Before we look at the instrument installation – mounting and accessibility guidelines, it is important to ensure that installation is carried out using the best engineering practices by skilled professionals in Instrumentation and Control, Electrical, Industrial Automation, etc. These professionals should be fully conversant with the safety requirements and regulations governing a plant site. Generally prior to any commencement of the work for a specific project, installation design details should be made available which define the scope of the work and the extend of material supply and which give detailed installation information related to location, fixing, piping and wiring.
Typically the following are the general instrument installation guidelines with regard to mounting and accessibility:
When instruments are mounted in their planned location, either on pipe stands, brackets or directly connected to vessels, and so on, they should be vertically plumbed and firmly secured.
Instrument mounting should be vibration free and should be located so that they do not obstruct access ways which may be required for maintenance to other items of equipment. They should also be clear of any noticeable hazards such as hot surfaces or drainage points of the process equipment.
Locations should also be selected to ensure that the instruments are accessible for observation and maintenance. When instruments are mounted at higher elevations, it must be ensured that they are accessible either by permanent or temporary means.
Instruments should be located as close as possible to their process tapping points in order to minimize the length of the impulse lines, but consideration should be paid to the possibility of expansion of piping or vessels which could take place under operating conditions and which could result in damage if not properly catered for.
All brackets and supports should be adequately protected against corrosion by priming and painting.
When installing final control elements such as control valves, once again, access must be put into consideration, and clearance should be allowed above and below the valve to facilitate servicing of the valve actuator and the valve internals.
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