Multi-Bore Thermowell for Redundant Temperature Measurement

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current thermowell designs require multiple process intrusions for redundant temperature measurement, leading to increased costs, maintenance challenges, and potential leaks, as well as limitations in precise measurement due to the distance between multiple intrusion points.

Innovation Solution

A thermowell design that accommodates multiple temperature sensor assemblies within a single process intrusion, using a cylindrical member with bores to house multiple temperature sensor assemblies and an improved terminal block for independent replacement, allowing for triple redundant temperature measurement with a single process intrusion.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If multiple process intrusions are used for redundant temperature measurement, then measurement reliability is improved, but device complexity and cost increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetemperature measurement reliabilityVSAvoidprocess intrusion complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines multiple temperature sensor assemblies (at least three for redundancy) into a single thermowell structure that penetrates the process vessel only once. This merging approach maintains reliable redundant temperature measurement while eliminating the need for multiple separate process intrusions, thereby reducing installation complexity and potential leak points.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The thermowell is designed as a multi-functional structure that simultaneously houses multiple temperature sensor assemblies within a single body. This universal design allows one process intrusion to serve multiple measurement functions, achieving redundancy without proportionally increasing the number of intrusions.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Reliability

If multiple process intrusions are used for redundant temperature measurement, then measurement reliability is improved, but the risk of process fluid leaks increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetemperature measurement reliabilityVSAvoidprocess fluid leak risk

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

By merging multiple temperature sensor assemblies into a single thermowell, the patent reduces the number of process vessel penetrations from multiple to one. This consolidation directly reduces the number of potential leak points while maintaining redundant temperature measurement capability through multiple sensors within the single intrusion.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Reliability

If multiple separate thermowells are used for redundant temperature measurement, then measurement redundancy is achieved, but maintenance difficulty increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetemperature measurement redundancyVSAvoidsensor replacement ease

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of repair

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments each temperature sensor assembly as an independent, removable unit within the thermowell. Each sensor can be individually accessed and replaced through its own access opening without affecting the other sensors or requiring removal of the entire thermowell structure, thereby facilitating easy maintenance while maintaining redundancy.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

4Reliability

If multiple process intrusions are used for redundant temperature measurement, then measurement redundancy is achieved, but cost increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetemperature measurement redundancyVSAvoidinstallation cost

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges multiple temperature measurement functions into a single thermowell structure, eliminating the need for multiple separate process intrusions. This reduces installation costs by requiring only one penetration through the process vessel, one flange assembly, and one set of mounting hardware, while still providing redundant temperature measurement through multiple sensors.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Applied Scientific Principles

This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.

Function Achieved in This Case

This design reduces costs and maintenance by enabling redundant temperature measurement within a single process intrusion, minimizing the risk of leaks and ensuring accurate, continuous temperature measurement with reduced hardware requirements.

Implementation Method 1

The temperature sensor assembly is placed in thermal communication with a process fluid but is otherwise protected from direct contact with the process fluid. The thermowell is positioned within the process fluid in order to ensure substantial thermal contact between the process fluid and the temperature sensor assembly disposed inside the thermowell.

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectThermal conduction: Conduction (thermal)

Data Source

PatentUS20250102368A1Temperature measurement system improvements

Publication Date: 2025.03.27 ROSEMOUNT INC

AI summary

A thermowell includes a process mount and a cylindrical member. The process mount is configured to mount to a process intrusion. The cylindrical member is configured to be exposed to a process fluid and includes a plurality of bores extending therein. Each bore is configured to receive a separate temperature sensor assembly. A redundant process fluid temperature measurement system is also provided.