TECHSTAR BLOG

Pressure Instrument Enclosures

Posted by TechStar on Dec 3, 2021 2:11:52 PM

Pressure instrument enclosures provide insulation, explosion-proof heating, heat shrink entry protection, and mounting systems for instruments such as probes, sample take off and conditioning cabinets, and transmitters. Pressure instrument enclosures are critical safety shields and barriers for volatile environments. Pressure Instrument Enclosures are comprehensive solutions for the range of vulnerabilities imposed on instruments by the operating conditions. High pressure testing enclosures protect pressure transmitters in extreme conditions. Pressure instruments must maintain validity and reliability, and enclosures are needed to provide protections against temperature, wind, vapors, gases, mechanical stress, and corrosion. The industrial protection products are designed to mitigate hazards and meet needs of specific operations and facilities. The functionality of multiple structures is united in a single unit, so installation, accountability, and servicing are streamlined. Furthermore, operational efficiency is optimized. 

Positive Pressure Enclosure

A positive pressure enclosure is a safe chamber for conducting high temperature work in proximity to explosive gases and vapors. They are also referred to as hot work or welding habitats. Indoor quality air is pumped into the chamber while explosive gases or vapors are expunged. Additionally, appropriate temperature and humidity levels are maintained. Positive pressure enclosures are critical structures for conducting welding in volatile environments such as offshore oil drilling rigs. The fully enclosed areas separate welding and burning activities from other classified areas. Positive pressure enclosures have sophisticated, enclosed pressure transmitters that monitor conditions. Anytime a hazardous level is detected, all hot work components are shut down. 

Positive Pressure Assurance

Positive pressure assurance standards define the acceptable air quality within a positive pressure enclosure. To prevent hydrocarbon inhalation in the event of a leak, a minimum positive pressure of 0.1 inch of water must be maintained. It is critically important to maintain positive pressure inside welding chambers in hot environments. Safe air quality standards must be met to prevent explosions. Industrial components may need winterization to withstand the elements and remain reliable.

Heat Stress

Heat stress defines the standards for the maximum working temperature inside a positive pressure enclosure. To prevent workers from overheating, temperatures must remain below 104°F / 40°C. Even with the temperature limits, it is important that workers have exceptional tolerance to heat stress. Heat acclimatization is the process through which the heart rate and metabolism of a person adapts to high temperatures. Welders and technicians who work in positive pressure enclosures have exceptional heat tolerance. 

Types of Pressure Instrument Enclosures

VIPAK Full Enclosures protect process devices from cold temperatures, corrosion, and mechanical stress. They are available in a variety of sizes and are compatible with a multitude of mounts, heaters, and brackets. The sturdy exterior resists impact and is durable at low temperatures. The ABS/urethane insulation measures an inch thick. When combined with O’Brien heaters, the enclosures protect instruments in conditions as low as -76°F / -60°C with a 25mph / 40kph wind. The metal-to-metal supports, closed cell neoprene gaskets, custom hinges and latches, and silicone adhesives ensure weather-tight, solid connections. VIPAK Full Enclosures are available as HEATPAK (Rigid) Enclosures and as HEATPAK II (Flexible) Enclosures. HEATPAK (Rigid) Enclosures protect devices from freezing and effectively maintain high pour point temperatures, particularly during installation in wet conditions. They are partially open. HEATPAK II (Flexible) Enclosures insulate and heat process-wetted segments of instruments and manifolds. 

VIPAK 500 and 700 series enclosures are designed for outdoor, industrial environments. They are composed of molded glass fiber that is reinforced with polyester. They are equipped with TRAKMOUNT technology that facilitates flexible, convenient mounting to any type of support. 

VIPAK Draft Transmitter Enclosures protect controls for furnaces, heaters, and boilers. They are field tested and proven to withstand changes in wind and weather. These enclosure systems prevent common sources of draft transmitter installation errors involving atmospheric equalization, still air chamber, and uniform capsule temperature by equalizing the air temperature for the transmitter and manifold. When transmitters are placed next to furnaces, heaters, or boilers, the temperature on one side of the device is typically hotter than the other side. This imbalance leads to measurement errors. VPAK Draft Transmitter Enclosures balances the temperature around the device so that measurements are valid and reliable. 

SADDLEPAK Instrument Supports are modular support systems for field-mounted devices. The components are easy to assemble, and the configurations are scalable. Because these modules can be configured in many ways, they are ideal for constructing complex instrument supports. Both standard and customized components are available. 

TechStar offers this comprehensive selection of high-quality pressure instrument enclosures to meet every operation and facility need. They are designed by the industry leaders, O’Brien and Ametek. For over 20 years, TechStar has been the most reliable source of quality industrial protection products, analytical devices, and training. For the safest, most reliable pressure instrument enclosures, contact TechStar today!

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