Behind the Design: How the Modular Gold Cup Came to Life

At LAND, we don’t just build instruments, we solve problems. When it came to designing the new Modular Gold Cup Probe, we knew there was a challenge worth tackling.

This wasn’t just about making a new product, it was about rethinking how tube metal temperatures (TMTs) are measured in some of the harshest environments in the world, like ethylene crackers and steam methane reformers, where accuracy, safety and usability are non-negotiable.

Why the Gold Cup Still Matters

If you’ve worked in refining or petrochemicals, you know that getting a true tube temperature reading isn’t easy. Infrared measurements can be thrown off by things like emissivity, background radiation and transmittance. That’s where the Gold Cup comes in. The Gold Cup is a reference pyrometer, unaffected by all 3 issues, resulting in true tube temperature, which can be used in conjunction with other Infrared measurements to ensure the correct emissivity values can be backwards calculated. 

By using a gold-coated hemispherical mirror that touches the tube surface, the Gold Cup reflects radiation multiple times (at least 12) before it reaches the optics, giving you a reading that’s as close to perfect as it gets. It’s been the go-to reference tool for decades and now we’ve made it even better.The Design Journey: Trial, Error and InnovationWe didn’t get it right the first time. Or the second. But each version taught us something new.

Water-cooled prototype: Our first attempt used water cooling, it worked in theory, but in practice, not so much. The probe was heavy; the flow paths were complicated and the tiny holes in the flanges made it a nightmare to use.

Air-cooled version: Next, we tried air cooling. This was better, but the gaskets we used were tricky to assemble and prone to leaks. So, we swapped them out for O-rings, and it started looking more positive.

Out-of-process cooling: To speed up the time between measurements, we added a rapid cooling system that flushed air directly over the thermometer module. It worked brilliantly, but only outside the process, since it could cool the process tube being measured if used inside the furnace.

Field trials: We tested the unit on an ethylene cracker and found the sweet spot: 1000 L/min for continuous air, and 500 L/min for rapid cooling. The results were solid and gave us plenty of time for taking the measurement.

Hot-end pliers: One small but important addition was the pliers that let users remove the probe from hot environments without touching metal. Simple, safe, effective.

Travel-friendly design: The original unit weighed over 32 kg, which made shipping a pain. So, we re-engineered the kit to fit in a Peli Air case, bringing the packed weight under 32 kg. Now, it can fly commercial, no freight forwarding needed.

Modular by Nature, Practical by Design

The new Modular Gold Cup is all about flexibility. Whether you’re working on a typical fired heater furnace or one with tight bends and awkward access, we’ve got you covered.

Straight kit: Ideal for ethylene cracking and steam methane reforming.

90°/180° kit: Perfect for smaller refinery heaters or furnaces with tricky geometry.

Each kit includes everything you need, from the thermometer module and handheld display unit to inlet fittings, assembly stands, and even hot-end removal pliers.Smart Features that Make a Difference

• Chamfered flanges slide easily into peep doors.
• Poka-yoke mounting holes prevent assembly errors.
• Dual air connections for continuous and rapid cooling.
• Assembly stands to make building the probe and aligning the sections together easy.

Already Making an Impact

The Modular Gold Cup is already in use by major players in the industry. It’s helping teams get more accurate data, reduce downtime and avoid costly tube damage. By utilising AMECare UKAS calibration with the Gold Cup, you can be sure of its accuracy and long-term reliability.

Final Thoughts

This isn’t just a new version of an old tool. It’s a smarter, lighter, more versatile Gold Cup, designed with real users in mind. Whether you're surveying multiple sites or working in a plant with complex furnace layouts, the Modular Gold Cup is ready to go wherever you need it.