Pressure transmitters and pressure gauges can 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 alternative to do 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 must 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 this assembly generally come, as mentioned, from different manufacturers. Ordeal increases the likelihood of complications during assembly.
The difference in these measuring arrangements with differential pressure gauges is obvious ? on the left, an example of an assembly made by the operator themselves, on the right, the hook-up solution from WIKA.
An example of this, shown here, may be the mix of a differential pressure gauge with a valve manifold. The bond 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 through an assembly with two pipe pieces and four adapters. But this solution increases the outlay in time and expense, plus the threat 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 carries the risk of leakage. To experience the desired compatibility, the qualification and delivery specification must be defined for each supplier with considerable effort.
Indulgent 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 complete 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 the requirements for the procurement of suitable components, are the assembly charges 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 required materials. Furthermore, an excellent control is mandatory to check on the functionality and reliability of the measuring arrangement, especially its leak tightness. That is especially important if, for instance, it 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 (based on 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 can be combined with several instrumentation valves and accessories (see illustration left).
Note
Detailed information on valves and protective devices are available on the WIKA website.