Emerson launches surface-sensor oil pipe temperature reader
US electrical company Emerson has extended the potential applications of its temperature-sensor system. The Rosemount X-well technology measures the surface temperature of pipes and uses an algorithm based on the conductive properties of the materials from which the pipe is made to work out the temperature inside. This allows users to obtain an accurate reading without having to intrude into the process or install thermowells to protect sensors. Emerson has now made it available on a new platform for users with wired networks.
Emerson Automation Solutions has introduced a new platform for its RosemountTM X-wellTM Technology surface sensing temperature measurement solution. The technology with a Rosemount 3144P transmitter extends the company’s non-intrusive temperature sensing technology range for users in conventional wired I/O environments.

This product expands potential application possibilities for X-well in plants and facilities where wired networks are already installed, or where WirelessHART has not yet been deployed. Other users have found this new platform solution to be a useful replacement for difficult thermowell installations, which often have a wired connection already available and can be reused.

X-well works by measuring pipe surface temperature and ambient temperature, and combining this information with an understanding of the thermal conductivity properties of the installation and process piping to produce an accurate process temperature measurement.

An advantage of this technology is accurate process temperature measurement without requiring any intrusions or penetrations into the process, allowing for quicker and easier installation along with simplified long-term maintenance. Users do not have to design, size or maintain thermowells. Wake frequency calculations are eliminated, as well as time spent determining material compatibility, the right insertion length and the necessary profile.

Applications for this technology include pipelines, small line sizes, high velocity flows, slurries, heavy particulate fluids, wellheads, clean-in-place processes, high viscosity fluids and harsh processes in the oil and gas, chemical, refining, metals and mining industries.

With X-well, users can also add temperature measurement points without having to shut down a process. The measurement instruments can be installed with a standard pipe clamp procedure and ordinary hand tools, without the need for a skilled contractor.