Modular Process Instrument Mounting System - Single-Source Installation

An entirely new range of modular manifolds and mounting accessories for installing small-bore process instruments is now available from the Instrumentation Products Division of Parker Hannifin – the global leader in motion and control technologies. The new range complies with Shell’s influential Material and Equipment Standards and Code (MESC) specification. All of the modular components are proven inter-compatible. This enables plant and instrumentation engineers to configure a complete process instrumentation hook-up that meets rigorous quality standards, and to order the fully assembled solution – including application-specific manifolds – from Parker rapidly and easily.

‘The modularity and scope of this new mounting system for process instruments ensures quality and at the same time delivers enormous time savings, by providing a compatible single-source solution,’ says Parker’s Nicolas Villemain. ‘The system can also radically lower lifecycle ownership costs, because of the high quality of its design, and the way it creates a site standard for users.’

Parker developed its new range of MESC-compliant products as a direct result of its Enterprise Framework Agreement (EFA) with Shell. Under the terms of this agreement, the company is providing Shell and its affiliates with a single source supply of inter-compatible smallbore instrumentation products, including instrument valves, manifolds, process-to-instrument valves, fittings, tubing and protective enclosures. Many other oil and gas companies and suppliers now specify that all components between a process pipe and instruments must be MESC compliant, as part of their drive to increase standardisation and ensure system quality.

Parker’s new MESC-compliant modular mounting instrumentation system includes a comprehensive selection of 2- and 4-valve manifolds, vent and purge blocks, seal pots, filling connectors, port protectors, heating modules and environmental protection enclosures. The company has established an excellent relationship with Shell, involving close engineering cooperation and regular reviews of its portfolio of MESCcompliant products to ensure that it is up to date and meets industry needs.

Suitable for use with fluid or gas media, Parker’s MESCcompliant manifolds are available in a variety of 2- and 4-valve configurations to match the application. The 2-valve manifolds feature a single isolate/vent block, with a choice of Type C, D or E, F and G configurations to suit pressure applications and level measurement on atmospheric tanks, and different types of pressure transmitter. The 4-valve manifolds offer a Type A doubleisolate/ equalise/vent block for general applications, and a Type B double-isolate/double-vent block for applications where contamination of process streams is not permitted.

All Parker MESC-compliant manifolds have a pressure rating of up to 6,000 PSI (414 bar) and as standard are manufactured from 316 stainless steel, with other corrosion resistant alloys available on request. The G1/4 BSPP female port on every manifold features a ready fitted and pinned compression fitting; users can specify 10 mm or 3/8-inch OD Parker two ferrule A-LOK or single ferrule CPI fittings.

Parker offers a choice of single- and double-vent and purge blocks for MESC-compliant manifolds. The single-vent block is designed for static pressure applications, whilethe double-vent model is suitable for differential pressure applications and connects to impulse lines on standard 54 mm (2-1/8 inch) centres. All vent and purge valves have an anti-tamper feature. A filling connector with an integral check valve is available for instrumentation systems that require purge protection but are not equipped with a vent and purge block.

For frost protection, or to maintain the temperature of the process media being measured, Parker’s MESC-compliant manifolds can incorporate a steam tracing or electrical heating block. Both types of block mount directly onto the manifold to provide very efficient heat transfer through conduction. Rated at 50 watts, the explosionproof electrical heating block operates directly from any voltage in the range 110 to 265 V, has an IP68 protection rating, and is ATEX certified for use in zone 1 and 21 environments. The steam tracing block is supplied with ready-fitted 10 mm or 3/8-inch A-LOK or CPI compression fittings for connection to the steam line.

Other accessories in Parker’s range of MESCcompliant products include port protectors with mesh wire screens to prevent debris or insects entering outlet vents or the open ends of instrument tubing, and a seal pot for instrumentation systems that require an open seal for applications involving high temperature, toxic or corrosive media.

To accommodate different layout schemes and simplify installation, Parker offers four types of back plate for its MESC-compliant instrumentation systems, each of which bolts directly to the manifold. All four back plates feature a simple clamp assembly that allows easy mounting on a 2-inch pipe stand, and are predrilled to accept accessories such as protective enclosures.

Two levels of environmental protection are available for Parker’s MESC-compliant instrumentation systems, to suit the climatic conditions at the installation site. To protect the flow or pressure transmitter from direct sunlight or heavy rain, a simple protective shade can be used. However, for complete environmental protection of both the manifold and the instrument body, Parker offers a fully formed enclosure, manufactured from glass fibre polyester; this material has a very low thermal conductivity, making it ideal for applications where manifold heaters are used to guard against low temperatures.

Parker Hannifin
Tel: +44 (0)1271 313131
www.parker.com

Published: 9th December 2013