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T21 Thermal Differential Switch for Detection of Level & Flow

The T21 point level switch uses a thermal

differential technique to measure liquid flow, level or interface
by sensing changes in the thermal heat transfer characteristics
of the media where it is located. The sensor consists of a pair
of matched Resistance Temperature Detectors (RTDs) encased
in twin 316 series stainless steel tubes. One RTD is self heated
using a constant DC current. The other sensor is unheated
and provides an accurate ambient process temperature
reference. The thermal differential created between the heated
and reference RTD pair is a function only of the media with
which the sensor is in contact. The differential is greatest when
no liquid is present (dry condition) and decreases as liquid
quenches the switch sensors (wet condition).
Hydrocarbons generally have lower heat transfer
characteristics than aqueous-based materials so
liquid-liquid interface detection is possible. In general,
any two media will exhibit some difference in heat transfer characteristics. Thus, this switch can be
calibrated to detect the interface between two immiscible liquids. Solid state electronics transform
the temperature differential into a voltage that is compared to a control voltage to actuate a relay
and indicate a change in state (wet vs. dry). The instrument head at the top of the unit contains the
switch electronics board which is easily removed form the instrument head so that field wiring can
be connected to the field terminal block.

Applications
Low-Flow Alarm Switching
Steel processors use water to cool bearings on the
rollers of their continuous casting machines. If the
casting machine loses water flow, the bearings will fail.
Alarms are required to notify casting machine operators
of this crucial loss of flow condition. The T21 flow
switch is installed in each cooling water line to ensure
this critical low-flow alarm.
The T21 can be used to monitor lube oil on bearings
and gears in rolling mills; and since a single gear costs
several hundred thousand dollars, its protection is vital
to the operation of the plant.
The T21 can also monitor the flow of cooling water on
pump seals in steel plants and furnaces.

Form 1021 (02.19) ©SOR Inc. SORInc.com | 913-888-2630 | Registered Quality System to ISO 9001 1/8
 T21 Thermal
Differential Switch Applications

Low-Flow Monitoring
In food processing plants, there is a need to blend
different ingredients. If one of the blending lines
becomes clogged, the final product can be ruined due
to improper blend balance. The T21 is perfect for this
low-flow application. It monitors the flow and shuts
down the blending system if an improper blending
mix is about to occur. The highly reliable T21 has no
moving parts and can be steam cleaned.

Waste Gas Burn-Flow Monitoring

Remote pumping stations are often used in gas
pipeline applications. In upset conditions, relief valves
will open and the pumping station will produce waste
gas as part of the pumping/compression operation.
Waste gas is burned by the use of an auto-ignition
flare. The EPA requires an alarm to sound if the flare
does not ignite when gas flow is present. The T21 is
directly mounted in the line to the flare, and determines
when flow is present to provide the indication for the
required alarm.

Vapor Recovery
Hose Hook-Up Verification
The T21 flow/level switch has the ideal features required
to monitor vapor control in rugged environments.
Mounted in the hard piping of the vapor recovery
system, this switch detects the flow of vapors from the
truck as loading begins. If the vapor hose connects
properly, loading is allowed to continue. If the vapor
hose does not properly connect, no flow is detected by
the T21 and the loading process aborts. Finding reliable
technology with low-flow sensitivity and fast response is
critical for accurate monitoring of industrial emissions.

Monitoring Product Flow

through Heat Exchangers
The T21 flow switch can be utilized to protect heat
exchangers in much the same way they are
incorporated into pump systems. By monitoring the
flow of product and actuating shut-off circuitry at a
specified low-flow (or no-flow) point, the instruments
can effectively prevent equipment and product
damage caused by overheating.

2/8 Registered Quality System to ISO 9001 | 913-888-2630 | SORInc.com Form 1021 (02.19) ©SOR Inc.
T21 Thermal
Differential Switch Features

Product Specifications
Wide operating process
Features and Benefits

temperature range of Input Power 115 VAC or 230 VAC, 50/60 Hz

-100 to 392oF 24 VDC (nominal)

Removable, plug-in electronics


Output Type 5A DPDT @ 250 VAC
board
Humidity 99% Non-condensing

 Free of all moving parts that Accuracy +0.5% of set point - 50oF range
can stick, coat or fail
Set Point Range Gases 0.5 to 500 feet/second
(Flow) Liquids (Increasing) 0.01 to 5 feet/second
 Self-heating sensor design (Decreasing) 0.01 to 2.5 feet/second

Repeatability +1.0% of set point

 Application flexibility
Response Time 0.5 to 10 seconds
 Simplifies wiring
Sensor Length 2 inches to 120 inches*
 High reliability Enclosure Environmental Rating NEMA 4

 Improves response time and Conduit Connection 3/4” NPT(F)

sensor durability
Stability Temperature compensated
over entire range

Ambient Temperature Range -40 to 140oF

(-40 to 60oC)

Agency Approval Process Temperature Range -100 to 392oF

(-70 to 200oC)
Agency Approval
Process Pressure Range Vacuum to 3000 psig
CSA Class I, Groups B, C, & D;
Class II, Groups E, F, & G;
Class III; Divisions 1 & 2 Agency Listing Rostechnadzor (RTN) standard
(certificate available upon request)

*Sensor lengths longer than 10”, please consult the

factory.
Design and specifications are subject to change
without notice. For latest revision, see
www.sorinc.com.

Form 1021 (02.19) ©SOR Inc. SORInc.com | 913-888-2630 | Registered Quality System to ISO 9001 3/8
 T21 Thermal
Differential Switch How to Order

T21 Electronics Model Number System

Below is the SOR quick select model number tree that provides you with all the options to configure
and order a T21 Thermal Differential Switch Electronics for your application. You must select a
designator for each component.

Input Power 5
24 VDC (4-wire) 6
120 VAC 7 6 Output Type
240 VAC 8 D 5A DPDT Output

Process Variable 4 7 Agency Approval*

Level Process L 00 No Agency Approvals
Flow Process F CS CSA Explosion-Proof

Housing 3 8 Accessories
NEMA 4 EP (Single-Cavity) D PP Fiber Tag
RR Stainless Steel Tag

Mounting 2 Wired On

Integral Mounting 1
Certificates
C3 Inspection Report
Type 1 C4 Compliance/Conformance
Single-Point Switch 2 C5 Dielectric Test

T 2 1 - D D - -

Example
T 2 1 - D L 6 D - CS - RR Model No.

*Match sensor approvals to electronics approvals to maintain the agency listing integrity.

4/8 Registered Quality System to ISO 9001 | 913-888-2630 | SORInc.com Form 1021 (02.19) ©SOR Inc.
T21 Thermal
Differential Switch How to Order

T21 Sensor Model Number System

Below is the SOR quick select model number tree that provides you with all the options to
configure and order a T21 Thermal Differential Switch Sensor for your application. You must select a
designator for each component.

4 Agency Approval*
00 No Agency Approvals
CS CSA Explosion-Proof

Process Connection2 3 5 Sensor Length

1” NPT(M) 1A XX Sensor Length in 1 inch increments.
3/4” NPT(M) 8A (2 inches-10 inches standard.
Longer lengths are available,
consult the factory for details.)

Sensor Material1 2
316/316L Stainless Steel Sensor C
6 Accessories
PP Fiber Tag

Sensor Style 1 Certificates

Twin Tip EA C8 Typical Material of Wetted Parts

EA C - -

EA C - 8A - CS - 6 PP
Example
Model No.

*Match sensor approvals to electronics approvals to maintain the agency listing integrity.

Other sensor materials are available. Consult the factory for details.
1

Other process connections are available. Consult the factory for details.
2

Form 1021 (02.19) ©SOR Inc. SORInc.com | 913-888-2630 | Registered Quality System to ISO 9001 5/8
 T21 Thermal
Differential Switch Dimensions

Dimensions in this catalog are for reference only. They may be changed without notice. Contact
the factory for certified drawings for a particular model number. Dimensions in this catalog are
expressed as millimeters over inches. (Linear = mm/in.)

SALES PAGE 1
MODEL # SALES ORDER # LINE ITEM # PURCHASE ORDER #

110.4 127.0
4.34 5.00
30.2 1.6 63.5 2X ELECTRICAL
1.19 0.06 2.50 CONNECTION
SEE TABLE
ELECTRONICS
PROCESS
Dimensions
CONNECTION are for reference
A B

only. Contact
1/2 NPTM the
172.5
6.79 factory
14.3
0.56
for
3/4 certified
NPTM drawings
156.0
6.14
19.1
0.75
131.8
for a1 particular
NPTM
model
175.0 number.
19.1
5.19 6.89 0.75
173.7 19.1
1-1/2 NPTM
6.84 0.75
178.8 19.1
1 A 2 NPTM
7.04 0.75
156.0 19.1
GROUND 1 BSPTM
6.14 0.75
SCREW
SENSOR LENGTH
DIMENSION APPROXIMATE AND BASED
1 ON A FIVE THREAD ENGAGEMENT
28.6 ACROSS FLATS 34.8
1.13 1.37 3/4 NPTF STD
ELECTRICAL
1/2 NPTF OPT
CONNECTION
M20 X 1.5F OPT
14685 W 105TH ST LENEXA, KS 66215 USA
913-888-2630
PROCESS ISO-9001 SORINC.COM
CONNECTION DRAWN BY

SEE TABLE PRODUCT CERTIFICATION DRAWING

K MITCHELL
CHECKED BY
ALL DIMENSIONS ARE ±1/16 IN
M SMITH
B UNLESS OTHERWISE SPECIFIED ENGINEER APPROVAL
MM
LINEAR = S BOAL
IN
DATE
SENSOR LENGTH ± 1/8 20 DEC 2011
PER SALES ORDER THIS DRAWING IS THE EXCLUSIVE PROPERTY OF SOR.
NO USE WHATSOEVER OF THE INFORMATION CONTAINED
HEREON, NOR REPRODUCTION IN WHOLE OR PART MAY BE
MADE WITHOUT THE EXPRESS WRITTEN PERMISSION OF SOR.
TITLE

DIMENSION DRAWING THERMAL DISPERSION

WITH THREADED PROCESS CONNECTION
DRAWING NUMBER REV
EO NUMBER: 4468
0390596 3
SCALE: 0.75 DWG SIZE
SHEET 1 OF 1
DO NOT SCALE PRINT B
Model Name: 0390596.ASSEM/3/1+
Reset Form

* Dimension is approximate and is based on a five-thread engagement. Drawing 0390596

6/8 Registered Quality System to ISO 9001 | 913-888-2630 | SORInc.com Form 1021 (02.19) ©SOR Inc.
Form 1021 (02.19) ©SOR Inc. SORInc.com | 913-888-2630 | Registered Quality System to ISO 9001 7/8
 SOR Inc. | Lenexa, KS USA | 913-888-2630 | Fax 913-888-0767 | SORInc.com

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8/8 Registered Quality System to ISO 9001 | 913-888-2630 | SORInc.com Form 1021 (02.19) ©SOR Inc.