Tuesday, July 12, 2011

Installing the Wrong Pressure Transmitter Can be Dangerous

Author: Wika Application Notes

Whether it’s protecting human life, protection of expensive equipment, or meeting installation codes, safety is the number one concern when working in hazardous areas when there is a concentration of flammable gases, vapors or dust. Many pressure transmitter users in petrochemical, chemical, or refineries are unaware of the potential dangers of selecting the wrong pressure transmitter for their application. Using the correct pressure transmitter can mean the difference between causing and preventing a fire or explosion.

A non-rated pressure transmitter can create severe safety issues for both equipment and employees. Improper installation or use may damage the pressure transmitter making it a possible ignition source.

To help alleviate this concern, hazardous area pressure transmitters minimize these potential safety hazards. They are available in a variety of designs and approval ratings including explosion proof, non-incendive and intrinsically safe.

Hazardous Area Pressure Transmitters
Explosion-Proof pressure transmitters are based on the theory of containment and are designed for applications requiring Class 1, Division I approvals. These pressure transmitters are designed to contain, control, cool and vent any possible ignition, without igniting the surrounding flammable gases or vapors. They require installation with conduit and seal offs to maintain the explosion proof rating.

Non-Incendive explosion-proof pressure transmitters are preferred when potential hazards are only occasionally present. They are designed to work in Class 1, Division II hazardous areas and require less stringent installation procedures than explosion-proof pressure transmitters.

Intrinsically Safe explosion-proof pressure transmitters are designed to limit the thermal and electrical energy to a point where ignition is not possible. Intrinsically safe pressure transmitters require the use of an intrinsically safe barrier installed in the safe area. They do not require the use of conduit and conduit seals or need a “hot permit” if servicing of the instrument loop is required. This technology is standard in Europe and is becoming increasingly more popular in the United States.

Why Wika
Over the last six decades, WIKA Instrument Corporation has become a symbol for sophisticated solutions in the field of pressure and temperature measurement.


WIKA’s family of hazardous area pressure transmitters is suitable when applications do not require the full functionality of smart pressure transmitters. WIKA’s E-10, N-10 and IS-20 pressure transmitters all feature technology designed for use in hazardous locations. Features include pressure ranges of 30inHg vacuum to 15,000 psi; output signals of 4-20mA to 1-5v; and a variety of approvals. All are backed by a two year warranty.

Recommended WIKA Products for Hazardous Areas:
  • E-10: Class 1, Division 1 (Explosion-Proof)
  • N-10: Class 1, Division 2 (Non-Incendive)
  • IS-20: Class 1, Division 1 & Division 2 (Intrinsically Safe)
Safety Approvals

Whether the threat of potential danger is common or infrequent, WIKA cares about your safety and is ready to provide the right pressure transmitter for your hazardous area applications.
Data Sheets:
E-10   Explosion-Proof Pressure Transmitter
N-10   Non-Incendive Pressure Transmitter
IS-20  Intrinsically Safe Pressure Transmitter

If you are looking to purchase a Wika Pressure Transmitter please visit our website www.forberg.com or contact Forberg Scientific customer service.
Toll Free: 855-288-5330
Email: mechanicalsales@forberg.com



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