Process Measurement and Control Essentials – Industrial Pressure Transmitters

Industrial Liquid Level
Transmitter
Courtesy Yokogawa Corp.

The measurement and control of fluid pressure is ubiquitous throughout many industrial processes. Measurements of pressure, directly and indirectly, provide real time information about what is happening in places that cannot be seen, such as inside a pipe, tank, or machine. The very nature of “process” suggests movement and change, the control of which is necessary to produce a consistent desirable outcome. Industrial pressure transmitters employ specific technologies and physical principals to derive a measurement of process pressure, then deliver or transmit, the measured value to a controller or recording device.

Fluid pressure tells a process operator much about what is currently happening. The pressure variable can be used to determine, among many industrial process elements:

• Degree to which the process is conforming to a recipe or specification
• Whether machinery is performing within its specified operation range
• If conditions of the process remain within the bounds established for safety
• A quantity measurement of flow, mass, or volume

Differential Pressure
Transmitter
Courtesy Yokogawa Corp.

Global industrial processes have widely varying physical arrangements, operating environments, and measurement requirements. Manufacturers of industrial pressure transmitters have responded with an immense array of transmitter technologies, arrangements, and configurations. When selecting the best suited pressure transmitter for your application, consult a sales engineer and consider some of the following:

• Signal requirements – Type, distance, possible sources of interference
• Device environment – Hazards, extreme conditions of temperature or corrosion
• Accuracy and stability of measurement
• Response time to changes in the process condition
• Ratings and certifications required for the device
• Configuration, arrangement, and mounting aspects of the transmitter device

Explore the differing technologies and how they can be best applied to implement or improve your process. Experienced sales engineers can be a useful sounding board for discussing your needs. Take advantage of their extensive experience with a wide array of process applications.

Process Measurement and Control - Selecting the Right Flow Meter Technology

Vortex Flow Meter
Courtesy Yokogawa Corp.

Magnetic Flow Meter
Courtesy Yokogawa Corp.

Many industrial process control operations require fluid flow measurement as an essential element in the process design. Accurate flow measurement can be obtained with the proper application and installation of a flow meter as part of the fluid transfer system.

Industrial flow meters employ differing technologies to directly or indirectly measure fluid flow rates. Among the many available technologies for fluid flow measurement, vortex flow meters, magnetic flow meters, Coriolis flow meters, and rotameter flow meters are among some of the most common found in industry.

Coriolis Flow Meter
Courtesy Yokogawa Corp.

Rotameter Flow Meters
Courtesy Yokogawa Corp.

Each of the separate technologies have attributes which can make them more suitable to certain applications. Selecting the most appropriate flow measurement technology for an application is one of the initial and crucial steps to designing a well functioning fluid measurement system.

Selection criteria, such as fluid temperature, pressure, and velocity will be part of the selection process. Additional considerations include whether the fluid may be abrasive, corrosive, clean or dirty. The state of the fluid, liquid or gas, must also be considered.

The table below provides quick general guidance on which technologies to consider, based upon the factors outlined above. This will help you better focus further product selection research efforts.

Flow Meter Technology Selection Table
Courtesy Yokogawa Corporation of America

Selecting the right valve is not always an easy task, especially since it may be something that you do infrequently. Manufacturers often have knowledgeable local representatives that are experienced in this field and more than willing to contribute their expertise to your selection process.

Welcome to the Process Measurement, Instrumentation and Control Blog, sponsored by Miller Energy

Welcome! We hope (over time) you find this blog interesting to visit and it becomes a trusted resource for process measurement and control. We plan on weekly educational and informative blog posts innovative process control solutions, insight to how industrial controls work, and new products that solve tough engineering challenges. Please come back often!