A diaphragm seal system in a vacuum process must master a major challenge ? it must deliver a reliable measuring result, even when the pressure drops and the temperature rises simultaneously. The exemplory case of a chemical company producing phthalic anhydride (PA) implies that it is by no means self-evident that this requirement could be met on a frequent basis.
PA is primarily used as a plasticiser for plastics. However, additionally it is found in the production of synthetic resins and dyes. The plant operator obtains this compound via the catalytic oxidation of o-xylene in the gas phase, followed by a vacuum distillation process.
Critical phase for pressure measurement
In this process, the critical phase for pressure measurement occurs in the distillation column. There, the process temperature can rise to a lot more than 230 �C while the pressure drops to 100 mbar abs. With such a contrary action, the conventional installed measurement technology reaches its performance limit relatively quickly, which the aforementioned manufacturer was forced to learn ? all instrumentation showed a measurement deviation beyond your defined tolerance after only week or two.
Diaphragm seal system adapted in every elements to the vacuum process
The diaphragm seal system is tailored exactly to the conditions of the vacuum process and tested under application conditions.
Consequently, the business approached WIKA with the obtain a measuring solution that would also fulfil its task with the mandatory accuracy in the long run beneath the conditions described. WIKA then drew on its in-depth expertise to design a diaphragm seal system for the vacuum process, consisting of an activity transmitter (model IPT-20), a flange-type diaphragm seal with flush diaphragm (model 990.27) and a capillary.
All components of this measuring system were selected designed for the application. Silicone oil KN32 was therefore selected as the fill fluid for pressure transmission. The cleaning and conditioning of the diaphragm seal, the capillary, the connection pieces as well as the automated filling process were also matched to one another exactly. With sensitive limit ranges, even one drop of liquid an excessive amount of or too little can destabilise the volume balance of the diaphragm seal system and therefore impair its function. Subsequently, correct measurement would no more be guaranteed.
ไดอะแฟรม under application conditions
After cleaning, all parts of the diaphragm seal system were first fully welded into a single unit as usual, followed by the filling and adjustment of the machine. Before delivery, however, there was another crucial step ? in its laboratory, WIKA simulated vacuum pressure process for the diaphragm seal system relative to the customer?s conditions and subjected it to a thermal ageing process. This test confirmed the procedure suitability of the measuring system.
Note
Further information on the WIKA diaphragm seal systems can be found on the WIKA website. When you have any questions, your contact will gladly assist you to.
Also read our posts
Diaphragm seals for stable flow measurement in deep seas
Just how do diaphragm seals work?
Watch the following video for more information about the functionality, application areas and advantages of diaphragm seals: