A local peaking power plant with four combustion turbines was looking to replace some older pressure
calibrators for their instrumentation and control technicians. These instruments would calibrate gauges,
sensors, and transmitters for parameters such as steam pressures, differential pressures for level and flow, fuel
pressures, and more. The team was looking to replace basic pressure calibrators.
Our Solution
Our HPC40 Series with a 30 psi low-pressure sensor and a
3000 psi high-pressure sensor was determined to be a good
fit for the applications that they had described. The dual range
calibrator allowed them to use the 30 psi sensor for their low
range and vacuum applications and the 3000 psi range for
their higher range applications. We demonstrated the unit using
our T-975 handpump as the pressure source and the XP2i
pressure gauge as a simulated unit under test. Our CPF hose
and pressure fittings provided the connections. The lead technician
was impressed that the finger-tight CPF fittings did not require tools or thread tape throughout the demonstration, and it took
minutes to set up and break down the test. In addition to the T-975, we
introduced the T-620 hydraulic handpump
for their higher pressure applications. As a
result, the customer ended up choosing one
of our complete pressure pump systems,
including the HPC40 calibrator,
the T-975 pneumatic hand pump, the
T-620 hydraulic hand pump, and the CPF
fittings, all in a waterproof carrying case.
The customer was very impressed by
the ease of setup and use of the HPC40 pressure calibrator. They felt that the Advanced Simplicity interface
combined with the color display was better than any calibrator that they had seen.
Scaled Transmitter Calibration Feature
We showed them that the unit could power a transmitter and perform a scaled calibration:
including the error calculation and an indication of leak rate. Displaying the error
calculation and leak rate directly made their preventative maintenance much easier. We
also demonstrated the unit’s loop capabilities and confirmed that this would replace their
current loop calibrators. Additionally, the HPC40 can read their installed 2, 3, and 4-wire
RTD sensors and eliminate another handheld product they periodically used.
External Modules Perfect for High Pressure Hydraulic Tests
As the discussions continued, they explained that they occasionally performed high-pressure
hydraulic tests at approximately 8000 psi, which required yet another calibrator. We demonstrated our APM CPF external pressure module, which
connects to the HPC40, adding a third range. We explained
how a single high-pressure external module
could combine with any HPC40 calibrator.
No matter which technician’s daily
calibration tasks included the high-pressure
hydraulic tests, they could
use the same APM CPF module to
perform it. Because this task was
only occasionally performed, sharing a single high-pressure module was yet another feature
that made their jobs more manageable and resulted in less equipment to maintain.
Versatility to Also Read Absolute Pressure
Finally, we highlighted the BARO module option of the HPC40, which
provides a real-time barometric reading and allows the calibrator to
change from gauge pressure measurement to absolute pressure measurement
without the need of changing modules or sensors. It turns out
that they had a few applications where they measured absolute pressures and previously
needed additional modules or calibrators to take those measurements. They also had an
emissions check that required a barometric reading. They would call a local airport, several
miles away for that reading, as they could not check their pressure real-time onsite. This
led to the potential for additional uncertainty as the barometric reading at the airport
could have differed from the onsite reading. Adding the BARO option to the HPC40 allowed
them to get the onsite reading whenever they needed it.
For the many reasons stated above, the customer ordered multiple HPC40 Pump System
kits with the BARO option. They also ordered high-pressure APM CPF external modules
along with additional CPF fittings. The technicians were highly pleased with the multi-use
equipment.
Trust in Our Equipment Led to Other Uses
At a later meeting to train them on the HPC40
units, they advised that their dry-block temperature calibrator
was old and regularly needed service. We showed them the new
CTC Series temperature calibrator that uses the same Advanced
Simplicity interface as the HPC40. It was an easy decision for
them to order the CTC, as not only was the calibrator better than
the one they had, but they had no challenges with learning how
to use the unit as they were already familiar with the operating
system. In addition, it would be even easier if they had to train a new technician.
In the final twist, they returned to us later and replaced a few digital gauges with the XP2i
they had initially seen in the first demonstration.
A Single Calibrator Replaced Multiple Pieces of Equipment
What started as a demonstration for a customer looking to replace a single pressure calibrator
turned into a meeting that solved several problems, saving money in equipment
and maintenance costs. With a single HPC40 calibrator, the customer was able to replace:
- The original pressure calibrator they contacted us about
- Their loop calibrator
- A handheld calibrator that read their RTDs
- A high-pressure calibrator for their hydraulic applications
- An absolute pressure calibrator
- The phone call to the airport
In the end, we were able to supply equipment with more features,
better flexibility, and increased ease of use. We eliminated several pieces of equipment
and reduced their efforts in maintaining the test equipment. To sum it up, we offered solutions
and not just replacement products.
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