Abstract: The invention is a thermocouple installation wherein the thermocouple measures the temperature in a gasification reactor. The thermocouple is installed through the wall of a gasification reactor such that the measuring element is behind a continuous layer of refractory hot face brick. The thermocouple assembly is mounted in a opening made through the gasifier wall, the insulating brick, and optionally a portion of the way through the hotface brick.

Abstract: An improved apparatus and means for measuring temperatures inside enclosures or conduits containing hot gases laden with entrained solids using a pyrometer. The improvement involves an optical access port consisting of a high strength sight tube, a safety valve, a double sight glass, various purge connections and provisions for optical alignment. A dynamic purge system keeps the optical sight path clear during normal operation, and clears the path if it begins to become occluded during operational upsets within the enclosure or conduit. The improved optical access port is mounted on the exterior wall of the vessel or conduit.