Method for using reusable pipe union and pipe cap assembly for wide thermal cycling

A method for sealing the end of a thermowell pipe containing a thermowell wire communicating with a reactor, the method comprising the steps of:

• (a) attaching a first end of a tubular first fitting member to the end of the thermowell pipe, the first fitting member also having a second end with an annular tapered ridge projecting therefrom;
• (b) securing a weather protection cap to the second end of the first fitting member, the weather protection cap having a passage extending therethrough and receiving the thermowell wire extending from the thermowell pipe;
• and
• (c) replacing the weather protection cap with a cap assembly when a leak arises in the thermowell pipe, the cap assembly comprising:
• (i) a cap member having a closed first end and an opposing second end with an annular tapered ridge projecting from the second end;
• (ii) a tubular sealing member positioned between the annular tapered ridge of the first fitting member and the annular tapered ridge of the cap member, the sealing member comprising:
• (A) a first end face having an annular tapered channel recessed therein, the tapered channel being configured to substantially compliment the shape of the tapered ridge of the first fitting member and to sealingly engage the tapered ridge of the first fitting member;
• (B) a second end face having an annular tapered channel recessed therein, the tapered channel being configured to substantially compliment the shape of the tapered ridge of the cap member and to sealingly engage the tapered ridge of the cap member, the sealing member being configured to resist any substantial macroscopic deformation after each tapered ridge is sealingly engaged to the corresponding tapered channel, the sealing member also being loosely positioned and selectively removable from the cap assembly;
• and
• (C) means for drawing together the first fitting member and the cap member to hold each tapered ridge in sealed engagement with each corresponding tapered channel of the sealing member.

A method for sealing the end of a thermowell pipe containing a thermowell wire communicating with a reactor, the method comprising the steps of:

• (a) attaching a first end of a tubular first fitting member to the end of the thermowell pipe, said first fitting member also having a second end;
• (b) securing a first cap to said second end of said first fitting member, said first cap having a closed first end and an opposing second end, said second end of said first cap being configured to attach to said second end of said first fitting member;
• and
• (c) replacing said first cap with a second cap when a leak arises in the thermowell pipe, said second cap being capable of forming a seal about the thermowell pipe.