3 Things to Consider Before Installing Them in Your Piping System

Monitoring temperature in a piping system is crucial for many industries. Traditionally, immersion sensors are used because they provide accurate readings. However, they also have major downsides—they’re invasive, require direct contact with the liquid or gas in the pipe, and can be costly to install and maintain. Adding or moving one can lead to system downtime, making them less than ideal for many setups.

Before installing an in-pipe immersion sensor, here are three key factors to think about:

1. Your Piping System’s Layout, Size, and Material
   Before installing an immersion sensor, you need to consider the design of your piping system. Since these sensors go inside the pipe, tight spaces, bends, and nearby equipment can make installation difficult.
   Additionally, for the sensor to work correctly, it needs to be immersed at a certain depth—typically at least 15 times the probe’s diameter. For example, a ¼-inch probe needs at least 3.75 inches of space inside the pipe. If your pipe is too small, you might need to install the sensor at an awkward angle or use extra fittings, which isn’t ideal. High-pressure pipes add another challenge, as they are harder to drill into and modify.
2. The Type of Liquid or Gas Inside the Pipe
   Since immersion sensors are in direct contact with what’s flowing through the pipe, you need to consider how the liquid or gas will affect the sensor—and vice versa.
   Buildup & Sensor Drift: Some liquids can cause deposits to form on the sensor, reducing accuracy.
   Corrosion & Damage: Harsh chemicals, toxic substances, or thick liquids can wear down the sensor, requiring frequent replacements. This means shutting down your system for maintenance.
   Unwanted Reactions: In some industries, like beverages, an immersion sensor can disrupt the liquid, causing unwanted foam or turbulence. The sensor can even pose a contamination risk in highly regulated environments, such as food and pharmaceuticals.
3. Cleaning & Maintenance
   If your system requires frequent cleaning, an in-pipe sensor can be a hassle. Many cleaning methods, such as pigging or COP (Clean Out of Place), require removing the sensor before cleaning and reinstalling it afterward. This leads to extra downtime.
   Also, since immersion sensors physically touch the liquid inside the pipe, bacteria buildup is a concern. Regular cleaning is necessary, but this adds to maintenance costs and effort.

 

A Better Solution: Omega’s HANI Non-Invasive Clamp Sensor

The Omega HANI High Accuracy, Non-Invasive Clamp Sensor solves all these problems. Instead of inserting a sensor inside the pipe, it simply clamps onto the outside—no cutting, welding, or modifications needed.

Why It’s Better:

✅ Easy installation – No need to open the pipe, so it works in small or hard-to-reach spaces.

✅ No contact with liquids – No contamination risk, no sensor buildup, and no cleaning hassle.

✅ Works with different pipe materials – Can be calibrated for metal, plastic (for semiconductor applications), and even glass (for chemicals and life sciences).

With proven performance and continuous improvements based on customer feedback, Omega’s HANI Clamp Sensor is the easiest and most reliable way to monitor in-pipe temperatures—without the headaches of traditional immersion sensors. Contact our Product Specialist today for more information and let us help you achieve exceptional results.