ThermoProbe TL3 Precision Temperature Probe
| Brand | ThermoProbe |
|---|---|
| Origin | Germany |
| Model | TL3 |
| Temperature Range | -40 °C to 204 °C ±0.06 °C |
| Accuracy | ±0.06 °C |
| Resolution | 0.01 °C |
| Operating Ambient Temperature | -20 °C to 54 °C |
| Display | 0.5-inch LCD with low-battery and error indicators |
| Power | CR2032 3 V lithium coin cell |
| Probe Length | 200 mm or 300 mm |
| Probe Diameter | 6.35 mm (shaft), 4.76 mm (tip) |
| Weight | 150 g |
| Stabilization Time in Water Bath | 6.5 s |
| Battery Life | >100 h at 21 °C |
| Battery Operating Temp Range | -20 °C to 54 °C |
| Compliance | NIST-traceable 4-point calibration certificate included |
| Warranty | 1 year |
Overview
The ThermoProbe TL3 is a high-precision, handheld temperature probe engineered for metrologically rigorous applications across laboratory, industrial process, and field service environments. Built upon the proven thermal sensing architecture of the TL1-A platform, the TL3 introduces ergonomic refinements—including an optimized grip profile and enlarged 0.5-inch LCD display—without compromising measurement fidelity. Its core sensing element is a calibrated platinum resistance thermometer (PRT) housed in a seamless 316 stainless steel sheath, ensuring mechanical robustness, chemical resistance, and long-term stability under repeated thermal cycling. The device operates on the principle of resistance–temperature correlation per IEC 60751 Class A tolerances, delivering traceable accuracy of ±0.06 °C across its full operational range of –40 °C to +204 °C. With a thermal response time of just 6.5 seconds in stirred water (per ASTM E740), the TL3 meets the temporal resolution requirements of dynamic thermal validation protocols, including those specified in USP , ISO/IEC 17025, and FDA 21 CFR Part 11–compliant workflows.
Key Features
- Ergonomic redesign for improved one-handed operation and reduced user fatigue during extended use
- High-contrast 0.5-inch LCD with real-time battery status, error code indication, and dual-unit (°C/°F) toggle
- Stainless steel probe construction (316 SS) with tapered 4.76 mm tip for rapid penetration into semi-solid media and narrow access points
- Auto-power-off function after 20 minutes of inactivity or continuous operation, conserving battery life
- CR2032 lithium coin cell provides >100 hours of operation at 21 °C and remains functional within the full ambient operating range (–20 °C to +54 °C)
- Factory-calibrated against NIST-traceable standards; includes documented 4-point calibration report meeting ISO/IEC 17025 requirements for accredited calibration laboratories
- IP65-rated housing ensures dust-tight and water-jet resistant performance suitable for factory floors, cleanrooms, and outdoor deployment
Sample Compatibility & Compliance
The TL3 is designed for direct-contact temperature measurement in liquids, gels, pastes, food products, pharmaceutical intermediates, and HVAC ducts. Its slender 6.35 mm shaft and precision-ground 4.76 mm tip allow insertion into vials, syringes, tubing, and narrow-bore reactors without disturbing sample integrity. The probe complies with EN 61000-6-2 (immunity) and EN 61000-6-3 (emissions) for electromagnetic compatibility. All calibration documentation adheres to ISO/IEC 17025:2017 clause 7.7 and supports GLP/GMP audit readiness. The NIST-traceable certificate includes uncertainty budgets calculated per GUM (JCGM 100:2008), enabling full traceability in regulated quality systems.
Software & Data Management
While the TL3 operates as a standalone, self-contained instrument, it integrates seamlessly into broader data governance frameworks via optional USB-C or Bluetooth 5.0 interface modules (sold separately). When paired with ThermoProbe’s compliant data acquisition software, users can generate audit-ready records featuring electronic signatures, timestamped calibration logs, and automatic generation of deviation alerts per predefined SOP thresholds. The system supports 21 CFR Part 11 compliance through role-based access control, full audit trail logging, and non-erasable record retention—critical for pharmaceutical, biotech, and medical device manufacturing environments.
Applications
- Validation of autoclaves, incubators, stability chambers, and environmental test chambers (per ISO 14644, ICH Q5C)
- In-process temperature monitoring during lyophilization, sterilization, and blending operations
- Calibration transfer between reference thermometers and working standards in metrology labs
- Field verification of HVAC system setpoints and duct air temperature uniformity
- Quality control testing of food surface temperatures per USDA FSIS Directive 7120.1 and HACCP plans
- Research-grade thermal profiling in material science experiments involving phase-change materials and polymer curing kinetics
FAQ
Is the TL3 suitable for use below –20 °C?
Operation below –20 °C is not recommended due to reduced CR2032 battery output; however, the probe itself remains physically functional and accurate if pre-conditioned and used briefly in sub-zero environments.
Can the TL3 be recalibrated in-house?
Yes—recalibration is supported using accredited dry-well calibrators or liquid baths traceable to national standards. Full recalibration procedures and uncertainty evaluation templates are provided in the user manual per ISO/IEC 17025 guidelines.
What does the NIST-traceable 4-point certificate cover?
The certificate documents calibration at –40 °C, 0 °C, 100 °C, and 204 °C, with expanded uncertainties reported at k=2 (95 % confidence level), including contributions from reference standard drift, bath homogeneity, and probe self-heating.
How is probe longevity ensured in corrosive environments?
The 316 stainless steel construction resists chloride-induced pitting and offers superior corrosion resistance over 304 SS, validated per ASTM A262 Practice E for intergranular corrosion testing.
