ASME PTC 18.

3 Estratto

8 Introduction.
In many temperature measurements
in Performance Test Code work the sensitive element
cannot be placed directly into the medium
whose temperature is to be measured. In such cases
a well may be used, which by definition is a pressure
tight receptacle adapted to receive a temperature
sensing element and provided with external
threads or other means for tight pressure attachment
to a vessel Cl].**
9 Thermometer wells are used in measuring the
temperature of a moving fluid in a conduit, where
the stream exerts an appreciable force. For velocities
of 300 fps or less, tapered thermometer wells
of the design shown in Fig. 1.1, and of dimensions
given in Table 1.3, shall be used. For velocities in
excess of 300 fps, a fixed beam type thermometer
well is recommended

10 Attachment to the vessel may be made in any

manner approved by the ASME Boiler and Pressure
Vessel or Piping Codes. Any material approved by
these Codes for the intended service may be used.
Where materials are specified for the purposes of
illustrating the example, no inference is intended
that these materials are preferred,
11 For the experimental and theoretical bases of
the design procedure set forth herein, Ref, [2] should
be consulted.
12 Strength Versus Measurement. Those factors
required to produce adequate well strength tend to
reduce the accuracy and response of the temperature
measurement, as shown in TabIe 1.2 below.
13 Table 1.2 is not all inclusive, but indicates
that thermometer well design methods must carefully
balance these factors so that accuracy is compromised
a minimum when using a well of adequate
strength.
14 Design Procedure. The purpose of this design
procedure is to enable the user to determine if a
well selected for thermometry considerations is
strong enough to withstand specific application conditions
of temperature, pressure, velocity and vibration,
meIl failures are caused by forces imposed by
static pressure,, steady state flow, and vibration.
Separate evaluations of each of the above effects
should be made in order to determine the limiting
condition. This design procedure does not allow for
effects due to corrosion or erosion.
15 The natural frequency of a well designed in
accordance with Fig. 1.1 and of the dimensions
given in Table 1.3 is given by the following equation
 17 The maximum length that a thermometer well
can be made for a given service is dependent upon
both vibratory and steady state stress. The necessity
for keeping the frequency ratio at 0.8 or less
imposes one limitation on maximum length. The other
limitation is one of steady state stress considerations,
as given by the following equation:

18 Example Problem. Assume that it has been determined on the basis of thermometry considerations
that a 41/2 in. well is required to accommodate a 9/16 in. sensing element to measure the temperature
of superheated steam at 2400 psig, 1050%',flowing at a velocity of 300 fps. If the well material
is to be Type 321 stainless steel, will the well be safe?
19 Thermometer wells as shown in Fig. 1-1, are expected to satisfy 95 percent of the present well
problems. Increased temperature-pressure ratings of central stations now await advances in metallurgy,
Such materials when available will also increase the ratings of the thermometer wells. For
services where these thermometer wells are not now suitable, the use of a fixed beam type of well
described in Ref. 171 is recommended. Interest now centers on velocities of 300 fps or less.
Higher velocities give rise to considerable differences between stagnation and static temperatures.
For velocities in excess of 300 fps the fixed beam type of well is recommended.