A diaphragm seal system in vacuum pressure process must master a significant challenge ? it must deliver a trusted measuring result, even though the pressure drops and the temperature rises simultaneously. Barrage of a chemical company producing phthalic anhydride (PA) shows that it is by no means self-evident that requirement can be met on a frequent basis.
PA is primarily used as a plasticiser for plastics. However, it 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 vacuum pressure 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 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 outside the defined tolerance after only a fortnight.
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 company approached WIKA with the obtain a measuring solution that could also fulfil its task with the mandatory accuracy in the long term under the conditions described. WIKA then drew on its in-depth expertise to design a diaphragm seal system for the vacuum process, comprising a process 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 specifically for the application form. Silicone oil KN32 was therefore selected because the fill fluid for pressure transmission. The cleaning and conditioning of the diaphragm seal, the capillary, the bond pieces and also the automated filling process were also matched to each other 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. Therefore, correct measurement would no longer be guaranteed.
Test under application conditions
After cleaning, all elements of the diaphragm seal system were first fully welded right 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 a vacuum process for the diaphragm seal system relative to the client?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 are available on the WIKA website. For those who have any questions, your contact will gladly help you.
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How do diaphragm seals work?
Watch the following video for more information about the functionality, application areas and benefits of diaphragm seals: