Technical Information

Temperature Regulators

2
Part 2 Self-operated Regulators
Technical Information

Part 1: Fundamentals

Part 2: Self-operated Regulators

Part 3: Control Valves

Part 4: Communication

Part 5: Building Automation

Part 6: Process Automation

Should you have any further questions or suggestions, please

do not hesitate to contact us:
SAMSON AG Phone (+49 69) 4 00 94 67
V74 / Schulung Telefax (+49 69) 4 00 97 16
Weismüllerstraße 3 E-Mail: schulung@samson.de
D-60314 Frankfurt Internet: http://www.samson.de
 Part 2 ⋅ L205EN

Temperature Regulators

Temperature regulators . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5

Sensors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6

Liquid expansion principle . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6

Sensor volume . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7

Filling medium . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8

Adsorption principle . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9

Vapor pressure principle . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11

How the sensor design influences the dynamic behavior . . . . . . . . 13

Types of bulb sensors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13

Set point adjustment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14

CONTENTS
Excess temperature . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15

Mounting position . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16

Dynamic behavior of sensors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18

Valves and their applications . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21

Force-balancing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21

Globe valves in cooling service . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22

Three-way valves . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24

Safety engineering and combination technology. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 28

Accessories . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 29

Appendix A1: Additional literature . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 31

SAMSON AG ⋅ 00/09

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 Self-operated Regulators ⋅ Temperature Regulators

SAMSON AG ⋅ V74/HRB

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 Part 2 ⋅ L205EN

Temperature regulators

Self-operated temperature regulators belong to the group of direct acting re-

gulators which require no external source for operation. Their characteristic
feature is their compact design, including a sensor, a valve and a capillary
tube. Their simple operating principle is based on fundamental mechanical,
physical and thermodynamic laws. A temperature control loop with a heat
exchanger is shown in Fig.1. When the water has left the heat exchanger temperature
and circulates in the domestic hot water loop, its temperature must be kept control loop
constant. In the heating loop, a heat transfer medium, e.g. hot water, circula-
tes through the heat exchanger and transfers part of its heat to the domestic
hot water loop. If we assume that the temperature of the hot water remains
constant, the transferred heat quantity depends on the flow rate. The flow of
hot water is adjusted by the self-operated regulator.

The sensor measures the temperature of the medium to be controlled and

converts the measured value into a pressure signal which is used as output
variable. The sensor output signal is transmitted via the capillary tube to the
operating element where it is converted into a travel which results in a chan-
ge of the plug position. Temperature regulators obtain their actuating power
from the medium to be controlled, so they do not need supply lines or auxilia-
ry devices. This is the most important benefit of self-operated regulators. They
keep costs low, while exhibiting high operational reliability.

self-operated temperature
regulator sensor

heating loop domestic hot

water loop

heat exchanger
SAMSON AG ⋅ 00/09

Fig. 1: Temperature control loop with heat exchanger

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 Self-operated Regulators ⋅ Temperature Regulators

Sensors

Sensors are used to measure the temperature of the medium to be controlled.

A good sensor must fulfill two important requirements. It must respond quick-
ly to temperature changes and provide accurate values of variables that
measurement is based change over time. The self-operated regulator measures variables according
on three methods to the three following principles:

4 liquid expansion
4 adsorption
4 vapor pressure
These principles utilize the change in volume, in structure or the conversion of
a matter’s state of aggregation.

Liquid expansion principle

When measuring the expansion of a liquid, the quality of the results depends
to a great extent on two factors: the sensor volume and the specific heat ca-
pacity of the filling medium.
h2.0

V2.0
2
h
h2

1: sensor V2

2: operating element h 1 < h2

1
V1=V2
3: cylinder d2
h1.0 < h2.0
V1.0=V2.0
h1.0

3
V1.0
h1

V1

d1
SAMSON AG ⋅ V74/ HRB

sensor

Fig. 2: Expansion of a liquid in a cylinder

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 Part 2 ⋅ L205EN

• Sensor volume

Solids, gases and almost all liquids expand when the temperature increases.
This physical principle of expansion is utilized by thermometers. An increase
in temperature causes the liquid level in a capillary to rise. This level is indica-
ted on a scale.

A sensor operating on the liquid expansion principle is shown in Fig. 2. The expansion in the
liquid expands in the cylinder when the temperature rises. As the wall of the cylinder
cylinder prevents lateral expansion, the liquid expands only in the axial di-
rection, pushing the piston and the connected pin upward.

The increase in volume can be calculated as follows:

∆V = V0 γ ∆T

The expansion of the filling medium is determined by two factors—the speci-

fic coefficient of expansion γ which depends on the type of fluid used and the
change in temperature ∆T.

The height of the pin protruding from the cylinder is a measure for the expan- expansion as a function
sion and represents a function of the temperature h=f(T). To achieve a parti- of temperature
cular travel of the pin ∆h, the shape of the operating element must be
considered and adapted as required. Generally, small sensor volumes yield
larger travels than large volumes (Fig. 2). In instrumentation, small working
cylinder areas or narrower working cylinders are preferred since the measu-
ring span is better represented when the pin travel is large. In this way, more
accurate measurement results are obtained. However, a disadvantage of
small-volume sensors is the low power transmission. A movement of the val-
ve, though, always requires an (actuating) force. When sizing a sensor, a
compromise must be found between the change in travel and temperature as
well as the increase in force.
SAMSON AG ⋅ 00/09

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 Self-operated Regulators ⋅ Temperature Regulators

• Filling medium

To quickly obtain accurate measurements, the quantity of heat a sensor must

small heat capacity absorb and release should be as low as possible. This can be achieved either
enables fast- by keeping the volume or the mass low, or by choosing a filling fluid with a
responding sensors low specific heat capacity. The quantity of heat stored in the fluid calculates
as follows:

W = cp m ∆T

cp is the specific heat capacity, m the mass and ∆T the change in temperature
in °C. Note that the specific heat capacity is not constant, but changes with
the temperature.

water not suitable as Due to its high specific heat capacity, water is not suitable as filling medium.
filling medium It has yet another disadvantage: With the exception of water, all liquids ex-
pand continuously with increasing temperatures and condense when the
temperatures fall. Water, however, reaches its highest density at 4 °C and
expands at higher as well as lower temperatures. Therefore, the temperature
measured in these ranges would not be clear.

SAMSON temperature sensors use low-viscous, synthetic oil as filling me-

dium. This liquid is harmless, i.e. it endangers neither health nor environ-
ment. It can be discharged with the waste water if leakage occurs (water
danger class 0). Formerly used silicone oils were not accepted by the auto-
motive industry since silicone oils cause wetting problems with water-based
lacquer.

Apart from liquids, resins and elastomers can also be used as filling fluid.
SAMSON AG ⋅ V74/ HRB

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Adsorption principle

CO2 activated carbon CO2

T 1, p 1 T1 > T 2 T 2, p 2
p1 > p 2

Fig. 3: CO2 molecules depositing on activated carbon

The adsorption principle is based on a physical method. The temperature

sensor contains activated carbon and carbon dioxide. When the sensor is
heated by the medium to be measured, the activated carbon releases CO2 activated carbon
molecules. The pressure inside the sensor increases (Fig. 3), representing a releases CO2 molecules
significant value for each temperature value. When the internal pressure is
transmitted via a control line to the operating bellows, the valve position is
changed with respect to the temperature.

The most important benefit of the adsorption principle is its good adaptation flexible application...
to the respective application. The measuring span of an adsorption sensor
can be set in two ways:

4 different types of activated carbon and gases yield different pres-

sure-temperature curves;

4 varied filling conditions yield different operating ranges. Four overlap-

ping set point ranges are available, covering the range from 0 to 150 °C.
SAMSON AG ⋅ 00/09

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 Self-operated Regulators ⋅ Temperature Regulators

… but small These thermostats produce a smaller thrust, though, than sensors based on
thrust the liquid-expansion or vapor-pressure principle.

1
p1 p
2

2
1 Valve body
3
5
2 Valve seat
10 3 Plug
4 Plug stem
8 5 Valve spring
7 Positioning spring
7 8 Set point adjuster
p 11
9 t
9 Operating bellows
4 10 Capillary tube
11 Temperature sensor

Fig. 4: Temperature regulator based on the adsorption principle

SAMSON AG ⋅ V74/ HRB

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Vapor pressure principle

The vapor pressure principle is based on a thermodynamic method. When a

liquid is subjected to heat, it begins to boil at a certain temperature and ste-
am is generated.

propane n-butane
100

n-pentane

10 n-heptane
pv [bar]

0.1
-50 0 50 100 150 200

T [°C]

Fig. 5: Steam pressure curves of hydrocarbons

The boiling temperature, however, depends on the prevailing pressure. The

lower the pressure, the lower the temperature at which the liquid starts to
boil.

Example: In an open vessel, water boils at 100 °C. The boiling temperature
in a pressure cooker, however, is considerably higher because the pressure
created in the airtight cooker is much higher.

The steam pressure curves of hydrocarbons are plotted in Fig. 5. When the sensor system utilizes
temperature of the medium to be measured increases, the boiling pressure in steam pressure curve
SAMSON AG ⋅ 00/09

the closed sensor system increases as well, following the rising steam curve.

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 Self-operated Regulators ⋅ Temperature Regulators

Depending on the measured temperature, a significant pressure is created in

the sensor. The internal sensor pressure acts on a bellows in the thermostat,
generating a thrust. The filling medium in sensors for self-operated regula-
tors often is a mixture of hydrocarbon compounds (HC-compounds).

The maximum ambient temperature must be minimum 15 K lower than the

set point to prevent the filling medium from vaporizing in the control line.

The basic properties of the different measurement methods are compared in

the following table.

liquid
Sensor adsorption vapor pressure
expansion

thrust strong weak medium

expansion
linear linear not linear
behavior

excess. temp.
low high medium
safety

mount. position any any defined

Table 1: Properties of different sensor systems

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 Part 2 ⋅ L205EN

How the sensor design influences

the dynamic behavior

Y
water
1

0.6
air

bulb sensor
0.2

200 400 600 800 t [s]

Y

1
water

0.6
four-bulb

air sensor
0.2

200 400 600 800 t [s]

Fig. 6: Unit step response of a bulb sensor and a four-bulb sensor

Types of bulb sensors

Bulb sensors are in direct contact with the medium. The resulting heat ex-
change is characterized by the heat transfer coefficient.

The heat transfer coefficients of liquids are remarkably higher than those of sensors require large
gases. Temperature changes of a liquid act therefore faster on the sensor heat transfer surfaces
SAMSON AG ⋅ 00/09

case, the filling medium and finally the valve position. When sizing the tem-
perature sensor, the surface provided for heat transfer must be as large as
possible. While the cylindrical surface of a bulb sensor is sufficient for mea-

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 Self-operated Regulators ⋅ Temperature Regulators

suring water and other liquids, gases require a specially manufactured

four-bulb sensor. In this sensor, the ratio between the sensor surface and the
volume of the filling medium is larger than that of the bulb sensor. Fig. 6 com-
pares the unit step response of a bulb sensor with that of a four-bulb sensor
after they have been immersed into warm circulating water and into an air
duct. The temperature difference is so big that the pin passes through its enti-
re travel. Particularly in the air duct, the larger sensor volume proves favor-
able. Compared to the four-bulb sensor, the pin of the bulb sensor requires
almost three to four times as much time to reach its final travel.

Set point adjustment

control action of Self-operated regulators usually exhibit proportional control action (P regu-
self-operated regulators lators). In the case of self-operated temperature regulators, the proportional
action causes the valve travel h to change proportionally with the measured
temperature T. The proportional-action coefficient is Kp (formerly: proportio-
nal band Xp; Xp = 100 %/Kp). The following equation describes the control
action for temperature regulators.

∆h = Kp · ∆T

large travel As described in the Control Engineering Fundamentals (see also Lit. [2]), P
at small ∆T regulators have a steady-state error. When the steady-state error is to be
kept small, a large proportional-action coefficient is required (small propor-
tional band). This means for the temperature regulator that a large travel
must be achieved at a small ∆T. The measuring span of the sensor becomes
accordingly smaller.

universal However, narrow measuring spans are an obstacle to the universal applica-
application requires tion of sensors. Therefore, the temperature regulator is equipped with a set
set point adjuster point adjuster.

Example: In systems with volume changes, an externally adjustable piston

SAMSON AG ⋅ V74/ HRB

can be moved to change the volume of the system. When the piston is pushed
into the right cylinder, the pin in the operating element is lifted, providing the

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 Part 2 ⋅ L205EN

required volume. As a result of the changed pin position, the travel position
of the valve is changed, too (Fig.7).

pin

piston

operating
element

Fig. 7: Example: Set point adjustment at temperature sensor (system based

on change in volume)

Excess temperature

When the temperature reaches the upper limit of the set point range (closing
temperature), the pin is fully extended. The valve is in its end position. When sensor protected
the temperature rises above this value, the liquid in the sensor cannot expand against excess
further. If no equalizing volume is provided, the rising internal pressure will temperature
damage the sensor. To prevent this, a pressure relief fitting is installed (Fig.
8).

When excess temperatures occur, the rising filling pressure acts on the piston
bottom and pushes the piston out of the sensor against the force of the excess
temperature spring. This increases the sensor volume. Excess temperatures
only occur under the influence of externally supplied energy, in case of a de-
fective valve (the valve does not completely close) or with extremely oversi-
zed valves. Decreasing the set point will not help, since the valve is already
SAMSON AG ⋅ 00/09

closed in this state. In the end, decreasing the set point results in a defective
device.

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 Self-operated Regulators ⋅ Temperature Regulators

set point adjuster

connection to
operating excess temperature
element spring

gasket

piston

Fig. 8: Excess temperature protection of the sensor

Mounting position

wrong position affects A prerequisite for the proper functioning of temperature control systems is
measurement results the optimum location of the sensor. It should be totally immersed in the medi-
um to be measured (see Fig. 9).

dead times must be Another important requirement is that the sensor measures nearly without
avoided dead time. Dead times occur, for example, in a heating system when the sen-
sor is not located directly at the heat source, e.g. the heat exchanger, but far
away in the heating pipe. In this case, temperature changes are measured
with delay. These dead times can cause the system to oscillate and can trig-
ger the safety mechanisms due to excess temperatures created. In addition to
the aspects to be considered in sensor positioning, the dynamic behavior of
the sensor also plays an important role for the heat transfer.
SAMSON AG ⋅ V74/ HRB

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 Part 2 ⋅ L205EN

a) correct b) correct

c) permissible if it d) incorrect
cannot be avoided

Fig. 9: Sensor locations

Ad a, b)
The sensor’s entire length is fully immersed in the medium

Ad c, d)
The sensor is only partially immersed in the medium
SAMSON AG ⋅ 00/09

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 Self-operated Regulators ⋅ Temperature Regulators

Dynamic behavior of sensors

x
A
1
B
x 0.63
C sensor
0.2

20 40 60 80 100 120 t[s]

x τA τB τC

1
B
0.6
sensor with
C thermowell
0.2

20 40 60 80 100 120 t[s]

τB τC

Fig. 10: Unit step responses of sensors

The dynamic behavior of a self-operated regulator depends on the dynamic

behavior of its sensor. The dynamic behavior is characterized by the time
constant τ. The constant describes the time the pin needs to reach approxi-
mately 63 percent of the new operating point when forced by a step change
in temperature.

x (t )
( −t
= 1− e τ )
SAMSON AG ⋅ V74/ HRB

x max
x ( τ)
for : t = τ ⇒ = 0.63 = 63%
x max

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 Part 2 ⋅ L205EN

When looking at the sensor from the viewpoint of control engineering, the sensor and thermowell
sensor can be regarded as energy store. Its dynamic behavior can be descri- both exhibit PT1 action
bed by means of an exponential function using the time constant T1 = τ
(first-order delay). When mounting a thermowell (see chapter Accessories),
another energy store is added to the system. Hence, a second-order system is
created. To describe such a system, the time constant Tu and the build-up time
Tg can be used. For further details, please refer to the Technical Information
L102 EN.

As can be seen in Fig. 10, small time constants are typical to fast-responding
sensors.

Table 2 lists the time constants of the different SAMSON sensors. Measure- thermowells prolong
ments were made in water. You can see from the table below that the use of a the response time
thermowell causes long delays.

Principle Type without thermowell with thermowell

liquid expansion 2231 70 120

2232 65 110

2233 25 --- 1)

2234 15 --- 1)

2235 10 --- 1)

2213 70 120

adsorption 2430 15 2) 30 3) 40 2) 80 3)

2430-L 8 --- 1)

2212 --- 1) 40

2439 --- 1) 40

vapor pressure 2430-3 3 --- 1)

2403 10 45
SAMSON AG ⋅ 00/09

Table 2: Time constants in seconds

1) not permissible 2) 3)
sensor diameter 9.5 mm sensor diameter 16 mm

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 Self-operated Regulators ⋅ Temperature Regulators

It practically eliminates the fast response times inherent to sensors, and they
are almost as “slow” as liquid-expansion sensors.

sensor material: Standard materials for sensors and thermowells are usually copper or bron-
bronze and copper ze because of their excellent conductivity. For corrosive media, stainless steel
versions are used. When a stainless steel sensor is used, the time constant
increases by approximately ten percent compared to copper sensors. With
thermowells, the time constants of copper and stainless steel versions are ne-
arly identical.

Thermowells are not suited to be used with sensors for air. Due to the special
sensor shape, a narrow air gap is formed between the thermowell and the
sensor, which has an insulating effect. The time constant of an air sensor with
thermowell would be much higher than that of a standard sensor with ther-
mowell.

NOTE: In addition to the time constant τ, variables such as T0.5 (half-value

period) or T0.9 (90% value) are used to describe the dynamic behavior of
sensors. These values can be calculated for first-order systems using the
equation below and the time constant τ:

t
−
x (t ) = x max (1 − e τ )
 x (t ) 
t = − ln 1 −  ⋅τ
 x max 
t 0 .5 = 0.7 ⋅ τ
t 0 .9 = 2.3 ⋅ τ
SAMSON AG ⋅ V74/ HRB

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 Part 2 ⋅ L205EN

Valves and their applications

Force-balancing

The signal pressure of self-operated regulators is generated by the expansi-

on of the filling medium in the operating element. To make the interaction of
the different forces understandable, a valve balanced by a bellows is descri-
bed in the following example (see also Technical Information L202EN).

The upstream pressure p1 and the downstram pressure p2 acting on the valve spring and actuating
plug are balanced by the bellows. As a result, the actuating force FA is oppo- force are balanced in a
sed only by the pre-loaded spring FF (Fig. 11). Both forces are balanced in a state of equilibrium
state of equilibrium.

FA1 FF1

T1 = constant

FA2 FF2

T2 = T1 + DT

Fig. 11: Force balance after increase in temperature

SAMSON AG ⋅ 00/09

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 Self-operated Regulators ⋅ Temperature Regulators

The self-operated regulator is used to reduce or increase the flow rate when
the temperature at the measuring point rises or falls.

The temperature is regulated as follows:

4 When the medium heats up, e.g. due to a reduction of the flow rate, the fil-
ling liquid in the operating element expands and exerts the actuating force
FA on the valve.

4 The valve closes against the spring force FF, reducing the flow of the heat-
ing medium.

4 When the flow is reduced, the temperature falls until a new equilibrium of
forces and, hence, a new valve position is reached.

NOTE: When sizing a system including a heat exchanger, the upstream tem-
perature must be minimum 10 K above the set point temperature to ensure
safe closing of the valve.

Globe valves in cooling service

reversing device The globe valves described above close when the temperature at the sensor
changes operating rises, hence, they are suitable for heating service. In cooling installations, ho-
direction wever, a system is required that opens the valve with increasing temperature
to release the cooling medium.

valve

connection
to operating
element

closing spring
SAMSON AG ⋅ V74/ HRB

Fig. 12: Reversing device for globe valves in cooling service (valve is closed by
the spring force of the reversing device and opens when the temperature rises)

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 Part 2 ⋅ L205EN

This is achieved either by installing a reversing device between the 'normal'

globe valve and the operating element (Fig. 12), or by changing the
seat/plug position (Fig. 13).

balancing bellows
p1 p2
plug

pt

Fig. 13: Temperature regulator with pressure balanced plug

(valve opens when the temperature rises)
SAMSON AG ⋅ 00/09

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 Self-operated Regulators ⋅ Temperature Regulators

Three-way valves

Heating and cooling control systems require different valve styles. Globe val-
ves control one flow to adjust the desired temperature. Three-way valves, on
the other hand, mix or divert two heat flows.

Three-way valves have three ports (A, B, AB), while globe valves have two.
When no actuating force is exerted on the valve, a return spring ensures that
the plug is firmly placed on one of the two seats.

medium flow through In mixing valves (Fig. 14), the heating medium enters at port B via the
mixing valves seat/plug assembly and leaves through port AB. Port A is closed. When an
actuating force acts on the plug stem, the valve moves towards its other end
position, reducing the flow through the inlet port B and opening the inlet port
A.

A AB

Fig. 14: Three-way mixing valve

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 Part 2 ⋅ L205EN

The flow through diverting valves (Fig. 15) is quite different. Here, the medium flow through
process medium enters at port AB. The streams are diverted according to the diverting valves
valve position and finally leave through the ports A and B.

AB A

Fig. 15: Three-way diverting valve

SAMSON AG ⋅ 00/09

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 Self-operated Regulators ⋅ Temperature Regulators

The operating principle of the valves and their application in a heating and a
cooling system are illustrated in Figs. 16 and 17.

control task: constant temperature in the consumer loop

flow control mixing diverting

heating system

three-way three-way
globe valve
mixing valve diverting valve

B B

AB AB
A A

when temperature increases

A opens A closes
valve closes
B closes B opens

Fig. 16: Example of a heating system

SAMSON AG ⋅ V74/ HRB

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 Part 2 ⋅ L205EN

Figs. 16 and 17 (heating/cooling) show typical installation examples where installation of valves in
the valves can be installed either in the flow pipe or in the return pipe. In hea- heating or cooling
ting systems with high temperatures and low pressures, cavitation can cause systems
problems, therefore the valve should be installed in the cooler return pipe.

control task: constant temperature in the consumer loop cooling system

flow control mixing diverting

three-way three-way di-

globe valve
mixing valve verting valve

B B

AB AB

A A

when temperature increases

A opens A closes
valve opens
B closes B opens
SAMSON AG ⋅ 00/09

Fig. 17: Example of a cooling system

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 Self-operated Regulators ⋅ Temperature Regulators

When engineering the heating or cooling installation, it must be ensured that

the process medium flows in the opening direction of the plug of the mixing
or diverting valve so that "vibrations" near the closing position are preven-
ted. The small surface, the high velocity and the low pressure would
otherwise cause the plug to be seized in the seat and released again when
the flow is interrupted.

Safety engineering and combination technology

One important field of application for temperature regulators (TR) is in safety

engineering. The following safety equipment can be differentiated:

• Safety temperature monitor (STM)

The STM closes the valve in heating operation and opens it in cooling opera-
tion when the limit value is exceeded or when the device is defective. Once
the temperature lies within the limit value range again, the control function is
automatically reactivated.

• Safety temperature limiter (STL)

The STL closes the valve in heating operation, opens it in cooling operation
and locks the valve when the limit value is exceeded or when the device is de-
fective. Once the temperature lies within the limit value range again and af-
ter mechanical unlocking (loading the closing spring), the control function is
automatically reactivated.

• Combination technology

STMs and STLs can, of course, be combined with other TRs. For reasons of
safety, systems can also be equipped with a combination of STL and STM.
SAMSON AG ⋅ V74/ HRB

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 Part 2 ⋅ L205EN

Accessories
The following accessories are designed for use with temperature regulators
and are available for different applications:

• Thermowells and flanges

Thermowells are used to protect the sensor from the medium. This is impor-
tant, for instance, when chemically corrosive media would damage the sen-
sor material. Thermowells can be additionally coated with PTFE for
protection.

Basically, sensor flanges can be designed with and without thermowells.

Flanged thermowells are frequently used for high nominal pressure ratings
(> PN 40).

Using thermowells has another big advantage: The process medium can re-
main in the system when a sensor must be replaced.

• Distance pieces

Distance pieces are used to seal the valve/thermostat connection. At the

same time, they isolate the operating element of the thermostat from the
process medium flowing through the valve.

• Double adapter

A double adapter enables the connection of additional controlled variables.

In a heating system, for instance, a double adapter can be installed to
regulate the return flow temperature limitation in addition to the main task of
regulating the desired heating temperature.
SAMSON AG ⋅ 00/09

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 Self-operated Regulators ⋅ Temperature Regulators

• Extension pieces

For applications with heating media exceeding a temperature of 220 °C,

extension pieces are used to prevent the heat from being radiated on the
operating element. Contrary to distance pieces, extension pieces do not
require an internal seal, because they are not primarily used for the isolation
of the sensor from the medium. In case special applications should require a
seal, this seal can be integrated in the extension piece.

• Electric signal transmitter

Electric signal transmitters can be used to indicate different operating states.

Depending on the application, information such as “Valve closed” or even
“Safety temperature limiter triggered” could be of interest.

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Appendix A1:
Additional literature
[1] Terminology and Symbols in Control Engineering
Technical Information L101EN; SAMSON AG

[2] Controllers and Controlled Systems

Technical Information L102EN; SAMSON AG

[3] Self-operated Regulators

Technical Information L202EN; SAMSON AG

APPENDIX
SAMSON AG ⋅ 00/09

31
 Self-operated Regulators ⋅ Temperature Regulators

Figures

Fig. 1: Temperature control loop with heat exchanger . . . . . . . . . 5

Fig. 2: Expansion of a liquid in a cylinder . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6

Fig. 3: CO2 molecules depositing on activated carbon . . . . . . . . . 9

Fig. 4: Temperature regulator based on the adsorption principle . . . 10

Fig. 5: Steam pressure curves of hydrocarbons . . . . . . . . . . . 11

Fig. 6: Unit step response of a bulb sensor and a four-bulb sensor . . . 13

Fig. 7: Set point adjustment at temperature sensor . . . . . . . . . . 15

Fig. 8: Excess temperature protection of the sensor . . . . . . . . . . 16

Fig. 9: Sensor locations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17

Fig. 10: Unit step responses of sensors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18

Fig. 11: Force balance after increase in temperature. . . . . . . . . . 21

Fig. 12: Reversing device for globe valves in cooling service . . . . . . 22

Fig. 13: Temperature regulator with pressure balanced plug . . . . . . 23

FIGURES

Fig. 14: Three-way mixing valve . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24

Fig. 15: Three-way diverting valve . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 25

Fig. 16: Example of a heating system . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 26

Fig. 17: Example of a cooling system . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 27

SAMSON AG ⋅ V74/ HRB

32
 SAMSON AG ⋅ 00/09

Part 2 ⋅ L205EN

33
NOTES
 Self-operated Regulators ⋅ Temperature Regulators

NOTES

SAMSON AG ⋅ V74/ HRB

34
SAMSON right on quality course

ISO 9001
Our quality assurance system,

approved by BVQi, guarantees a high

quality of products and services.

 2000/09 ⋅ L205EN

SAMSON AG ⋅ MESS- UND REGELTECHNIK ⋅ Weismüllerstraße 3 ⋅ D-60314 Frankfurt am Main

Telefon (069) 4 00 90 ⋅ Telefax (069) 4 00 95 07 ⋅ Internet: http://www.samson.de