New WIKA MH-3 Pressure Transmitter for Mobile Working Machines

Determining problems and errors in the field just got easier with the new WIKA MH-3 pressure transmitter for mobile working machines. WIKA Instrument, LP captures the latest pressure sensor technology with the addition of the diagnostic function in the new MH-3 pressure transmitter.

The MH-3 builds on the features of the MH-2, introducing signal clamping in addition to the sought after diagnostic function. These features will keep machines running longer by reducing downtime and maintenance costs.

Applications

• Hydraulics
• Load monitoring
• Loads moment limitation
• Hydraulic drive control
• Fluids in mobile working machines

"Mobile machine manufacturers wanted a solution to allow field technicians the ability to diagnose problems quickly in order to get machines back into service. They also wanted a solution to the high warranty claims, in addition to solving the age old practice of replacing components until the failed component was found," WIKA's Senior Group Manager Business Development Jeff Placek stated.

The new MH-3 pressure transmitter fulfills these requests and much more. The MH-3 pressure transmitter was created for mobile working machines that operate under extreme conditions in harsh environments. Ideally suited for load monitoring and indication, as well as hydraulic drive control, the MH-3 can also be customized to customer specific applications.

Diagnostics: Allows field repair technicians the ability to quickly identify problems and get machines back into service, reducing the high costs associated with downtime and warranty claims.

Signal clamping: Eliminates out of range signals from the transmitter which could cause the machine to act erratically or completely shut down, resulting in unnecessary service calls.

For more information about the MH-3 and how WIKA can be a part of your business, visit http://www.forberg.com/contact_us.php .

About WIKA Instrument, LP

For almost 70 years, WIKA has continuously advanced pressure gauge, pressure transmitter and temperature measurement instrumentation. We have used our experience to develop a broad selection of stock and custom instrumentation solutions and professional services to support plant safety, productivity and profitability. A global leader in lean manufacturing, WIKA annually produces more than 43 million pressure gauges, diaphragm seals, pressure transmitters and thermometers worldwide for a variety of industries.

If you would like more information about the WIKA MH-3 Pressure Transmitter or any of the other WIKA Products please contact Forberg Scientific customer service.
Email: mechanicalsales@forberg.com
Phone: 855-288-5330

When Should You Use Diaphragm Seals?

By: Instrument Guru, December 2, 2014
 
Pressure gauges are often used in extreme conditions in industrial processes, and some gauges are specifically designed for use in these difficult process environments. These tough process gauges typically include features such as hardened housings, liquid-filled casings, and a stress-reducing Bourdon tube design, and they are often equipped with a diaphragm seal to prevent contact between the hot or corrosive media and the gauge itself. A diaphragm seal protects pressure gauges from dangerously hot, viscous, or corrosive media and dramatically extends the lifetime of the instrument.
 

Understanding diaphragm seals

 
A diaphragm seal is connected to a gauge as either a direct connection or by way of a capillary. An elastomer or flexible metal diaphragm keeps the process media from contacting the workings of the gauge. The chamber between the diaphragm and the gauge is filled with a fluid that accurately transfers the pressure of the process media by hydraulic means. Any change in process media pressure is transmitted through the flexible diaphragm into the system fill fluid, which then connects to the Bourdon tube of the gauge.
 
Diaphragm seals can be easily mounted onto gauges using threaded, flanged, in line, sanitary, or other types of connections.
 
In most cases, diaphragm seal bodies and the diaphragms themselves are stainless steel, but instrument industry leaders like WIKA also produce diaphragm seals from other materials including carbon steel and Hastelloy® C-276 for specific applications. WIKA’s diaphragm seals are designed to operate in pressure applications from 10″ Hg to 20,000 psi and at media temperatures between -130°F and +752°F.
 
Diaphragm seals are also installed on pressure transmitters and switches exposed to extreme conditions.
 

When to use a diaphragm seal

 

• Protective diaphragm seals are typically used in applications where direct contact with the process media will degrade the instrument. Diaphragm seals should be considered under conditions including:
• High-temperature media – A diaphragm can be designed to include a cooling element; for example, a diaphragm seal with an 8″ cooling tower can tolerate temperatures up to 750°F.
• Corrosive media – WIKA can provide diaphragm seals made of a variety of custom alloys, including PTFE, gold and silver, or carbon steel. WIKA’s Metal Bonded Diaphragms are designed for processes requiring Hastelloy®, Monel® and Tantalum flush diaphragms.
• Viscous or crystallizing media – Using pressure seals reduces the number of connections in a process, minimizing internal cavities where clogs typically form.
• Media with suspended solids – Diaphragm seals minimize clogging in process applications such as pharmaceutical, pulp and paper, food and beverage, chemical, and waste water.
• When overpressure protection is required – WIKA has designed a diaphragm seal with a continuous-duty contoured diaphragm bed for robust overpressure protection.
• When sanitary cleanliness is required – WIKA’s patented InLine Seal™ makes sure that your process system does not develop “dead spaces” that encourage bacterial growth.
• Highly toxic or dangerous media – An all-welded process gauge and diaphragm seal system offers extra protection to minimize the chance of any toxic media escaping.

Top quality WIKA diaphragm seals specifically designed around your processes can dramatically extend the lifetime of your pressure measurement instrumentation and lead to significant cost savings. Contact us to learn more about how a small investment in the right diaphragm seals pays off over the long run.

Forberg Scientific, Inc.
P: 855-288-5330
E: mechanicalsales@forberg.com
www.forberg.com

WIKA S-20 Pressure Transmitter it is Versatile & Robust

WIKA Instrument, LP (WIKA) now offers the S-20 pressure transmitter, which is designed for 
a wide range of applications and demanding measurement requirements.

 
WIKA Instrument, LP (WIKA) now offers the S-20 pressure transmitter, which is designed for a wide range of applications and demanding measurement requirements. The pressure transmitter provides continuous measuring ranges between 0 ... 10 and 0 ... 20,000 psi, which can be combined with state-of-the-art output signals, process connections and electrical connections.
 
Users have the option to order the S-20 with three different accuracy classes (0.125 %, 0.25 % and 0.5 % BFSL), extended temperature ranges and customer-specific pin assignments. The S-20 pressure transmitter delivers accurate results even under the most adverse environmental conditions.
 
WIKA’s state-of-the art manufacturing processes ensure fast delivery of virtually any combination of desired options.

>>  Fore more information on this product, click here 
 
You can also contact Forberg Scientific for pricing and availability on the WIKA S-20 Pressure Transmitter or any of the other products WIKA Instrument has to offer.
Toll Free: 855-288-5330
Email: mechanicalsales@forberg.com

Recurring Gauges Failure can be Expensive and Risky

Author: Instrument Guru
Posted: WIKA Blog Dec 19,2013

There are plenty of articles and sites about automobiles and their woes. In an era of sophisticated cars packed with a myriad of electronic gizmos and digital instrumentation, quality gauges are essential to an automobile’s longevity—and its owner’s long-term happiness.

The same principle holds true in a processing operation: just like the devoted car owner, you depend on quality gauges for guidance, and you’ve learned that recurring gauge failure can signify a problem that must be remedied before it snowballs.

Moreover, while personal safety is at the top of everyone’s list in automotive transportation, quality gauges are especially important to the safety in a processing environment. Gauge failure in an plant can have far-reaching ramifications: a true crisis might affect hundreds, if not thousands, of people.

Just as that erroneously blinking light on your dashboard might ultimately cause you to ignore your gauges altogether, a recurring gauge failure might have the same effect in your facility. That’s not a good thing. We’ve all seen the statistics on how big disasters can often be traced to small gauge failures. OSHA statistics on just how much even one workplace accident can cost—in time off, in remedying the situation, and, possibly, in paying government fines – is substantial.

Therefore, money spent on quality gauges is usually well spent, and that it doesn’t pay, in the long run, to skimp on quality or service. Not only will your operation have reliable gauges available, you’ll benefit from knowing your equipment is backed up by a quality supplier with attentive customer service. The cost to your plant may be larger at the outset, but avoiding frequent replacement and  risks will pay dividends over time.

Those costs don’t even take into account the intangible benefits of owning quality instrumentation. You can’t always assign a cost value to “peace of mind,” but in an industry characterized by often-unforeseen hazards, it is indeed priceless.

So, too, is the goodwill, in the workplace and the community that comes from creating a safe, quality-conscious environment. People appreciate working in settings where their safety is paramount and they tend to hold onto such jobs. In a time when technical talent is becoming scarce, spending less time and resources on recruiting and training workers is a valuable benefit.

If you are dealing with a recurring gauge failure, where can you turn for help? Your first resource should be WIKA’s Full Audit Service Team (FAST). FAST is a value-added service that WIKA provides to its customers at no additional cost.

WIKA’s instrumentation engineers can quickly diagnose the reason for a recurring gauge failure. It might be as simple as a misapplied gauge or it could be a sign of a more complex problem requiring attention. The FAST team will identify the root cause and provide you with valuable solutions.

The FAST team provides a wide range of instrumentation services such as safety training, instrument audits, supply-chain streamlining, and more. Download a copy of “Navigating a Mine Field & Staying Safe,” WIKA’s e-book for the downstream petroleum industry. This e-book details how the FAST team can help you solve the riddle of recurring gauge failures and keep your plant safe and productive.

WIKA eLearning Click Here

If you would like to receive more information about WIKA pressure gauges please contact Forberg Scientific, Inc. customer service.
Phone: 855-288-5330
Email: mechanicalsales@forberg.com

How do pressure gauges fit into my reliability initiatives?

Author: Instrument Guru
Published: WIKA Blog Knowledge

In my interactions with safety and compliance officers from large petroleum companies, these themes always seem to be a part of the conversation: I need to increase reliability…and by the way, I also want to lower costs—all without putting safety at risk.

From there, they jump to the next logical question for an Instrument Engineer: “How do pressure gauges fit into these needs?”

With so much automation and electronic measurement in plants, it’s easy to see how mechanical instruments have been marginalized.  This also explains why we’re finding that 25% of gauges in a typical plant aren’t working—and up to 60% or more are in danger of failing because the instruments no longer match the applications or processes.

Let’s start with how pressure gauges fit into reliability, safety and lowering costs. Pressure gauges are important to every day operations because they work like alarms. They help identify process issues before they lead to costly situations such as critical equipment failure or loss of containment. If they aren’t working properly, you won’t have a complete picture of what is going on in the pipes, pumps and other equipment in the plant.

• Local readings – Workers in the plant rely on gauges to let them know that the systems surrounding them are functioning properly and safely.
• Dual readings – Comparing pressure readings helps evaluate the efficiency and safety of operations. If you need to confirm what is going on in your process, you don’t want failed gauges.
• Back-up readings – If the power goes out, pressure gauges supply the readings you need to continue monitoring your process.

If you would like to learn more about WIKA's FAST Full Audit Service Team please click the below links

 

 

To receive pricing and availability on WIKA pressure gauges, WIKA thermometers and WIKA pressure transmitters please contact Forberg Scientific, Inc. customer service.

 

Email: mechanicalsales@forberg.com

Toll Free: 1-855-288-5330

Website: www.forberg.com & www.autoctrls.com

Don't Neglect Pressure Gauges

Inadequate attention can make plants vulnerable to mishaps

From: WIKA Jason Deane

The simple pressure gauge is an often-overlooked defense mechanism for preventing accidents. However, in auditing more than 250 plants, WIKA Instrument discovered that up to 25% of all pressure gauges were broken, damaged or misapplied — this represents an average of eight deficient gauges located within 20 feet of each employee.

A failed gauge compromises a plant's ability to detect a problem before a safety incident occurs. Malfunctioning gauges also can lead to media leaks, fugitive emissions and a fire or explosion, taking a toll on safety and reliability.

Even minor accidents can cause employee injury and lead to downtime. Any accident or leakage also puts staff sent to fix the problem into harm's way, which, of course, can lead to further employee injury and lost hours.

Many causes contribute to this dangerous situation with gauges. Fortunately, they can be prevented.

CAUSES OF GAUGE FAILURE

Through its evaluation of more than 150,000 gauge installations, WIKA has identified eight common causes of failure. So, let's look at each, along with the solution.

1. Vibration. Many pieces of equipment vibrate. However, excessive vibration can lead to gauge failure and may indicate a problem with a component. Solution: install a gauge that will resist vibration better — i.e., a liquid-filled or direct-drive gauge with only a single moving part.

2. Pulsation. A rapidly cycling medium within a pressure system can make a gauge pointer move erratically and eventually can lead to breakdown of internal parts. Solution: install a restrictor and liquid-filled case to dampen pulses on a standard gauge or replace with a direct-drive gauge that lacks gears and linkages.

3. Temperature. Extreme temperatures cause sweating and loosening in metal joints and eventually can cause them to crack. Solution: install a gauge with a fully welded diaphragm seal and consider adding an on-board cooling element to combat the highest temperatures.

4. Overpressure and pressure spikes. Frequent pegging against the stop pin can bend the gauge pointer and compromise the integrity of the Bourdon tube or sensing element and, ultimately, lead to rupture. Solution: install an overpressure protector to inhibit readings that exceed gauge capacity.

5. Corrosion. The highly corrosive media often found in process plants can damage the sensing material in gauges. Solution: install a diaphragm seal that's constructed from material that will withstand the corrosive.

6. Clogging. A medium that contains suspended particles or is viscous or can crystallize can clog the pressure system and make gauge readings unreliable. Solution: install a diaphragm seal with a clog-preventing barrier.

7. Steam. Some media produce steam or other vapors that can damage the internal parts of gauges. Solution: install either a mini-siphon with an internal chamber to reduce surges or a full siphon, making sure to include a coil for horizontal applications and a pigtail for vertical ones.

8. Mishandling and abuse. Even properly installed gauges will start to malfunction if mistreated over time. Solution: conduct regular safety and maintenance training for all employees who come into contact with or proximity to gauges.

Unfortunately, many plant personnel aren't properly equipped or experienced enough to recognize and address all these problems. That, however, doesn't reduce the importance of doing so.

TACKLING THE PROBLEMS

When beginning to address instrument shortcomings, keep in mind that studies show that fewer than 0.25% of piping components account for greater than 80% of controllable fugitive emissions. Installing gauges with welded diaphragm seals on these components creates a dual containment device, which is required by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. This means plants can correct a major source of violations and fines by addressing a very small percentage of connection points. For many facilities, this is an excellent place to start to get meaningful results quickly.

Another fairly straightforward step that's simple to implement but can yield powerful results is standardization of gauges. This reduces the number of replacement parts that must be kept in inventory — and confusion by technicians. In other words, when replacing an old or faulty gauge, employees more likely will select the correct gauge rather than resorting to like and kind replacement. This also helps ensure the storeroom maintains proper inventory, helping cut costs.

Plants that don't have the resources to identify and correct faulty and misapplied pressure measurement instruments can get outside help, such as from WIKA's FAST Team. Any audit team should:

• Visually evaluate the plant's gauge population and look for issues that need to be addressed.
• Diagnose gauges that pose threats and uncover the causes.
• Formulate a strategic plan to address all the discovered issues.
• Audit the storeroom and streamline inventory, reducing redundant part numbers and guesswork.
• Provide dependable processes to prevent misapplying instruments in the future, and coordinate employee-training programs.

Given the complexity of managing the operations of a process plant, it's easy to understand how smaller components such as mechanical pressure instruments can be overlooked. However, using gauges as early warning devices can improve uptime, safety and profits. Money spent on the humble gauge very well could be the best investment a processing plant can make.

If you would like more information, pricing and availability on WIKA Pressure Gauges or other WIKA Instrument products please contact Forberg Scientific Customer Service.
Tool Free: 855-288-5330Email: mechanicalsales@forberg.com

Purpose of a Vent Hole in Pressure Sensors

Author: Michele Beyer (WIKA)
Posted: Knowledge

In so-called “gauge sensors” pressure is always measured relative to the currently prevailing ambient pressure. However, the ambient pressure is by no means constant. It is location-and height-dependent and changes with the weather. This means that for a “gauge” pressure sensor to operate, the (changing) ambient pressure must also be available inside the instrument. This means that the ambient pressure must be allowed to enter the instrument, i.e., the instrument must be “vented”. If an instrument of this type were to remain unvented, the change in weather and location, relative to the calibration performed by the manufacturer, an additional error up to several per cent would be introduced. This effect becomes of course less and less important with increasing pressure range of the sensor, compared with the actual change in ambient pressure.

By the way: in unvented instruments, the temperature influence adds another effect. Expansion of the air enclosed in the instrument as a result of a change in temperature causes a preliminary pressure, which also appears as an additional measuring error.

Conclusion: Pressure sensors used for measuring gauge pressure must be “vented”.

Typically, this is done via a controlled opening, a so-called vent hole. This vent hole must, of course, be carefully protected from the entry of dirt, dust and moisture. This can be supported by design measures (location, membranes, labyrinths, etc.) or must be ensured by the user on site by carefully controlling the mounting situation.

If you would like more information about WIKA pressure sensors or other WIKA products please contact Forberg Scientific customer service.
Toll Free: 855-288-5330
Email: mechanicalsales@forberg.com

Why a Pressure Gauge is Important to Everyday Operations?

A pressure gauge is a common component in operations from various industries across the world. But not every gauge is created equally or made for every situation. WIKA Instrument Corporation has been on the forefront of innovation and quality for pressure gauges and pressure instruments for over 60 years, making us the pressure gauge expert for diverse industries and applications.

Gauges with bourdon tubes are the most common pressure measuring devices used today. They combine a high grade of measuring technology, simple operation, ruggedness and flexibility with the advantages of industrial and cost-effective production. Needing no external power supply, bourdon tube gauges are the best choice for most applications.

Pressure gauges are crucial components of most processing systems. In these environments, a pressure gauge needs to be reliable, accurate and easy to read to help prevent failure in everyday operations. Therefore, how a gauge is constructed and tested is extremely important for reliability, safety and peace-of-mind. After all, failures can cost time, money and productivity loss.

Applications for gauges with a bourdon tube range from highly automated chemical processes, such as, refineries and petrochemical processing, to hydraulic and pneumatic installations. These types of gauges can also be found at all critical process monitoring and safety points in today’s energy industries, from exploration wells and petrochemical plants, to power stations and wastewater operations.

If you would like to receive pricing and availability on Wika Pressure Gauges or other Wika Products please visit our website www.forberg.com or contact Forberg Scientific customer service.
Toll Free: 855-288-5330
Email: mechanicalsales@forberg.com