RTDsThermowells
We previously had the opportunity to work on a fast-track project for a prominent oil and gas customer who was facing a critical pipeline shutdown. This customer wasn’t new to us—they first came to us back in 2003. After 20 years, they returned, seeking a reliable temperature sensing solution to meet the more extreme conditions they were now facing. Their decision to come back to us was rooted in their trust in our ability to deliver high-quality, dependable products, especially under challenging circumstances.
The project presented its own challenges. The pipeline system was operating under extreme conditions of high velocity and high temperature, which required a specialized approach to ensure the integrity and accuracy of temperature measurements. Standard thermowell designs wouldn’t suffice for such demanding environments, so our engineering team needed to develop a customized solution that could withstand these harsh conditions.
Understanding the critical nature of the shutdown and the specific requirements of the pipeline system, we focused on modifying the thermowell design. This involved using advanced materials that could endure the high temperatures and velocities without compromising the structural integrity of the thermowells. Materials like Inconel and SS 316 were selected for their superior resistance to corrosion and heat, ensuring that the thermowells would maintain their performance over time despite the extreme environment. These materials are well-documented in our technical specifications and are known for their durability in challenging industrial applications.
Customization didn’t stop with material selection. We also reinforced the thermowell structures to enhance their resilience against the mechanical stresses caused by high-velocity flows. This attention to detail was critical, as any failure in the thermowells could lead to inaccurate temperature readings, which in turn could disrupt the entire operation. The modifications we made were not just about meeting the minimum requirements but about exceeding them to provide the customer with a solution that would offer long-term reliability.
In addition to the technical challenges, the project was also a race against time. The customer needed the thermowells delivered quickly to avoid any delays in their shutdown schedule, which could have resulted in significant financial losses. Understanding the urgency, our team worked closely with the customer to ensure that all modifications were made promptly and that the production process was expedited without sacrificing quality. We managed to deliver 84 thermowells in just two weeks, a turnaround time that was critical for the customer to meet their tight schedule.
Our ability to deliver such a complex and customized solution in a short period demonstrates engineering excellence and our commitment to customer satisfaction. The project also highlighted our capability to handle critical plant shutdown situations, where both time and quality are of the essence. By completing the project within the estimated three-month timeframe, we not only met but exceeded the customer’s expectations, reinforcing their trust in our capabilities.
This project was a significant milestone for us, not just because of the technical challenges it presented but also because it reaffirmed our position as a trusted partner in the oil and gas industry. The decision to return to us after two decades is a reflection of the strong relationship we built over the years, grounded in the quality of our products and the reliability of our service.
Looking back, this project truly encapsulates what we stand for—innovation, reliability, and a customer-centric approach that drives us to deliver the best possible solutions, even in the most demanding circumstances.
