Tube-Skin Temperature Sensors
Tube-skin temperature sensors measure the surface temperature of process tubes, furnace tubes and boiler tubes. These measurements support process control, thermal-performance review and protection against local overheating in demanding fired-heater and boiler applications.
TE Instrumentation designs and manufactures tube-skin thermocouples for refineries, petrochemical installations, energy plants and other high-temperature processes. The sensor and attachment arrangement must provide reliable thermal contact while remaining suitable for the tube material, operating environment and expected service conditions.
Typical applications
- Fired process heaters and furnaces.
- Boiler and energy installations.
- Refinery and petrochemical process tubes.
- Monitoring, inspection and optimisation of thermal processes.
Sensor construction and attachment
Accurate tube-surface measurement depends on the sensing junction, attachment method and cable routing. A protective pad can help shield a larger-diameter thermocouple from direct flame and radiant-heat effects. Depending on the application, available construction routes can include weld-pad, V-pad and smaller assemblies without a protective pad.
Correct installation is a critical part of service life and measurement performance. Tube diameter and material, operating temperature, heater geometry, burner or flame exposure, thermocouple type, sheath route, expansion movement, attachment method and shutdown access should all be considered before the design is finalised.
New and replacement sensors
For a replacement, send the existing drawing, type number, installation photographs and available process data. For a new measurement point, provide the tube and heater details, temperature range, preferred attachment and cable-routing requirements. TE Instrumentation can review these inputs and propose an appropriate construction for technical approval.
View the industrial temperature-sensor range or discuss your tube-skin application.
