Protective Tube Assembly for In-Situ Temperature Sensor Drift Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing temperature measurement systems in process vessels face challenges such as measurement signal errors and drift due to factors like aging and high temperatures, which are not effectively addressed by current methods.
Innovation Solution
A protective tube system with a reference temperature sensor and secondary sensors that allow for continuous monitoring and calibration, ensuring accurate temperature measurements by comparing sensor signals and detecting aging or drift in real time.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If multiple temperature sensor assemblies are introduced into the process vessel via multiple process vessel ports, then temperature measurement coverage is improved, but device complexity and installation difficulty increase
Solution Approach 1:
The protective tube assembly serves multiple functions: it protects temperature sensors, provides a sealed connection interface, enables sensor insertion/removal, and facilitates calibration. By combining these functions into a single universal assembly, the system reduces the number of separate components needed while maintaining comprehensive temperature measurement coverage across multiple vessel ports.
2Measurement precision
If temperature sensor assemblies are used to measure temperature in harsh process conditions, then temperature measurement capability is improved, but sensor reliability deteriorates due to aging and signal drift
Solution Approach 1:
The system incorporates a reference temperature sensor that provides a stable reference signal for continuous monitoring and comparison with measurement sensors. This feedback mechanism enables real-time detection of sensor drift and aging effects, allowing for compensation or replacement decisions before measurement accuracy is compromised.
Solution Approach 2:
The protective tube acts as an intermediary between the harsh process environment and the temperature sensors. It provides physical protection while allowing thermal conduction, isolating sensors from direct exposure to corrosive chemicals, high velocities, and other damaging conditions that cause aging and reliability degradation.
3Productivity
If process interruption is avoided during sensor maintenance, then productivity is improved, but measurement accuracy deteriorates due to inability to perform calibration
Solution Approach 1:
The system transitions from static sensor installation (requiring shutdown for any sensor changes) to dynamic hot-swappable sensor assembly. The protective tube design with sealed connection and receiving member enables insertion and removal of temperature sensors during continuous operation, making the system adaptable to maintenance needs without process interruption.
Solution Approach 2:
The protective tube assembly is pre-configured with sealing elements, receiving members, and connection interfaces before installation. This preliminary preparation allows sensors to be quickly exchanged and calibrated without requiring complex in-situ assembly procedures or process shutdowns, maintaining both productivity and measurement accuracy.
4Reliability
If protective measures are added to shield sensors from harsh conditions, then sensor protection is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The protective tube assembly merges the protective function with the mounting and calibration functions into a single integrated structure. Rather than adding separate protective shields, mounts, and calibration devices, the design combines these elements so that the protective tube itself serves as both the shielding enclosure and the sensor mounting platform with built-in calibration capability.
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
Enables continuous, accurate temperature measurement without process interruption, allowing for early detection of sensor aging or drift, and improving reliability and efficiency of temperature monitoring in process vessels.
Implementation Method 1
A reference temperature sensor is insertable into the bore of the protective tube from the outside of the process vessel and is also extractable or removable from the protective tube from the outside of the process vessel
Data Source
AI summary
A protective tube for sealed introduction into a process vessel at a process vessel port, the protective tube comprising a sealing base element which is connected onto the process vessel port and an elongate body with a bore. The elongate body comprises a closed distal end and an open proximal end, which is sealingly connected onto the sealing base element. The protective tube also comprises a receiving part, which is connected or attached onto the elongate body inside the process vessel so as to receive and hold a secondary temperature sensor from inside the process vessel. In addition, a reference temperature sensor is insertable into the bore from outside the process vessel. Also provided is a temperature measurement arrangement and a method for a temperature measurement in a process vessel.