{"id":1862,"date":"2024-04-18T02:30:00","date_gmt":"2024-04-18T00:30:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/as-schneider.blog\/?p=1862"},"modified":"2023-10-25T07:34:18","modified_gmt":"2023-10-25T05:34:18","slug":"close-coupled-installations-for-painless-measuring-improved-tco","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/as-schneider.blog\/2024\/04\/18\/close-coupled-installations-for-painless-measuring-improved-tco\/","title":{"rendered":"Are close-coupled installations the secret ingredient for painless measuring and improved TCO?"},"content":{"rendered":"\t\t
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Are close-coupled installations the secret ingredient for painless measuring and improved TCO? <\/h1>\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t
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Am I building the plant my client wants? What needs to be done to make it so?As a plant builder, you have probably asked yourself those questions too many times. Even more, you sure know the answers. They imply technical assurance under the project\u2019s budget and schedule constraints.<\/strong><\/p>

Regardless of how broad your expertise level might be, that\u2019s never an easy cocktail to balance.<\/strong><\/p>

Throughout my career as an instrumentation hardware specialist, I have observed a significant trend among EPC engineers, particularly in the chemical industry. When choosing accessories for a measurement system, they tend to prioritize investment savings over the total cost of ownership (TOC). Even when those savings don\u2019t guarantee smooth upkeep for the facility.<\/strong><\/p>

Under that umbrella, I want to introduce the value of a close-coupled installation as an extensive measurement solution for process plants.<\/strong><\/p>

After reading this blog, your next EPC project will aim to get the most out of this handy technology for your client\u2019s delight.<\/strong><\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/section>\n\t\t\t\t

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What is a close-coupled installation? How is it different from a conventional setting?<\/h2>\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t
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A close-coupled installation is a mechanical configuration used to connect measuring devices to the process line with as less as possible interfaces.<\/p>

Unlike in a conventional installation, impulse lines are no longer necessary to hook up the sensing devices or transmitters. Thus, eliminating extra causes of measurement errors, pressure drops, and other shady maintenance issues.<\/p>

A close-coupled setting is suitable for most of industrial measuring applications. Yet, most plant builders stick to standard installations, thinking they might be a safer bet for everyone.<\/p>

The operational reality, on the other hand, begs to differ.<\/p>

Here are some reasons why.<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/section>\n\t\t\t\t

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Operational setbacks created by a conventional measurement installation <\/h2>\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t
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We had a client who was putting great effort into maintaining the conventional installation of a core unit. Those readings were paramount to securing product quality. Reliability was critical.<\/p>

In a plan to ensure accuracy, they calibrated transmitters regularly and aimed to keep the impulse lines unclogged and uncorroded. The answer? More issues unfolded.<\/p>

Vibration and leakage problems in the impulse piping started. Friction and temperature changes disrupted control and monitoring operations, creating errors in pressure and flow measurements. Product contamination became a constant threat.<\/p>

Our client was desperate for a solution.<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/section>\n\t\t\t\t

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Close-coupled installations remove the never-ending impulse piping problems <\/h2>\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t
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When AS-Schneider was called for assistance, we did a careful assessment of our client\u2019s situation. At that time, they were also facing pressure drop incidents caused by long distances to get to the measuring devices.\u00a0<\/p>

Project teams in an EPC devise strategies to cross the finish line on time and without breaking the bank. Going with standard installation becomes second nature at this point. Because of that, explaining to our clients which applications are better suited for standard installations and close couplings is always a priority for us.<\/p>

As we were pitching to our client the idea to think about a re-design and to consider close-coupled installations, these benefits created the most excitement for them:<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t

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