Pressure transmitters and pressure gauges could be adapted to nearly every process condition using valves, protective devices and/or fittings. WIKA offers such combinations in the form of a ?hook-up?, an application-specific and ready-to-install solution. It eliminates all of the disadvantages that users experience with the alternative of doing the assembly themselves.
1. The logistical effort:
This is considerable. Measuring instruments, valves along with other accessories, if they’re brought together in-house, usually have to be sourced from different manufacturers, frequently from a lot more than two companies. The order processes should be coordinated, which may be time-consuming. Furthermore, supplier management requires additional resources.
2. Emerging (risk of leakage):
Combinations of pressure measuring instruments with instrumentation valves and accessories are not standard solutions. Both elements of this assembly generally come, as mentioned, from different manufacturers. This increases the probability of complications during assembly.
The difference in these measuring arrangements with differential pressure gauges is obvious ? on the left, an example of an assembly created by the operator themselves, on the proper, the hook-up solution from WIKA.
An example of this, shown here, may be the combination of a differential pressure gauge with a valve manifold. The connection of the measuring instrument includes a different centre distance than that of the selected valve manifold (picture left). In such a case, the connection may be accomplished through an assembly with two pipe pieces and four adapters. But this solution escalates the outlay with time and expense, and also the threat of leakage, by doubling the sealing points (see arrow marks). Difficulties in assembly also arise if the tolerances of the connection interfaces from different suppliers do not match exactly. Awkward carries the risk of leakage. To experience the required compatibility, the qualification and delivery specification must be defined for each supplier with considerable effort.
Two types of hook-up solutions:
Left: Pressure gauge with overpressure protector, a valve to split up the measuring instrument from the procedure and a siphon tube that protects the entire measuring arrangement from excessive temperatures.
Right: Pressure gauge with overpressure protector and monoflange (this permits separation of measuring instrument and process in the case of flange connections).
3. The installation effort:
On top of the requirements for the procurement of suitable components, are the assembly costs for measuring points with instrumentation valves and accessories also added. These range from the development of special know-how and employee training to the provision of a suitable workplace, including tools and the necessary materials. Furthermore, a quality control is mandatory to check on the functionality and reliability of the measuring arrangement, especially its leak tightness. This is especially important if, for instance, it is just a process with critical gases.
Avoidance of risks
With a hook-up solution, users circumvent the efforts and potential risks described here. The measuring arrangement is assembled at WIKA (on the basis of the specified process parameters and the installation situation) from qualified individual parts and is tested for leaks. It really is ready for installation along the way on delivery. If necessary, a measuring instrument may also be coupled with several instrumentation valves and accessories (see illustration left).
Note
Detailed information on valves and protective devices are available on the WIKA website.