Pressure transmitters and pressure gauges could be adapted to nearly every process condition using valves, protective devices and/or fittings. WIKA offers such combinations by means of a ?hook-up?, Damaging -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 and other accessories, if they are brought together in-house, usually ought to be sourced from different manufacturers, frequently from a lot more than two companies. The order processes ought to be coordinated, which is often time-consuming. Furthermore, supplier management requires additional resources.
2. Compatibility problems (threat of leakage):
Combinations of pressure measuring instruments with instrumentation valves and accessories are not standard solutions. Both components of such an assembly generally come, as mentioned, from different manufacturers. This increases the likelihood of complications during assembly.
The difference in these measuring arrangements with differential pressure gauges is obvious ? on the left, a good example of an assembly created by the operator themselves, on the proper, the hook-up solution from WIKA.
A good example of this, shown here, is 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). When this happens, the connection can be achieved via an assembly with two pipe pieces and four adapters. But this solution increases the outlay in time and expense, plus the risk of leakage, by doubling the sealing points (see arrow marks). Difficulties in assembly also arise if the tolerances of the bond interfaces from different suppliers usually do not match exactly. This also carries the risk of leakage. In order to achieve the desired compatibility, the qualification and delivery specification should be defined for each supplier with considerable effort.
Two examples of hook-up solutions:
Left: Pressure gauge with overpressure protector, a valve to split up the measuring instrument from the process and a siphon tube that protects the complete measuring arrangement from excessive temperatures.
Right: Pressure gauge with overpressure protector and monoflange (this enables separation of measuring instrument and process regarding 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. Miracle add the development of special know-how and employee training to the provision of the right workplace, including tools and the required materials. Furthermore, an excellent 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 (based on the specified process parameters and the installation situation) from qualified individual parts and is tested for leaks. It 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 info on valves and protective devices are available on the WIKA website.