Suppose we encounter a differential pressure (DP) transmitter used to measure the pressure drop across a heat exchanger.
The typical pressure on the upstream side of this heat exchanger is 850 PSI, while the typical pressure on the downstream side of this exchanger is 837 PSI. The transmitter connects to this heat exchanger via a three-valve manifold.
A single “bleed” valve installed on the transmitter’s low-pressure side is used to vent pressure to the atmosphere prior to removal of the transmitter from the manifold:
The common procedure for operating a 3-valve manifold to place a transmitter back into service after having isolated it from the process and bleeding any stored pressure to the atmosphere is to first close the bleed valve, then open the low-side block valve, then close off the equalizing valve, and finally open the high-side block valve.
Determine how much fluid pressure will be on each side of the transmitter through every step of this procedure:
Now, suppose someone else (at a later date) was to remove this transmitter from service using the three-valve manifold, and then return it to service following a different order of steps: closing the equalizing valve first, then opening the low-side block valve, and finally opening the high side block valve.
Determine how much fluid pressure will be on each side of the transmitter through every step of this (alternative) procedure:
Based on the pressures seen by the transmitter in both procedures, would you recommend one procedure over the other? If so, why?
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Credits: Tony R. Kuphaldt