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AutoQuiz: Level Reading with a Differential Pressure Cell

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AutoQuiz: Level Reading with a Differential Pressure Cell

AutoQuiz is edited by Joel Don, ISA's community manager.

Today's automation industry quiz question comes from the ISA Certified Control Systems Technician (CCST) program. Certified Control System Technicians calibrate, document, troubleshoot, and repair/replace instrumentation for systems that measure and control level, temperature, pressure, flow, and other process variables. Click this link for more information about the CCST program.

 

A differential pressure (d/p) cell is mounted 3 feet below the zero level in a tank. For a true level reading, the transmitter output must be:

a) calibrated for elevated zero
b) calibrated for span
c) calibrated for true zero
d) calibrated for suppressed zero
e) none of the above

 If the d/p cell is not located at an elevation that corresponds to 0% level in the tank, we must calibrate it to account for the difference in elevation.

This calibration adjustment is "zero elevation" when the cell is located above the lower tap; it is "zero suppression" when the cell is located below the lower tap.

To calculate the amount of elevation or suppression, we must measure the distance between the zero reference level and the high-pressure port of the d/p cell. Taking into account that 27.68" H2O = one (1) psig, calibrate the transmitter for the distance measured in the direction necessary to result in an accurate output.

When the d/p cell is at the same elevation as the zero level in the tank, calibrate the transmitter for "true zero."

The correct answer is D, calibrated for suppressed zero.

Reference: Mike Cable, Calibration: A Technician's Guide, ISA Press.
Joel Don
Joel Don
Joel Don is an independent content marketing, social media and public relations consultant. Prior to his work in marketing and PR, Joel served as an editor for regional newspapers and national magazines throughout the U.S. He earned a master's degree from the Medill School at Northwestern University with a focus on science, engineering and biomedical marketing communications, and a bachelor of science degree from UC San Diego.

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    The International Society of Automation (ISA) is a non-profit professional association founded in 1945 to create a better world through automation. ISA advances technical competence by connecting the automation community to achieve operational excellence and is the trusted provider of standards-based foundational technical resources, driving the advancement of individual careers and the overall profession. ISA develops widely used global standards; certifies professionals; provides education and training; publishes books and technical articles; hosts conferences and exhibits; and provides networking and career development programs for its members and customers around the world.


    The material and information contained on this website is for general information purposes only. ISA blog posts may be authored by ISA staff and guest authors from the automation community. Views and opinions expressed by a guest author are solely their own, and do not necessarily represent those of ISA. Posts made by guest authors have been subject to peer review.

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