Industrial Thermowell (Drilled Bar Stock) for High Pressure
In high-velocity pipelines and pressurized vessels, inserting a bare sensor is dangerous. The Hongtai Industrial Thermowell acts as the primary pressure boundary, protecting fragile temperature sensors from flow-induced vibration, corrosion, and physical damage.
For critical applications in chemical plants and power stations, we manufacture Drilled bar stock thermowell units. Unlike cheaper fabricated (welded) tubes, these are machined from a single solid piece of hex bar stock (Stainless Steel 316, Hastelloy, or Monel). This seamless construction ensures maximum structural integrity, capable of withstanding pressures up to 500 Bar and high flow velocities without snapping.
Key Technical Features & Benefits
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Zero Process Downtime: The Thermocouple protection tube isolates the sensor from the process fluid. This allows you to remove, calibrate, or replace the sensor while the system is fully pressurized and running—a “Maintenance Friendly” essential.
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Solid Drilled Construction: Bored from solid metal bars to ensure concentricity and eliminate weld seams, which are potential failure points in high-pressure steam lines.
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Versatile Connections: Available in Flanged thermowell (ASME/ANSI B16.5) for heavy industry or Threaded (NPT/BSP) for general piping.
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Wake Frequency Compliant: Engineered to pass ASME PTC 19.3 TW calculations to prevent resonance failure caused by vortex shedding.
Technical Specifications
| Parameter | Specification | Notes |
| Product Type | Industrial thermowell | Drilled Bar Stock |
| Material | SS304, SS316L, Monel 400, Hastelloy C276 | NACE compliant available |
| Process Connection | Flange (1″, 1.5″, 2″ ANSI 150#-2500#) | Thread (1/2″, 3/4″, 1″ NPT) |
| Instrument Connection | 1/2″ NPT Female (Standard) | Fits standard probes |
| Bore Diameter | 6.5mm, 7mm, 8.5mm, 10mm | Fits 6mm/8mm sensors |
| Immersion Length (U) | 50mm to 1000mm | Custom lengths |
| Construction | Solid Drilled (High Pressure) | Fabricated (Low Pressure) |
| Pressure Rating | Up to 500 Bar (depending on flange) | – |
Application Scenarios
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Oil & Gas: High-pressure pipelines requiring Flanged thermowell installations to prevent leakage.
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Chemical Industry: Reactors containing corrosive acids (using Hastelloy wells).
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Steam Systems: Protecting sensors from high-velocity superheated steam.
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Sanitary: Tri-clamp thermowells for food and beverage tanks.
Fabrication vs. Bar Stock: What’s the difference?
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Fabricated (Welded): A tube welded to a fitting. Cheap, good for low pressure (water tanks, HVAC).
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Bar Stock (Drilled): Machined from solid steel. Expensive, but mandatory for High Pressure steam and toxic chemicals. Hongtai specializes in Bar Stock wells.
FAQ
Q: How do I choose the length?
A: The “U-Length” (Immersion) should typically extend to the center 1/3rd of the pipe diameter for the most accurate reading.
Q: Do I need thermal grease?
A: Yes. Adding a high-temp thermal compound inside the well improves heat transfer speed, reducing the lag time between the fluid temp and the sensor reading.
Pair this with our Industrial Thermocouple Assemblies.
