TC100 Base Metal Thermocouple with Protection tube

High-Temperature Industrial Thermocouple with Ceramic Protection Tube for Furnaces, Kilns and Harsh Process Applications

The TC100 High-Temperature Industrial Thermocouple with Ceramic Protection Tube is designed for reliable temperature measurement in furnaces, kilns, ovens, heat-treatment equipment, and demanding industrial processes. A rugged protection tube shields the thermocouple element from extreme heat and harsh process conditions, helping improve durability and sensor service life. Available with 99.5% alumina, mullite, silicon carbide, Hexoloy®, and silicon nitride protection tubes, the TC100 can be configured to match specific temperature and process requirements. Type K or N elements, custom immersion lengths, threaded process connections, MGO-PAC options, and multiple connection heads provide engineers and OEMs with a configurable high-temperature thermocouple solution for demanding process temperature measurement

High-Temperature

Designed for demanding industrial temperature measurement, with configurations capable of operating at temperatures up to 1260°C (2300°F) depending on thermocouple and protection-tube selection

Multiple Protection Tube

Available in 99.5% alumina, mullite, silicon carbide, Hexoloy®, and silicon nitride for different temperature and process requirements

Type K & N Thermocouples

vailable with commonly used Type N or Type K base-metal thermocouple elements for industrial temperature measurement.

Multiple Connection Head

Available with aluminum, stainless steel, cast iron, and explosion-proof connection heads to suit different industrial installation environments

Oxidation-Resistant Protection

rotection tube materials can be selected for improved performance in high-temperature oxidizing environments and demanding furnace applications

High Accuracy

Manufactured to recognized thermocouple tolerance standards for accurate, repeatable temperature measurement in demanding high-temperature industrial processes

Download Datasheet

Quick Specifications

Thermocouple Type Type K or Type N
Element Configuration Single or Duplex
Element Construction Beaded Thermocouple or MGO-PAC Mineral Insulated Element
Beaded Element Wire Size 8, 14, 16 or 20 AWG
Beaded Element Insulation Oval or Round Ceramic Insulators
Beaded Junction Options Twist & TIG Weld, Insulated Hot Junction, or Standard TIG Weld
Ideal for
Industrial Furnaces
Heat Treatment
Kilns
Molten Aluminum
Foundries & Casting
Incineration
OEM High-Temperature
Molten Non-Ferrous

The TC100 Base Metal Industrial Thermocouple fitted with a Ceramic Protection Tube is constructed for use in high-temperature process measurement situations in which a conventional metal-sheathed thermocouple would not offer sufficient protection; the thermocouple element is placed within a robust protection tube so as to guard the sensing element against extreme heat, oxidation, mechanical damage and severe process conditions.

The TC100 is designed for use with industrial furnaces, ovens, kilns, heat-treatment equipment, and other high-temperature processes, allowing engineers to choose the sensing and protection system according to their specific application. Both Type J and K thermocouple elements are offered in either single or duplex arrangements. For different element designs, the TC100 can employ a beaded element or an MGO-PAC mineral-insulated thermocouple, with the option of having a grounded or ungrounded junction.
One of the main benefits of the TC100 is the variety of high-temperature protection tube materials available. These include 99.5% pure alumina, mullite, silicon carbide, Hexoloy®, and silicon nitride,sialon  so that the assembly can be selected according to temperature, thermal shock, oxidation, and the specific process conditions. For more details on the different materials, refer to the comparison of protection tubes on page 2 of Data sheet, which gives the various temperature ratings and application advice for use in furnaces, ovens, and with molten non-ferrous metals.
To allow for flexible installation, the TC100 comes with a variety of threaded process connection sizes, different custom immersion lengths, and a number of connection-head arrangements. It is possible to choose from general-purpose aluminum, stainless steel, cast iron, and explosion-proof aluminum or stainless steel head options.
In the case of MGO-PAC configurations, engineers have the option of using sheath materials made from SS304, SS310, SS316, SS321 or Inconel 600. The thermocouples are manufactured in accordance with ASTM E608/E608M and their temperature accuracy is determined according to the applicable ASTM E608/E608M, IEC 60584, and ANSI MC96.1 tolerances. Calibration in accordance with ASTM E220 is available upon request.
The TC100 is a solution that can be configured and maintained, allowing engineers and OEMs to obtain reliable measurements from high-temperature thermocouples with extra sensor protection.

Product Specifications

Review the standard specifications and available configuration options for the TC100 Industrial Base Metal Thermocouple with Protection tube Thermocouple. Product dimensions, materials, temperature ratings, and optional features may vary depending on the selected configuration

Thermocouple TypeType K or Type N
Element ConfigurationSingle or Duplex
Element ConstructionBeaded Thermocouple or MGO-PAC Mineral Insulated Element
Beaded Element Wire Size8, 14, 16 or 20 AWG
Beaded Element InsulationOval or Round Ceramic Insulators
Beaded Junction OptionsTwist & TIG Weld, Insulated Hot Junction, or Standard TIG Weld
MGO-PAC JunctionGrounded or Ungrounded
Protection Tube Material99.5% Alumina, Mullite, Silicon Carbide, Silicon Nitride, SIALON®, Hexoloy®
MGO-PAC Sheath MaterialSS316, SS310, SS304, SS321 or Inconel® 600
Immersion LengthCustom; inches or millimetres
Process ConnectionMultiple Male NPT Thread Sizes
Connection HeadAluminum, Stainless Steel, Cast Iron or Explosion-Proof Options

Spare Parts & Accessories

Complete your installation with compatible mounting accessories, connectors, and replacement components for the TC100 Thermocouple.

Image: CPT-Mullite Protection Tube

CPT-Mullite Protection Tube

Tempotech Controls offers custom-length and size protection tubes made from Mullite designed to meet specific requirements for various industrial applications. Key Feature:- Size(OD) 3/8"-1.00" (16mm-32mm) Custom size also available Custom Process Connection…

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Image: CPT-Pure Alumina Protection Tube

CPT-Pure Alumina Protection Tube

CPT-Pure Alumina Protection Tube offers superior high-temperature resistance and excellent chemical stability for thermocouples. Ideal for extreme industrial applications requiring maximum sensor protection. Key Feature;- Maximum Temperature 1400 Deg C up to…

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Hexoloy®-Protection-Tube

Hexoloy® Protection Tube

Hexoloy® SE tubes are available in a variety of diameters and lengths, with custom sizes available upon request. Compared to other ceramic materials, Hexoloy® SE has thinner walls, providing faster thermal response…

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Image: SPT-Silicon Nitride Protection Tube ( Sialon )

SPT-Silicon Nitride Protection Tube ( Sialon )

Tempotech Controls offers custom-length and size protection tubes made from silicon nitride, designed to meet specific requirements for various industrial applications. Key Feature:- Size(OD) 5/8"-1.25" (16mm-32mm) Process Connection 1.00-1.250" (17mm-26mm) Custom Length…

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Product Videos

Watch product overview, installation, and application videos for the TC100 Thermocouple

Temperature Transmitter | Tempotech Controls Inc

A temperature transmitter takes the temperature data from a sensor, like an RTD or thermocouple, and converts it into a standard signal, usually 4-20mA or 0-10V. This signal can be sent to control systems, PLCs, or monitoring equipment to keep track of temperature in real-time.

Read transcript

Video Transcription: Temperature Transmitter Technology & Application
[00:05] A temperature transmitter is a critical component in industrial automation that converts low-level sensor signals into standardized outputs. This ensures accurate, reliable, and long-distance signal transmission for complex control systems.

[00:14] Thermocouple and RTD sensors are the industry standards for measuring the temperature of processed media. However, in challenging environments—characterized by high temperatures, electromagnetic interference (EMI), or long cable runs—the raw signals from these sensors can degrade.

[00:33] This signal degradation, often caused by wire resistance and electrical noise, can lead to inaccurate readings. To mitigate these issues, temperature transmitters are used to amplify, condition, and convert sensor data into a standardized 4-20mA output, ensuring high-integrity data across the plant.

[00:59] Several signal types are used depending on the application:

4 to 20 mA Analog Signal: The most common standard, highly resistant to noise and ideal for long distances.

0 to 10V: A common analog option, though more susceptible to signal loss over length.

Digital Signals (HART & Modbus): Used for advanced remote communication and diagnostics.

RS485/RS232: Essential for integrating transmitters with PLCs and SCADA systems.

[01:35] The Tempotech TT367 series temperature transmitters are engineered for versatility. They offer precise sensor-transmitter matching and robust protection against interference. Configurable via the HART protocol, these units allow for easy setup and reliable field operation.

[01:56] Key reliability features include open/short-circuit detection, incorrect wiring alerts, and NAMUR NE43 failure standards. The TT367 supports RTD, TC, Ohm, and Millivolt inputs, making it a universal solution for your instrumentation needs.

[02:26] With integrated dot-matrix displays and easy configuration options, our transmitters provide the precision you can trust. Contact our technical sales team today to find the best transmitter for your application.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Find answers to common questions about the TC100 Thermocouple

How do I select the correct protection tube material for the TC100?+

Protection tube selection depends on operating temperature, furnace atmosphere, process media, thermal cycling, mechanical loading, and chemical compatibility. TC100 options include 99.5% alumina, mullite, silicon carbide, silicon nitride, and Hexoloy®. The material should be selected for the specific process rather than temperature alone. Please check our protection tube guide for more Information.

Should I choose a beaded thermocouple element or an MGO-PAC element?+

Choose a beaded element when you want a simple, economical thermocouple for use inside a protection tube and the application does not require a metal-sheathed mineral-insulated element. Choose MGO-PAC when you need a more rugged, compact element with a protective metal sheath and the option of a grounded or ungrounded junction. For applications involving vibration, mechanical handling, or frequent element removal, MGO-PAC is generally the preferred configuration. The TC100 supports both constructions.

What is the maximum operating temperature of the TC100?+

The TC100 can be configured for temperatures up to 1260°C (2300°F), depending on the thermocouple element and protection tube selected. The actual operating limit can vary based on the process atmosphere, protection tube material, process media, and application conditions.

Can I replace the thermocouple element without replacing the protection tube?+

The TC100 is configured with a thermocouple element inside a separate protection tube. If the existing protection tube and other assembly components remain serviceable, the element may be replaced separately based on the existing configuration and dimensions.

Can the TC100 be used for molten aluminum or other non-ferrous metals?+

Yes. Silicon nitride protection tubes are available for molten aluminum applications, while Hexoloy® protection tubes can be selected for molten non-ferrous metal applications. The correct protection tube should be selected based on the specific molten metal, operating temperature, and process conditions.

How does the protection tube affect the response time of the TC100?+

The protection tube adds material between the process and sensing element, so response will generally be slower than a directly exposed thermocouple. Protection tube material, wall construction, diameter, element design, and process conditions all influence the actual response. The trade-off is improved protection and durability in harsh high-temperature applications.