Replacing Outdated Equipment with a Standardized Measurement Solution
A large pipeline company was ready to purchase new equipment for their measurement and calibration teams.
As they were located in field offices spread across different regions, the teams had traditionally made decisions
on equipment purchases independently of one another. We suggested that they consider purchasing
the same equipment for all of their teams, regardless of location. This would allow for consistent procedures,
training, and support, as every technician would have the same, defined set of units and accessories.
Our Solution
Our
HPC50 Series was determined to be a good fit for the applications
that they required. In addition to outperforming
other instruments in its class, it offered many user-friendly
features like a bright, color display employing reflective display
technology for optimum performance in different lighting
environments. It was also explained that CrystalControl
software could be used to set calibration due dates and warning
information; to disable unneeded engineering units; and
even to save set-ups on the calibrator for quick recall and reuse.
Next, we connected
the HPC50 Series
to our T-975 handpump,
using it as
the pressure source.
The customer was excited
over how quick
and easy it was to connect
the pump to the test
gauge using our CPF fittings—
making leak-free, hand-tight
connections with no tape or special tools. (Evidenced by the leak indicator
on the pressure measurement display.) They were impressed
with the control the T-975 offered, and impressed that a higher
range pump was able to also output low pressure with such fine control. Lastly, we discussed that the calibrator and pump were offered as a system kit,
supplied in a case that would protect the contents even in the bed of a pickup truck.
The customer was very impressed by the ease of setup and use of the HPC50 pressure calibrator.
They felt that the Advanced Simplicity interface combined with the color display
was better than any calibrator that they had seen.
Differential Pressure and More
The customer asked about differential pressure and said that they typically perform that
measurement with one side vented and deflect the other side of the sensor. We showed
them the low pressure measurement capability of the HPC50 Series using only the vernier
on the T-975 handpump. We then referred them to the differential pressure screen on the
HPC50, and explained how it can accommodate very accurate actual differential pressures
using the same pressure range sensors and the Tare function; and that this can be accomplished
using an installed sensor and our external APMi sensor.
Since the customer sometimes performed transmitter calibrations, we showed them the
scaling and percentage error screens on the HPC50 Series, and showed how they could
have a second measurement showing in the other portion of the display. This was a big
departure from the capabilities of the other calibrators the customer had been using.
We then pointed out that, while not having a voltage source onboard, the unit could simulate
current values, as the HPC50 Series has the functionality to act as a current sink and
produce desired current or percentage current based on the test requirements.
As the customer currently used yet another instrument for temperature
measurement, we demonstrated how the ATMi could replace
that additional instrument, while being easily connected and
disconnected in the field to the HPC50’s flexible port.
The ATMi combined with the HPC50 Series
proved to be not only fast and accurate,
but could replace multiple pieces of
equipment currently in use.
Barometric Pressure
The ability to measure current barometric pressure accurately and
quickly was the feature that garnered intense interest. The optional
BARO reference 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. The customer
had a few applications where they measured absolute pressures and previously needed
additional modules or calibrators to take those measurements. The customer explained
that their new flow computers utilized a barometric reference, but that the team had been
using local airports or weather stations to obtain this information, as they could not check
their pressure real-time on site. This led to the potential for additional uncertainty as the
barometric reading at the airport could have differed from the on site reading. Adding the
BARO option to the HPC50 Series would allow them to get the on site reading whenever
they needed it.
The pipeline had set aside budget enough to fund a new calibrator
for each of their technicians. The pipeline purchased
more than 30 kits including an HPC-50 Series, with one low
pressure sensor, one high pressure sensor, and the BARO
option. The kit also included the APMi along with the intrinsically
safe probe and a T-970 pneumatic handpump for a
low-pressure source along with all the necessary hoses and
fittings, all housed in a hard sided, waterproof, carrying case
to protect the system. Further online training was also offered
to the pipeline training group to facilitate a train-the-trainer
program and provide internal long-term support.
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