Flexible Multipoint Thermometer for On-Site Installation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing multipoint temperature sensing assemblies face difficulties in on-site installation and flexibility due to rigid sheaths, which can be damaged and are challenging to bend, especially when measuring points are not aligned in a straight line, requiring complex sleeve member assembly during vessel construction and making on-site changes difficult.
Innovation Solution
A sensing assembly featuring a pre-formed elongated member surrounded by a partially flexible sleeve member, allowing for easy bending and on-site installation, with the sleeve member being manufactured to be flexible and capable of being deformed to accommodate various paths, and featuring pre-formed fittings that can be inserted into the sleeve member to facilitate temperature measurement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a rigid sheath is used to protect the temperature probe, then protection against harsh process conditions is improved, but flexibility and ease of installation are worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The protective structure is divided into two separate components: a rigid sheath that protects the temperature probe and a separate sleeve member that provides flexibility and guidance. This segmentation allows each component to optimize its function independently - the sheath remains rigid for protection while the sleeve member can be bent for installation flexibility.
Solution Approach 2:
The sleeve member acts as an intermediary element between the rigid sheath and the process environment. It provides a flexible outer barrier that can be routed along desired paths while the rigid sheath inside maintains protection for the temperature probe. The sleeve member mediates between the need for protection and the need for installation flexibility.
2Strength
If a thick sheath is used to withstand heavy process conditions, then strength and protection are improved, but the temperature probe becomes rigid making installation difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The protective function is segmented between two components: the thick rigid sheath provides strength and protection against process conditions, while the separate sleeve member provides installation flexibility. This allows the sheath to be thick and rigid without compromising ease of installation, as the sleeve member handles the routing and positioning.
Solution Approach 2:
The sleeve member serves as a flexible outer shell that can be bent and routed along desired paths during installation. While the inner sheath remains thick and rigid for protection, the flexible sleeve member enables easy installation by accommodating bending and routing requirements without compromising the strength of the inner protective sheath.
3Reliability
If the sheath is made integral to the temperature probe, then protection is improved, but replaceability is worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The protective sheath is segmented from the temperature probe, allowing the sheath to be removed and replaced independently. The temperature probe can be separated from the sheath and sleeve member assembly, enabling replacement of any component without affecting the others. This segmentation maintains protection while improving replaceability.
Solution Approach 2:
The assembly transitions from a static integral structure to a dynamic separable structure. The sheath, sleeve member, and temperature probe can be assembled and disassembled as needed, allowing for easy replacement and maintenance while maintaining the protective function during operation.
4Reliability
If multiple sleeve members are installed during vessel construction, then protection and positioning are improved, but device complexity and installation time are worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The sleeve member is pre-formed with the necessary bends and configurations before installation. This preliminary action allows the sleeve member to be delivered ready-to-install, eliminating the need for complex on-site bending and assembly operations. The pre-formed configuration maintains proper positioning while reducing installation complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The sleeve member can be segmented into modular sections that can be assembled or connected as needed. This segmentation reduces the complexity of installing multiple sleeve members by allowing modular installation rather than requiring complex continuous routing and bending during vessel construction.
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure relates to a sensing assembly for sensing a temperature, at least including at least one elongated member, one pre-formed fitting at least partially surrounding the elongated member, and one sleeve member, wherein the elongated member and the pre-formed fitting are positioned within an inner cavity of the sleeve member, and wherein the sleeve member is manufactured such that it is at least partially flexible. The disclosure furthermore relates to a multipoint sensing assembly and to a method for fabrication of a sensing assembly.