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 the disadvantages that users experience with the alternative to do the assembly themselves.
1. The logistical effort:
This is considerable. Measuring instruments, valves along with other accessories, if they are brought together in-house, usually have 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 elements of this assembly generally come, as stated, from different manufacturers. This increases the probability 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 proper, the hook-up solution from WIKA.
A good example of this, shown here, is the mix of a differential pressure gauge with a valve manifold. The bond of the measuring instrument has a different centre distance than that of the selected valve manifold (picture left). In such a case, the connection may be accomplished via an assembly with two pipe pieces and four adapters. But this solution escalates the outlay with time and expense, as well as the threat of leakage, by doubling the sealing points (see arrow marks). Swoon-worthy in assembly also arise if the tolerances of the connection interfaces from different suppliers usually do not match exactly. This also carries the chance of leakage. In order to achieve the required compatibility, the qualification and delivery specification must be defined for every 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 entire measuring arrangement from excessive temperatures.
Right: Stunning with overpressure protector and monoflange (this enables separation of measuring instrument and process in the case of 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 range from the development of special know-how and employee training to the provision of a suitable 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 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 also 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.