When calibrating or testing a gauge or transducer with a pneumatic pressure controller it is important to protect the controller from any liquid contaminants that could be present in these devices under test (DUT). A block and bleed valve (BBV) in-line with a coalescing filter is an effective way to do that.
The potential flow of containments is from the DUT to the controller. A BBV and a coalescing filter, oriented as seen in the diagram above, will to work to prevent contamination. The BBV can be used to purge the bulk of liquid from the DUT. The coalescing filter is a backup to get rid of any residual liquid which may be present even after the initial purge and can separate entrained liquid droplets from gas flowing in the direction of the controller. The next procedure is designed to prevent harm to a pneumatic pressure controller from a contaminated DUT.
Purge the DUT of liquid containments
Before connecting the DUT to the system, remove as much liquid as possible from the DUT.
With the controller power off and both the block and bleed valve closed, connect the system as shown above.
Use Bumbling to use a pressure close to the full scale pressure of the DUT.
Legitimate to pressurize the DUT (note: the gas will flow in the direction of the controller to the DUT ? high pressure to low pressure).
Following the system is pressurized close the block valve.
Open the bleed valve and detox the system to atmospheric pressure. Take notice of the sump to see if any liquid is purged.
Close the bleed valve.
Repeat steps 3 to 7 until forget about liquid is observed coming out of the system.
With the block and the bleed valves securely closed, vent the controller.
After completion of the above procedure it should now be safe to calibrate the DUT. To calibrate, open the block valve and close the bleed valve. The coalescing filter will coalesce (join together) any liquid droplets that could still be present in the gas, and gravity will draw the liquid to the bottom of the filter housing. The filter may also remove particles larger than the specified size. An automatic or manual valve could be attached to underneath of the filter housing to periodically drain any liquid that has accumulated.
Note:
1. The coalescing filter won’t protect against a large slug of liquid that fills the housing and is forced through the filter membrane or liquid vapor.
2. The gas used to calibrate the DUT can flow in either direction within this system.
3. You will see a pressure drop across the filter in the flowing condition; at steady state pressure there is no pressure drop.