Diagnosis of a thermometer
The invention relates to an apparatus for determining and/or monitoring temperature of a medium, such as an electrically conductive medium, in a containment, comprising a measuring insert, in which at least one temperature sensor is arranged, and a protective tube, which serves for contacting the medium and for accommodating the measuring insert. According to the present disclosure, the apparatus further comprises at least one diagnostic unit, which includes at least a first electrode of a first material, which first electrode is located, at least partially, in an internal volume of the apparatus.
1 . An apparatus for determining and/or monitoring temperature of a medium in a containment, comprising a measuring insert, in which at least one temperature sensor is arranged, and
a protective tube, which serves for contacting the medium and for accommodating the measuring insert,
wherein the apparatus further comprises at least one diagnostic unit, which includes at least a first electrode of a first material, which first electrode is located, at least partially, in an internal volume of the apparatus, and wherein a galvanic cell is formed by the first electrode and one of the following:
a second electrode comprised by the diagnostic unit, wherein the first material and a second material of the second electrode differ from one another in terms of electrochemical properties;
the protective tube, wherein the first material differs from a material of the protective tube in terms of electrochemical properties; or
a neck tube for connecting with the protective tube, wherein the first material differs from a material of the neck tube in terms of electrochemical properties;
and wherein the apparatus is configured such that upon medium entering the apparatus due to a damage of the protective tube, a voltage in the galvanic cell is generated, thereby enabling the diagnostic unit to detect the damage based on the generated voltage.
2 . The apparatus as claimed in claim 1 ,
wherein the diagnostic unit is arrangeable or arranged, at least partially, in an internal volume of the protective tube.
3 . The apparatus as claimed in claim 2 ,
wherein the diagnostic unit is arrangeable or arranged in an end region of the protective tube toward the medium in the installed state of the apparatus.
4 . The apparatus as claimed in claim 1 ,
wherein the diagnostic unit is arrangeable or arranged, at least partially, in an internal volume of the neck tube.
5 . The apparatus as claimed in claim 1 ,
wherein the diagnostic unit is surrounded by an electrically non-conductive, water soluble, protective element.
6 . The apparatus as claimed in claim 1 ,
further comprising modular sealing for an installation for accommodating the measuring insert.
7 . The apparatus as claimed in claim 1 ,
further comprising a first securement for securing the diagnostic unit.
8 . The apparatus as claimed in claim 7 ,
wherein the first securement includes a screwed connection, a clamped connection or a welded connection.
9 . The apparatus as claimed in claim 1 ,
wherein the diagnostic unit further comprises a housing, in which the first electrode or the first electrode and second electrode is/are, at least partially, arranged, wherein the first electrode or the first electrode and second electrode protrude(s), at least partially, out of the housing.
10 . The apparatus as claimed in claim 8 ,
wherein the housing comprises a second securement complementary to the that of the first securement.
11 . The apparatus as claimed in claim 8 ,
wherein the housing of the diagnostic unit is filled, at least partially, with a filling in which the first electrode or the first electrode and second electrode is/are, at least partially, located.
12 . The apparatus as claimed in claim 7 , wherein the first securement is configured for releasably securing the diagnostic unit.
13 . The apparatus as claimed in claim 1 , wherein, when the galvanic cell is formed by the first electrode and the second electrode comprised by the diagnostic unit, the first electrode and the second electrode are located, at least partially, in a second internal volume of the protective tube defined by a protective element, wherein the protective element prevents condensation in the second internal volume.