Pressure transmitters and pressure gauges could be adapted to nearly every 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 of doing the assembly themselves.
1. The logistical effort:
That is considerable. Measuring instruments, valves along with other accessories, if they’re brought together in-house, usually have to be sourced from different manufacturers, frequently from more than two companies. The order processes should be coordinated, that 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 are not standard solutions. Both elements of this assembly generally come, as stated, from different manufacturers. This increases the probability of complications during assembly.
Masterclass 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, is the combination 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 risk of leakage, by doubling the sealing points (see arrow marks). Freedom in assembly also arise if the tolerances of the connection interfaces from different suppliers do not match exactly. This also carries the risk of leakage. In order to achieve the desired compatibility, the qualification and delivery specification must be defined for every supplier with considerable effort.
Two types 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: Pressure gauge 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 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 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 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 really 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 are available on the WIKA website.