VEGABAR pressure transmitters ensure reliable measurement
IN the petrochemical and speciality chemical sectors, reliable pressure measurement is essential for maintaining process efficiency and product quality. This becomes even more critical in remote African processing plants, where equipment must withstand dramatic swings between hot days and cold nights.
One petrochemical plant faced this challenge at a critical pressure measuring point located in a hazardous area. Temperatures varied from +20°C to +200°C, and pressures fluctuated between 1.5 and 200 kPa absolute. The measurement was vital to an automated process, where even minor inaccuracies affected both energy use and product quality.
Why traditional systems struggle
The plant initially relied on a conventional differential pressure setup with an oil-filled capillary. But in hot climates, these systems are prone to failure. Daily temperature changes cause the oil to expand and contract, resulting in measurement drift. Over time, high process temperatures and vacuum conditions force the oil to outgas, creating bubbles that destabilise readings. These issues not only undermine reliability but also contribute to downtime and higher costs.
The VEGA solution
To resolve this, the plant adopted VEGA’s electronic differential pressure system, powered by two VEGABAR Series 80 transmitters. This eliminated the weaknesses of capillaries and provided stable, accurate measurements essential for safe and efficient process control.
For this application, the VEGABAR 83 was chosen. Capable of handling pressures from 0–25 mbar up to 1,000 bar and process temperatures as high as +400°C, the device is designed for extremes. Its METEC® measuring cell technology withstands thermal shock, vacuum, and rapid environmental changes, while resisting temperature-related drift. Unlike traditional sensors, the METEC® cell uses no elastomers and incorporates self-compensating materials for long-term stability. Another advantage was its compact installation. The VEGABAR 83 required only 1½-inch process connections instead of the usual 3-inch fittings, saving costs, simplifying installation, and reducing the equipment footprint.
A practical fit for Africa
In sub-Saharan Africa, where plants regularly face severe temperature shifts and challenging operating conditions, VEGA’s electronic differential pressure system offers a reliable, future-proof solution. Its straightforward integration and smart software make setup simple, with no need for complex fittings.
Impressed by the consistency and repeatability of results, the plant’s engineers now plan to roll out the system across other critical measuring points – demonstrating how robust technology can directly improve productivity, safety, and cost efficiency in demanding industries.
