Section D Thermowell

Product Index
Model Descriptions Model Data sheet
Screwed Type Thermowell Hexagonal bar-stock screwed-in type WT 369p
Screwed Type Thermowell Hexagonal bar-stock screwed-in type with Lagging extension WL 369p
Screwed Type Thermowell End close tube screwed-in type WE 369p
Flanged Type Thermowell (Standard) Bar-stock Flanged weld type WS 373p
Flanged Type Thermowell (Standard) End close tube Flanged Groove weld type (Built up thermowell) WF 373p
Flanged Type Thermowel Bar-stock Threaded and enlarged Flange neck weld type (SK Standard) WN 377p
Flanged Type Thermowel Bar-stock Flanged Groove weld type (GS Standard) WG 377p
Weld in Type Thermowell Bar-stock Plain weld-in type WI 381p
Weld in Type Thermowell Bar-stock Socket weld type WK 381p

Thermowell
Introduction
Thermowells are used in industrial temperature measurement to provide isolation between the temperature sensor and the process
environment.
So that temperature sensors are protected from dangerous process systems where pressure, velocity, or viscous, abrasive, and cor-
rosive materials are present individually or in combination. Thermowells also make it possible that temperature elements can remove
without any leakage or stopping the process.

Description of each parts

External means to connect Thermowell to process system. Wells can be threaded, bolted (to matching
Process Connection
flange), clamped, or welded in place.
Instrument Connection Internal threads to connect temperature instrument to Thermowell.
Length of Thermowell immersed into process system. Measured from the base of the process connection

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to the end tip of the well.
Also called "lag length" or "lagging extension". Extends length between the instrument and process con-

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nections to accommodate vessel or piping insulation.

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Instrument insertion length into Thermowell. Equal to bore length.
Also called "tip diameter". Diameter of Thermowell shank at the end tip of the Thermowell. This dimen-

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sion may vary with process connection and/or shank design.
Also called "root diameter". Diameter of Thermowell shank below the process connection. This dimen-

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sion may vary with process connection and/or shank design.
Bore Diameter Dimension of internal bore to match the diameter of the instrument inserted into the Thermowell.

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Shank O.D. is the same from the root diameter ("Q" dimension) to the tip diameter ("D" dimension). The
Straight Shank straight shank is generally used with a 10mm or larger bore diameter, but is also available with a 7mm
bore.
Shank O.D. is gradually reduced from the root diameter ("Q" dimension) to the tip diameter ("D" dimen-
Tapered Shank sion). The tapered shank is recommended for heavy duty applications characterized by high vibration,
pressure, temperature, and/or velocity.

SELECTION CONSIDERATIONS
1. Immersion Length (“U” Dimension)
For best temperature measurement accuracy, the "U" dimension should be long enough to permit the entire temperature-sensitive
part of the measuring instrument to project into the medium being measured.
Liquid temperature measurement : A properly designed thermowell will extend into the fluid an amount equal to the length of the
temperature-sensitive zone plus one inch or greater.
Gas temperature measurement : A properly designed thermowell will extend into the fluid an amount equal to the length of the
temperature-sensitive zone plus three inches or greater.
The temperature-sensitive zone for thermocouples and thermistors is short (right at the tip of the device), enabling measurement ac-
curacy with limited immersion into the process fluid.
Bi-metal thermometers, resistance temperature detectors (RTDs), and liquid-in-glass thermometers have bulbs with temperature-sen-
sitive zones between one and two inches long. Filled-system thermometer bulbs may have temperature sensitive zones from one to
several inches in length.

2. Bore Diameter
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7mm bore: Bi-metal Thermometers (¼" stem)

Thermocouples (¼" sheath)
RTDs (¼" sheath) Liquid-in-glass Test Thermometers (unarmored)
Other elements having 6.5mm maximum diameter

10mm bore : Bi-metal Thermometers (
" stem)

Section D – Thermowell
Thermocouples (8 and 14 gage)
Liquid-in-glass Test Thermometers (armored) Other elements having 9.5mm maximum diameter

3. Shank Style
Tapered shank wells provide greater stiffness for the same sensitivity. The higher strength to weight ratio gives these wells higher natu-
ral frequency than for equivalent straight shank wells, thus permitting operation at higher fluid velocities.

4. Velocity Ratings
In most cases, thermowell failures are not due to the effects of pressure and temperature. The calculations necessary to provide ad-
equate strength under given conditions are familiar enough to permit proper choice of wall thickness and material.

Less familiar are the vibrational effects to which thermowells are subjected. Fluid flowing past the well forms a turbulent wake (the Von
Karman Trail), which has a definite frequency based on the diameter of the well and the velocity of the fluid. The thermowell must have
sufficient stiffness so that the wake frequency will never equal the natural frequency of the thermowell itself. If the natural frequency
of the well were to coincide with the wake frequency, the well would vibrate to destruction and break off.

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Table 1 provides recommended maximum velocity ratings for common well length and material combinations. To reduce the complex-
ity of presenting this information, the ratings given are based on operating temperatures of 540°C for carbon steel, 304 SST, and 316
SST wells. Ratings for brass wells are based on 180°C service. Ratings for Monel wells are based on 480°C service. Slightly higher velocity
is possible at lower temperatures

The velocity ratings provided are extremely conservative and intended primarily as a guide. Wells are safe from vibrational destruction
if the resonant frequency is well below the wake frequency, or if the fluid velocity is constantly fluctuating through the critical veloc-
ity point. Nevertheless, if the installation is not hampered by a sufficiently stiff well, it is recommended that the values given not be
exceeded.

Table 1. Maximum Fluid Velocity Ratings (ft/sec)

Root Dia. Immersion Length – "U" Dimension (mm)
Shank Style Material Process Fluid
"Q" Dim. 63 115 190 265 340 420 495 570
Liquid 59.3 39.8 23.9
19mm Brass 16.4 9.9 6.6 4.8 3.6
Gas 207 89.1 32.3
Carbon Liquid 106 71.2 42.7
22.8 13.8 9.3 6.7 4.9
Steel Gas 290 123 44.9
304, 316 Liquid 148 99.3
46.4 23.6 14.3 9.6 6.9 5.1
SST Gas 300 128
Liquid 118 79.8
Monel 40.6 20.7 12.4 8.3 6.1 4.5
Gas 261 112
Stepped
Liquid 59.3 47.6 37.0
23mm Brass 18.8 11.4 7.6 5.5 4.1
Gas 207 102 28.0
Carbon Liquid 106 84.3 51.6
26.2 15.9 10.6 7.6 5.7
Steel Gas 290 143 50.6
304, 316 Liquid 148 117
53.5 27.2 16.5 11.0 7.9 5.9
SST Gas 300 148
Liquid 118 93.3
Monel 46.7 23.7 14.4 9.5 6.9 5.1
Gas 261 128
Liquid 145 80 48.0
Any Brass 27.6 16.7 11.1 8.0 6.0
Gas 290 150 54.1
Carbon Liquid 260 144
69.5 35.4 20.5 14.3 10.3 7.7
Steel Gas 326 192
Straight
304, 316 Liquid 360
199 71.9 36.6 21.2 14.8 10.7 8.0
SST Gas 349
Liquid 316 178
Monel 68.1 34.8 20.8 14.0 10.0 7.5
Gas 320 189
Carbon Liquid 270 150
Any 90.3 45.6 27.8 18.5 13.2 9.8
Steel Gas 410 249
304, 316 Liquid 350 208
Tapered 97.3 49.7 30.4 20.3 14.5 10.7
SST Gas 483 272
Liquid 300 167
Monel 77.5 39.2 23.8 16.0 10.3 7.7
Gas 396 214

WELL CALCULATION
The following is a guideline, by order of priority, proposed to be used when performing Wake Frequency Calculations for thermowell.
For example, when a thermowell fails the calculation, the first solution proposed will be to shorten the length. If it still fails, the diameter
of the thermowell will be increased, and so on.

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Reduce Immersion Length of Thermowell
Limitation: Minimum immersion lenght of thermowell in process pipe must be at least 1/3 of pipe diameter.

Change the Style of the Thermowell

General rule of strongest to weakest styles are: Tapered - Straight - Stepped.
Increase the Diameters of the Thermowell
Limitation: Maximum Diameter = Nozzle Diameter - 4 mm.
Use a Velocity Collar
Note: Tolerance between collar and nozzle is recommended to be 1 mm. Nozzle inside diameter may require honing to smooth the
surface for easy installation.
Two other solutions are available:
1. Change the thermowell material, which could have a large cost impact. Hence, it is not usually recommended.
2. Change the installation of the thermowell, i.c. install the thermowell at an elbow where the flow will be lower. Please review the
above proposed methodology and advise if the sequence is preferred otherwise. A list of process information required wake frequency
calculation is also attached for your reference. Please provide the same on the instructions to begin the calculations. Feel free to contact
Rosemount engineers for any clarifications

CHARACTERISTIC OF MATERIAL

METAL PROTECTION TUBE MATERIALS

APPROXIMATE RECOM. MAX. DESCRIPTION
MATERIAL
COMPOSITION TEMP. (OXIDIZING) APPLICATION REMARKS
Tinning, Galvanizing, Non corrosive gases and liquids.
Carbon Steel SAE 1018 or SAE 1020 1000° F 540°C
Petroleum Scales quickly at higher temperatures.
Food Ovens, Asphalt
Wrought Iron or Wrought Iron 0.48% Non corrosive atmospheres.
1250° F 675°C Mixers, Preheaters,
Yoloy* Mn 0.98% Cu Balance Fe Low temperature molten metals.
Glass Lehrs, Dryers
Petroleum Products,
304 18% Cr 8% Ni 2% Good resistance to corrosion.
1650° F 900°C Mild Acids, Steam
Stainless Steel Mn Balance Fe Embrittles in the 900-1475° F range.
Lines, Food Processing
309 23% Cr 12% Ni 2% Sulphur-Dioxide, High resistance to scaling up to 1900° F.
2000° F 1090°C
Stainless Steel Mn Balance Fe Mild Acids Strong, tough material.
Chemical Applications, High mechanical and creep strength at
310 25% Cr 20% Ni 2%
2100° F 1150°C Petroleum Products, elevated temperatures. Very good cor-
Stainless Steel Mn Balance Fe
Kilns rosion resistance.

Section D – Thermowell
Chemical Applications, Higher corrosion resistance than 304.
316 18% Cr 12% Ni 2-1/2%
1700° F 925°C Food Products, Resists pitting in sulphuric and
Stainless Steel Mo Balance Fe
Steam Lines phosphoric acids.
321 18% Cr 9% Ni Ti Petroleum Products, Stablity against carbide precipitation.
1700° F 925°C
Stainless Steel Stabilized Balance Fe Steam Lines Resists inter-granular corrosion.
330 19% Cr 35% Ni 1-1/2% Heat Treating Good in oxidizing or reducing
2100° F 1150°C
Stainless Steel Mn Balance Fe Furnaces, Kilns atmospheres.
Steam Lines,
347 18% Cr 10% Used for severe stress and corrosion
1700° F 925°C Petroleum Products,
Stainless Steel Ni Cb + Ta Stabilized resistance applications.
Boiler Tubes
Neutral Salt Baths,
446 Highly resistant to sulphur attack.
27% Cr Balance Fe 2100° F 1150°C Some Molten Metals,
Stainless Steel General purpose alloy.
Furnaces

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 Chemical Applications,
Do not use in the presence of
Nickel 99% Ni 2000° F 1090°C Food Products,
sulphur or reducing atmosphere.
Autoclaves
Generally used for high temperature.
Salt Baths, Furnaces, Excellent resistance to oxidation.
Inconel 600 * 77% Ni, 15% Cr 2200° F 1215°C
Kilns Should not be used where sulphur is
present.
Carburizing, Nitriding, Resists scaling to 2100° F. Good resis-
Inconel 601 * 60% Ni, 23% Cr, 14% Fe 2100° F 1150°C
Heat Treating tance to corrosion at high temperature.
Superior to Inc. 600 in resistance to
32% Ni, 20.5% Cr, Furnaces,
Incoloy 800 * 2000° F 1090°C green rot. Retains strength at elevated
Balance Fe Cyanide Baths
temperature.
Marine Conditions,
Combines high strength and ductility.
Monel 400 * 67% Ni, 30% Cu 1000° F 535°C Chemical Applications,
Withstands many corrosives.
Food Processing
Molten Aluminum, Needs daily application of whitewash
Cast Iron Cast Fe 1600° F 870°C
Die Castings solution.
22% Cr, 5% Al, Molten Copper,
Kanthal * 2200° F 1215°C Has good resistance to sulphides.
Balance Fe Furnace Tubes
Furnace Tubes, Develops an oxide scale. Unusual
47% Ni, 22% Cr, 18% Fe,
Hastelloy X * 2350° F 1290°C Chemical Field, resistance to oxidizing, reducing and
9% Mo
Nuclear Reactors neutral atmospheres.
* Note: See Registry of Trademarks in Table of Contents.

REFRACTORY METAL PROTECTION TUBE MATERIALS

APPROXIMATE RECOM. MAX. TEMP. DESCRIPTION

MATERIAL
COMPOSITION (OXIDIZING) APPLICATION REMARKS
Special Exotic Applications
Sensitive to oxidation above
Molybdenum 99% Mo, Desilicized 3100° F 1700°C (Inert or Vacum Atmosphere
925° F.
Only)
Extremely sensitive to traces of
Tantalum 99% Ta, Chromalized 4200° F 2320°C Same as Molybdenum
oxygen above 500° F.
High Temperature Applica- Good resistance to mechanical
Metal-Ceramic 77% Cr, 23% Al Oxide 2500° F 1370°C
tions and thermal shock.

CERAMIC PROTECTION TUBE MATERIALS

APPROXIMATE RECOM. MAX. TEMP.

MATERIAL DESCRIPTION
COMPOSITION (OXIDIZING)
Can be used in molten silver or gold. Excellent resistance to
Quartz Fused Silicon Dioxide 2200° F 1215°C
thermal shock.
Silica Silica 2900° F 1600°C Usually used for glass tank applications.
63% Al2O3, Balance Good thermal shock resistance due to low rate of thermal expan-
Mullite
Silica & traces of other 3100° F 1700°C sion. Some possible contamination of platinum above 2400° F
(Porcelain)
materials due to silica.

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 Impervious to gases at high temperature - Fair resistance to
Alumina > 99% Al2O3 3400° F 1870°C
thermal and mechanical shock.
90% Si-Carbide, 9% Secondary protection for mullite or alumina tubes. Can take
Carbofrax * 3000° F 1650°C
Si-Dioxide flame impingement. Fair thermal shock resistance.
Silicon Nitrate, Not wetted by molten aluminum. Better resistance to mechanical
Refrax * 3150° F 1730°C
Bonded Si-Carbide and thermal shock.
High thermal conductivity. Poor resistance to mechanical shock.
Beryllium
99% BeO 4200° F 2315°C Possible reaction with others oxides at high temperature. Should
Oxide
be used with caution as fumes and powders are toxic.

Section D – Thermowell

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Section D Thermowell
Product Index
Model Descriptions Model Data sheet
Screwed Type Thermowell Hexagonal bar-stock screwed-in type WT 369p
Screwed Type Thermowell Hexagonal bar-stock screwed-in type with Lagging extension WL 369p
Screwed Type Thermowell End close tube screwed-in type WE 369p
Flanged Type Thermowell (Standard) Bar-stock Flanged weld type WS 373p
Flanged Type Thermowell (Standard) End close tube Flanged Groove weld type (Built up thermowell) WF 373p
Flanged Type Thermowel Bar-stock Threaded and enlarged Flange neck weld type (SK Standard) WN 377p
Flanged Type Thermowel Bar-stock Flanged Groove weld type (GS Standard) WG 377p
Weld in Type Thermowell Bar-stock Plain weld-in type WI 381p
Weld in Type Thermowell Bar-stock Socket weld type WK 381p