Sensor and sense line heating device

Abstract

A system and method for warming and drying a pressure sensor and sense line transmitting pressure gas from a source of pressure gas to a sensor. A first tube is connected to the source and to the sensor to permit pressure measurement. A second tube is concentrically outside the first tube and connected to the same source for providing heat from the pressure gas to the first tube and sensor. The second tube may have a temperature sensing device for determining when the temperature of the first tube and sensor reach a predetermined minimum temperature.

1 . A system for warming and drying a pressure sensor and sense line, the system comprising:
 a source of pressure gas;   a sensor for sensing the pressure of the pressure gas;   a first tube connected to the source and to the sensor to permit pressure measurement; and   a second tube proximate to the first tube and connected to the source for providing heat from the pressure gas to the first tube and sensor.   
     
     
         2 . The system of  claim 1 , which further includes a temperature sensing device for determining when the temperature of the first tube and sensor reach a predetermined minimum temperature. 
     
     
         3 . The system of  claim 2 , wherein the second tube is activated to provide the heat when the temperature reaches the predetermined minimum temperature. 
     
     
         4 . The system of  claim 2 , wherein the temperature sensing device is a temperature-sensitive valve operable to open when the predetermined minimum temperature is reached. 
     
     
         5 . The system of  claim 1 , wherein the first tube is concentrically inside the second tube. 
     
     
         6 . The system of  claim 1 , wherein the first tube further contains a water trap for trapping water in the pressure gas. 
     
     
         7 . The system of  claim 1 , wherein the first tube and the second tube are parallel and enclosed in an insulating sheath. 
     
     
         8 . The system of  claim 1 , wherein the second tube receives pressure gas constantly. 
     
     
         9 . A system for warming and drying a pressure sensor and sense line, the system comprising:
 a source of pressure gas;   a sensor for sensing the pressure of the pressure gas;   a first tube connected to the source and to the sensor to permit pressure measurement; and   a second tube concentrically outside the first tube and connected to the same source for providing heat from the pressure gas to the first tube and sensor, the second tube having a temperature sensing device for determining when the temperature of the first tube and sensor reach a predetermined minimum temperature and wherein the second tube is activated to provide the heat when the temperature reaches the predetermined minimum temperature.   
     
     
         10 . The system of  claim 9 , wherein the temperature sensing device is a temperature-sensitive valve operable to open when the predetermined minimum temperature is reached. 
     
     
         11 . The system of  claim 9 , wherein the second tube is activated to provide the heat when the temperature reaches the predetermined minimum temperature. 
     
     
         12 . The system of  claim 9 , wherein the second tube receives pressure gas constantly. 
     
     
         13 . A method for warming and drying a pressure sensor and sense line, the method comprising:
 a sensor for sensing the pressure of the pressure gas;   connecting a first tube to a source of pressure gas and to the sensor to permit pressure measurement; and   connecting a second tube proximate to the first tube and to the source to provide heat from the pressure gas to the first tube and sensor.   
     
     
         14 . The method of  claim 13 , which further includes positioning a temperature sensing device for determining when the temperature of the first tube and sensor reach a predetermined minimum temperature. 
     
     
         15 . The method of  claim 14 , wherein the second tube is activated to provide the heat when the temperature reaches the predetermined minimum temperature. 
     
     
         16 . The method of  claim 14 , wherein the temperature sensing device is a temperature-sensitive valve operable to open when the predetermined minimum temperature is reached. 
     
     
         17 . The method of  claim 13 , wherein the first tube is concentrically inside the second tube. 
     
     
         18 . The method of  claim 13 , which further includes placing a water trap for trapping water in the pressure gas in the first tube. 
     
     
         19 . The method of  claim 13 , wherein the first tube and the second tube are positioned parallel and enclosed in an insulating sheath. 
     
     
         20 . The method of  claim 13 , wherein the second tube receives pressure gas constantly.