VORTEX-INDUCED VIBRATION AND DAMPING OF THERMOWELLS

Thermowells are installed in process piping to protect fluid temperature measuring instruments from the fluid flow. The thermowells are subject to vortex-induced vibrations by the process fluid. The resonant response is limited by damping. Measurements of thermowell vibration damping were made and used to establish criteria for acceptable design under vortex-induced vibration. Comparison is made with the damping of steel stacks and heat exchanger tubes.