Pressure transmitters and pressure gauges could be adapted to almost any 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. Gullible 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 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 ought to be coordinated, which may 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 are not standard solutions. Both elements of this assembly generally come, as mentioned, from different manufacturers. This increases 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, 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 via an assembly with two pipe pieces and four adapters. But this solution escalates the outlay with 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 chance of leakage. To experience 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 process 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 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 necessary materials. Furthermore, a quality control is mandatory to check the functionality and reliability of the measuring arrangement, especially its leak tightness. This 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 (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 may also be coupled with several instrumentation valves and accessories (see illustration left).
Note
Detailed home elevators valves and protective devices can be found on the WIKA website.