The Reckmann GmbH Model RKT11 Surface TCA (Surface Thermocouple Assembly Cable Sensor Type RKT 11) is a specialized, high-precision industrial contact temperature sensor engineered and manufactured in Germany. Designed specifically for surface temperature monitoring where invasive immersion thermowells cannot be deployed or where structural integrity of the target machinery must be preserved without borehole drilling, the RKT 11 provides a non-intrusive yet exceptionally precise thermal coupling solution.

The engineering benchmark of the RKT 11 lies in its robust metallic square mounting block (Robust Square Block) featuring a central counterbored through-hole for screw mounting. This solid geometric architecture enables maintenance technicians to mechanically bolt the sensor flush onto any flat or prepared metal surface using standardized machine screws (M3, M4, M5, or M6). The firm mechanical clamping pressure forces intimate metal-to-metal thermal contact, completely displacing insulating ambient air pockets. This results in direct, instantaneous heat conduction from the wetted machine surface to the internal measuring junction, achieving exceptionally fast thermal response kinetics and virtually zero thermal lag.

The internal thermocouple junction incorporates high-grade thermoelement pairs conforming to IEC / DIN EN 60584-1 Class 1 accuracy (typically Type K NiCr-Ni, Type J Fe-CuNi, or Type N). The junction is thermally bonded to the bottom contact plane of the square block and can be configured as grounded (for immediate heat transfer) or ungrounded (for superior galvanic insulation and electrical noise rejection). The assembly transitions seamlessly into a rugged, strain-relieved flexible lead cable available with specialized insulation jackets—such as flexible Silicone, chemical-resistant Teflon PTFE, or high-temperature glass fiber encapsulated in a stainless steel wire overbraid to guard against mechanical abrasion.

The monolithic square-block mounting of the RKT 11 provides extreme mechanical endurance against violent structural vibration, repetitive shock pulses, and accidental cable pulling. Even under the continuous vibrations generated by heavy-duty stamping presses, plastic injection molding platens, high-displacement industrial compressors, and large diesel powertrains, the sensor maintains constant thermal seating without loosening. Furthermore, upon customer specification, Reckmann provides intrinsically safe Ex i versions certified according to ATEX and IECEx directives for safe and compliant operation in potentially explosive gas and combustible dust atmospheres across petrochemical, chemical, and pharmaceutical processing plants.

• Manufacturer: Reckmann GmbH
• Country of Origin: Germany
• Complete Model Name: RKT 11 Surface TCA (Surface Thermocouple Assembly Cable Sensor Type RKT 11)
• Product Category: Surface contact thermocouple cable sensor with screw mounting
• Available Thermocouple Types: Type K (NiCr-Ni), Type J (Fe-CuNi), Type N (NiCrSi-NiSi), or Type T (Cu-CuNi)
• Governing Standards: IEC 60584-1 / DIN EN 60584, DIN 43710
• Accuracy Tolerance Class: Standard Class 1 (±1.5°C or ±0.0040 x |t|)
• Surface Temperature Operating Range:
  - Silicone insulated cable: -50°C to +180°C / +200°C
  - Teflon PTFE insulated cable: -50°C to +250°C / +260°C
  - Glass fiber with stainless steel overbraid: -50°C to +400°C
• Surface Contact Block: Robust square block precision-machined from nickel-plated brass, aluminum alloy, or AISI 316 stainless steel
• Mounting Geometry: Through-hole bore for direct screw attachment (Standard screw sizes M3, M4, M5, M6)
• Measuring Junction Configuration: Grounded for ultra-fast thermal response or Ungrounded for high electrical isolation
• Cable Sheath & Insulation: Flexible Silicone, chemical-resistant FEP/PTFE, or high-temp Glass fiber with stainless steel (SS) overbraid
• Lead Cable Lengths: Standard 1.0 m, 2.0 m, 3.0 m, 5.0 m (Custom lengths manufactured upon engineering specification)
• Electrical Termination: Miniature thermocouple connector (Mini TC Plug), standard plug, or crimped spade/ring terminals
• Hazardous Area Approval: Type-tested intrinsically safe Ex i version per ATEX / IECEx available upon request
• Primary Applications: Motor housings, gearboxes, plastic injection molds, extrusion dies, pipeline surfaces, compressors, and heating platens