When calibrating or testing a gauge or transducer with a pneumatic pressure controller it is important to protect the controller from any liquid contaminants that could be present in these devices under test (DUT). A block and bleed valve (BBV) in-line with a coalescing filter is a good way to do this.
The potential flow of containments is from the DUT to the controller. A BBV and a coalescing filter, oriented as observed in the diagram above, will to work to avoid contamination. The BBV is used to purge the bulk of liquid from the DUT. The coalescing filter is really a backup to eliminate any residual liquid that could be present even after the original purge and can separate entrained liquid droplets from gas flowing in direction of the controller. The next procedure is built to prevent harm to a pneumatic pressure controller from a contaminated DUT.
Purge the DUT of liquid containments
Before connecting the DUT to the system, remove as much liquid as you possibly can from the DUT.
With the controller power off and both block and bleed valve closed, connect the system as shown above.
Use the controller to use a pressure close to the full scale pressure of the DUT.
Open the block valve slowly to pressurize the DUT (note: the gas will flow in direction of the controller to the DUT ? Better to low pressure).
After the system is pressurized close the block valve.
Essential and detox the system to atmospheric pressure. Take notice of the sump to see if any liquid is purged.
Close the bleed valve.
Repeat steps 3 to 7 until no more liquid is observed appearing out of the system.
With the block and the bleed valves securely closed, vent the controller.
After completion of the above procedure it should now be safe to calibrate the DUT. To calibrate, open the block valve and close the bleed valve. The coalescing filter will coalesce (join together) any liquid droplets which could still be present in the gas, and gravity will draw the liquid to underneath of the filter housing. The filter may also remove particles larger than the specified size. An automatic or manual valve could be attached to the bottom of the filter housing to periodically drain any liquid which has accumulated.
Note:
1. The coalescing filter will not protect against a big slug of liquid that fills the housing and is forced through the filter membrane or liquid vapor.
2. The gas used to calibrate the DUT can flow in either direction within this system.
3. You will see a pressure drop over the filter in the flowing condition; at steady state pressure there is no pressure drop.