Industrial machines require a consistent temperature measurement to ensure production quality and understand machine condition. ifm offers a complete range of thermowells suitable for both sanitary and industrial applications, including markets for heating and cooling loops, process monitoring, and direct food contact.
The main difference between industrial and sanitary thermowells are their process connections. Industrial thermowells have industrial threads such as NPT and G (BSPP) threads, or they can be welded directly into the application. Sanitary thermowells have tri-clamp, sanitary welding, or G 1/2 sealing cone threads, and hold FDA and/or 3A approvals. These sanitary approvals ensure that installations are kept clean and free from ingress or contamination.
In F&B plants, temperature is a critical process value, therefore the temperature probes have to be calibrated/verified regularly to check their accuracy. With the ifm sanitary thermowells, the probe can be removed without having to stop the process or to empty the tank. The thermowell stays in place, keeps the gap closed and allows the process to continue.
Fluid systems can have high pressure and/or fluid velocity. Thermowells increase the mechanical durability of the temperature probes, as well as allow for instrument removal without exposing personnel to potentially dangerous operating conditions. Thermowells protect temperature sensors by separating the sensor from the harsh environment ensuring the sensor's measurement accuracy as well as long life expectancies.