Electrical temperature measurement Multipoint temperature measurements ® Temperature Specialists

Alexander Wiegand, Chairman and CEO WIKA As a family-run business acting globally, with over 7,900 highly qualified employees, the WIKA group of companies is a worldwide leader in pressure and temperature measurement. The company also sets the standard in the measurement of level and flow, and in calibration technology. Founded in 1946, WIKA is today a strong and reliable partner for all the requirements of industrial measurement technology, thanks to a broad portfolio of high-precision instruments and comprehensive services. With manufacturing locations around the globe, WIKA ensures flexibility...

Radial multipoint assemblies 6 Pipewell multipoint assemblies 8 Specialised multipoint assemblies 10 Pipewell multipoint assemblies 12 Non-destructive testing requirements 14 Your partner for multipoint temperature measurements WIKA and Gayesco have ranked for more than 50 years among the world-leading suppliers of measurement technology for the petrochemical industry. The acquisition of Gayesco International Inc. has further strengthened the WIKA Group. This expands its market position in the field of electrical temperature measurement and on-site services. Worldwide, WIKA and Gayesco have together...

In the petrochemical industry, there is an increasing need to determine temperature profiles accurately in demanding applications. This sector of industry is more and more confronted with higher legal regulations, increased competition and the need to operate older plants more efficiently. A profitable operation often needs to maximise production and extend the time between planned maintenance activities. An increasing flexibility with respect to new process methods and catalysts is becoming more and more important, as this often gives significant differences in: There is a high relevance that...

Some reactions in the presence of hydrogen can be strongly exothermic, as sulphur, nitrogen and metals become separated from the process. These processes utilise advanced and expensive catalysts and internal fixtures to process the hydrocarbon feed. Monitoring the process is essential for safe, efficient and profitable operation. Hydroprocessing, specifically “hydrocracking”, is what initiated the development of the flexible reactor multipoint (Flex-R®) in 1987. New, highly active catalysts were developed to give refineries greater processing capacity. The danger of these new catalysts was that...

■ By measuring the temperature profiles, the plant operator receives valuable data that will give him a better idea of exactly what processes are occurring in the reactor. With these profiles, hotspots, channeling and distribution problems can be better recognised. ■ Short response times (4 ... 8 seconds) deliver fast information about changes in the process. ■ The solutions specifically developed by experienced engineers, installation technicians and industry experts ensure that the installation and routing of the radial elements has the lowest possible influence on the function of the catalyst....

■ Thermometers of the Radial TapTM range consist of Flex-R® thermocouples, which can be fixed to reactors without flange connections through specially developed couplings. ■ WIKA/Gayesco offers both the conventional Radial TapTM and also the Radial TapTM Nex Gen designs. ■ Radial TapTM Nex Gen allows for less installation welding in the field. ■ In the event that a thermocouple is damaged during corrective maintenance of the plant, WIKA/Gayesco is in a position to offer a quick and cost-effective solution so that stocking of complete systems is avoided. ■ Calibration of the thermocouples within...

Multipoints for fitting in pipewells High-temperature version with bimetal spring loading With this design, for each individual sensor a secure contact between the sensor tip and the inner wall of the pipewell is ensured through the bimetal spring loading. The bimetal spring loading is inserted into the pipewell in the unloaded position and the contact with the inner wall of the pipewell first occurs when heat is applied from the process. This multipoint assembly design for pipewells operates at temperatures up to 583 °C (1,081 °F). A special design with a high-temperature steel spring can be...

■ The flexible design enables much easier and cost-effective transport. ■ Due to the flexible construction, for installation, there is no need for cranes at double the reactor height and also the insertion into bent pipewells is simplified. ■ Patented purge tube design can purge water and other contamination from the pipewell. ■ The Flex-O™ design features special bimetal spring loading that contacts the inside of the pipewell on heating, ensuring the direct contact of the measuring point with the pipewell. This contact and the lower mass of metal in this design ensures a short response time....

T-beam ■ This is a traditional pipewell/multipoint assembly with a T-beam which is additionally anchored to the opposing wall of the reactor for support. ■ The basic design is with three thermowells holding small-diameter thermocouples. This construction enables their replacement during plant operation. ■ The multipoint assemblies must be removed and then reinstalled with each catalyst replacement. ■ The enhanced WIKA/Gayesco design features a secondary containment and optimised thermocouples and can be fitted with up to 11 measuring points.

In principle, miniature multipoints are made from individual measuring probes with low diameters, which measure the temperature at different positions or heights. Each individual probe is protected with a sheath from either stainless steel or a special alloy. The individual thermocouples can be combined within a single thermowell. This design is used where the generation of a temperature profile is required, but the weight or size of the multipoint is limited. These designs are available in a number of variants. These vertically orientated reactors consist of one or more tubes filled with catalyst,...