Temperature Sensors / Detectors / Transducers
Parker Hannifin Launches High-Reliability Thermocouple Sensor Optimized for High-Purity Processing Applications
Share:
design targets non-stop use in semiconductor, biopharm and similar applications - fitting-style packaging is optimized for speedy installation and maintenance
ISA EXPO, Houston, TX, October 18, 2006 - A new design of thermocouple assembly from the Partek division of Parker Hannifin provides an exceptionally reliable temperature monitoring sensor for high-purity fluid systems which traditionally use fluoropolymer components.
The sensor assembly overcomes perceived weaknesses with current thermocouple sensors that potentially reduce long term stability, and is expected to deliver considerable cost savings to users over its lifetime.
Designated the TS Series, the assembly has been designed as an alternative to sensors for high-purity flow systems that are fabricated by bonding the thermocouple wires between fluoropolymer tubing elements, a form of installation often carried out by end users. From analysis of failed parts used in this type of installation, Partek found that the bonding temperature can damage the wires' insulation. Such damage creates a wicking path for the flow media that leads to eventual failure of the wiring. When the sensors are used in clean room environments, the related downtime costs associated with diagnosing and fixing any such failure can be extremely high.
Special attention has been paid to the way the probe fits into Partek's new TS Series sensor. The tip itself is also sealed with fluoropolymer for protection and long life, and has minimal dead space and entrapment areas.
A TS Series sensor can be specified with either a K- or J-type thermocouple probe. Mounting for the sensor is provided in the form of a compact 'T' shaped PFA fitting that can be installed into fluid lines to function as a straight union, or a 90-degree elbow joint. The sensor element is installed into one leg of the T assembly, using a standard PFA compression ferrule set. The thermocouple is available for five tubing diameter sizes from 1/4 to 1 inch, or in a 'jump size converter' configuration.
By packaging the thermocouple inside a standard tube fitting shape, installation can be performed in as little as 5 minutes. By contrast, bonding a thermocouple inside tubing can take 30 minutes or more. Similar time savings are possible if maintenance is required, allowing change-outs to be performed in minutes. As thermocouples are one of the most common types of process instrumentation, switching to TS Series assemblies can result in total savings of many thousands of dollars a year for high purity processing lines and plants.
The new probe design has been put through an extensive program of tests to verify reliability and accuracy. Using de-ionized water and clean dry air as media, the tests include measurement accuracy and repeatability against a traceable thermometer, pullout tests designed to check the strength of the probe mounting (with no leaks observed at 700 PSIG/48 bar), and immersion in hydrochloric acid for 35 days (without affecting temperature reading performance or the insulation).
Partek's new TS Series thermocouple has applications wherever accurate, low-latency temperature monitoring is required in fluoropolymer-based fluid systems. In a semiconductor fabrication plant for instance, common applications include cleaning using de-ionized water, and temperature monitoring and control of hot chemicals, such as the acids that are used for etching and wafer carrier cleaning.
Parker Hannifin's Partek Operation manufactures flow control products for use in fluid systems where corrosion protection is required or where media purity must be safeguarded. The wetted surfaces of all products are of chemically inert, corrosion-resistant PFA (perfluororalkoxy) or PTFE (polytetrafluoroethylene). Products include valves, manifolds, fittings, pressure regulators, flow meters, pumps and spray guns, for use in semiconductor processing, and other high purity applications including chemical, food and pharmaceutical processing, and biomedical and analytical instrumentation.
Background information. Parker Instrumentation - a division of Parker Hannifin - provides tube fittings, valves, double-block-and-bleed valves, manifolds and enclosures for process and plant instrumentation in sectors including oil and gas, chemical/petrochemical, alternate fuels, pulp and paper, and analytical/high purity. For more information, visit www.parker.com/ipd.
With annual sales exceeding $8 billion, Parker Hannifin is the world's leading diversified manufacturer of motion and control technologies and systems, providing precision-engineered solutions for a wide variety of commercial, mobile, industrial and aerospace markets. The company employs more than 50,000 people in 46 countries around the world. Parker has increased its annual dividends paid to shareholders for 49 consecutive years, among the top five longest-running dividend-increase records in the S&P 500 index. For more information, visit the company's web site at www.parker.com, or its investor site at www.phstock.com.
Parker Hannifin Corporation - Partek
7075 East Southpoint Road
Tucson, AZ 85706 USA
t: 520 574 2600
f: 520 574 2700
http://www.parker.com/partek
