensors to some of the most demanding industrial conditions. Near the casthouse and tap hole, thermocouples operate close to molten iron while being exposed to intense radiant heat, abrasive dust, vibration, and furnace gases. These areas may also be classified as hazardous zones, requiring electrical equipment with appropriate protection against ignition risks.
The sensing element is protected by a double ceramic protection system featuring high-purity twin-hole ceramic insulation enclosed within an outer ceramic protection tube. This construction minimizes contamination of the platinum element while providing mechanical protection during prolonged operation in high-temperature furnace environments. An Inconel 600 holding tube reinforces the assembly outside the hot zone, offering excellent resistance to oxidation and thermal cycling.
For secure installation on large furnace structures, the thermocouple is supplied with a 2-inch 300# RF flange and a 1750 mm insertion length below the terminal head. A 1/2-inch NPT(F) cable entry ensures reliable field wiring while maintaining the integrity of the flameproof enclosure.
Key Features
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Certified Flameproof IP67 Terminal Head Enclosure Engineered to contain internal explosions and prevent ignition of hazardous casthouse atmospheres.
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Noble Metal Type S Platinum Sensing Core ($text{Pt-10%Rh / Pt}$) Delivers exceptional thermoelectric repeatability and minimal drift up to 1500°C continuous service.
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Impervious Double Ceramic Sheath Assembly High-purity Ker-710 alumina tubes shield noble metal wires from molten slag, dust, and gas contamination.
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Heavy-Duty 2″ 300# RF Welded Mounting Flange Provides a pressure-rated, gas-tight mechanical connection to withstand blast furnace casing pressures.
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Inconel 600 Metallic Support Holding Tube Reinforced metallic sleeve supports the long ceramic probe, absorbing vibration and mechanical stress near the flange.
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Standard 1/2″ NPT(F) Cable Conduit Entry Fits standard explosive-zone rigid steel conduits and flameproof cable glands.
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Extended 1750 mm Immersion Reach Below Head Long probe footprint spans thick refractory brick linings and furnace wall jackets.
Applications
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Blast Furnace Casthouses and Taphole Monitoring Continuous temperature monitoring near molten iron flows, slag runners, and iron trough areas.
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Classified Hazardous Zones in Steelmaking Plants Temperature measurement in furnace areas classified as Zone 1 or Zone 2 explosive atmospheres.
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Direct Reduction Iron (DRI) and Gasifier Plants Thermal tracking in high-temperature synthesis gas and reduction reactors.
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Blast Furnace Stove and Flue Gas Systems Monitoring high-temperature hot blast stoves, top gas pipelines, and dust catchers.
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Foundry and Molten Metal Holding Vessels Reliable temperature acquisition in large iron and steel ladle transfer stations.
Datasheet
FAQs
1. What is a Blast Furnace Thermocouple?
A Blast Furnace Thermocouple is a high-temperature industrial sensor designed to accurately measure process temperatures in blast furnaces, hot metal transfer systems, stoves, runners, and casthouse operations. Engineered for extreme heat and harsh operating conditions, it provides reliable, stable, and continuous temperature monitoring in demanding steel and iron manufacturing environments.
2. Why is a Flameproof Thermocouple required in Blast Furnace applications?
Blast furnace casthouse areas may contain combustible furnace gases that create hazardous-area classifications. A flameproof terminal head is designed to safely contain any internal electrical ignition, preventing flames or hot gases from igniting the surrounding atmosphere. This provides enhanced safety and makes the thermocouple suitable for installations where explosion protection is required.
3. Why is Type S used in Blast Furnaces?
Type S Thermocouples, manufactured from platinum-rhodium and platinum, offer outstanding long-term stability, high measurement accuracy, and excellent resistance to high-temperature drift. With continuous operating capability up to 1500°C, they are ideally suited for blast furnaces, ironmaking, steel manufacturing, and other critical high-temperature industrial processes.
4. What is the maximum operating temperature?
The ASFS Blast Furnace Thermocouple is designed for continuous operation up to 1500°C, depending on process conditions, furnace atmosphere, and installation practices. Proper installation with appropriate ceramic protection helps maximize service life and maintain accurate temperature measurement in high-temperature applications.
5. Can the Blast Furnace Thermocouple be customized?
Yes. Aavad Instrument Pvt. Ltd. Blast Furnace Thermocouples are manufactured to meet specific steel plant and process requirements. We offer customized insertion lengths, ceramic protection tubes, flange sizes, process connections, flameproof terminal heads, simplex or duplex sensing elements, and application-specific configurations to ensure reliable performance in blast furnaces, steel plants, and ironmaking operations.
