ABB has supplied Q8 National Petroleum with twelve 23m long multipoint temperature measuring devices for the refurbishment of desulphuriser reactors in the Mina Abdulla Refinery, in Kuwait

Manufactured at the ABB Workington plant in the UK, the multi-sensing elements make measurements along the length and width of the reactor, allowing very useful distributed temperature measurements to be derived from just one entry point into the pressure vessel With three measuring points each, plus duplex sensors for redundancy, the multipoints are made with a full stainless steel sheath for high corrosion resistance

Each thermocouple head incorporates Type N protection of the sensor connections, and non-sparking protection for hazardous zones where an explosive gas mixture is not expected, but could occur.

They will be used to measure temperatures over a multiple positions with a single reactor access point.

ABB was specifically chosen for its proven ability to construct and deliver specialised equipment within a rapid timescale.

"ABB has a wealth of experience in manufacturing temperature measurement devices and equipment for the oil and gas industry" says Andrew Dunbabin, Temperature Products Manager at the ABB Workington factory: "Our engineers have an in-depth understanding of temperature measurement and are experienced in the design of high pressure rated thermowells.

We also have many highly-skilled CNC machinists and welders who meet the high levels of quality required.

This gives ABB an important edge over many of its competitors, who are unable to match us in terms of either their expertise or the skills".

The size of the multi-points, plus the pressing need to get the equipment to the installation site during the Q8 plant shutdown window, required an unusual method of delivery.

A Boeing 747 aircraft with an opening nose cone was used to carry the 23m long sensors to Kuwait.

"Flying the multi-points to their final destination presented the best option not only in terms of meeting the tight project timeframe, but also because it allowed us to deliver them in one piece" adds Dunbabin: "Had the multi-point thermocouple assemblies been delivered in several sections, the customer would have had to re-assemble and re-test each one on site, which would have added extra time, cost and complexity to the installation project."

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