Safety is critical when dealing with hazardous locations and materials. WIKA pressure transmitters are intrinsically safe because the electronics are designed to operate on a low power. In addition, these electronic pressure transmitters are designed so they cannot store enough energy over time to cause a spark when the energy is released. A zener barrier is used in intrinsically safe systems and limits the power supplied to the pressure transmitter.
In the graphic, the intrinsically safe pressure transmitter (also called pressure transducer) is located in the hazardous area; the power supply is located in the safe area and the power is regulated to the pressure transmitter by routing it through a zener barrier.
Intrinsically safe systems are predominant in Europe. In the United States, an alternative philosophy for hazardous areas is more prevalent and that is the use of explosion-proof systems. Explosion-proof systems ease design concerns by enabling the three basic ingredients of the combustion triangle to coexist but that explosions are contained in their size and location by the use of metal explosion-proof containments. In this way systems and components that require any amount of power can be used provided they are made explosion-proof or housed in explosion-proof housings. Explosion-proof systems are bulky, heavy, expensive and more difficult to install that their intrinsically safe counterparts. This system requires frequent integrity explosions and even the slightest failure of any part eliminates protection.
Intrinsically safe systems are often argued to be the safest approach to explosion protection. Compared with other methods they are inexpensive and easy to implement. Integrity inspections are not necessary because energy limitations are designed into the component or wiring; logic says that no conceivable failure could cause a problem. The low energy involved eliminates shock hazards and enables instrument calibration and maintenance while power is flowing through the system. Systems are adaptable to both older technologies and modern systems. However, the system does not protect against explosions induced by mechanical, electrical sparking, chemical reaction, radio waves or lighting strikes.
Typical Applications for Intrinsically Safe Pressure Transmitters:
Land Fill Sites
Land fill site that has been filled in and covered. Landfill gas results from the chemical reactions and microbes acting upon the waste as the landfill material begins to break down. Due to the constant production of landfill gas, the increase in pressure within the landfill can cause problems if not contained or released in a controlled manner.
Wastewater Plants
Similarly wastewater reservoirs produce flammable gases if the water becomes stagnant. If this is ever likely to be the case, particularly when the area is enclosed, then the site can be designated a hazardous area and all instrumentation and equipment need to be explosion-proof or intrinsically safe. Pressure measurement is often used to determine wastewater levels.
Petrochemical Refineries
Chemical refineries are often known as the archetypal hazardous area. Pressure measurement can be used to control processes, determine flow rates and tank level measurements.
Natural Gas Wells
Pressure measurement is used to control plunger lift systems, that control the build-up of pressure in the gas well and remove the productive flow of gas into the transmission system.
IS-20 Intrinsically Safe Pressure Transmitter
WIKA’s IS-20 pressure transmitter series is a special version of hazardous area transmitters that can be used in Class I, Division 1 and Division 2 areas. The series is also labeled with all three approvals to help support international shipments of OEM equipment designed with these transmitters. Multiple intrinsically safe approvals include FM, ATEX, and CSA; these approvals provide for global recognition and acceptance of these ratings.
The stainless steel wetted parts feature an all-welded measuring cell for improved media compatibility. There are no soft sealing materials that may react with the media or deteriorate over time. The compact case is also made of stainless steel and is available with environmental protection ratings up to NEMA 6.
The IS-20-S pressure transmitter (standard version) is used for general applications in hazardous areas. The IS-21-S pressure transmitter and the IS-21-F pressure transmitter features a flush diaphragm process connection; and are specifically designed for the measurement of viscous fluids or media containing solids that may clog an NPT process connection. The IS-20-F pressure transmitter and IS-21-F pressure transmitter feature an integral stainless steel junction box with internal terminal block for use in extremely harsh environments.