Temperature Sensing Assembly for High Temperature Vessel Walls
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current temperature monitoring systems for high temperature vessels, such as reactor vessels in the petrochemical and refining industries, fail to provide accurate measurements of the inner wall temperature, leading to inefficiencies and safety concerns due to reliance on approximations.
Innovation Solution
A temperature sensing assembly with multiple sensing points, supported closely to the inner wall using clips, hangers, and heat shields, which minimizes distance and isolates the sensors from thermal sources other than the inner wall, providing real-time and accurate temperature data.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If temperature sensors are embedded in the catalyst bed or mounted on the outer surface of the vessel, then the sensor installation is simple, but the temperature measurement accuracy of the inner wall is poor
Solution Approach 1:
The temperature sensing assembly is divided into multiple sensing points distributed along the inner wall surface, with each sensing point independently measuring temperature at its location. This segmentation allows accurate temperature profiling across the wall surface while maintaining simple installation through modular sensor units.
Solution Approach 2:
A support structure acts as an intermediary element, positioning the temperature sensing assembly closely to the inner wall surface. This support structure mediates between the sensor and the wall, enabling accurate temperature measurement while simplifying installation through a standardized mounting mechanism.
2Measurement precision
If multiple sensing points are used to accurately measure temperature along the inner wall profile, then temperature measurement accuracy is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple temperature sensing points are merged into a single integrated assembly that functions as one cohesive unit. The sensing points are positioned along the inner wall profile and work together to provide comprehensive temperature measurement, reducing overall system complexity while maintaining high measurement accuracy.
Solution Approach 2:
The support structure serves multiple functions: it positions the sensing points, maintains their spacing, and ensures they remain closely to the inner wall surface. This multi-functionality reduces the number of separate components needed, thereby reducing device complexity while achieving accurate temperature profiling.
3Measurement precision
If the sensing points are positioned closely to the inner wall, then temperature measurement accuracy is improved, but the risk of thermal damage to sensors increases
Solution Approach 1:
The support structure serves as a thermal intermediary, positioning the sensing points closely to the inner wall for accurate measurement while providing thermal management. It maintains the optimal distance to ensure measurement accuracy while protecting sensors from excessive thermal exposure through its structural design.
Solution Approach 2:
The support structure maintains a controlled distance parameter between the sensing points and the inner wall surface. This parameter optimization ensures the sensors are close enough for accurate measurement but far enough to avoid direct thermal damage, balancing measurement precision with sensor protection.
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 operators to maintain higher process temperatures for maximum yield while ensuring vessel safety by providing precise temperature data, allowing for timely remedial actions in case of overheating or coke accumulation.
Implementation Method 1
temperature sensing assembly for sensing the temperature at multiple locations along or near a profile of an inner wall of a vessel
Data Source
AI summary
A temperature sensing assembly for measuring the temperature of an inner wall of a high temperature vessel includes a thermocouple assembly having multiple junction points to provide indications of temperature. The assembly further includes support structures for supporting the thermocouple assembly in the interior space of the vessel and to maintain the junction points proximate the inner wall of the vessel.