Many plant operators in the pharmaceutical industry know the problem: a pressure transmitter switches to fault mode or no longer delivers a valid measured value. It is actually no big deal, a spare instrument is quickly installed and within minutes the new instrument is working and production is up and running again.
But why did the instrument fail?
Damaged or cracked metal diaphragms are one of the most frequent causes of failure in pressure transmitters. The result is that the isolating diaphragm liquid, which serves as a transmission medium between the separating diaphragm and sensor element, leaks into the process. The fault may not even be noticed by the sensor electronics, since the product itself also exerts a measurable pressure on the sensor. The exact time of damage can therefore not always be determined.
The isolating diaphragm liquids used are generally subject to FDA regulations and are not harmful to health. For the plant operator, however, they represent a product quality risk. The implemented transmission oils do not mix well with the water-based pharmaceutical products – serious contamination is sometimes the result.
The pressure transmitters with ceramic-capacitive CERTEC measuring cell from Vega offer a solution for these quality and validation processes. The ceramic measuring cell works without transmission liquid and ideally satisfies all requirements of the pharmaceutical industry. The measuring cell is dry, self-monitoring and registers both damage to the diaphragm and moisture leaking into the sensor.
The diaphragm, which consists of sapphire ceramic, is 10 times harder than high-grade steel and easily resists abrasive media. The diaphragm and ceramic body are joined together with a glass solder, allowing constant product temperatures up to +150°C. The design is completed by a sophisticated sealing concept, depending on process requirements a double seal, or a hygienic form, can be implemented. High surface finish provides optimal cleaning and sanitation.
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