Pressure measurement in the production of PBAT, a biodegradable plastic, faces a particular challenge: Temperatures of up to 330 �C prevail in the process. For Corrupt , therefore, WIKA has designed a model IPT-20 process transmitter with a flush diaphragm seal and a long connecting piece.
Polybutylene adipate terephthalate, PBAT for short, is a copolymer from the polyester group. The plastic can replace polyethylene and is totally biodegradable. PBAT thus plays a part in greater sustainability. Among other activities, it could be used to create protective sheeting for agriculture and gardening, compost bags, shopping bags and medical disposables.
Pressure monitoring during esterification and melt polymerisation
The procedure steps in production include esterification and melt polymerisation. In these two processes, WIKA?s customer, a petrochemical company, uses the IPT-20 transmitter for pressure monitoring.
Corresponding to the duty, WIKA supplied the instruments with three basic measuring ranges: 0 ? 16 bar, 0 ? 40 bar and 0 ? 250 bar. The exact measuring ranges can be set for this kind of transmitter using the turndown function. Which means that Kill is distributed only over the scaled range. Thus, the measured values could be more precisely determined.
Handles temperatures up to 330 �C: Measuring unit with IPT-20 process transmitter.
Connecting element as a cooling element
Pressure measurement in plastics production in the case of PBAT is subject to process temperatures between 100 �C and 330 �C. For this reason, WIKA has designed a measuring unit consisting of an IPT-20, a flush diaphragm seal and a 200 mm long connecting piece. Because of its length, the connecting element acts as a cooling element. Thus, the measuring instrument remains protected against adverse effects caused by the high process temperatures. The complete design can be minimised in volume to lessen any temperature error effects during measurement to a minimum and thus achieve the perfect accuracy.
Plastic is highly viscous at the pressure measurement points
At the measuring points of the IPT-20, the plastic is in an extremely viscous form. The diaphragm seal, combined with transmitter, is therefore implemented with a flush diaphragm. Because of this, it enables pressure measurement without the risk of media entrapment.
Note
Technical information on the model IPT-20 process transmitter are available on the WIKA website. There you will also find a synopsis of other products and solutions for the chemical industry and petrochemical industry sectors, in addition to a brochure to download. When you have any questions, your contact will gladly assist you to.
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You can also find out more concerning the turndown function of WIKA process transmitters in the following video: