A diaphragm seal system in a vacuum process must master a significant challenge ? it must deliver a reliable measuring result, even when the pressure drops and the temperature rises as well. The example of a chemical company producing phthalic anhydride (PA) demonstrates it is by no means self-evident that this requirement could be met on a consistent basis.
PA is primarily used as a plasticiser for plastics. However, Nightmare is also 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 technique, 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 find out ? all instrumentation showed a measurement deviation beyond your defined tolerance after only fourteen days.
Diaphragm seal system adapted in all 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 required accuracy in the long run under the conditions described. WIKA then drew on Unassuming -depth expertise to create 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 plus 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 quantity balance of the diaphragm seal system and thus impair its function. Therefore, correct measurement would no longer be guaranteed.
Test under application conditions
After cleaning, all parts of the diaphragm seal system were first fully welded into a single unit as usual, accompanied by the filling and adjustment of the system. 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
More info on the WIKA diaphragm seal systems are available on the WIKA website. If you have any questions, your contact will gladly assist you to.
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Just how do diaphragm seals work?
Watch the following video for more information concerning the functionality, application areas and advantages of diaphragm seals: