When should we use a flood diaphragm?
Process measurement sensors are not indestructible. Even the smoothest equipment is not completely immune to the chemical nature of the process environment or the kinetic effect associated with fluid composition and motion. Balancing the degrees of protection, usually to increase the useful life of the device, with the response and accuracy of the sensor is a recurring challenge in measuring and controlling the process.
Industrial processes are usually associated with corrosive or toxic liquids, often at high pressures or temperatures, and contain varying amounts of solids. Each of these traits can pose significant risks to process performance and timeliness. Operations that process liquids use pressure gauges to monitor process performance and maintain system safety. There are many cases where the characteristics of the process and its media are not compatible with pressure gauges. Here are some potentially problematic scenarios for pressure gauges:
- Corrosive media that spoil the pressure measuring element.
- Adhesive or fibrous media, as well as those that may crystallize or polymerize, pose a risk of clogging ducts, pipes, and diaphragms of pressure gauges.
- Media temperature that is too high for the pressure gauge can not damage the instrument or cause a pressure reading error.
- A measuring point that is remotely located where a technician may need to observe the reading. It is also conceivable that the pressure gauge should be away from other potentially damaging environmental conditions.
- Process requirements Determine specific health requirements that cause the measuring device to be detached from the environment.
- Toxic or otherwise dangerous media that must be present.
- Surveillance at system pressure may exceed the acceptable range of the device and potentially damage the device.
A solution that can protect the above, while still maintaining the response and accuracy of the tool, is a diaphragm seal. The seals are placed between the pressure gauge and the processing medium. The space between the diaphragms is flexible and the sensor is filled with fluid, which causes the hydraulic pressure to be transferred to the sensor on the side of the diaphragm process. The diaphragm acts as a physical barrier between potentially harmful media and tools. Diaphragm seals are available in a variety of settings to adjust any media or connection requirement.
Selecting a seal involves specifying the connections and form factor for the correct displacement of the diaphragm with the tool and process, then selecting the diaphragm material that is compatible with the media. The best way to reach a positive solution is to share your needs with a qualified assembler. They can help you choose the right diaphragm seal, pair it with a pressure gauge , and provide a complete assembly that is ready for your process .