RTD Temp Probe Alternative?

[petrostar]

I ordered my PIDS the other day and just about ordered the two temp probes that I wanted but after shipping it was $94 dollars at Auberins site for two 4" RTD probes, one weldless for MLT and one 1/4" for sight glass on HLT. I did add the stainless hose for an extra $9 dollars each but still seemed very expensive.

What I would like is to just be able to disconnect them from my kettles like those specific RTD controllers do. If you could help me find a cheaper alternative it would be greatly appreciated. I Love me some DIY so if there is some sort of QD I could install inline without messing with the integrity of the temp probe that would be fine also. Thank you for your help, hopefully others will see this and find a cheaper alternative also.

 

[jfrizzell]

I haven't ordered these yet so I can't vouch for them, but this is what I'm considering for my build:

These RTDs

http://www.automationdirect.com/adc/Shopping/Catalog/Sensors_-z-_Encoders/Temperature_Sensors_-a-_Thermometers/RTD_(PT100)_Sensors/Probes_(with_M12_Cable_Connection)/RTD0100-06-010-H

With These Quick Disconnect Cables

http://www.automationdirect.com/adc/Shopping/Catalog/Sensors_-z-_Encoders/Temperature_Sensors_-a-_Thermometers/Cables_-a-_Accessories/CD12M-0B-070-C1

The probes are 1/4" and will require a compression fitting to hold the RTD.

http://www.automationdirect.com/adc/Shopping/Catalog/Sensors_-z-_Encoders/Temperature_Sensors_-a-_Thermometers/Cables_-a-_Accessories/CF14-50N

I would also go with these Teflon compression ferrules instead of a metal compression ferrule so the ferrule wouldn't be permanently crimped onto the RTD.

http://www.automationdirect.com/adc/Shopping/Catalog/Sensors_-z-_Encoders/Temperature_Sensors_-a-_Thermometers/Cables_-a-_Accessories/CFTF-14

I like that the disconnect is directly on the RTD and I can disconnect the cable and take away the kettle. The RTDs are $29 each and the cables are $9-14 depending on the length you get. I like that you can get a right angle cable so there is less strain on the cable where it connects to the probe.

These probably aren't any cheaper than the one's you were considering from Auber, but for me they seem a bit more robust. There's just something about the cables and disconnects on the Auber one's that seem a little flimsy. Just my opinion though since lots of people seem to use them and are happy with them.

 

[audger]

I would also go with these Teflon compression ferrules instead of a metal compression ferrule so the ferrule wouldn't be permanently crimped onto the RTD.

this is a very good idea. thats what i use, makes it much easier to disassemble for cleaning.