Capillary tube freeze protection sensors monitor temperatures to prevent freezing in pipes, water systems, and industrial equipment. These sensors feature a liquid-filled bulb and capillary assembly that detects temperature drops and activates heat tracing or heating systems. Their dependable design ensures effective operation in various environments, including residential, commercial, and industrial systems.
OEMs use these sensors in their enclosures to provide precise and responsive temperature control. With material options such as copper, nickel-plated copper, and stainless steel, these sensors suit a wide range of freeze protection applications.
Looking for reliable components for your freeze protection systems? Contact us today to learn how our sensors can enhance your designs. Visit the product page for additional information.
How Capillary Tube Freeze Protection Sensors Work
Capillary freeze protection sensors operate by using fluid mechanics. When the liquid-filled bulb senses a drop in temperature, the liquid contracts. This contraction creates pressure that travels through the capillary tube to the control mechanism, which activates heating systems to prevent freezing.
Typically, the control mechanism is housed in a durable, weatherproof NEMA-rated enclosure. This enclosure protects the components from harsh environmental conditions, allowing the system to function consistently in challenging settings.
Applications for Capillary Tube Freeze Protection Sensors
1. Heat Tracing Enclosures
Capillary tube sensors are integral to heat tracing systems that maintain pipe temperatures.
- How It’s Used: The bulb is mounted along the pipe to monitor temperature. The capillary tube transmits signals to the control mechanism inside the enclosure.
- Why It’s Effective: Sensors trigger heat tracing systems only when needed, minimizing energy consumption while preventing freezing.
2. Water Systems
Water systems, such as distribution pipes and storage tanks, rely on capillary tube sensors to prevent freezing.
- How It’s Used: The bulb is placed in pipes or tanks to measure water temperature, and the system activates heaters as needed.
- Why It’s Effective: Copper bulbs offer an economical choice for general applications, while stainless steel provides durability in harsh or corrosive environments.
3. Industrial Equipment
Capillary sensors help safeguard industrial equipment from freezing damage.
- How It’s Used: The bulb is installed near critical machinery or process components. The capillary tube transmits data to the control system housed in a secure enclosure.
- Why It’s Effective: Nickel-plated copper sensors resist corrosion, making them ideal for industrial settings with long-term reliability requirements.
Why OEMs Use Capillary Tube Freeze Protection Sensors
OEMs choose capillary tube freeze protection sensors for their ability to deliver consistent and accurate temperature control. These sensors offer several advantages:
- Material Options: Copper works well for general use, nickel-plated copper resists corrosion, and stainless steel withstands extreme conditions.
- Customizable Design: Manufacturers can specify capillary length, bulb size, and activation thresholds to match system requirements.
- Reliable Activation: Liquid-filled bulbs respond predictably to temperature changes, ensuring heating systems activate at the right time.
- Durable Construction: These sensors pair seamlessly with NEMA-rated enclosures, providing reliable operation even in harsh environments.
Benefits for Freeze Protection Systems
- Protect Assets: Prevent pipes, tanks, and equipment from freezing damage.
- Save Energy: Activate heating systems only when necessary, reducing energy waste.
- Perform Reliably: Durable materials and robust designs handle demanding environments.
- Streamline Integration: Compact, customizable sensors simplify incorporation into freeze protection enclosures.
By integrating capillary freeze protection sensors into their systems, OEMs develop reliable solutions that prevent freezing and maintain functionality across a wide range of applications.
