Parker claims instrument mounting breakthrough
8 May 2006
Engineers commonly resolve these issues by using a series of customised connections typically involving around 20 discrete components, such as treaded tubes, isolation valves, instrument manifolds, brackets and welded joints.
Parker Instruments is now claiming a breakthrough in mounting technology with a system, which, it said, can provide typical savings of around Euro200,000 in installation and maintenance costs.
The company’s soon-to-be-launched CCIMS (close coupled instrument mounting solution) is an integrated mounting and manifold block for differential pressure monitors (DPMs). The unit features a pipe interface module to connect to the instrument, two primary isolation valves and a universal tubing joint to compensate for misalignment with the flanges.
The mounting system will be the first of a four- or five-phase development programme that will encompass fittings for other instruments, Brian Rice, Parker Instruments’ market development manager, said at a 5 May press conference in London.
The DPM product will be launched in the UK on 23 May as part of a staggered roll out worldwide, added Rice, citing target markets as including the oil & gas, petrochemical, chemical and power generation sectors.
The CCIMS can be put together by relatively inexperienced technicians in less than 30 minutes, compared to several hours for standard mounting systems and once installed can be safely clipped on and off in seconds, Rice showed.
The Parker system reduces the number of leak paths to five, compared to 20-30 leak paths with standard systems, continued Rice. Leak paths lead to environment emission and health & safety issues, while the longer, more complex flow lines of standard systems can cause inaccuracy and maintenance problems due to blockages in the narrow bores, he added.
