Title of Invention

DEVICE AND METHOD FOR MEASURING TEMPERATURE IN A TUBULAR FIXED-BED REACTOR

Abstract ABSTRACT STRUCTURE FOR GUIDING INSTALLATION OF A THERMOWELL FOR TEMPERATURE SENSOR, AND METHOD FOR INSTALLING A THERMOWELL FOR TEMPERATURE SENSOR USING THE STRUCTURE A structure for guiding installation of a thermowell for temperature sensor and method for installing a thermowell for temperature sensor using the structure are disclosed. The structure comprises: a guide tube (1) for fixing a location of the thermowell; at least two guide tube legs (2); and support rods (3) connected to the guide tube legs (2) in a vertical direction, wherein at least two guide tubes (1) are arranged in the vertical direction, and each guide tube (1) is at an identical radial location from a center of the fixed-bed catalyst reaction tube; and wherein each support rod (3) comprises a support rod ear (31) extending from an upper end to a portion connected to a highest guide tube leg, a support rod body (32) extending from the portion connected to the highest guide tube leg (2) to a portion connected to a lowest guide tube leg (2), and a support rod foot (33) extending from the portion connected to the lowest guide tube leg (2) to a lower end.
Full Text

Description
Technical Field
[1] The present invention relates to a structure for guiding the installation of a
thermowell for temperature sensor and a method for installing a thermowell for
temperature sensor by using the structure.
Background Art
[2] In general, the catalytic gas phase oxidation occurring in a reaction tube is highly
exothermic, and it is very important to monitor the temperature of the catalyst bed
a manufacturing process include a process for manufacturing acrolein or acrylic acid
by oxidizing propylene or propane a process for manufacturing phthalic anhydride by
oxidizing naphthalene or orthoxylene, and a process for manufacturing maleic
anhydride by partially oxidizing benzene, butylene, or butadiene.
[3] During such a manufacturing process, the temperature is measured in the axial
direction of the reaction tube, and is referred to as an axial temperature profile. When it
comes to the temperature profile, the location of hot spots and the temperature size at
that location vary depending on the construction and activity of the catalyst bed, the
reaction temperature, the reaction pressure, and the flow rate of reaction mixtures.
Therefore, it is of crucial importance to measure the temperature inside the catalyst bed
accurately.
[4] Based on the measured temperature, any excessive increase of temperature at the
hot spots inside the catalyst bed or thermal accumulation near the hot spots must be
avoided. This is because the high temperature occurring otherwise degrades the se-
lectivity of the product.
[5] In order to monitor the temperature of hot spots of a fixed-bed catalyst reaction tube
and obtain a temperature profile of the entire catalyst bed, a thermowell for
temperature sensor is installed, and a thermocouple, for example, is placed inside the
thermowell while filling the reaction tube with a catalyst..
[6] When a thermowell for temperature sensor is to be positioned at a desired location
on a catalyst bed (e.g. at radial center), it is customary to install fixed supports (e.g.
wires) on the thermowell at an interval in the axial direction.
[7] However, if a reaction tube is filled with a catalyst while a thermowell for
temperature sensor is positioned in the reaction tube by fixed supports, they interfere
with the filling path and result in irregular filling. As a result, the density of the catalyst

bed fluctuates. In addition, the coefficient of thermal transfer may vary due to the
influence of materials constituting the supports. This adversely affects the temperature
measurement.
[8] Particularly, if the porosity of the catalyst bed increases locally, most reaction
substances tend to pass through the highly porous portion (i.e. channeling occurs). In
the case of a heat exchange-type multi-tubular reactor, an enormous load is con-
centrated on a fraction of contact tubes among tens of thousands of them. For these
reasons, it is of great importance to maintain a uniformly filled bed.
[9] When the catalyst needs replacement when its life has expired or when it has been
damaged, the supports installed on the thermowell for temperature sensor make it
difficult to remove the catalyst from the contact tubes.
[10] A thermowell for temperature sensor having no support may be used in order to
avoid these problems. Although this approach may alleviate the irregularity of filling
and the deviation of density of the catalyst bed, it becomes difficult to maintain the
thermowell for temperature sensor at a desired location in the radial direction of the
catalyst bed. Particularly, the thermowell for temperature sensor tends to bend and
adhere to the wall of the reaction tube or deflect in an unwanted direction. As a result,
it is not easy to measure the temperature at a desired location.
Disclosure of Invention
Technical Problem
[11] Therefore, the present invention has been made in view of the above-mentioned
problems, and it is an object of the present invention to provide a structure for guiding
the installation of a thermowell for temperature sensor so that, when a fixed-bed
catalyst reaction tube is filled with a catalyst, the thermowell for temperature sensor is
fixed at a predetermined location inside the reaction tube, the resulting catalyst bed has
a constant density, the axial temperature profile of the catalyst bed can be measured ef-
ficiently, and the height of the catalyst-filled bed can be measured simultaneously.
[12] It is another object of the present invention to provide a holding structure for
holding a structure for guiding the installation of a thermowell for temperature sensor.
[13] It is still another object of the present invention to provide a method for installing a
thermowell for temperature sensor, together with catalyst filling, by using a structure
for guiding the installation of the thermowell for temperature sensor.
Technical Solution
[14] According to an aspect of the present invention, there is provided a structure for
guiding installation of a thermowell for temperature sensor, the structure including a
guide tube for fixing a location of the thermowell; at least two guide tube legs
connected to the guide tube in a horizontal direction so as to support the guide tube;

and support rods connected to the guide tube legs in a vertical direction so as to
support the guide tube legs, respectively.
[15] According to another aspect of the present invention, there is provided a structure
for guiding installation of a thermowell for temperature sensor, the structure including
a guide tube for fixing a location of the thermowell; at least two guide tube legs
connected to the guide tube in a horizontal direction so as to support the guide tube; a
ring connected to the guide tube legs in the horizontal direction so as to support the
guide tube legs; and at least two support rods connected to the guide tube legs or the
ring in a vertical direction so as to support the guide tube legs or the ring.
[16] According to another aspect of the present invention, there is provided a holding
structure including a holding ring fastened beneath the guide tube legs or the support
rods of the inventive structure for guiding installation of a thermowell for temperature
sensor so as to hold the structure; and at least three holding feet connected to the
holding ring in a vertical direction so as to support the holding ring.
[17] According to another aspect of the present invention, there is provided a method for
installing a thermowell for temperature sensor, the method including the steps of (a)
installing a guide structure, the guide structure guiding installation of a thermowell for
temperature sensor, inside a reaction tube so that the thermowell for axial temperature
measurement is fixed at a predetermined location inside the reaction tube and (b)
fixing the thermowell for temperature sensor while filling the reaction tube with a
catalyst.
[18] According to another aspect of the present invention, there is provided a method for
measuring a height of a filled bed, the method including the steps of (a) installing the
inventive structure for guiding installation of a thermowell for temperature sensor in a
reaction tube and (b) moving the structure in an axial direction of the reaction tube
according to a height of a filled bed while filling the reaction tube with a catalyst so as
to measure the height of the filled bed.
Brief Description of the Accompanying Drawings
[19] The foregoing and other objects, features and advantages of the present invention
will become more apparent from the following detailed description when taken in
conjunction with the accompanying drawings in which:
[20] FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing an example of a structure for guiding the in-
stallation of a thermowell for temperature sensor according to the present invention;
[21] FIG. 2 is a sectional view of a guide tube and a guide tube leg of the structure
shown in FIG. 1;
[22] FIG. 3 is a perspective view showing another example of a structure for guiding the
installation of a thermowell for temperature sensor according to the present invention;

[23] FIG. 4 is a perspective view showing an example of a structure, which includes a
ring, for guiding the installation of a thermowell for temperature sensor according to
the present invention;
[24] FIG. 5 is a sectional view of a guide tube, a guide tube leg, and the ring of the
structure shown in FIG. 4;
[25] FIG. 6 is a perspective view showing another example of a structure, which
includes a ring, for guiding the installation of a thermowell for temperature sensor
according to the present invention;
[26] FIG. 7 is a perspective view showing an example of a holding structure for holding
a structure for guiding the installation of a thermowell for temperature sensor
according to the present invention;
[27] FIG. 8 shows a method for installing a thermowell for temperature sensor in a
fixed-bed catalyst reaction tube by using the structure for guiding the installation of the
thermowell for temperature sensor shown in FIG. 6 while filling the reaction tube with
a catalyst; and
[28] FIG. 9 shows a method for installing a thermowell for temperature sensor in a
fixed-bed catalyst reaction tube by using the structure for guiding the installation of the
thermowell for temperature sensor shown in FIG. 6 and the holding structure shown in
FIG. 7 while filling the reaction tube with a catalyst.
Mode for the Invention
[29] Reference will now be made in detail to the preferred embodiments of the present
invention.
[30] The present invention is directed to a structure for guiding the installation of a
thermowell for temperature sensor so that the thermowell, which is used to measure the
temperature of a catalyst bed in the axial direction inside a reaction tube filled with a
fixed-bed catalyst, is fixed at a predetermined location inside the reaction tube.
[31] The structure for guiding the installation of a thermowell for temperature sensor
according to the present invention can be moved in the axial direction of the fixed-bed
catalyst reaction tube. Such an axial movement is possible not only when the reaction
tube is empty, but also while the reaction tube is filled with a catalyst.
[32] When the inventive structure for guiding the installation of a thermowell for
temperature sensor is used while the reaction tube is filled with a catalyst, the structure
is moved in response to a change in height of the catalyst bed and instantly informs of
the filling level.
[33] FIG. 1 shows an example of a structure for guiding the installation of a thermowell
for temperature sensor according to the present invention. The structure includes a
guide tube 1 for fixing the location of a thermowell, at least two guide tube legs 2

connected to the guide tube in the horizontal (transverse) direction so as to support the
guide tube 1, and support rods 3 connected to the guide tube legs in the vertical
(longitudinal) direction so as to support them, respectively.
[34] When the structure is installed in a fixed-bed catalyst reaction tube, the thermowell
for temperature sensor is made to pass through the guide tube 1 so that the location of
the thermowell is fixed.
[35] Wires, for example, may be inserted into holes on the upper end of the support rods
3 so that the structure can be moved in the axial direction by manipulating the wires
from the outside of the reaction tube.
[36] The structure may have at least two guide tubes 1 so that the location of the
thermowell for temperature sensor can be fixed more securely.
[371 When at least two guide tubes 1 are used, they are preferably placed one above the
other at the same radial location from the center of the fixed-bed catalyst reaction tube
so that the thermowell for temperature sensor remains fixed in the same axial direction
as the reaction tube without being slanted in the reaction tube.
[38] FIG. 2 is a sectional view of the guide tube 1 and the guide tube legs 2 of the
structure shown in FIG. 1. The inner diameter 11 of the guide tube 1 is preferably as
large as 1.01-2 times the outer diameter of the thermowell, in order to facilitate
movement between the structure and the thermowell. The outer diameter 12 of the
guide tube 1 is not limited to a specific amount, but preferably has a moderate size for
easy catalyst filling. The height 13 of the guide tube 1 may be as large as 0.1~300
times the outer diameter of the thermowell, in order to fix the location of the
thermowell. The shape of the guide tube 1 according to the present invention includes
not only a tube, but also a ring.
[39] The length and thickness of the guide tube legs 2 have no specific limitation and
can be adjusted as desired. However, the length of the guide tube legs 2 is preferably
adjusted so that, on the same plane, the guide tube and the guide tube legs conform to
the inner diameter of the reaction tube.
[40] The thickness of the support rods 3 is not limited to a specific amount, but,
considering catalyst filling, the thickness is preferably not too large.
[41] FIG. 3 shows an example of a structure for guiding the installation of a thermowell
for temperature sensor. The structure includes two guide tubes 1 for fixing the location
of a thermowell for temperature sensor, six guide tube legs 2 connected to the guide
tubes in the horizontal (transverse) direction so as to support them, respectively, (three
guide tube legs are connected to each guide tube), and three support rods 3 connected
to the guide tube legs 2 in the vertical (longitudinal) direction so as to support them, re-
spectively (each support rod is connected to two guide tube legs arranged one above
the other in the axial direction).

[42] When at least two guide tubes 1 are used in the structure, the same number of guide
tube legs 2 are preferably connected to each guide tube, considering the connection
between the guide tube legs 2 and the support rods 3. The total number of the support
rods 3 is preferably equal to the number of guide tube legs 2 connected to each guide
tube 1. Respective support rods 3 may be connected to guide tube legs 2 arranged at
the highest to the lowest location in the axial direction.
[43] Referring to FIG. 3, when at least two guide tubes 1 are used in the structure, each
support rod 3 may include a support rod ear 31 extending from its upper end to a
portion connected to the highest guide tube leg, a support rod body 32 extending from
the portion connected to the highest guide tube leg to a portion connected to the lowest
guide tube leg, and a support rod foot 33 extending from the portion connected to the
lowest guide tube leg to the lower end.
[44] The length of the support rod body 32 is not limited to a specific amount, but is
preferably as large as 1-30 times the inner diameter of the fixed-bed catalyst reaction
tube, in order to fix the location of the thermowell for temperature sensor more ef-
ficiently and secure structural stability of the structure itself.
[45] The length of the support rod ear 31 may correspond to 0.1 -50% of that of the
support rod body 32. The support rod ear 31 may have a hole, into which a wire, for
example, is inserted so that, by manipulating the wire from the outside of the reaction
tube, the structure can be easily moved in the axial direction.
[46] The length of the support rod foot 33 may correspond to 0.1-50% of that of the
support rod body 32. The support rod foot 33 makes it easy to remove the structure
from the catalyst bed.
[47] FIG. 4 shows an example of a structure for guiding the installation of a thermowell
for temperature sensor. The structure includes a guide tube 1 for fixing the location of
a thermowell; at least two guide tube legs 2 connected to the guide tube 1 in the
horizontal (transverse) direction so as to support it; a ring 4 connected to the guide tube
legs 2 in the horizontal direction so as to support them; and at least two support rods 3
connected to the guide tube legs 2 or the ring 4 in the vertical (longitudinal) direction
so as to support the guide tube legs 2 or the ring 4.
[48] Wires, for example, may be inserted into holes on the upper end of the support rods
3 so that the structure can be moved in the axial direction by manipulating the wires
from the outside of the reaction tube.
[49] The structure, which includes a ring 4, may have at least two guide tubes 1 so that
the location of the thermowell for temperature sensor can be fixed more securely.
[50] When at least two guide tubes 1 are used, they are preferably placed one above the
other at the same radial location from the center of the fixed-bed catalyst reaction tube
so that the thermowell for temperature sensor remains fixed in the same axial direction

as the reaction tube without being slanted in the reaction tube.
[51] FIG. 5 is a sectional view of the guide tube 1, the guide tube legs 2, and the ring 4
of the structure shown in FIG. 4. The inner diameter 11 of the guide tube 1 is
preferably as large as 1.01-2 times the outer diameter of the thermowell, in order to
facilitate movement between the structure and the thermowell. The outer diameter 12
of the guide tube 1 is not limited to a specific amount, but preferably has a moderate
size for easy catalyst filling. The height 13 of the guide tube 1 may be as large as
0.1-300 times the outer diameter of the thermowell, in order to fix the location of the
thermowell. The shape of the guide tube 1 according to the present invention includes
not only a tube, but also a ring.
[52] The length and thickness of the guide tube legs 2 have no specific limitation and
can be adjusted as desired. However, the length of the guide tube legs 2 is preferably
adjusted so that, on the same plane, the guide tube and the guide tube legs conform to
the inner diameter of the reaction tube.
[53] The diameter and thickness of the ring 4 are not limited to a specific amount, but
the maximum diameter of the ring 4 must be smaller than the inner diameter of the
reaction tube so that the structure can enter the reaction tube.
[54] There is no specific restriction regarding the shape of the ring 4. As non-limiting
examples, the ring 4 may have the shape of a circle, an ellipse, or a polygon having n
angles (n: 3-12). The outer portion of the ring 4, i.e. its shell 41, preferably has the
shape of a circle, an ellipse, or a polygon having n angles (n: 3-12) so as to reduce the
contact area between the ring and the inner wall of the reaction tube.
[55] The thickness of the support rods 3 is not limited to a specific amount, but,
considering catalyst filling, the thickness is preferably not too large.
[56] FIG. 6 shows an example of a structure, which includes a ring, for guiding the in-
stallation of a thermowell for temperature sensor according to the present invention.
The structure includes two guide tubes 1 for fixing the location of a thermowell for
temperature sensor; four guide tube legs 2 connected to the guide tubes 1 in the
horizontal (transverse) direction so as to support them, respectively, (two guide tube
legs are connected to each guide tube); two rings 4 connected to the guide tube legs 2
in the horizontal direction so as to support them, respectively; and three support rods 3
connected to the guide tube legs 2 (each support rod is connected to two guide tube
legs arranged one above the other in the axial direction) or to the rings 4 in the vertical
(longitudinal) direction so as to support them, respectively.
[57] When at least two guide tubes 1 are used in the structure, the support rods 3 may be
connected to the rings 4. Considering this, the number of guide tube legs 2 is not
necessarily the same for each guide tube. In addition, the total number of the support
rods 3 needs not be identical to the number of guide tube legs 2 connected to each

guide tube 1.
[58] When at least two guide tubes 1 are used, the number of the rings 4 is not
necessarily identical to the total number of the guide tubes 1. However, when at least
two rings 4 are employed, the size of the rings 4 preferably varies to a lesser degree so
that the reaction tube can be easily filled with a catalyst. Particularly, the ratio of the
outer diameter of the highest ring to that of the lowest ring is preferably 0.8-1.25 or
4/5-5/4.
[59] When at least two guide tubes 1 exist, respective support rods 3 may be connected
to guide tube legs 2, which are arranged at the highest to the lowest location in the
axial direction, or to the rings 4.
[60] Referring to FIG. 6, when at least two guide tubes 1 are used in the structure, each
support rod 3 may include a support rod ear 31 extending from its upper end to a
portion connected to the highest guide tube leg or ring, a support rod body 32
extending from the portion connected to the highest guide tube leg or ring to a portion
connected to die lowest guide tube leg or ring, and a support rod foot 33 extending
from the portion connected to the lowest guide tube leg or ring to the lower end.
[61] The length of the support rod body 32 is not limited to a specific amount, but is
preferably as large as 1-30 times the inner diameter of the fixed-bed catalyst reaction
tube, in order to fix the location of the thermowell for temperature sensor more ef-
ficiently and secure structural stability of the structure itself.
[62] The length of the support rod ear 31 may correspond to 0.1 -50% of that of the
support rod body 32. The support rod ear 31 may have a hole, into which a wire, for
example, is inserted into the hole so that, by manipulating the wire from the outside of
the reaction tube, the structure can be easily moved in the axial direction.
[63] The length of the support rod foot 33 may correspond to 0.1 -50% of that of the
support rod body 32. The support rod foot 33 makes it easy to remove the structure
from the catalyst bed.
[64] The angle between guide tube legs on different planes (i.e. angle between upper and
lower guide tube legs) is not limited specifically, and may be 0-180°.
[65] In order to improve the strength of the guide tube 1 and the guide tube legs 2 of the
structure for guiding the installation of a thermowell for temperature sensor according
to the present invention, they may be made of at least one material selected from the
group consisting of nickel, copper, aluminum, titanium, chromium, carbon, iron,
cobalt, molybdenum, gold, silver, vanadium, stainless steel, and an alloy thereof. The
support rods 3 and the rings 4, which make contact with the reaction tube, are
preferably made of a material capable of reducing the friction against the inner wall of
the reaction tube, such as Teflon or engineering plastic. If higher hardness is necessary,
a material containing more carbon is used. Likewise, if high-temperature hardness and

resistance to corrosion need to be increased, chromium is added. If toughness and
resistance to corrosion need to be improved, more nickel is used.
[66] A holding structure according to the present invention includes a holding ring faste
ned beneath the guide tube leg or support rod of the above-mentioned structure for
guiding the installation of a thermowell for temperature sensor so as to hold the guide
structure; and at least three holding feet connected to the holding ring in the vertical
direction so as to support it.
[67] FIG. 7 shows an example of a holding structure according to the present invention,
which is adapted to hold the guide structure.
[68] The thickness of the holding ring 5 of the holding structure is not limited to a
specific amount. The maximum diameter of the holding ring 5 must be smaller than the
inner diameter of the reaction tube, but larger than the outer diameter of the
thermowell for temperature sensor. Preferably, the maximum diameter of the holding
ring 5 is smaller than or equal to the horizontal maximum diameter of the guide
structure. In addition, the size of the holding ring 5 must be determined so that it can
move in both directions inside the reaction tube and lift the structure while sustaining it
from below.
[69] There is no specific restriction regarding the shape of the holding ring 5. As non-
limiting examples, the holding ring 5 may have the shape of a circle, an ellipse, or a
polygon having n angles (n: 3-12). The outer portion of the holding ring 5, i.e. its
shell, preferably has the shape of a circle, an ellipse, or a polygon having n angles (n:
3-12) so as to reduce the contact area between the holding ring and the inner wall of
the reaction tube.
[70] The holding feet 6 are adapted to support the holding ring 5 and level it. The length
and thickness of the holding feet 6 are not limited to a specific amount, but,
considering catalyst filling, the thickness is preferably not too large.
[71] The above-mentioned structure for guiding the installation of a thermowell for
temperature sensor, alone or together with the holding structure, is applicable not only
to a case in which a commercial multi-tubular reactor is filled with a catalyst, but also
to a pilot- or laboratory-scale reactor tube. Typical examples of a process using such a
commercial multi-tubular reactor include a process for manufacturing acrolein or
acrylic acid by oxidizing propylene or propane, a process for manufacturing phthalic
anhydride by oxidizing naphthalene or orthoxylene, and a process for manufacturing
maleic anhydride by partially oxidizing benzene, butylene, or butadiene.
[72] A method for installing a thermowell for temperature sensor according to the
present invention includes a first step of installing a guide structure, which is adapted
to guide the installation of a thermowell for temperature sensor, inside a reaction tube
so as to fix a thermowell, which is used to measure the axial temperature, at a pre-

determined location inside a fixed-bed catalyst reaction tube and a second step of
fixing the thermowell for temperature sensor while filling the reaction tube with a
catalyst.
[73] In the first step of the method, a holding structure may be installed inside the
reaction tube together with the guide structure. The holding structure includes a
holding ring fastened beneath a guide tube leg or support rod of the guide structure so
as to hold it and at least three holding feet connected to the holding ring in the vertical
direction so as to support it.
[74] The maximum diameter of the holding ring of the holding structure must be smaller
than the inner diameter of the reaction tube, but larger than the outer diameter of the
thermowell for temperature sensor. Preferably, the maximum diameter of the holding
ring is smaller than or equal to the horizontal maximum diameter of the guide
structure.
[75] The guide structure used in the method for installing a thermowell for temperature
sensor according to the present invention may include a guide tube 1, a guide tube leg
2, and a support rod 3. Alternatively, the guide structure may include a guide tube 1, a
guide tube leg 2, a ring 4, and a support rod 3.
[76] The method may further include a third step of removing the guide structure from
the reaction tube after the second step. Alternatively, when both a guide structure and a
holding structure have been installed inside the reaction tube, the method may further
include a third step of removing the guide structure and the holding structure from the
reaction tube after the second step.
[77] In the second step, the guide structure alone or together with the holding structure
may be moved in the axial direction of the reaction tube according to the height of a
catalyst-filled bed, which is created as a result of catalyst filling, so as to fix the
thermowell and measure the height of the catalyst-filled bed. It is not always necessary
to move the guide structure alone or together with the holding structure in the upward
direction during the filling process. However, such a movement is advantageous in that
the thermowell can be fixed at a predetermined location inside the reaction tube more
efficiently. In addition, after the filling process is over, the guide structure alone or
together with the holding structure can be easily removed.
[78] FIG. 8 briefly shows a method for installing a thermowell for temperature sensor in
a fixed-bed catalyst reaction tube by using the guide structure shown in FIG. 6 while
filling the reaction tube with a catalyst.
[79] An example of a method for installing a guide structure for guiding the installation
of a thermowell for temperature sensor in a fixed-bed catalyst reaction tube is as
follows: a weight is fitted on top of the guide structure, which is then inserted into the
reaction tube. Due to the weight, the guide structure is easily moved into the reaction

tube. The weight is removed before the reaction tube is filled with a catalyst.
[80] Referring to FIG. 8, when the fixed-bed catalyst reaction tube 200 is filled with a
catalyst, the guide structure 300 is moved in the axial direction of the thermowell for
temperature sensor 100 while continuously fixing the location of the thermowell for
temperature sensor 100 at three spots, particularly spot A on the catalyst bed and spots
B and C on the guide tube. As such, the thermowell for temperature sensor is
accurately fixed at a predetermined location inside the reaction tube.
[81] FIG. 9 briefly shows a method for installing a thermowell for temperature sensor in
a fixed-bed catalyst reaction tube by using the guide structure shown in FIG. 3 and the
holding structure shown in FIG. 7 while filling the reaction tube with a catalyst.
[82] The holding structure is used when the fixed-bed catalyst reaction tube has a small
inner diameter or when the guide structure cannot be moved easily. By installing at
least one wire, for example, on at least one portion of the holding structure and ma-
nipulating the wire from the outside of the reaction tube, the guide structure and the
holding structure can be easily moved in the axial direction.
[83] Referring to FIG. 9, when the fixed-bed catalyst reaction tube 200 is filled with a
catalyst, the guide structure 300 and the holding structure 400 are moved in the axial
direction of the thermowell for temperature sensor 100 while continuously fixing the
location of the thermowell for temperature sensor 100 at three spots, particularly spot
A on the catalyst bed and spots B and C on the guide tube. As such, the thermowell for
temperature sensor is accurately fixed at a predetermined location inside the reaction
tube.
[84] Referring to FIG. 9, the holding structure 400 is fastened beneath the guide
structure 300 and pulled so that these structures 300 and 400 are moved in the axial
direction. When the fixed-bed catalyst reaction tube has a small inner diameter or when
the guide structure cannot be moved easily, a wire, for example, is connected to the
holding structure 400 and hung down so that the holding structure 400 moves
downwards while the guide structure 300 remains at the same location. As a result, the
distance 500 between the catalyst bed and the guide structure is known. In addition, the
distance 500 between the catalyst bed and the guide structure is maintained uniformly
so that the guide structure 300 is not embedded in the catalyst bed and the holding
structure 400 is positioned on top of the catalyst bed. This informs of the filling level
of the catalyst bed.
[85] Those skilled in the art can easily understand that it is within the scope of the
present invention to apply the structure for guiding the installation of a thermowell for
temperature sensor, alone or together with the holding structure, to a predetermined
length of tube, besides a thermowell for temperature sensor, when the tube is fixed at a
predetermined location inside a reaction tube in the axial direction.

Industrial Applicability
[86] As can be seen from the foregoing, the structure for guiding the installation of a
thermowell for temperature sensor according to the present invention is advantageous
in that, when the structure is used while a fixed-bed catalyst reaction tube is filled with
a catalyst, it is possible to maintain a constant density of the catalyst-filled bed and
accurately position the thermowell for temperature sensor at a predetermined location.
Therefore, the axial temperature profile of the catalyst-filled bed can be measured ef-
ficiently. In addition, the absence of fixed supports inside the reaction tube makes it
easy to remove the catalyst from the reaction tube for replacement. Since the structure
can be moved according to the height of the catalyst-filled bed during filling, the filling
level of the bed is instantly known.
[87] While this invention has been described in connection with what is presently
considered to be the most practical and preferred embodiment, it is to be understood
that the invention is not limited to the disclosed embodiment and the drawings, but, on
the contrary, it is intended to cover various modifications and variations within the
spirit and scope of the appended claims.

WE CLAIM :
1. A structure for guiding installation of a thermowell for temperature sensor, the structure
comprising:
a guide tube (1) for fixing a location of the thermowell;
at least two guide tube legs (2) connected to the guide tube (1) in a horizontal direction
so as to support the guide tube; and
support rods (3) connected to the guide tube legs (2) in a vertical direction so as to
support the guide tube legs, respectively,
wherein at least two guide tubes (1) are arranged in the vertical direction, and each
guide tube (1) is at an identical radial location from a center of the fixed-bed catalyst reaction
tube; and
wherein each support rod (3) comprises a support rod ear (31) extending from an upper
end to a portion connected to a highest guide tube leg, a support rod body (32) extending from
the portion connected to the highest guide tube leg (2) to a portion connected to a lowest guide
tube leg (2), and a support rod foot (33) extending from the portion connected to the lowest
guide tube leg (2) to a lower end.
2. The structure as claimed in claim 1, wherein the structure is adapted to move in an
axial direction of the fixed-bed catalyst reaction tube.
3. The structure as claimed in claim 1, wherein an identical number of guide tube legs (2)
are connected to each guide tube (1).
4. The structure as claimed in claim 1, wherein the number of the support rods (3) is equal
to the number of the guide tube legs (2) connected to each guide tube (1), and each support rod
(3) is connected to the guide tube legs (2) positioned along an identical axis from a highest
location to a lowest location.
5. A structure for guiding installation of a thermowell for temperature sensor, the structure
comprising:

a guide tube (1) for fixing a location of the thermowell;
at least two guide tube legs (2) connected to the guide tube (1) in a horizontal direction
so as to support the guide tube;
a ring (4) connected to the guide tube legs (2) in the horizontal direction so as to
support the guide tube legs; and
at least two support rods (3) connected to the guide tube legs (2) or the ring (4) in a
vertical direction so as to support the guide tube legs or the ring.
6. The structure as claimed in claim 5, wherein the structure is adapted to move in an
axial direction of a reaction tube.
7. The structure as claimed in claim 5, wherein at least two guide tubes (1) are arranged in
the vertical direction, and each guide tube (1) is at an identical radial location from a center of
a fixed-bed catalyst reaction tube.
8. The structure as claimed in claim 5, wherein the ring (4) and a shell of the ring have a
shape of a circle, an ellipse, or a polygon having n angles, n being 3-12, respectively.
9. The structure as claimed in claim 7, wherein each support rod (3) is connected to the
guide tube legs (2) or the rings (4), the guide tube legs (2) being positioned along an identical
axis from a highest location to a lowest location.
10. The structure as claimed in claim 7, wherein each support rod (3) comprises a support
rod ear (31) extending from an upper end to a portion connected to a highest guide tube leg (2)
or ring (4), a support rod body (32) extending from the portion connected to the highest guide
tube leg (2) or ring (4) to a portion connected to a lowest guide tube leg or ring, and a support
rod foot (33) extending from the portion connected to the lowest guide tube leg (2) or ring (4)
to a lower end.

11. A holding structure comprising:
a holding ring (5) fastened beneath at least one guide tube legs (2)/support rods (3) of a
structure for guiding installation of a thermowell for temperature sensor so as to hold the
structure; and
at least three holding feet (6) connected to the holding ring (5) in a vertical direction so
as to support the holding ring,
wherein the structure for guiding installation of a thermowell for temperature sensor
comprises:
a guide tube (1) for fixing a location of the thermowell;
at least two guide tube legs (2) connected to the guide tube (1) in a horizontal direction
so as to support the guide tube; and support rods (3) connected to the guide tube legs (2) in a
vertical direction so as to support the guide tube legs, or
a guide tube (1) for fixing a location of the thermowell; at least two guide tube legs (2)
connected to the guide tube (1) in a horizontal direction so as to support the guide tube; a ring
(4) connected to the guide tube legs (2) in the horizontal direction so as to support the guide
tube legs; and at least two support rods (3) connected to the guide tube legs (2) or the ring (4)
in a vertical direction so as to support the guide tube legs or the ring.
12. The holding structure as claimed in claim 11, wherein the holding ring (5) has a
maximum diameter smaller than or equal to a maximum horizontal diameter of the structure
for guiding installation of a thermowell for temperature sensor.
13. A method for installing a thermowell for temperature sensor, the method comprising
the steps of:

(a) installing a guide structure, the guide structure guiding installation of a thermowell
for temperature sensor, inside a reaction tube so that the thermowell for axial temperature
measurement is fixed at a predetermined location inside the reaction tube; and
(b) fixing the thermowell for temperature sensor while filling the reaction tube with a
catalyst,

wherein the guide structure comprises:
a guide tube (1) for fixing a location of the thermowell; at least two guide tube legs (2)
connected to the guide tube (1) in a horizontal direction so as to support the guide tube; and
support rods (3) connected to the guide tube legs (2) in a vertical direction so as to support the
guide tube legs, respectively;
wherein at least two guide tubes (1) are arranged in the vertical direction, and each
guide tube (1) is at an identical radial location from a center of the fixed-bed catalyst reaction
tube; and each support rod (3) comprises a support rod ear (31) extending from an upper end to
a portion connected to a highest guide tube leg (2), a support rod body (32) extending from the
portion connected to the highest guide tube leg (2) to a portion connected to a lowest guide
tube leg, and a support rod foot (33) extending from the portion connected to the lowest guide
tube leg (2) to a lower end, or
wherein the guide structure comprises:
a guide tube(l) for fixing a location of the thermowell; at least two guide tube legs (2)
connected to the guide tube (1) in a horizontal direction so as to support the guide tube; a ring
(4) connected to the guide tube legs (2) in the horizontal direction so as to support the guide
tube legs; and at least two support rods (3) connected to the guide tube legs (2) or the ring (4)
in a vertical direction so as to support the guide tube legs or the ring.
14. The method as clamed in claim 13, wherein, in step (a), a holding structure is installed
inside the reaction tube together with the guide structure, and the holding structure comprises a
holding ring (5) fastened beneath at least one guide tube legs (2)/ support rods (3) of the guide
structure so as to hold the guide structure; and at least three holding feet (6) connected to the
holding ring (5) in a vertical direction so as to support the holding ring.
15. The method as claimed in claim 13, comprising a step of removing the guide structure
from the reaction tube after step (b).

16. The method as claimed in claim 14, comprising a step of removing the guide structure
and the holding structure from the reaction tube after step (b).
17. The method as claimed in claim 13, wherein, in step (b), the guide structure is moved
in an axial direction of the reaction tube according to a height of a catalyst-filled bed while
filling the reaction tube with a catalyst so as to fix the thermowell and measure the height of
the catalyst-filled bed.
18. The method as claimed in claim 14, wherein, in step (b), the guide structure and the
holding structure are moved in an axial direction of the reaction tube according to a height of a
catalyst-filled bed while filling the reaction tube with a catalyst so as to fix the thermowell
tube and measure the height of the catalyst-filled bed.


ABSTRACT
STRUCTURE FOR GUIDING INSTALLATION OF A THERMOWELL
FOR TEMPERATURE SENSOR, AND METHOD FOR INSTALLING A
THERMOWELL FOR TEMPERATURE SENSOR USING THE STRUCTURE
A structure for guiding installation of a thermowell for temperature sensor and method
for installing a thermowell for temperature sensor using the structure are disclosed. The
structure comprises: a guide tube (1) for fixing a location of the thermowell; at least two guide
tube legs (2); and support rods (3) connected to the guide tube legs (2) in a vertical direction,
wherein at least two guide tubes (1) are arranged in the vertical direction, and each guide tube
(1) is at an identical radial location from a center of the fixed-bed catalyst reaction tube; and
wherein each support rod (3) comprises a support rod ear (31) extending from an upper end to
a portion connected to a highest guide tube leg, a support rod body (32) extending from the
portion connected to the highest guide tube leg (2) to a portion connected to a lowest guide
tube leg (2), and a support rod foot (33) extending from the portion connected to the lowest
guide tube leg (2) to a lower end.

Documents:

01878-kolnp-2008-abstract.pdf

01878-kolnp-2008-claims.pdf

01878-kolnp-2008-correspondence others.pdf

01878-kolnp-2008-description complete.pdf

01878-kolnp-2008-drawings.pdf

01878-kolnp-2008-form 1.pdf

01878-kolnp-2008-form 3.pdf

01878-kolnp-2008-form 5.pdf

01878-kolnp-2008-international publication.pdf

01878-kolnp-2008-international search report.pdf

01878-kolnp-2008-pct priority document notification.pdf

01878-kolnp-2008-pct request form.pdf

1878-KOLNP-2008-(14-02-2012)-CORRESPONDENCE.pdf

1878-KOLNP-2008-(27-07-2012)-CORRESPONDENCE.pdf

1878-KOLNP-2008-(29-12-2011)-ABSTRACT.pdf

1878-KOLNP-2008-(29-12-2011)-AMANDED CLAIMS.pdf

1878-KOLNP-2008-(29-12-2011)-AMANDED PAGES OF SPECIFICATION.pdf

1878-KOLNP-2008-(29-12-2011)-DESCRIPTION (COMPLETE).pdf

1878-KOLNP-2008-(29-12-2011)-DRAWINGS.pdf

1878-KOLNP-2008-(29-12-2011)-EXAMINATION REPORT REPLY RECEIVED.pdf

1878-KOLNP-2008-(29-12-2011)-FORM-1.pdf

1878-KOLNP-2008-(29-12-2011)-FORM-2.pdf

1878-KOLNP-2008-(29-12-2011)-FORM-3.pdf

1878-KOLNP-2008-(29-12-2011)-OTHER PATENT DOCUMENT.pdf

1878-KOLNP-2008-(29-12-2011)-OTHERS.pdf

1878-KOLNP-2008-(29-12-2011)-PA-CERTIFIED COPIES.pdf

1878-KOLNP-2008-ASSIGNMENT 1.1.pdf

1878-KOLNP-2008-ASSIGNMENT.pdf

1878-KOLNP-2008-CORRESPONDENCE 1.1.pdf

1878-KOLNP-2008-CORRESPONDENCE 1.2.pdf

1878-KOLNP-2008-EXAMINATION REPORT.pdf

1878-KOLNP-2008-FORM 18 1.1.pdf

1878-kolnp-2008-form 18.pdf

1878-KOLNP-2008-FORM 3.pdf

1878-KOLNP-2008-FORM 5.pdf

1878-KOLNP-2008-GPA 1.1.pdf

1878-KOLNP-2008-GPA.pdf

1878-KOLNP-2008-GRANTED-ABSTRACT.pdf

1878-KOLNP-2008-GRANTED-CLAIMS.pdf

1878-KOLNP-2008-GRANTED-DESCRIPTION (COMPLETE).pdf

1878-KOLNP-2008-GRANTED-DRAWINGS.pdf

1878-KOLNP-2008-GRANTED-FORM 1.pdf

1878-KOLNP-2008-GRANTED-FORM 2.pdf

1878-KOLNP-2008-GRANTED-SPECIFICATION.pdf

1878-KOLNP-2008-OTHERS.pdf

1878-KOLNP-2008-REPLY TO EXAMINATION REPORT.pdf

abstract-1878-kolnp-2008.jpg


Patent Number 252849
Indian Patent Application Number 1878/KOLNP/2008
PG Journal Number 23/2012
Publication Date 08-Jun-2012
Grant Date 05-Jun-2012
Date of Filing 09-May-2008
Name of Patentee LG CHEM, LTD
Applicant Address 20, YOIDO-DONG, YOUNGDUNGPO-GU SEOUL, SOUTH KOREA
Inventors:
# Inventor's Name Inventor's Address
1 PARK SUNG SOO 6-202, LG CHEMICAL APARTMENT, 381-42, DORYONG-DONG, YUSEONG-GU, DAEJEON 305-340, SOUTH KOREA
2 KO JUN SEOK 3-410, DORMITORY OF LG CHEMICAL 386-1, DORYONG-DONG, YUSEONG-GU, DAEJEON 305-340,SOUTH KOREA
3 KANG SEONG PIL 107-1003, SAMBU YANGJIMAEUL 1 DANJI APARTMENT, BANSEOK-DONG, YUSEONG-GU, DAEJEON 305-750,SOUTH KOREA
4 BAEK SE WON 102-408, HANARO APARTMENT, WOLPYEONG 3-DONG, SEO-GU, DAEJEON 302-748, SOUTH KOREA
5 KIM EUN JU RM. 1109, HONORSVILLE, DUNSAN-DONG, SEO-GU DAEJEON 302-120, SOUTH KOREA
6 HA KYOUNG SU 109-502, CHOWON APARTMENT, MANNYUN-DONG,, SEO-GU, DAEJEON 305-751, SOUTH KOREA
PCT International Classification Number B01J 8/02
PCT International Application Number PCT/KR2006/004875
PCT International Filing date 2006-11-20
PCT Conventions:
# PCT Application Number Date of Convention Priority Country
1 102005-0112335 2005-11-23 Republic of Korea