Graywolf TC-302HY K-Type Thermocouple Temperature Probe

Overview

The Graywolf TC-302HY is a precision-engineered K-type thermocouple temperature probe designed for high-fidelity subcutaneous and shallow-tissue temperature measurement in controlled laboratory, clinical validation, and industrial process monitoring environments. Based on the Seebeck effect, this probe generates a thermoelectric voltage proportional to the temperature gradient between its measuring junction (exposed stainless steel 316 needle tip) and reference junction (host instrument cold-junction compensation circuit). Its nominal sensitivity of 40 µV/°C enables stable, repeatable readings across its full operational range of –80 °C to +205 °C — a specification validated under steady-state thermal equilibrium conditions per ASTM E230/E230M-22 (Standard Specification for Temperature-Electromotive Force (EMF) Tables for Standardized Thermocouples). Unlike generic thermistor or RTD-based probes, the TC-302HY leverages the inherent linearity, wide dynamic range, and mechanical robustness of chromel–alumel alloy junctions, making it suitable for transient thermal profiling where rapid thermal response and long-term drift resistance are critical.

Key Features

• Subcutaneous needle geometry (0.9 mm OD, 30 mm active length) optimized for minimally invasive insertion into soft biological tissues, gels, or semi-solid matrices without compromising structural integrity.
• Stainless steel 316 sheath provides corrosion resistance against moisture, mild acids, and organic solvents — compliant with ISO 10993-5 cytotoxicity requirements for short-term contact devices.
• PTFE-insulated, shielded twisted-pair lead wire minimizes electromagnetic interference (EMI) in electrically noisy environments such as HVAC ductwork, cleanroom utility corridors, or near variable-frequency drives.
• Miniature MJ connector ensures secure, low-thermal-resistance mating with Graywolf’s family of portable data loggers and multi-parameter analyzers (e.g., Solo v3, AirWolf 5000), supporting automatic probe identification and cold-junction compensation.
• No internal electronics or batteries — fully passive operation eliminates self-heating error and extends service life beyond 10,000 thermal cycles under recommended handling protocols.

Sample Compatibility & Compliance

The TC-302HY is validated for direct-contact measurement in non-abrasive, non-granular media including aqueous gels, silicone elastomers, pharmaceutical excipients, and animal tissue simulants. It is not rated for use in pressurized vessels, molten metals, or highly oxidizing atmospheres above 205 °C. Probe sterilization is limited to surface disinfection (70% isopropyl alcohol wipe); autoclaving, ethylene oxide, or gamma irradiation is not supported. The device conforms to IEC 61000-4-3 (radiated RF immunity) and IEC 61000-4-6 (conducted RF immunity) when operated with Graywolf host instruments. Documentation packages support GLP/GMP traceability workflows, including optional NIST-traceable calibration reports with uncertainty budgets calculated per ISO/IEC 17025:2017 Annex A.2.

Software & Data Management

When paired with Graywolf’s proprietary firmware (v4.2+), the TC-302HY enables time-synchronized logging at up to 10 Hz sampling rate, with real-time linearization applied using ITS-90 polynomial coefficients embedded in the host unit. Export formats include CSV (with ISO 8601 timestamps), PDF summary reports, and encrypted binary archives compatible with third-party analysis platforms (MATLAB, Python Pandas, JMP). Audit trail functionality meets FDA 21 CFR Part 11 requirements for electronic records and signatures, including user authentication, change history, and immutable event logs for all calibration, configuration, and data export actions.

Applications

• Pharmaceutical stability testing — monitoring temperature gradients within lyophilization stoppers and vial arrays during shelf-life studies.
• Biomedical device validation — mapping thermal penetration profiles in tissue-mimicking phantoms during hyperthermia system qualification.
• Food safety process verification — verifying core temperature hold times in sous-vide packaging validation per USDA FSIS Directive 7120.1.
• Environmental chamber characterization — spatial thermal mapping of incubator uniformity per ISO 14644-3 Class 5 cleanroom qualification protocols.
• Material science R&D — tracking exothermic onset in polymer curing cycles where sub-second thermal transients must be resolved.

FAQ

Is the TC-302HY compatible with non-Graywolf data loggers?
Yes — provided the host instrument accepts miniature K-type thermocouple inputs (MJ connector or equivalent) and implements cold-junction compensation per ASTM E230. However, advanced features (auto-ID, linearization, audit trail) require Graywolf firmware.
What is the maximum allowable insertion depth for subcutaneous use?
The active sensing zone extends 30 mm from the needle tip; total insertion depth should not exceed 35 mm to avoid mechanical stress on the junction weld.
Can this probe be recalibrated in-house?
Field recalibration is not recommended due to junction degradation risks; users should return probes to an ISO/IEC 17025-accredited lab for periodic verification every 12 months or after 500 insertions.
Does the probe meet IP rating requirements for washdown environments?
The probe tip is IP54-rated; however, the MJ connector and cable strain relief are not sealed — use only in dry or lightly humidified locations.
Is there a version with extended temperature range for higher-temperature applications?
Yes — Graywolf offers the TC-305S (surface) and TC-302PL (immersion) variants rated to +815 °C and +500 °C respectively; consult product datasheets for material and insulation specifications.