Abstract
A thermocouple assembly for surface temperature measurement, comprising a sheathed thermocouple sensor cable, a positioning pad, receiving and/or securing a thermocouple sensor end at a desired measuring point, an insulation body, and a shielding, wherein the positioning pad is mechanically connected to the shielding. Additionally methods for the installation of a thermocouple assembly are also provided.
Claims
1. A thermocouple assembly for surface temperature measurement, the thermocouple assembly comprising: a sheathed thermocouple sensor cable; a positioning pad to receive and/or secure a thermocouple sensor end at a desired measuring point; an insulation body; and a shielding, wherein the positioning pad is mechanically connected to the shielding.
2. The thermocouple assembly of claim 1, wherein a mechanical connection provides for the connection between the positioning pad and the shielding, the mechanical connection comprising: a welding or brazing of at least two pieces; and/or an application of adhesives; and/or a peening or press-fit stemming; and/or at least one protruding portion of the positioning pad engaging with at least one corresponding recessed portion of the shielding, and/or a slot-groove construction, or by shaping from one piece, or by additive shaping.
3. The thermocouple assembly of claim 1, wherein: there is essentially one connection section between the positioning pad and the shielding, or there are essentially two connection sections between the positioning pad and the shielding, arranged on opposing sides of the positioning pad, or there are essentially two connection sections between the positioning pad and the shielding, arranged on adjacent sides of the positioning pad, or there are essentially three connection sections between the positioning pad and the shielding, arranged on three adjacent sides of positioning pad, or the positioning pad and the shielding are connected over multiple connection sections distributed over at least three sides of an inner perimeter of the shielding.
4. The thermocouple assembly of claim 1, wherein the positioning pad and/or the shielding is integrally formed or mechanically connected with a guiding conduit, and wherein the thermocouple sensor cable is inserted or insertable into the guiding conduit.
5. The thermocouple assembly of claim 4, wherein the guiding conduit comprises a receiving end portion to press the thermocouple sensor cable against the surface of the tube.
6. The thermocouple assembly of claim 1, wherein the shielding or at least a bottom side of the shielding and/or a portion of the thermocouple sensor cable, which is covered by the shielding, are formed straight, to match the surface of a flat object, or curved, to match the surface of a pipe or curved object, and wherein, the positioning pad is formed flat, to match the surface of the flat object, or the positioning pad is formed either curved, to match the surface of the pipe or curved object, or is formed flat, to touch the curved surface of the pipe or object at a desired measuring point.
7. The thermocouple assembly of claim 1, wherein the thermocouple sensor cable is integrally formed with the positioning pad or the shielding.
8. The thermocouple assembly of claim 1, wherein the thermocouple sensor cable is detachably connected with the positioning pad.
9. The thermocouple assembly of claim 1, wherein the thermocouple sensor cable comprises a lock that engages with a corresponding holder of the shielding when the thermocouple sensor cable is inserted into the shielding and/or the thermocouple sensor end is secured with the positioning pad, and wherein the thermocouple sensor cable is mechanically blocked from being extracted from the shielding.
10. A method for installation of a thermocouple assembly, the method comprising: providing the thermocouple assembly with a sheathed thermocouple sensor cable, a positioning pad, an insulation body, and a shielding; mechanically connecting the positioning pad to the shielding; and securing, at a desired position on a surface of a structure, the shielding to the surface.
11. The method for installation of a thermocouple assembly according to claim 10, wherein the positioning pad comprises at least one protruding portion and the shielding comprises at least one corresponding recessed portion, wherein mechanically connecting the positioning pad to the shielding comprises: placing the positioning pad at the desired position on the surface of the structure; and placing the shielding on the positioning pad such that the at least one protruding portion of the positioning pad mates or engages with the at least one corresponding recessed portion of the shielding.
12. The method for installation of a thermocouple assembly according to claim 11, wherein the shielding is secured to the surface by a welding, and wherein the shielding and the positioning pad are permanently joined together by this welding and/or a recessed portion of the shielding is covered and sealed by the welding.
13. The method for installation of a thermocouple assembly according to claim 10, further comprising: inserting the thermocouple sensor cable into the shielding; and introducing the thermocouple sensor end into a receiver of the positioning pad either prior to or after the placing and/or securing of the thermocouple assembly at the desired position on the surface of the structure.
14. The method for installation of a thermocouple assembly according to claim 10, wherein the thermocouple sensor cable comprises a lock that engages with a corresponding holder of the shielding, the method further comprising: inserting the thermocouple sensor cable into the shielding; introducing the thermocouple sensor end into a receiver of the positioning pad; and engaging the lock with the holder prior to the placing and/or securing of the thermocouple assembly at the desired position on the surface of the structure.
Description
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0043] The present invention will become more fully understood from the detailed description given hereinbelow and the accompanying drawings which are given by way of illustration only, and thus, are not limitive of the present invention, and wherein:
[0044] FIG. 1 schematically shows an exemplary embodiment of a thermocouple assembly,
[0045] FIG. 2 schematically shows an exemplary embodiment of a thermocouple assembly,
[0046] FIG. 3 schematically shows an exemplary embodiment of a thermocouple assembly,
[0047] FIG. 4 schematically shows an exemplary embodiment of a thermocouple assembly,
[0048] FIGS. 5.1-5.4 schematically show exemplary embodiments of a thermocouple assembly,
[0049] FIGS. 6.1-6.3 schematically show exemplary embodiments of a thermocouple assembly,
[0050] FIG. 7 schematically shows an exemplary embodiment of a thermocouple assembly,
[0051] FIGS. 8.1 and 8.2 schematically show exemplary embodiments of a shielding with recessed portions,
[0052] FIGS. 8.3 and 8.4 schematically show exemplary embodiments of a positioning pad with protruding portions,
[0053] FIGS. 9.1-9.3 schematically show steps of an exemplary method for installation of a thermocouple assembly,
[0054] FIGS. 10.1-10.4 schematically show exemplary embodiments of a thermocouple assembly,
[0055] FIG. 11 schematically shows an exemplary embodiment of a thermocouple assembly, and
[0056] FIGS. 12.1-12.3 schematically show an exemplary embodiment of a thermocouple assembly.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0057] FIG. 1 shows an exemplary embodiment of a thermocouple assembly 100 in a perspective view as well as in three side views/sectional views.
[0058] The thermocouple assembly 100 comprises a sheathed thermocouple sensor cable 110, a positioning pad 120 for receiving and/or securing a thermocouple sensor end 111 at a desired measuring point on or close to a surface of a structure, and a shielding 140.
[0059] The shielding covers the positioning pad 120 and at least a part of the sheathed thermocouple sensor cable 110 and an insulation body 130, filling the inner free volume of the shielding 140, wherein the positioning pad 120 is integrally formed with the shielding 140.
[0060] In this exemplary embodiment the positioning pad 120 is in the form of a bridge, extending between two opposing inner side walls of the shielding 140; the connection between shielding 140 and positioning pad 120 is formed by two connection sections 150, opposing each other. The thermocouple sensor cable 110 enters the shielding through an opening 143 of a side face 142 of the shielding 140.
[0061] FIG. 2 shows another exemplary embodiment of a thermocouple assembly 100 in a perspective view as well as in three side views/sectional views.
[0062] In contrast to FIG. 1, the positioning pad 120 of FIG. 2 is connected to the shielding 140 through three connection sections 150, arranged on three adjacent sides of the positioning pad 120. Hence, the positioning pad 120 covers part of the otherwise open bottom face of the box-like shielding 140.
[0063] FIG. 3 shows another exemplary embodiment of a thermocouple assembly 100 in a perspective view as well as in three side views/sectional views.
[0064] While the connection between positioning pad 120 and shielding 140 is similar to that shown in FIG. 1 (“bridge-type”), the thermocouple assembly 100 in FIG. 3 additionally comprises a guiding conduit 160, which is connected with one end to the shielding 140 at the position of an opening 143, where the thermocouple sensor cable 110 enters the shielding 140. Further, the guiding conduit 160 is connected with its other end to the positioning pad 120 at the means of the positioning pad 120 for receiving and/or securing the thermocouple sensor end 111. While the guiding conduit 160 is shown as a downward-open channel in this embodiment, a closed conduit, like a tube, may also be used without leaving the scope of the invention.
[0065] FIG. 4 shows another exemplary embodiment of a thermocouple assembly 100 in a perspective view as well as in three side views/sectional views.
[0066] While the connection between positioning pad 120 and shielding 140 is similar to that shown in FIG. 2, the assembly in FIG. 4 additionally comprises a guiding conduit 160, which is connected with one end to the shielding 140 at the position of an opening 143, where the thermocouple sensor cable 110 enters the shielding 140. Further, the guiding conduit 160 is connected with its other end to the positioning pad 120 at the means of the positioning pad 120 for receiving and/or securing the thermocouple sensor end 111.
[0067] FIGS. 5.1-5.4 show exemplary embodiments of a thermocouple assembly 100 in a side view of the bottom side. The embodiments each comprise a sheathed thermocouple sensor cable 110 and a positioning pad 120 for receiving and/or securing the thermocouple sensor end 111 at a desired measuring point on or close to a surface of a structure. Further, the embodiments comprise a shielding 140, covering the positioning pad 120 and at least a part of the sheathed thermocouple sensor cable 110, and an insulation body, filling the inner free volume of the shielding 140, wherein the positioning pad 120 is mechanically connected to and/or integrally formed with the shielding 140.
[0068] In FIG. 5.1 the positioning pad 120 is connected to the shielding 140 through one connection section 150. While the connection section 150 in this embodiment is arranged on an upper side on the positioning pad 120, it may as well be arranged on a left, right or lower side of the positioning pad 120, without leaving the scope of this invention. While the connection section 150 is shown in this embodiment as one continuous connection, e.g. a continuous weld along the full width of the side of the positioning pad 120, a shorter connection section 150 that does not cover the full width of the side of the positioning pad 120, a series of shorter connection sections 150 or a series of connections points may as well be used, without leaving the scope of the invention.
[0069] In FIG. 5.2 the positioning pad 120 is connected to the shielding 140 through two connection sections 150, arranged on opposing sides of the positioning pad 120. This arrangement may be referred to as a “bridge-type” positioning pad 120. While the connection sections 150 are shown in this embodiment as continuous connections, e.g. continuous welds along the full width of each side of the positioning pad 120, shorter connection sections 150 that do not cover the full width of each side of the positioning pad 120, a series of shorter connection sections 150 or a series of connections points may as well be used, without leaving the scope of the invention.
[0070] Furthermore, this embodiment additionally comprises a lock 112 in form of a ring, a ring segment or other protrusion, that is attached to the sheath of the thermocouple sensor cable 110. The shielding comprises a holder 144, which is formed by the inner wall of the shielding 140 surrounding the opening 143 of the shielding, where the thermocouple sensor cable 110 enters. The lock 112 abuts the holder 144, therefore the sensor cable 110 cannot be extracted from the shielding 140, once the shielding 140 is fixed to the surface of a structure. The assembly of this embodiment may comprise the steps of inserting the thermocouple sensor cable end 111 into a slot 121 of the positioning pad 120 under an angle and pivoting the sensor cable 110 about the sensor cable end 111, which is secured in or with the positioning pad 120, until the thermocouple sensor cable 110 fits into the opening 143 and lock 112 engages the holder 144.
[0071] In FIG. 5.3 the positioning pad 120 is connected to the shielding 140 through two connection sections 150, arranged on adjacent sides of the positioning pad 120. This arrangement may be referred to as a “corner-type” positioning pad 120. While the connection sections 150 are shown in this embodiment as continuous connections, e.g. continuous welds along the full width of each side of the positioning pad 120, shorter connection sections 150 that do not cover the full width of each side of the positioning pad 120, a series of shorter connection sections 150 or a series of connections points may as well be used, without leaving the scope of the invention.
[0072] In FIG. 5.4 the positioning pad 120 is connected to the shielding 140 through three connection sections 150, arranged on adjacent sides of the positioning pad 120. While the connection sections 150 are shown in this embodiment as continuous connections, e.g. continuous welds along the full width of each side of the positioning pad 120, shorter connection sections 150 that do not cover the full width of each side of the positioning pad 120, a series of shorter connection sections 150 or a series of connections points may as well be used, without leaving the scope of the invention.
[0073] FIGS. 6.1-6.3 show exemplary embodiments of a thermocouple assembly 100 in a side view of the bottom side. The embodiments each comprise a sheathed thermocouple sensor cable 110 and a positioning pad 120 for receiving and/or securing the thermocouple sensor end 111 at a desired measuring point on or close to a surface of a structure. Further, the embodiments each comprise a shielding 140, covering the positioning pad 120 and at least a part of the sheathed thermocouple sensor cable 110, and an insulation body, filling the inner free volume of the shielding 140. The positioning pad 120 is mechanically connected and/or integrally formed with the shielding 140.
[0074] In FIG. 6.1 the positioning pad 120 is connected to the shielding 140 in another “bridge-type” arrangement. In contrast to FIG. 5.2, however, the connection comprises two separate connection sections 150 on both opposing sides of the positioning pad 120. Between the two connection sections 150 on each side of the positioning pad 120 there is a non-connected void section. While these connection section 150 are shown in this embodiment as continuous connections, e.g. continuous welds, a series of shorter connection sections 150 or a series of connections points may as well be used, without leaving the scope of the invention.
[0075] In FIG. 6.2 the positioning pad 120 is connected to the shielding 140 in another “bridge-type” arrangement. In contrast to FIG. 5.2, however, the connection sections 150 do not extend over the full side length of the positioning pad, but are recessed on both sides.
[0076] In FIG. 6.2 the positioning pad 120 is connected to the shielding 140 in another “bridge-type” arrangement. In contrast to FIG. 5.2, however, the connection comprises a series of connection points 151 on both sides of the positioning pad 120 instead of continuous connection sections 150.
[0077] FIGS. 1-4 show exemplary embodiments of a thermocouple assembly 100 which have a rounded/curved shape to fit the surface of a tube or pipe structure.
[0078] FIG. 7 however, displays an embodiment of a thermocouple assembly 100 that has a straight form, to match a flat surface 210 of a structure. The thermocouple assembly 100 of this embodiment comprises a guiding conduit 160 in the form of a channel that is open downwards. A receiving end portion 161 of the guiding conduit 160 presses the thermocouple sensor cable end 111 against the surface 210 of the structure at the measuring point.
[0079] The sheathed thermocouple sensor cable 110 comprises a protrusion on an upper side as a lock 112, which is positioned along the length of the sensor cable 110 to abut against a holder 144 of the shielding 140, when the sensor cable end 111 meets with a receiver of the positioning pad 120 at the measuring point.
[0080] The holder 144 is formed by the inner wall of the shielding 140, that surrounds the opening 143, where the sheathed thermocouple sensor cable 110 enters the shielding 110.
[0081] The guiding conduit 160 is flared in proximity of this opening 143 to leave room for the lock 112. The features shown in this figure are also applicable to the embodiments shown in other figures, where the thermocouple assembly parts are formed curved to match a non-straight surface of a structure, like a pipe.
[0082] FIGS. 8.1 and 8.2 show an exemplary embodiment of a shielding 140 with two recessed portions 145, one on each of its two side faces 142, and an opening 143, where a thermocouple sensor cable 110 can be inserted into the shielding 140. The recessed portions 145 are formed ‘through’ the walls of the shielding, thereby forming openings between the inner free volume of the shielding and the outside.
[0083] FIG. 8.1 shows a bottom view of such shielding, whereas FIG. 8.2 shows a side view.
[0084] FIGS. 8.3 and 8.4 show an exemplary embodiment of a positioning pad 120 with two protruding portions 122 on opposing sides with a thermocouple sensor cable 110 attached to the positioning pad 120.
[0085] Two dotted lines cross the FIGS. 8.1-8.4 to indicate, that the recessed portions 145 of the shielding and the protrusions 122 of the positioning pad 120 match in size, such that they might be referred to as corresponding to each other. Not only the width of the protrusions 122 fits the width of the recessed portions 145. The height is also matched and the length of the protruding portions 122 is matched to the thickness of the wall of the shielding 140, such that the protruding portions 122 end flush with the outer surface of the shielding 140, when the shielding 140 of FIGS. 8.1, 8.2 is placed on the positioning pad 120 of FIGS. 8.3, 8.4. The parts in these figures are formed curved to match the curved surface of pipe structure. However, the shown design might as well be applied to straight parts that match a flat surface.
[0086] FIGS. 9.1-9.3 show exemplary steps of a method to install a thermocouple assembly 100 on a structure 200 for surface temperature measurements. The shown structure 200 is a pipe.
[0087] In a first step, shown in FIG. 9.1, a thermocouple sensor cable 110 with a connected positioning pad 120 is placed on a desired measuring point on the surface of the structure 200. Beforehand, a surface area 211 might be cleaned or grinded to provide good conditions for a later welding. The positioning pad 120 comprises two protruding portions 122.
[0088] In a second step, shown in FIG. 9.2, a shielding 140, comprising recessed portions 145 that correspond to the protruding portions 122 of the positioning pad 120, is placed on the positioning pad 120 and the surface of the structure 200, such that the recessed portions 145 and protruding portions 122 mate and/or engage with each other.
[0089] In a third and final step, as shown in FIG. 9.3, the shielding 140 is secured to the surface of the structure 200 by a welding 300. Dimensions and parameters of the welding 300 might be chosen such that the recessed portions 145 are completely covered and sealed by the welding 300. Also, in an exemplary embodiment, the protruding portions 122 of the positioning pad 120 might be permanently connected to the shielding 140 by the welding 300 at the same time.
[0090] FIG. 10.1 shows another exemplary embodiment of a thermocouple assembly 100, that is installed in-line with a pipe structure 200 on the surface 210 of the pipe.
[0091] The thermocouple sensor cable 110 therefore is oriented in a straight manner. A shielding 140 is secured to the structure by welding 300 to provide protection for the thermocouple sensor cable end 111. A positioning pad 120 is mechanically connected to the shielding 140 and receives and holds the thermocouple sensor cable end 111 at a desired measuring point. In contrast to the exemplary embodiments of FIGS. 1, 2, 3, 4, 8.1-8.3 and 9.1-9.3, where, respectively, shielding 140, positioning pad 120 and a part of thermocouple sensor cable 110 are shown curved around an axis perpendicular to the direction of extension of the thermocouple sensor cable, to be fitted around a pipe or tube structure, the assembly of FIG. 10.1 comprises a shielding 140 and thermocouple sensor cable 110 with a straight form, parallel to the structure. However, the bottom side of the shielding 140 as well as the positioning pad 120 are curved about an axis parallel to the direction of extension of the thermocouple sensor cable 110 to still fit perfectly to the curved surface 210 of the structure 200. This is further illustrated in FIGS. 10.2 and 10.3.
[0092] FIG. 10.2 shows a sectional view of the thermocouple assembly 100 of FIG. 10.1 through sectional plane A as indicated in FIG. 10.1 for an embodiment where the mechanical connection between shielding 140 and positioning pad 120 comprises two protruding portions 122 of the positioning pad 120, mating with two corresponding recessed portions 145 of the shielding. The welding 300, which secures the shielding to the surface 210 of the structure 200, completely covers the recessed portions 145, thereby sealingly and rigidly connecting the shielding 140, the positioning pad 120 and the surface 210.
[0093] FIG. 10.3 also shows a sectional view of the thermocouple assembly 100 of FIG. 10.1 through sectional plane A as indicated in FIG. 10.1, but for an embodiment where the mechanical connection between shielding 140 and positioning pad 120 comprises an integral form of both parts, i.e. the positioning pad 120 is integrally formed with/connected to the shielding 140 by welding 300′, before the shielding itself is secured to the structure by welding 300.
[0094] FIG. 10.4 also shows a sectional view of a thermocouple assembly 100 installed in-line on a tube structure 200, similar to the assembly of FIG. 10.1. The bottom side of the shielding 140 is curved to match the surface of the tube. However, in this embodiment, the positioning pad 120 is not curved to fit the surface of the structure, but is flat instead. Thereby, a defined thermal and mechanical contact point or line between the positioning pad 120 and the surface is formed at or through a desired measuring point 220. The thermocouple sensor cable end 111 is positioned and held at exact this point.
[0095] FIG. 11 shows another example for a thermocouple assembly 100, comprising a shielding 140 and a thermocouple sensor cable 110, which are formed curved to be arranged around a tube 200 and match the surface of the tube structure 200, combined with a positioning pad 120 that is not curved. The flat positioning pad 120 receives and holds the thermocouple sensor cable end 111 at a desired measuring point 220. Because of the flat form of the positioning pad 120, the mechanical and thermal contact between it and the surface of the structure 200 is reduced to only a narrow line going through the measuring point 220, perpendicular to the orientation of extension of the thermocouple sensor cable 110. Thereby the influence of the heat transfer through the positioning pad 120 between the walls of the shielding 140 and the sensitive tip of the thermocouple sensor cable end 111, compared to the heat transfer through the positioning pad 120 between the area of the surface of the structure 200 surrounding the measuring point 220 and the sensitive tip of thermocouple sensor cable end 111, is increased. Consequently, this heat transfer may even compensate for large deviations in surface temperature under the shielding 140.
[0096] FIG. 12.1 shows another example for a thermocouple assembly 100 in a sectional view, similar to the sectional views of FIGS. 10.2 to 10.4; however, in this example, the thermocouple assembly 100 is arranged on the surface of a flat structure. The shielding 140 comprises two recessed portions 145 arranged at the inner surface of opposing side walls. These recesses 145 are formed to engage with protruding portions 122 of a positioning pad 120. However, in contrast to the configurations of recesses and protrusions of other exemplary embodiments, e.g., as shown in the FIGS. 8.1-8.4, 9.1-9.3 and 10.2, the recesses 145 of the shielding 140 are not positioned at the bottom of the respective side walls. For the protruding portions 122 of the positioning pad 120 to engage with these recesses 145 while at least a portion of the positioning pad 120 stays in firm contact with the surface 210 of the structure 200, the positioning pad 120 comprises vertically extending members 123, which provide the protrusions 122, e.g. in the shape of noses, at the required position, i.e. at the required height. The part of the positioning pad 120, which is in contact with the surface 210, receives and/or secures the closed thermocouple sensor cable end 111 at a desired measuring point.
[0097] FIG. 12.2 shows the shielding 140 and positioning pad 120 of FIG. 12.1 in a sectional view, before engagement of the parts. To achieve the mechanical connection between positioning pad 120 and shielding 140, i.e. to achieve engagement of the protruding portions 122 with the recessed portions 145, the shielding 140 may be placed on top of the positioning pad 120 and pushed downwards. The vertically extending members 123 are designed flexible, such that they can bend inwards to allow the protrusions 122 so slide up to meet and engage with, i.e. snap or clip into the recessed portions 145. To provide additional guidance during engagement of both parts, to provide additional stability and to prevent any misalignment or slipping of the positioning pad 120, the inner side walls of the shielding 140 comprise guiding grooves 146, that receive and guide the vertically extending members 123.
[0098] FIG. 12.3 shows the shielding 140 of FIG. 12.2 in a sectional view through sectional plane B, as indicated in FIG. 12.2. Here, guiding grooves 146 and recessed portions 145 are further displayed.
[0099] The invention being thus described, it will be obvious that the same may be varied in many ways. Such variations are not to be regarded as a departure from the spirit and scope of the invention, and all such modifications as would be obvious to one skilled in the art are to be included within the scope of the following claims.
