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Author Topic: Shortening a Bi-metal Thermometer Stem  (Read 1417 times)

Offline goose

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Shortening a Bi-metal Thermometer Stem
« on: April 10, 2019, 09:06:10 am »
I am throwing this out here since I have never tried to do this or are unsure if it can be done. I may need to do some additional research on this but thought I would tap the knowledge base here first.  I just ordered a bi-metal tri-clover flanged thermometer to use with a stainless steel tee the output of my wort chiller since it is easier to read than my ThruMometer which I put makeshift tri-clover fittings on.  According to the specs on the tee, the distance to from the tri-clover flange on the tee side to the opposite wall is 2.75".  The thermometer stem according to the specs is 3".

Can I shorten the stem to make it fit if it becomes necessary to do so or is the end of the stem sealed in some way that doing so would wreck the thermometer?
Goose Steingass
Wooster, OH
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Offline TeeDubb

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Re: Shortening a Bi-metal Thermometer Stem
« Reply #1 on: April 10, 2019, 09:44:03 am »
There are sensitive mechanical parts in the thin rod and it is a sealed assembly. You will ruin the device if you trim the tip.

Offline Slowbrew

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Re: Shortening a Bi-metal Thermometer Stem
« Reply #2 on: April 10, 2019, 10:26:15 am »
I would look into lengthening the tee if necessary.  Adding small section of pipe or something like that.

Like TeeDubb said, the insides of the thermometer are pretty temperamental.

Paul
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Offline mabrungard

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Re: Shortening a Bi-metal Thermometer Stem
« Reply #3 on: April 10, 2019, 07:06:02 pm »
NO. I'm almost sure that it can't successfully be done. The bi-metal strip is attached only at the tip and the remainder of the strip extends up to the dial gauge.
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Offline KellerBrauer

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Re: Shortening a Bi-metal Thermometer Stem
« Reply #4 on: April 11, 2019, 06:31:32 am »
I would look into lengthening the tee if necessary.  Adding small section of pipe or something like that.

Like TeeDubb said, the insides of the thermometer are pretty temperamental.

Paul

I agree.  When adding a sensing device to a piping system, it’s best to increase the length of pipe at the connection.  Modifying a sensing device is a very big No-No.  you only need to make sure the tip (1/2” +/-) is immersed in the media you’re sensing.
Joliet, IL

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Offline goose

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Re: Shortening a Bi-metal Thermometer Stem
« Reply #5 on: April 11, 2019, 11:56:15 am »
I thought that might be the case.  I can always put the thermometer in the straight side of the tee and it will work just fine.  It will just be a bit more of a pain to read it.

Thanks for the input
Goose Steingass
Wooster, OH
Society of Akron Area Zymurgists (SAAZ)
Wayne County Brew Club
Mansfield Brew Club
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Offline KellerBrauer

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Re: Shortening a Bi-metal Thermometer Stem
« Reply #6 on: April 12, 2019, 06:24:57 am »
I thought that might be the case.  I can always put the thermometer in the straight side of the tee and it will work just fine.  It will just be a bit more of a pain to read it.

Thanks for the input

The “straight” side of a tee is known as the “run” of the tee.  The third opening is known as the “bull” of the tee.  Just an FYI.  Using the run for instrumentation is very common and a good practice.

Can you use something like this?

https://www.amazon.com/Trerice-BX9140304-Adjustable-Industrial-Thermometer/dp/B00G252YOW/ref=sr_1_10?crid=1G3NF6VM2D6QH&keywords=angle+thermometer&qid=1555071607&s=gateway&sprefix=Angle+thermometer%2Caps%2C177&sr=8-10

Or this?

https://www.amazon.com/Winters-Stainless-Single-Bi-Metal-Thermometer/dp/B0087VIAGK/ref=sr_1_24?crid=1G3NF6VM2D6QH&keywords=angle+thermometer&qid=1555071718&s=gateway&sprefix=Angle+thermometer%2Caps%2C177&sr=8-24

Edit: keep in mind, if you choose to use either of these angled thermometers, be prepared for a slower response time.  If you’re looking for a fast acting thermometer, neither of these will work for you.  Also, depending on the flow (GPM) you may need to increase the size of the tee the thermometer is inserted into.
« Last Edit: April 12, 2019, 06:52:33 am by KellerBrauer »
Joliet, IL

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Offline Robert

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Re: Shortening a Bi-metal Thermometer Stem
« Reply #7 on: April 12, 2019, 06:41:36 am »




The “straight” side of a tee is known as the “run” of the tee.  The third opening is known as the “bull” of the tee. 

There, I've learned something new today; I can just call it a day now.  :)

(I love the fact that everything in the world has a name, if you can just find the specialists who know it!)
Rob Stein
Akron, Ohio

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Offline goose

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Re: Shortening a Bi-metal Thermometer Stem
« Reply #8 on: April 12, 2019, 08:13:52 am »




The “straight” side of a tee is known as the “run” of the tee.  The third opening is known as the “bull” of the tee. 

There, I've learned something new today; I can just call it a day now.  :)

(I love the fact that everything in the world has a name, if you can just find the specialists who know it!)

Me too!
Goose Steingass
Wooster, OH
Society of Akron Area Zymurgists (SAAZ)
Wayne County Brew Club
Mansfield Brew Club
BJCP Certified

Offline goose

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Re: Shortening a Bi-metal Thermometer Stem
« Reply #9 on: April 12, 2019, 08:20:40 am »
I thought that might be the case.  I can always put the thermometer in the straight side of the tee and it will work just fine.  It will just be a bit more of a pain to read it.

Thanks for the input

The “straight” side of a tee is known as the “run” of the tee.  The third opening is known as the “bull” of the tee.  Just an FYI.  Using the run for instrumentation is very common and a good practice.

Can you use something like this?

https://www.amazon.com/Trerice-BX9140304-Adjustable-Industrial-Thermometer/dp/B00G252YOW/ref=sr_1_10?crid=1G3NF6VM2D6QH&keywords=angle+thermometer&qid=1555071607&s=gateway&sprefix=Angle+thermometer%2Caps%2C177&sr=8-10

Or this?

https://www.amazon.com/Winters-Stainless-Single-Bi-Metal-Thermometer/dp/B0087VIAGK/ref=sr_1_24?crid=1G3NF6VM2D6QH&keywords=angle+thermometer&qid=1555071718&s=gateway&sprefix=Angle+thermometer%2Caps%2C177&sr=8-24

Edit: keep in mind, if you choose to use either of these angled thermometers, be prepared for a slower response time.  If you’re looking for a fast acting thermometer, neither of these will work for you.  Also, depending on the flow (GPM) you may need to increase the size of the tee the thermometer is inserted into.

I already bought a a tri-clover clamp thermometer from SS Brewtech.  The tee came yesterday and after measuring it, I think the thermometer will fit in either the "run " or the "bull" side with no problems.  That way I won't have to buy any more tri-clover fittings.
Goose Steingass
Wooster, OH
Society of Akron Area Zymurgists (SAAZ)
Wayne County Brew Club
Mansfield Brew Club
BJCP Certified

Offline KellerBrauer

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Re: Shortening a Bi-metal Thermometer Stem
« Reply #10 on: April 13, 2019, 05:59:09 am »

I already bought a a tri-clover clamp thermometer from SS Brewtech.  The tee came yesterday and after measuring it, I think the thermometer will fit in either the "run " or the "bull" side with no problems.  That way I won't have to buy any more tri-clover fittings.

Perfect!  ;)
Joliet, IL

All good things come to those who show patients and perseverance while maintaining a positive and progressive attitude. 😉