Thermal Analysis Sampling Cups for Molten Iron Foundries

In a cast iron foundry, the quality of molten metal can change rapidly during melting, treatment, inoculation and holding.

A sample taken several minutes earlier may no longer represent the exact condition of the melt at the moment of pouring.

This is why front-furnace thermal analysis has become an important process-control method for foundries that need fast information about molten iron.

A thermal analysis sampling cup provides a controlled environment for a small molten iron sample while the analyzer records its cooling curve.

CYY develops the CYY-CE series thermal analysis sampling cups for this type of foundry application, with three different round-cup configurations designed for different analyzer setups and purchasing requirements.

Thermal-analysis suppliers worldwide commonly use terms such as thermal analysis cup, sampling cup, carbon cup, C.E. cup and disposable measuring cup. These are useful terms for foundry engineers searching for replacement consumables.

From Molten Iron Sampling to Process Control

A thermal analysis cup is part of a larger measurement chain.

The basic process is:

1. Take a representative molten iron sample

The operator collects a small amount of molten iron from the furnace or ladle.

2. Fill the thermal analysis cup

The molten sample is poured into the prepared refractory cup.

3. Record the cooling curve

The analyzer measures the temperature change as the molten metal cools and solidifies.

4. Calculate metallurgical parameters

Depending on the analyzer and cup configuration, the thermal analysis can provide parameters such as:

• Carbon Equivalent

• Carbon Content

• Silicon Content

• Liquidus Temperature

• Undercooling

• Other calculated metallurgical indicators

5. Adjust the production process

The result can help the operator decide whether further adjustment of the molten iron is required before casting.

This is especially useful where production decisions need to be made at the furnace, rather than after the sample has been sent to a laboratory.

CYY-CE1 / CE2 / CE3 Round Thermal Analysis Cups

CYY offers three principal round cup configurations.

CYY-CE1 – High-Leg Tellurium Thermal Analysis Cup

CYY-CE1 is a high-leg round cup with an orange sand shell and an internal tellurium block.

The high-leg design is suitable for applications where the analyzer or cup holder requires this configuration.

It is also a useful option for foundries that are accustomed to traditional high-leg round thermal-analysis cups.

Product characteristics

• Round cup

• High-leg structure

• Orange sand shell

• Tellurium block

• Designed for thermal analysis of molten iron

• Suitable for compatible analyzer configurations

CYY-CE2 – Premium Insulated Thermal Analysis Cup

CYY-CE3 – Economy Thermal Analysis Cup

Why CYY Offers Three Cup Configurations

Different foundries have different requirements.

A large industrial foundry may prioritize:

• stable measurement

• consistent cup construction

• repeatable thermal conditions

• reliable supply

• compatibility with its existing analyzer

A smaller foundry may prioritize:

• lower cup cost

• easy replacement

• basic carbon/silicon analysis

• simple operation

Therefore, CYY provides three round configurations instead of forcing every customer to use the same consumable.

Quick selection guide

Thermal Analysis Cups as Foundry Consumables

For overseas foundries, thermal analysis cups should be considered a regular production consumable rather than an occasional accessory.

A foundry may need hundreds or thousands of cups depending on its production volume and testing frequency.

CYY can support customers with:

• sample cup supply

• model confirmation

• packaging identification

• analyzer compatibility checking

• bulk purchasing

• OEM/ODM discussion

• long-term consumable supply

The CYY-CE series is part of a broader CYY foundry-analysis product system.

Applications

CYY thermal analysis sampling cups can be used in applications involving:

• Grey cast iron

• Ductile iron

• Cast iron melting

• Furnace process control

• Molten iron quality control

• Carbon equivalent analysis

• Carbon and silicon analysis

• Front-furnace testing

• Thermal analysis of molten iron

• Foundry quality control

For advanced applications, different cup designs may be required for nodularity, inoculation or other metallurgical parameters. International thermal-analysis suppliers also use specialized cup geometries and fillings for ductile iron, compacted graphite iron and grey iron applications.

Ordering and Compatibility Confirmation

Because thermal analysis cups are measurement consumables, correct matching is more important than simply selecting the lowest price.

Before purchasing, please send CYY:

• One photo of the existing sample cup

• One photo of the outer packaging label

• One photo of the analyzer

• Analyzer model number, if available

This allows us to check the cup geometry and application before shipment.

For CYY-LK2 and CYY-LK7 routine applications, CYY-CE2 is generally our recommended round cup.