Our Service Crew was recently called to diagnose an issue with an improper drum pressure reading at a Maryland University. What we found highlighted the importance of a small but crucial component in pressure control systems: the siphon pigtail.

The Problem

Upon inspection, we discovered that the transducer, responsible for providing accurate pressure readings, had been damaged. The root cause was the absence of a siphon pigtail, which left the transducer unprotected and vulnerable to the harsh conditions of the system.

The Role of Siphon Pigtails

Siphon pigtails may seem like minor components, but they play a vital role in the functionality and longevity of pressure control systems. Here’s how:

Temperature Protection

Siphon pigtails create a barrier between the high temperatures of the media and the pressure controller. This is crucial because direct exposure to high temperatures can damage sensitive components, leading to inaccurate readings and potential system failures.

Condensation Prevention

Condensation is a common issue in pressure control systems, and siphon pigtails are designed to address this. Their coiled or U-shaped design allows any condensate to collect at the bottom of the tube, preventing it from reaching and damaging the pressure control. This ensures that the system remains dry and functions properly.

Pressure Equalization

In steam systems, pressure fluctuations are inevitable. Siphon pigtails act as damping mechanisms, smoothing out these variations before they reach the pressure control. This equalization is essential for maintaining accurate readings and preventing undue stress on system components.

Fluid Separation

Steam piping often contains contaminants and debris that can interfere with pressure controls. Siphon pigtails help to separate these contaminants from the steam, ensuring that only clean steam reaches the pressure control. This prolongs the life of the system and enhances its reliability.

The Solution

To resolve the issue at the Maryland University, our engineers installed a new transducer and ensured it was protected by a siphon pigtail. This simple addition provided the necessary safeguards against temperature, condensation, pressure fluctuations, and contaminants.

The Outcome

With the new transducer and siphon pigtail in place, the system was back online in no time. More importantly, the system now has a much longer life expectancy, thanks to the protection offered by the siphon pigtail. This experience underscores the importance of using the right components in pressure control systems to ensure accuracy, reliability, and longevity.

Conclusion

At Preferred, we are committed to providing top-notch service, and reliability of systems our customers can count on. The case at the Maryland University serves as a reminder of the critical role that even the smallest components can play in maintaining system integrity. It is often the little things like pigtails not being installed, loose ground wires, and other details that can hold up commissioning. Choose Preferred!