TPi July 2010

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56 Tube Products International July 2010
Fi t t ings
Close-coupled manifold system simplifies process
level measurement applications
that can take many hours to assemble,
CCIMS Level-Flange is expected to
reduce the installation time and cost
of differential pressure transmitter level
measurement systems.
Parker Hannifin – UK
longer flow paths, bends and sometimes
changes in bore size. These can introduce
pressure drops that can decrease
measurement accuracy, commonly
referred to as ‘gauge-line error’. CCIMS
Level-Flange provides a short, straight
and even flow connection, allowing end-
users to benefit fully from the instrument’s
accuracy to monitor process levels.
The close-coupled design ensures that
the differential pressure instrument
is mounted directly adjacent to the
process vessel, helping to avoid the
common problem of blockages that can
be caused by factors such as viscous
media, hydrate formation and freezing.
The weight and size of the integrated
manifolds is also reduced compared with
other solutions. A complete assembly
with instrument only extends around
26.3cm (10.4") from the tank, which can
be as little as half that of some other
hook-ups. This eliminates any need for
supporting metalwork, and reduces the
likelihood of clashing with any nearby
pipework.
The integrated nature of the manifolds
also means that numerous joints are
eliminated, each of which is a potential
leak path, helping to avoid both human
and environmental safety issues caused
by leakages or emissions.
Installation time is a further advantage
of Parker’s new solution. By replacing
hand-crafted assemblies of discrete
tubing, joint and valve components
Parker Hannifin’s new manifold provides a
simpler means of installing level measurement
instrumentation to process tanks and vessels
A new, highly integrated manifold
concept offers users a simpler means
of installing level measurement
instrumentation to process tanks and
vessels. Two single-piece manifolds
integrate all of the valves and features
required for connecting the upper and
lower pressure sensing points to a
differential pressure transmitter.
The approach eliminates weight, size
and potential leak paths compared with
conventional ‘hook-ups’ fabricated using
discrete valves and tubing connections.
The solution has been developed by
the instrumentation products division of
Parker Hannifin.
Called CCIMS Level-Flange, the new
solution consists of two manifolds. One
provides a single-piece solution for the
lower or ‘wet leg’ pressure connection
at the bottom of a tank. This has a
flange at one side for connection to the
tank, double-block-and-bleed valves in
a monoflange style, a mounting point
for a differential process transmitter,
and tube connections for the balance
line connection to the second sensing
point. The second manifold provides
an integrated solution for the upper or
‘dry leg’ pressure sensing point, with
a flange connection, block-and-bleed
valves and balance line connections.
The intimate nature of the piping
connection provided by CCIMS Level-
Flange aids the fundamental perfor-
mance of the instrument system.
Traditional hook-ups typically involve
Truly Tubular offers Braz-Tyte, a line
of stainless steel ‘sweat’ fittings for
fluid-line applications, and Hoz-Tyte,
for low pressure applications where a
rigid metal connection to non-metallic
flexible hose is required.
Braz-Tyte fittings are wrought from
thin-wall Type 316L stainless steel
tubing, providing a product that is light
in weight with a smooth interior for
increased capacity and flow. They offer
an alternative to heavy machined fittings
and can be joined by soldering, brazing
or welding.
Hoz-Tyte fittings are also fabricated
from thin-wall Type 316L stainless steel
tubing, and utilise a hose configuration in
accordance with specification AS5131/
SAE J1231 Type II. Both products provide
corrosion resistance with minimum bulk
and weight, as well as high strength, in
¼" to 1½" tube OD sizes. The standard
bend radii for all elbows is 1½ times the
tube outside diameter. Standard fittings
are generally available from factory
stock in reasonable quantities.
The fittings lend themselves to industrial
applications in the beverage, chemical,
food, marine, medical, photography,
refrigeration and pressure piping
industries.
Truly Tubular Fitting Corporation –
USA
Stainless steel fittings for fluid-line and low
pressure applications