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?, an application-specific and ready-to-install solution. It eliminates all of the disadvantages that users experience with the choice 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 should be sourced from different manufacturers, frequently from more than two companies. The order processes need to be coordinated, and this can be time-consuming. Furthermore, supplier management requires additional resources.
2. Compatibility problems (threat of leakage):
Combinations of pressure measuring instruments with instrumentation valves and accessories aren’t standard solutions. Both elements of such an assembly generally come, as mentioned, from different manufacturers. This escalates the odds 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 made by the operator themselves, on the right, the hook-up solution from WIKA.
An 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). 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 in time and expense, as well as 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 usually do not match exactly. This carries the risk of leakage. To experience the desired compatibility, the qualification and delivery specification must 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 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 regarding flange connections).
3. The installation effort:
On top of certain requirements for the procurement of suitable components, will be the assembly costs for measuring points with instrumentation valves and accessories also added. These add the development of special know-how and employee training to the provision of the right workplace, including tools and the necessary materials. Furthermore, an excellent control is mandatory to check the functionality and reliability of the measuring arrangement, especially its leak tightness. That is especially important if, for instance, this is 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. Intelligent is ready for installation along the way on delivery. If necessary, a measuring instrument can even be coupled with several instrumentation valves and accessories (see illustration left).
Note
Detailed information on valves and protective devices can be found on the WIKA website.