Pressure Measuring

Instruments Selection &

Applications
- by Rajeshkumar Modi

Rev. 0 – Oct 2014

Contents

• Pressure Instruments Types

• Pressure Gauge / DPG
• Pressure Gauge - Accessories
• Pressure Gauge Selection Guideline
• Pressure Gauge Installation

• Pressure Switch

• Pressure Transmitter
• Pressure Transmitter Selection
Guideline
• Pressure Transmitter installation
• Diaphragm Seal System
• Pressure Transmitter Applications
• Work Process:- Basic Data
• International Standards
• Petrofac QMS Documents

2
Pressure Instruments Types
Types of Pressure Instruments based on pressure sensing method

 Hydrostatic gauges (such as the mercury column manometer) compare pressure

to the hydrostatic force per unit area at the base of a column of fluid. Hydrostatic
gauge measurements are independent of the type of gas being measured, and
can be designed to have a very linear calibration. They have poor dynamic
response.

 Aneroid gauges are based on a metallic pressure sensing element that flexes
elastically under the effect of a pressure difference across the element. "Aneroid"
means "without fluid," and the term originally distinguished these gauges from the
hydrostatic gauges. Examples:- Bourdon, Diaphragm, Bellows.

 Electronic pressure sensors are used in Electronic Pressure Transmitters. Use

physical Transducer effect to convert primary measurement(Pressure) into an
electronic signal and final output is either digital or 4 to 20 ma Analog output.

3
Pressure Instruments
Types of Pressure Instruments
 Manometer
 Pressure Gauges (Vacuum, Compound, Absolute, Gauge)
DIFFERENTIAL
 Differential Pressure Gauge PRESSURE
 Pressure Switch (Vacuum, Absolute, Gauge) TRANSMITTER
 Differential Pressure Switch
 Pressure Transmitter (Vacuum, Absolute, Gauge)
 Differential Pressure Transmitter

PRESSURE PRESSURE
GAUGE SWITCH

4
Pressure Gauge
A Pressure Gauge is used for measuring the pressure of a gas or liquid.
A Vacuum Gauge is used to measure the pressure in a vacuum.
A Compound Gauge is used for measuring both Vacuum and Pressure.
Pressure Gauges are used for Indication only.

5
Pressure Gauge Ranges
 Since the accuracy of most pressure gauges is better
in the middle portion of a gauge, you should always
select a gauge with a range that is about double your
normal anticipated pressure.
 The maximum operating pressure should not exceed
80% of the full pressure range of the gauge.
 Standard pressure ranges are measured in PSI, Bar,
Pa or kPa and most of the gauges have dual
PSI/metric scales.
 Very low pressure gauges have scales that measure
in Inches of H2O, mm H2O, and Inches of Hg.
 Vacuum gauges have scales in inches of mercury,
while compound gauges have scales that measure in
both vacuum and pressure.

6
Differential Pressure Gauge
 Differential pressure gauges have two inlet ports, each connected to one
of the volumes whose pressure is to be monitored.
 In cases where either input can be higher or lower than the other, a bi-
directional differential range should be used.

7
Differential Pressure Gauge
Unidirectional and Bidirectional DP Gauges

8
Pressure Gauge - Accessories
Safety Glass Front
Safety Glass is normally used to prevent the glass shattering in the event of the
bourdon tube rupturing.

Liquid Filled Gauge

The liquid filling is used to dampen any vibration/pulsation in the bourdon, either
silicone oil or glycerin is used.

Snubber
Used for dampening and filtering and reducing the damaging effects of pulsation on
a gauge. The snubber has a metal disc available in standard grades of porosity.

Pulsation Damper (Adjustable Snubber)

Threads on to a gauge socket and provides a restriction by means of a pin, which
may be placed in either of five different sized holes, and thus allows the user to vary
the amount of dampening to suit requirements. The pulsating pressure moves the
pin up and down, providing self cleaning action.
9
Pressure Gauge - Accessories
Pressure Limit Valve
Protects pressure instruments against surges and
pulsations. Provides automatic positive protection and
accurate, repeatable performance. Automatic pressure
shut-off, built in snubber enhances instrument protecting
performance.

Siphon Tubes
Used to dissipate heat by trapping condensed liquid
to keep high temperature steam or condensing vapor
from damaging the pressure gauge.

PIG TAIL COIL PIPE

10
Pressure Gauge - Accessories
Diaphragm seals
Diaphragm seals, also known as chemical seals, isolate pressure
measuring instruments from the process media. The system pressure is
transmitted to a fill fluid in the upper housing of the diaphragm seal, and
from there to the pressure-measuring instrument itself.

11
Pressure Gauge - Accessories
Diaphragm seals
Diaphragm sealed gauges should be considered for:
• Process fluids that would clog the pressure elements.
• Process fluids that are toxic, corrosive, slurried and viscous.
• Process fluids that could crystallize or polymerize.
• Materials capable of withstanding the process fluids that are not available
as a pressure element, such as high temperature.
• Process fluid that might freeze due to change in ambient temperature and
damage the element.
• Hydrocarbon services having a Reid vapor pressure (RVP) of 18 psig and
over. (RVP is the absolute vapor pressure exerted by a liquid at 100°F. The
higher this value, the more volatile the sample and the more readily it will
evaporate).
• Auto-ignitable hydrocarbon services.
12
Pressure Gauge Selection Guideline
When selecting a Pressure Gauge, care should be given to a number of
parameters which have an effect on the gauge’s accuracy, safety, and cost.
 Accuracy required
 Dial size
 Operating pressure range
 Chemical compatibility with gauge construction materials
 Operating temperature range
 Vibration, pulsation, and shock
 Pressure fluid composition
 Mounting requirement

13
Pressure Gauge Selection Guideline
Typical Models

14
Pressure Gauge Selection Guideline
Typical Models

15
Datasheet:- Pressure Gauge

16
Pressure Gauge Installation
 Top connection preferred for gas installations & side connection preferred for
liquid installations.

 The pressure gauge can be connected to the pipe by individual block and bleed
valves or a two way manifold.

Liquid Service

Gas Service

17
Pressure Gauge Process Hook-up

STN-DRWG-J-1071 Pressure
Gauge

18
Pressure Gauge Process Hook-up

STN-DRWG-J-1072 Pressure Gauge with

Syphon Steam Service

19
Pressure Switch
 Pressure/Vacuum Switch - A device that senses a change in
pressure/vacuum and opens or closes an electrical circuit
when the set point is reached.
 Pressure switches serve to energize or de-energize electrical
circuits as a function of whether the process pressure is
normal or abnormal.
 The electric contacts can be configured as single pole double
throw (SPDT), in which case the switch is provided with one
normally closed (NC) and one normally open (NO) contact.
 Alternately, the switch can be configured as double pole
double throw (DPDT), in which case two SPDT switches are
furnished, each of which can operate a separate electric
circuit.

20
Pressure Switch
Application
 It can be used for alarming or interlocking purposes, on
actuation.
 It can be used for high / high-high or low / low-low actuation of
pressure in the process . The set range can be adjusted within
the switch range.
 The sensing element may be a Diaphragm or a piston

21
Pressure Switch
 The switch housings can meet any of the NEMA standards from Type 1
(General Purpose) to Type 7 (Explosion Proof), or Type 12 (Dust Proof)
or Type 4 (Water Proof).
 Pressure switches are also available in hermetically sealed enclosures.
 Gold plated contacts are available for reliability .
 Pressure Switches are not as commonly used today, since they contain
mechanical moving parts and moving parts are significantly more likely
to fail than transmitters and the failures can go undetected.

22
Pressure Switch
Typical Models

23
Pressure Transmitter

24
Pressure Transmitter
 A Pressure Transmitter is used where indication and/or record of
pressure is required at a location not adjacent to the primary element.

 A Pressure Transmitter is used for both indication and control of a

process.

 A Pressure Transmitter is used where overall high performance is

mandatory.

 Both Electronic and Pneumatic Transmitters are used.

 These can be either Gauge, Absolute or Differential Pressure

Transmitters.

25
Pressure Transmitter
Typical Outputs
 4 to 20 milliamp (mA). analog signal
 Smart HART digital signal (superimposed on analog signal)
 Fieldbus digital signal
 3 to15 psi pneumatic signal

26
Pressure Transmitter Selection Guideline
When selecting a pressure transmitter care should be given to a number of
parameters which have an effect on transmitter accuracy, safety, and utility.
• Accuracy required
• Power supply
• Signal Transmission (4 wire, 2 wire, Smart, HART, FF)
• SIL Level
• Operating pressure range
• Operating temperature range
• Body Material / Wetted Part MOC (316 L SST, Monel, Hastelloy C, Gold-Plated
Hastelloy C or Monel or SST, Tantalum, PFA (Teflon from Dupont)
• Pressure fluid composition and Internal parts
• Mounting requirement
• Process connection size
• Electrical Safety (Zone, Temp Class, Gas Group, electrical protection)
• IP Rating (e.g IP 65)

27
Pressure Transmitter Selection Guideline
Typical Models

28
Datasheet:- Pressure TX

29
Datasheet:- Diff Pressure TX

30
Pressure Transmitter installation
 Mounting above tap is typical for gas service and mounting below
tap typical for liquid and steam services.
 Direct mount is possible for low temperature services.

31
Pressure TX Process Hook-up

Pressure Transmitter - Above Tapping Gas Service

32
Pressure TX Process Hook-up

Pressure Transmitter - Above Tapping Liquid

Service

33
Diff Pressure TX Process Hook-up

DP Transmitter - Above Tapping Gas Service

34
Diff Pressure TX Process Hook-up

DP Transmitter - Above Tapping Liquid Service

35
Diaphragm Seal System
 A diaphragm seal system consists of a pressure transmitter,
diaphragm seals, a fill fluid, and either a direct mount or capillary
style connection.
 During operation, the thin, flexible diaphragm and fill fluid separate
the pressure sensitive element of the transmitter from the process
medium. The capillary tubing or direct mount flange connects the
diaphragm to the transmitter.
 When process pressure is applied, the diaphragm transfers the
measured pressure through the filled system and capillary tubing to
the transmitter element.
 This transferred pressure displaces the sensing diaphragm in the
pressure-sensitive element of the transmitter.
 The displacement is proportional to the process pressure and is
electronically converted to an appropriate current, voltage, or digital
HART output signal.

36
Diaphragm Seal System
WHY USE DIAPHRAGM SEALS?

Diaphragm Seal systems provide a reliable process pressure

measurement and prevent the process medium from contacting the
transmitter diaphragm.

Transmitter/ Diaphragm Seal systems shall be used for:

 For process fluid that would clog the pressure elements.
 For process fluids that are toxic, corrosive, slurry and viscous.
 For process fluids that could freeze or solidify.
 For process temperatures outside the normal operating range and
cannot be brought to those limits by impulse piping.
 For process that needs frequent cleaning.
 For processes that need replacement of wet legs, to reduce
maintenance.
37
Diaphragm Seal System
Typical Models

38
Diaphragm Seal installation

39
Pressure Transmitter Applications
Pressure is considered a basic measurement because it is utilized in
several process applications: pressure and diff. pressure, flow, level,
density.
Differential Pressure: Differential pressure is the difference in magnitude
between some pressure value and a reference pressure.
Flow : A common application of a Differential Pressure transmitter is for
sensing flow rate.

40
Pressure Transmitter Applications

Liquid level : Liquid level measurements can be made using a differential

pressure type transmitter or gauge pressure type transmitter.

Open tank : Open tank liquid level measurement means that the tank is
open to the atmosphere. In open tank applications, any change in
atmospheric pressure affects the process fluid pressure within the tank. In
this type of level measurement application, the low side of the transmitter
measures atmospheric pressure, thus cancelling out the effects of
atmospheric pressure on the tank fluid level. The high side of the
transmitter is connected to the tank and thus measures the actual level of
fluid in the tank.

41
Pressure Transmitter Applications
Closed tank : A closed tank application is where the tank or vessel is
sealed from the atmosphere. As process fluid fills or is emptied from the
tank, the pressure inside the tank may go from positive to vacuum. This
change in internal tank pressure has a direct effect on measured fluid level,
unless it is compensated for. Piping the low side of a differential pressure
transmitter to the top of the tank easily does this.

42
Pressure Transmitter Applications
Bubble tube measurement : A constant pressure of air or a
gas compatible with the tank contents is maintained on the pipe
inserted into the tank. As the level changes, the backpressure
measured by the transmitter is a direct level measurement. The
advantage is that only the pipe material is exposed to the
process - not the transmitter. However, the process cannot be
sensitive to a gas bubbling through it.

43
Pressure Transmitter Applications
Interface level measurement : Interface level measurement,
i.e., measuring the liquid level of an interface between two
separated liquids such as oil and water can be made also using
the differential pressure transmitter.
Liquids 1 and 2 are of different densities and as long as the total
level in the tank is above the top tap, and as long as the distance
‘h’ remains constant, the change in density, and hence the
hydrostatic pressure, will change with interface level change.

44
Pressure Transmitter Applications

Density measurement :
A homogenous liquid of changing density in the
tank will exert varying pressure on the
transmitter depending on the change in density.
As long as the level remains above the top tap,
and as long as “h” is constant the transmitter will
respond to changes in density. Density is weight
per unit volume, e.g., Kilograms per cubic
meters. If the density increases, the pressure on
the lower tap increases and so does the
transmitter output. Typically, as in level
measurement, a differential pressure transmitter
is used because the spans are relatively low.

45
Pressure Instruments Selections: Rules of
Thumb

Selection of Pressure Instruments: Rules of Thumb:

Application: Understand your application. Examine the particulars of your

application. Is it necessary to know if the pressure is negative or positive?
Do you need to know the difference in pressure between two points?
Answering these questions about your application will go a long way in
helping select the right pressure transmitter.

Wetted Parts: Selecting the transmitter with wetted parts that are
compatible with the medium to be measured helps to ensure a long-lasting
measurement solution.

46
Pressure Instruments Selections: Rules of
Thumb
Accuracy: From an accuracy point of view, the range of a transmitter
should be low (normal operating pressure at around the middle of the
range), so that error, usually a percentage of full scale, is minimized. On
the other hand, one must always consider the consequences of
overpressure damage due to operating errors, faulty design, or failure to
isolate the instrument during pressure-testing and start-up. Therefore, it is
important to specify not only the required range, but also the amount of
overpressure protection needed.
Output Required: Pressure transmitters can send the process pressure of
interest using an analog pneumatic (3-15 psig), analog electronic (4-20 mA
dc), or digital electronic signal.

47
Pressure Instruments Selections: Rules of
Thumb
Protection: Do you need special protection from the elements?
Many applications require special protection, such as, corrosive
environment, or an outdoor environment. Pressure transmitters
are available in various NEMA ratings or can be assembled in
special NEMA rated housings that help protect them from harsh
environments.

48
Work Process:- Basic Data
Check tag no. of the pressure instrument from the
P&ID.
Example - PIT-100

Check type of the Pressure instrument from the

P&ID legend sheet.
Example – Diaphragm seal required or not

Check project instrument design philosophy

document (if available) to verify the instrument type
indicated on the P&ID is in line with the
instrumentation requirements.

49
Work Process:- Preparation of Instrument
Datasheets
Use PECIL's standard Instrument Data Sheets
available in SPI for preparation of datasheet for the
particular instrument.
A

Input related to process data to be entered by the Complete the datasheet by filling all other required
process group in the process module of SPI. On details such as accuracy, type of instrument, output
completion of data entry Process group will notify etc. Supplier details to be indicated as 'VTA –
Instrumentation group. Supplier to Advise' during inquiry stage for
completing the datasheet.

Check piping specification for the particular line on

which the instrument is being installed and enter the Piping
material of construction (body/trim) for the
Specification to
instrument in the datasheet.
be referred.
Example: Sensor Material – AISI 316L SS

50
Work Process:- Prep of Inquiry Requisition
(IR)

Use PECIL's standard Inquiry Requisition Format for

preparation of requisition for the particular instrument.

Complete the Inquiry Requisition by incorporating details

such as scope of supply for the supplier (example -
manufacture, inspection, testing etc.), notes and attaching
relevant documents such as instrument datasheets,
specifications etc. Supplier Document Requirement (VDR)
Form and Supplier Quality Requirement (VQR) Form are
mandatory attachments. [Special attention to be given for
testing requirements as it has direct impact on price. In
case of any doubts discuss with Metallurgy and QA / QC
for proper clarification testing requirements.]

51
Work Process:- Evaluation of Supplier Offers
On receipt of supplier offers, evaluate the same with reference
to the inquiry documents. Minimum data to be checked shall be
material of construction, size, accuracy, Hazardous area
certification (Intrinsically safe/flameproof etc.) & any other
special requirements such as NACE etc. Involve QA/QC
department for evaluation of offer for testing requirements
(Issue IDC of offer to QA/QC)

Complete the Inquiry Requisition by incorporating details

such as scope of supply for the supplier (example -
manufacture, inspection, testing etc.), notes and attaching
relevant documents such as instrument datasheets,
specifications etc. Supplier Document Requirement (VDR)
Form and Supplier Quality Requirement (VQR) Form are
mandatory attachments. [Special attention to be given for
testing requirements as it has direct impact on price. In
case of any doubts discuss with Metallurgy and QA / QC
for proper clarification testing requirements.]

52
Work Process:- Prep of TBE

Use PECIL's standard Technical Bid Evaluation Form for

summarizing the technical offers of various bidders.

In the TBE form under the name of each supplier, indicate

the technical acceptability of their offer. PECIL's
experience with a particular supplier from previous
projects may also to be indicated in the notes section of
the document, as applicable.

53
Work Process:- Preparation of Purchase
Requisition
Use PECIL's standard Purchase Requisition Form
for preparation of requisition for the particular
instrument, based on the selected supplier (name of
the supplier and details to be provided by
procurement group). A

Update Instrument datasheets with the latest Complete the Purchase Requisition by incorporating
supplier information for attaching with the all the latest agreed changes and send it to
requisition. procurement group.

All other documents required to be attached with the

requisition must be modified suitably.

54
Work Process:- Supplier Drawing Review
Supplier submitted drawing must be reviewed
thoroughly with respect to the instrument
datasheets and purchase requisition.

A
Review supplier drawings to ensure the following
minimum parameters.
a. Cable entry size (example - M20). Update the Instrument data sheet in SPI to reflect
b. Material of construction. any outstanding supplier information and issue as
Final.
c. Special requirements viz. space for maintenance.
If applicable
d. Mounting arrangement for the Manifold and
transmitter

Supplier drawing revised by incorporating all PECIL

comments can be approved for use in inspection
and testing.

55
International Standards
European (CEN) Standard

EN 472 : Pressure gauge - Vocabulary.

EN 837-1 : Pressure gauges. Bourdon tube pressure gauges. Dimensions, metrology,
requirements and testing.
EN 837-2 : Pressure gauges. Selection and installation recommendations for pressure
gauges.
EN 837-3 : Pressure gauges. Diaphragm and capsule pressure gauges. Dimensions,
metrology, requirements, and testing.
US (ASME) Standards

B40.100-2005: Pressure gauges and Gauge attachments.

PTC 19.2-2010 : Performance test code for pressure measurement.

API 551: Process Measurement Instrumentation

56
Petrofac QMS Documents
Petrofac QMS Documents
AUH-QMS-EN-GDE-J-0158 Pressure Measuring Instruments Selection and Applications

PEC-EN-SDR-J-09386 Instrument Process Hook Up Diagram - Pressure Transmitter - Steam Tracing

PEC-EN-SDR-J-09360 Instrument Process Hook Up Diagram - Pressure Transmitter - Above Tapping - Liquid
Service
PEC-EN-SDR-J-09352 Instrument Process Hook Up Diagram - Pressure Gauge

PEC-EN-SDR-J-09361 Instrument Process Hook Up Diagram - Pressure Transmitter - Below Tapping Electrically
Heat Traced - Liquid Service
PEC-EN-SDR-J-09375 Instrument Process Hook Up Diagram - Pressure Transmitter - Remote Diaphragm Seal

PEC-EN-SDR-J-09362 Instrument Process Hook Up Diagram - Pressure Transmitter - Below Tapping - Liquid
Service
PEC-EN-SDR-J-09363 Instrument Process Hook Up Diagram - Pressure Transmitter - Below Tapping - Gas
Service
PEC-EN-SDR-J-09364 Instrument Process Hook Up Diagram - Pressure Transmitter - Above Tapping - Electrically
Heat Traced - Gas Service
PEC-EN-SDR-J-09355 Instrument Process Hook Up Diagram - Pressure Gauge Remote Mounted - Below Tapping
- Liquid Service
PEC-EN-SDR-J-09373 Instrument Process Hook Up Diagram - Pressure Gauge - Remote Mounted With Gauge
Saver 57
Petrofac QMS Documents
Petrofac QMS Documents
PEC-EN-SDR-J-09374 Instrument Process Hook Up Diagram - Pressure Gauge With Gauge Saver

PEC-EN-SDR-J-09365 Instrument Process Hook Up Diagram - Pressure Transmitter - Below Tapping -

Steam Service

PEC-EN-SDR-J-09371 Instrument Process Hook Up Diagram - Pressure Gauge - Line Mounted-Closed

Coupled Diaphragm Seal Type
PEC-EN-SDR-J-09353 Instrument Process Hook Up Diagram - Pressure Gauge with Syphon - Steam
Service
PEC-EN-SDR-J-09354 Instrument Process Hook Up Diagram - Pressure Gauge Remote Mounted - Above
Tapping - Gas Service
PEC-EN-SDR-J-09372 Instrument Process Hook Up Diagram - Pressure Gauge - Line Mounted - Remote
Mounted Diaphragm Seal type
PEC-EN-SDR-J-09394 Instrument Process Hook Up Diagram - Pressure Gauge With Gauge Saver

PEC-EN-SDR-J-09358 Instrument Process Hook Up Diagram - Pressure Transmitter - Above Tapping - Gas
Service
PEC-EN-SDR-J-09370 Instrument Process Hook Up Diagram - Pressure Gauge - Remote Mounted -
Snubber

58
QUESTIONS?

59