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Gas pipelines rely heavily on accurate temperature measurements to ensure proper flow calculations and customer billing. However, traditional Resistance Temperature Detectors (RTDs) can struggle in these demanding environments. This case study from our partner United Electric Controls (UEC) highlights how a major pipeline operator overcame persistent RTD issues to improve reliability and performance.
The Challenge
Accurate gas volume measurement is critical for pipeline operators. In this case, conventional RTDs encountered several challenges:
- Cable Wear: The RTDs featured a PVC-jacketed cable that exited directly from the sheath. Bending the cable during installation created a wear point, leading to frequent failures.
- Moisture Intrusion: Upgrading to an armored cable initially solved the bending issue, but the armor’s lack of waterproofing allowed moisture to penetrate, causing electrical shorts.
- Vibration Fatigue: The stainless-steel compression fitting used to secure the RTD was vulnerable to vibrations from pressure fluctuations and flow. This led to fatigue at the ferrule and eventual sheath failure.
The Innovative Solution
To address these issues, the operator upgraded to an UEC RTD product which was design engineered specifically for gas pipeline applications:
- Pre-Bent 90-Degree Cable: A pre-bent 90-degree design eliminated installation stress on the wiring cable, ensuring a smoother installation process.
- Sealed Armor Cable: An armored cable with a PVC jacket sealed to the sheath prevented moisture ingress, significantly reducing the risk of shorts.
- Teflon® Compression Fitting: Replacing the stainless-steel fitting with a Teflon® design minimized vibration-induced fatigue. This change also contributed to a decrease in lightning-related failures by improving overall RTD isolation.
The Results
These design enhancements delivered tangible benefits:
- Reliable Measurement: Improved accuracy in temperature monitoring led to more precise gas volume calculations.
- Simplified Installation: The new RTD design streamlined the installation process, reducing potential failure points.
- Increased Uptime: Fewer failures translated to lower maintenance costs and minimized revenue loss.
Westech Industrial – Your Western Canada Distributor
At Westech Industrial, we are proud to be the exclusive distributor for western Canada, offering innovative solutions that enhance operational performance. Our commitment to reliability and quality ensures that you receive top-tier products and expert support for your process control and instrumentation needs.
To learn more about our UEC RTD products and tailored solutions, visit our website or call our team for a personalized consultation at 1-800-912-9262.
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