Abstract: A thermocouple assembly is provided that allows a first type of thermocouple to be used with thermoelements compatible with a second type of thermocouple. For a single thermocouple, a translator device measures a temperature using a new thermocouple and determines and outputs a voltage difference to existing thermoelements for a replaced thermocouple. For two or more thermocouples, a new terminal block is provided between an existing transmitter and the existing thermocouples, which are replaced by new thermocouples of a different type connected to the new terminal block. Existing extension wires are used to make a thermocouple at the new terminal block. A multiplexer is connected to terminals at the existing transmitter or terminal block. Temperatures at the new thermocouples are determined by forming particular circuits and using the temperature at the new block. Additional temperatures can also be determined using existing extension thermoelements.

Abstract: A conical seal fitting (CSF) has a longitudinal bore between proximal and distal ends, an exterior conical sealing surface near the distal end and an exterior shoulder between the proximal end and the exterior conical sealing surface. A flange has a through-hole defined by an interior conical sealing surface and interior threads. A gland nut surrounds the CSF and has exterior threads that engage the interior threads. The gland nut presses against the exterior shoulder to push the two conical sealing surfaces together to form a seal. The CSF has an O-ring received in a groove and a trapped annular space is defined between the O-ring and the seal. The flange has a test port extending from outside of a vessel into the annular space. The annular space can be pressurized through the test port to test the seal. A tube passes through the bore and is sealed with the CSF using a ferrule and a nut.

Abstract: A thermowell-thermocouple assembly for installation in a refractory-lined process vessel has an expansion joint for compensating for expansion, contraction and movement of the refractory. Examples of expansion joints include unsupported bellows, bellows that have a support sleeve around the bellows, a sliding, hexagonal coupling with crimping to hold the sliding tubes together, a pin-and-slot coupling and a spring-loaded, pin-and-slot sliding connection. The thermocouple-thermowell assembly can include a metal, a ceramic material, a refractory brick and/or a conical-shaped tip at a distal end, which can be or which can become fixed to the refractory.

Abstract: A thermowell-thermocouple assembly for installation in a refractory-lined process vessel has an expansion joint for compensating for expansion, contraction and movement of the refractory. Examples of expansion joints include unsupported bellows, bellows that have a support sleeve around the bellows, a sliding, hexagonal coupling with crimping to hold the sliding tubes together, a pin-and-slot coupling and a spring-loaded, pin-and-slot sliding connection. The thermocouple-thermowell assembly can include a metal, a ceramic material, a refractory brick and/or a conical-shaped tip at a distal end, which can be or which can become fixed to the refractory.

Abstract: A thermowell mounting assembly and method which allow a finite-length thermowell tube to be precisely adjusted by length during field installation to a desired position within a machine, process unit, or other location to be evaluated by a thermocouple. The adjustable length thermowell protects the thermocouple from a harsh process environment while simultaneously facilitating temperature measurement by the thermocouple at the adjusted length of the thermowell. Adjustment of thermowell length is achieved by rotation of the thermocouple-thermowell assembly from a position exterior to a mounting flange connected to the machine or process unit.