A range of multipoint temperature assemblies is now available from Okazaki Manufacturing Company (OMC), which is suitable for all types of process applications, including crude oil storage tanks, hydrocarbon cracking units, chemical reactors and desulphurisation catalyst bed reactors.

Most catalyst bed reactors operate at very high pressures and temperatures, making the vapour generated potentially very dangerous. The design of the reactor and multipoint temperature assemblies are therefore critical to safe plant operation. The reactors are between 3 m and 6 m in diameter and are between 10 m and 40 m high.

For optimal process operation, the temperature needs to be controlled and monitored accurately and fast as well as three-dimensionally at multiple pre-set levels within the reactor catalyst filling. It is therefore preferable to have a minimum number of entry nozzles, or to utilise existing nozzles when upgrading.

“For chemical reactors and desulphurisation catalyst bed reactors, OMC’s AerOradial range of multipoint temperature assemblies is ideal,” says OMC.

“This assembly offers the maximum number of temperature measurement points through a single process connection or entry nozzle. OMC utilises its own AerOpak mineral insulated cables, providing single tip measurement or multiple sensing points within a single stem. This enables full, three-dimensional temperature profiling, which ensures safe control of the process with a fast thermal response.”

Positioning
Assemblies can be positioned through the side, top or bottom of the reactor vessel, with adjustable spacers for catalyst tubes or with an optional mounting system for fitting to the reactor, it adds.

To ensure the pressure seal is maintained on the assembly, OMC uses a special welding technique known as ‘orbital seal welding’. Here, the sensors are welded into custom-designed pressure containment chambers. These chambers can be fitted with pressure gauges or transmitters, which indicate any safety problems such as a primary seal failure.