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 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 need to be sourced from different manufacturers, frequently from more than two companies. The order processes should be coordinated, which may 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 components of this assembly generally come, as stated, from different manufacturers. This escalates 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.
An example of this, shown here, may be the combination 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 may be accomplished through an assembly with two pipe pieces and four adapters. But this solution escalates 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 connection interfaces from different suppliers do not match exactly. This carries the risk of leakage. To experience 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 separate the measuring instrument from the procedure and a siphon tube that protects the entire measuring arrangement from excessive temperatures.
Right: Overnight 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 certain 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 required 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, 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. Fulfilled 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. Daring is ready for installation along the way on delivery. If necessary, a measuring instrument can also be combined with several instrumentation valves and accessories (see illustration left).
Note
Detailed info on valves and protective devices are available on the WIKA website.