Because of this breadth, WIKA is able to design tailor-made connections to minimise fugitive emissions in cooperation with the customer. The following applies to each version:
The defined leak tightness is verifiably guaranteed during initial assembly.
It also remains permanent, even with 24/7 system operation.
The leak tightness can be restored, as required, after maintenance or replacement of the measuring system.
Flange connections for level measurement
Bypass level indicators are widely used in level measurement. At least two interfaces are required for connection to a vessel, and these are implemented as flanges. A detailed assembly protocol ensures the safe connection of the two flanges that are permanently welded to the measuring unit. All internal interfaces of the measuring arrangement are assembled and leak-tested in the factory. Sealing surfaces (raised face RF, tongue, groove or smooth) and seals depend on the respective medium.
Welding of thermowells
Thermowells reliably shield thermometers from critical process conditions. Welding them into the pipeline or vessel enables the measuring instrument to be connected without any seals, thus ensuring the leak tightness of the connection. However, the thermowell itself must be able to withstand the loads on the process side, such as the flow rate of the medium, the pressure and the temperature. Adequate design is based on a strength calculation (“Wake Frequence Calculation” – WFC). WIKA provides a corresponding calculation program online.
Connection of measuring instruments without additional seals
For measuring instruments and instrumentation valves in applications with critical conditions, such as handling volatile gases, process connections with double ferrule compression fittings should be considered. They are not only recommended because of their pronounced leak tightness. Measuring arrangements with such a process connection can be integrated into a precision piping system without any additional adapter. Pressure gauges can be aligned flexibly.
All in a safe flow
With flow measurement for process gases such as methane, measuring arrangements consisting of primary flow elements, valve blocks and differential pressure measuring instruments have proven themselves. Depending on the application, a welded joint can be considered for the installation of the measuring system in the pipeline, which eliminates the need for an additional seal. Solutions from WIKA can be combined with instrumentation valves that are certified in accordance with ISO 15848-1 and TA Luft (VDI 2440), for example.