(573d) The Role of Pressure Balance in Nonmechanical Device Design

Nonmechanical devices used for both control or automatic operation are increasingly being used in chemical processes. However, for these devices to operate successfully, conducting an accurate pressure balance is critical.

The reason for an accurate pressure balance and how the pressure balance affects nonmechanical device operation will be presented for two types of devices – a nonmechanical L-valve used for control of the solids, and a loop seal for automatic control of the solids.

In the first case, how a misunderstanding of how the L-valve works led to a non-working system will be detailed. For the second case, an application of the loop seal that is essentially 180-degrees different that most loop seals are designed will be discussed. Both system problems and applications will be discussed using detailed pressure balances to illustrate the problems/solutions.