Pressure measurement in the production of PBAT, a biodegradable plastic, faces a particular challenge: Temperatures of up to 330 �C prevail in the process. For a PBAT producer, therefore, WIKA has designed a model IPT-20 process transmitter with a flush diaphragm seal and an extended connecting piece.
Polybutylene adipate terephthalate, PBAT for short, is a copolymer from the polyester group. The plastic can replace polyethylene and is totally biodegradable. PBAT thus contributes to greater sustainability. Among other things, it could be used to create protective sheeting for agriculture and gardening, compost bags, shopping bags and medical disposables.
pressure gauge 10 bar monitoring during esterification and melt polymerisation
The procedure steps in production include esterification and melt polymerisation. In both of these processes, WIKA?s customer, a petrochemical company, uses the IPT-20 transmitter for pressure monitoring.
Corresponding to the task, WIKA supplied the instruments with three basic measuring ranges: 0 ? 16 bar, 0 ? 40 bar and 0 ? 250 bar. The precise measuring ranges can be set for this kind of transmitter utilizing the turndown function. Which means that เกจวัดแรงดัน is distributed only on the scaled range. Thus, the measured values could be more precisely determined.
Handles temperatures around 330 �C: Measuring unit with IPT-20 process transmitter.
Connecting element as a cooling element
Pressure measurement in plastics production in the case of PBAT is subject to process temperatures between 100 �C and 330 �C. Because of this, WIKA has designed a measuring unit consisting of an IPT-20, a flush diaphragm seal and a 200 mm long connecting piece. Because of its length, the connecting element acts as a cooling element. Thus, the measuring instrument remains protected against adverse effects due to the high process temperatures. The entire design can be minimised in volume to lessen any temperature error effects during measurement to a minimum and thus achieve the best possible accuracy.
Plastic is highly viscous at the pressure measurement points
At the measuring points of the IPT-20, the plastic is in a highly viscous form. The diaphragm seal, combined with the transmitter, is therefore implemented with a flush diaphragm. Subsequently, it enables pressure measurement minus the threat of media entrapment.
Note
Technical information on the model IPT-20 process transmitter are available on the WIKA website. There additionally, you will find a synopsis of other products and solutions for the chemical industry and petrochemical industry sectors, in addition to a brochure to download. If you have any questions, your contact will gladly assist you to.
Also read our posts
Diaphragm seal system with diaphragm monitoring ? also digital
Pressure monitoring in the pharmaceutical industry with a universal instrument
There are also out more concerning the turndown function of WIKA process transmitters in the next video: