Pressure transmitters and pressure gauges can be adapted to almost any 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:
That is considerable. Measuring instruments, valves and other accessories, if they are brought together in-house, usually must be sourced from different manufacturers, frequently from more than two companies. The order processes have to be coordinated, and this can be time-consuming. Furthermore, supplier management requires additional resources.
2. Compatibility problems (risk of leakage):
Combinations of pressure measuring instruments with instrumentation valves and accessories aren’t standard solutions. Easily of this assembly generally come, as stated, 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, an example of an assembly created 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 connection of the measuring instrument has 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 escalates 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 do not match exactly. This carries the risk of leakage. In order to achieve the required compatibility, the qualification and delivery specification should be defined for every supplier with considerable effort.
Two types of hook-up solutions:
Left: Pressure gauge with overpressure protector, a valve to separate the measuring instrument from the procedure and a siphon tube that protects the entire measuring arrangement from excessive temperatures.
Right: Frightening with overpressure protector and monoflange (this enables separation of measuring instrument and process regarding flange connections).
3. The installation effort:
On top of certain 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 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 example, this can be 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 is ready for installation in the process on delivery. If necessary, a measuring instrument can even be combined with several instrumentation valves and accessories (see illustration left).
Note
Detailed info on valves and protective devices can be found on the WIKA website.