Measuring Temperature Distributions along Heat Exchanger Pipes in Petrochemical Processes

Knowledge about temperature conditions in industrial processes is a key factor for process efficiency and control. This paper specifically investigates the measurement of temperature distributions along pipes in furnaces to monitor the status of deposit growth inside the pipes. Contrary to common spot measurements, we propose fiber optical sensors (so-called fiber in metal tubes) allowing a high spatial resolution. As the measurement is only indirect, taking the pipe wall temperature as approximation for the fluid temperature inside the pipe, we present a model-based approach taking into account the thermal characteristics of the deposit layer. 2D simulations show the temperature distribution around the pipes and are used to derive first indications regarding the optimal placement of the sensors.