Retractable thermowell

Details Retractable thermowell Retractable thermowell

1999-03-23

2001-05-15

Gutierrez, Diego (Department: 2859)

Thermal measuring and testing

Housing, support, or adjunct

C374S179000

Reexamination Certificate

active

06231230

ABSTRACT:

FIELD OF THE INVENTION
This invention relates to thermowells.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
Thermowells are frequently placed in pipes to monitor chemical processes and fluids running through the pipes. These pipes are sometimes inspected or cleaned by pigs, and damage can occur to the thermowells if they are left in the pipes. There is thus a need for a readily retractable thermowell that can be easily retracted under pressure from the pipeline or vessel without the need to depressurize the process.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
According to an aspect of the invention, there is provided a retractable thermowell, comprising:
a fixed thermowell housing having a flanged end for connection to a ball valve and a remote end, the fixed thermowell housing have a first bore;
a movable thermowell housing having a slide end and a thermowell securing end, the movable thermowell housing having a second bore;
the slide end of the movable thermowell housing having a sliding connection to the remote end of the fixed thermowell housing with the first bore and second bore axially aligned, and the movable thermowell housing being axially slidable on the fixed thermowell housing between an extended position and a retracted position;
a thermowell received within the first bore and second bore, the thermowell having a first end and a second end, the thermowell being secured to the movable thermowell housing for axial movement with the movable thermowell housing;
a packing between the thermowell and the fixed thermowell housing; and
the thermowell being retracted into the fixed thermowell housing when the movable thermowell housing is in the retracted position and the thermowell being extended out of the fixed thermowell housing when the movable thermowell housing is in the extended position.
By this means, a readily retractable thermowell is provided which may be removed easily from a pipe being monitored, and the packing will maintain a sealed condition of the pipe.
These and other aspects of the invention are described in the detailed description of the invention and claimed in the claims that follow.


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Clif Mock Company Product information Operation and Installation instructions and drawing intitled A-3 Retriever Hook Up & Parts Breakdown, 2 pages. No date.
Welker Engineering Company product brochure entitled Automatic Insertion Temperature Probe, 9/98, 2 pages.
Welker Engineering Company Installation and Operation Instructions For Welker Aid-1TP Automatic Insertion Temperature Probe, 2/97, 7 pages, including drawing AD56480 Dec. 1, 1993.
Clif Mock Operations A-3 Sample Retriever True-Cut Series Installation and Operation Procedure, 9 pages-including Clip Mock drawing 2151042. No date.

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