When installing an explosion-proof vortex flow meter, the normal requirements for flow direction, straight-pipe conditions, alignment and vibration still apply. In addition, electrical installation in hazardous areas, applicable explosion-protection conditions, wiring and maintenance requirements need special attention.
1. Maintain a stable flow profile
First confirm the actual flow direction and make sure the meter arrow corresponds to it.
Vortex meters are sensitive to changes in flow profile. Upstream elbows, tees, valves and reducers should therefore be considered when arranging straight-pipe sections.
The meter should remain properly aligned with the pipeline, avoiding forced mechanical stress on the connection.
For steam, condensate should be considered. For gases, impurities, liquid carryover and flow pulsation should also be evaluated.
2. Pay special attention to electrical installation
Explosion-proof instruments should not simply be wired like standard field instruments. Before installation, confirm the hazardous-area classification and applicable explosion-protection requirements.
Cable entry, wiring, grounding and electrical connections should follow the product documentation and project requirements.
If the meter connects to PLC, DCS or another control system, signal-interface compatibility should be confirmed in advance.
Environmental conditions such as temperature, humidity, corrosion and vibration should also be considered because explosion protection does not eliminate their influence on instrument operation.
3. Check operation after commissioning
After installation, mechanical and electrical checks should be completed before commissioning.
After the medium is introduced, check instantaneous flow, totalized flow and output-signal stability. For natural gas and steam applications, pressure and temperature parameters should also be checked.
Where pressure and temperature compensation is required, confirm that the compensation parameters and configuration match the process system.
In one industrial natural-gas pipeline located in a hazardous production area, an explosion-proof vortex flow meter was installed for flow monitoring. The installation position was determined from the pipeline layout, while hazardous-area conditions, explosion-protection requirements and signal interfaces were checked beforehand.
After installation, flow direction, pipeline connection, wiring, display and output signals were checked under normal operating conditions.
Therefore, installation should address measurement requirements + explosion-protection electrical requirements + automation-system requirements together. USA VTON explosion-proof vortex flow meters can be considered according to the actual application.
