In almost every chemical reaction, a follow up of the temperature of the processed media is needed. This is sometimes required to drive the process quality, for safety reasons, or just as an indication. Consequently, it becomes obvious that improving the performance of temperature measurement probes in glass-lined equipment is a guarantee of product quality, reproducibility. and safety.
The TMI probe is the traditional probe for temperature indication. Up to 3 off Pt100 sensors are inserted in a thermowell, that is flange mounted on the vessel or reactor.
Despite all design precautions, the principle of inserting Pt100 sensors into glass-lined equipment has its disadvantages:
long response times due to heavy metal masses around the probes;
risk of drifting, due to exposure to any corrosive atmospheres or condensates in the thermowell;
risk of breaking caused by vibrations.
Pfaudler recommends using the TMI probe only to monitor the temperature, and not to drive the process.