TYPE S THERMOCOUPLES
The standard thermocouple used on the DynaTrol is Type K. The most common thermocouple configuration that we use is an 8 gauge exposed Type K thermocouple covered by a mullite ceramic protection tube (standard on Easy-Fire, Jupiter, Doll and DaVinci). The GS1714 uses a Pyrocil metal-sheathed thermocouple.
The very best thermocouple for constant high fire applications is a Type S platinum thermocouple with an alumina sheath. This is only recommended for the most extreme conditions (like firing crystalline glazes) because of its expense. You can special order a DynaTrol with Type S thermocouples. The control is hard programmed for this (to avoid potential misfiring) and special calibrated wire connects the platinum thermocouples with the control.
TECHNICAL INFORMATION
Type S thermocouples are composed of a positive leg which is 90% platinum and 10% Rhodium, and a negative leg which is 100% platinum. It is usable from 32°F to 2700°F. (0°C to 1480°C). It has a different EMF output than Type K thermocouples (meaning the same temperature will produce different voltages to the control which must then be interpreted differently). That different scale is hard programmed into the DynaTrol (unlike some other controls which allow this to be user programmable). User programmability of this function can be very dangerous because this could lead to a melt-down of the kiln.
At temperatures used in pottery kilns (even the highest 2350°F) these thermocouples can last for a very long time (as long as they are not mechanically broken).
RETROFITTING A CONTROL WITH TYPE K THERMOCOUPLES
This is not a retrofittable option on DynaTrols used befor Jan 1, 2006. In other words, you need to order these thermocouples when you order the DynaTrol. On the newer 700 DynaTrol boards it is possible to switch from Type K to Type S with a programming change and a jumper change. YOu MUST also change the thermocouple extension wire from Type K wire to Type S wire.
DESCRIPTION
The Type S thermocouples that we provide have a 5/16" OD alumina sheath. They are ungrounded. There are two lengths. The short one used in the Easy-Fire, Jupiter and DaVinci kilns is 120mm (4.75”) long. The long one used in the front-loading kilns like GS1714 and Easy-Load kilns is 160mm long (6.3”). Termination is in a ceramic terminal block.
PRICES
A price upgrade is $175 per thermocouple for a new kiln. (One 120mm TC is used on the Doll, two 120mm TCs are used for any two section (18" high) Easy-Fire, Jupiter or DaVinci kiln and three 120mm TCs on all other Easy-Fire, Jupiter or Davinci kilns. Front-Loading kilns use two or three 160mm TCs depending on the model. The GS1714 uses one 160mm TC. Type S thermocouples are not available on the Liberty-Belle or Dll kilns with a Bartlett 3 Button control.
Prices if ordered separately (not as an upgrade):
120mm (4.75”) T-G-SXXX/00 $220 each.
160mm (6.3”) T-G-S063/00 $225 each.
DELIVERY
Stock.
