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Are self-control valves and sensors sensitive to water? (A reward is available for good answers! )

2009-03-03View Original

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Recently, while cleaning the area and washing the floor with water, some water splashed onto the control valves and sensors accidentally. An instrument technician rushed over and started criticizing us, saying that these devices are sensitive to water; but no abnormalities occurred at that time I would appreciate it if the experts in this field could give some guidance: are control valves and sensors really that sensitive to water? ( This post was last edited by Sister on 2009-3-5 00:12 )
Reply #22009-03-03
There’s no need to worry about outdoor installations; what’s important is to ensure that the cable connections are properly sealed. It will be troublesome if water gets in. But it definitely cannot be rinsed with water; it violates the operating procedures. :lol
Reply #32009-03-03
Mainly, the interfaces of the signal lines are vulnerable to water; if water gets in or the area becomes damp, short circuits can occur, affecting the signals. The valve actuator also needs to be waterproof; as for the sensor you mentioned, I’m not sure which part you are referring to. Precise instruments generally need to be waterproof.
Reply #42009-03-03
Check the protection rating of your instrument; IP65 or higher should be fine. Besides, doesn’t it rain where you are? Is it installed indoors? If you’re not afraid of rain outside, then what’s the problem with a little water splashing on it? It’s not as if the water is being directed at it; using a stream of water to hit it isn’t acceptable. If water gets into the junction box, that’s a problem. Last edited by hwindforce on 2009-3-3 11:45.]
Reply #52009-03-03
Electronic product circuit boards and the like are sensitive to water~ But it mainly depends on whether the seals at the electrical interface cables are properly in place, as well as the product’s protection rating. I think it’s best not to use water to clean them; I’ve encountered many products that malfunctioned due to water getting into their wiring boxes~~
Reply #62009-03-03
It has a junction box and a high level of protection; it can handle a little bit of water, but it shouldn’t be washed with high-pressure water. There are also some sensors and valves/indicators that must not come into contact with water, as water will damage the internal connections and circuits, causing short circuits
Reply #72009-03-03
Regardless of the protection rating, try not to get water on the instruments that are in use. If splashing is possible, some shielding measures should be taken. To ensure its stable and reliable operation. :o :o
Reply #82009-03-03
It depends specifically on your protection rating and NEMA enclosure rating; the enclosure can be tested to determine its ability to prevent liquids and gases from entering. In the United States, equipment is tested in accordance with the NEMA 250 standard. Some of the more commonly used enclosure ratings defined in NEMA 250 are as follows: For general use ● Type 3 (dust-sealed, rain-sealed, or ice-resistant, outdoor enclosures): Designed for outdoor use, they provide a certain level of protection against rain, snow, flying dust, and damage caused by external freezing. ● Type 3R (rainproof, ice prevention, outdoor housing): Designed for outdoor use, it is primarily intended to provide a certain level of protection against rain, snow, and damage caused by external freezing. ● Type 3S (dust-sealed, rain-sealed, anti-icing, outdoor housing): Designed for use outdoors, it provides a certain level of protection against rain, snow, and flying dust, and enables the operation of external components in cases of heavy icing. ● Type 4 (water seal, dust seal, anti-freezing, indoor or outdoor housing): Designed for use indoors or outdoors, primarily to provide a certain level of protection against flying dust as well as rainwater, splashes, water coming from hoses, and damage caused by external freezing. ● Type 4X (water-sealed, dust-sealed, corrosion-resistant, indoor or outdoor enclosure): Designed for use indoors or outdoors, primarily to provide a certain level of protection against corrosion, flying dust, rain, splashing water, water coming from hoses, as well as damage caused by external freezing.
Reply #92009-03-03
If the gaskets at the junction box are properly sealed, it is waterproof
Reply #102009-03-03
Generally speaking, self-regulating valves and sensors are not sensitive to water, as most of these devices are installed outdoors in the chemical industry, where certain protection requirements apply. As long as the electrical junction box is tightened and the seal strip is pressed in properly, and the electrical connections are secured according to the specifications, there should be no problems.
Reply #112009-03-03
The main issue is that the connectors of the signal lines are sensitive to water; if water gets in or the area becomes damp, it can lead to short circuits, which affects the signals
Reply #122009-03-03
You definitely owe that person a meal; they’re thinking about it, haha. Generally, such devices aren’t that fragile, with a protection rating of at least IP45 or higher
Reply #132009-03-03
Water leakage may mainly affect electrical systems. Nowadays, some instruments and valves come with protection ratings, such as IP**! However, even with such protection, they aren’t necessarily immune to water, so it’s better to be cautious! – This is just my personal opinion, for reference only!
Reply #142009-03-03
In instruments, the areas that are most vulnerable to water damage are the cable connections as well as the electrical components. The IP rating of an instrument indicates its level of water resistance; however, it should not be washed with water, as this can still cause problems even if the instrument has some degree of protection. If this leads to a shutdown, it will result in disputes, which is certainly not desirable. Instruments and process engineers should maintain good relations, help each other – cooperation benefits everyone, while conflict does no one any good
Reply #152009-03-04
Thank you all for your replies. It’s a pity that Penicillin doesn’t reply either If he doesn’t reply, I won’t give a rating……
Reply #162009-03-04
As long as the IP protection rating meets the standards, there’s no need to worry.
Reply #172009-03-04
A common feature of electrical and electronic devices is that they are designed to avoid exposure to moisture and water as much as possible, since this can cause electrical short circuits and damage to the components. Of course, if the usage environment makes it inevitable to be exposed to moisture, products with appropriate protection levels can be chosen. But even in cases where the devices are waterproof, one should not bring water too close to the instruments or allow them to come into contact with each other.
Reply #182009-03-04
It’s not good for instruments to get wet; it can lead to a decrease in insulation and even short circuits. Although instruments with a high protection rating are less likely to develop problems, working in harsh environments for an extended period can reduce their protection rating.
Reply #192009-03-04
http://bbs.hcbbs.com/space-uid-114734.html I believe this member possesses the highest technical skill in your forum; his replies are essentially the standard answers.
Reply #202009-03-04
Introduction to IP protection ratings – Excerpt from Hongzhan Instruments Kunshan Co., Ltd. Explanation of IP protection ratings (in accordance with EN60529/IEC529). The protection rating is IP54; the letter \"IP\" denotes the classification, while the digit 5 is the first digit and 4 is the second digit. The first digit indicates the level of protection against contact and foreign objects, while the second digit indicates the level of protection against water; Contact protection and foreign object protection rating (first digit); Waterproof protection rating (second digit). First digit: Range of protection; Second digit: Range of protection. Name: Description; Name: Description. 0: No protection – 0: No protection; 1: Protection against solid foreign objects with a diameter of 50 mm or more. The detector, in the form of a sphere with a diameter of 50 mm, should not be completely submerged. 1: Protection against water droplets. Vertically falling water droplets should not cause damage. 2: Protection against solid foreign objects with a diameter of 12.5 mm or more. The detector, in the form of a sphere with a diameter of 12.5 mm, should not be completely submerged. Protection against water droplets when the cabinet is tilted at 15 degrees; vertically falling water droplets should not cause damage when the cabinet is tilted at 15 degrees in either direction. 3: Protection against solid foreign objects with a diameter of 2.5 mm or more. The detector, in the form of a sphere with a diameter of 2.5 mm, should not be completely submerged. 3: Protection against splashing water. Water splashing at an angle of 60 degrees from either side of the vertical line should not cause damage. 4: Protection against solid foreign objects with a diameter of 1.0 mm or more. The detector, in the form of a sphere with a diameter of 1.0 mm, should not be completely submerged. 4: Protection against **particles coming from any direction toward the cabinet**; such particles should not cause damage. 5: Protection against dust. It is not possible to completely prevent dust from entering, but the amount of dust that enters will not cause damage to the equipment. 5: Protection against high-pressure water jets. Water jets directed at the cabinet from any direction should not cause damage. 6: Dust-proofing. Dust should not enter when there is a low pressure of 20 millibars inside the cabinet. 6: Protection against high-intensity water jets. High-intensity water jets directed at the cabinet from any direction should not cause damage. Note: The diameter of the detector should not exceed the size of the holes in the cabinet. 7: Protection against short-term immersion in water. When the cabinet is immersed in water under standard pressure for a short period of time, no amount of water that could cause damage should enter. 8: Protection against long-term immersion in water. The cabinet can be immersed in water under specific conditions, and no amount of water that could cause damage should enter. Waterproof testing: 1. Scope. Waterproof testing applies to those with the second digit ranging from 1 to 8, that is, IPX1 to IPX8 protection ratings. 2. Contents of waterproofing tests for various grades (1) IPX1 Method name: Vertical dripping test Test equipment: The dripping test apparatus and its testing method are specified in 2.11 Sample placement: The sample is placed on a rotating sample stage at 1 r/min in its normal operating position, with the distance from the top of the sample to the dripping point being no more than 200 mm Test conditions: The dripping rate is 1.05 mm/min ; Test duration: 10 min ; (2) IPX2 method name: 15° inclination drip test. Testing equipment: The drip test apparatus and its testing methods are specified in 2.11. Sample placement: One surface of the sample should be at an angle of 15° to the vertical line, with the distance from the top of the sample to the drip source being no more than 200 mm. After trying each dough, switch to another dough... a total of four times. Test conditions: Droplet delivery rate of 30.5 mm/min ; Test duration: 4×2.5 min (total 10 min) ; (3) IPX3 Method Name: Sprinkler Test. Test Method: a. Pendulum tube sprinkler test. Test Equipment: Pendulum tube sprinkler and splashing test apparatus (see Figure 2.14 in this book for the apparatus diagram and test method). Sample Placement: Select a pendulum tube with an appropriate radius such that the height of the sample platform is at the diameter level of the pendulum tube; place the sample on the platform ensuring that the distance from its top to the sample’s opening is no more than 200 mm, with the sample platform not rotating. Test conditions: The water flow rate is calculated based on the **number of holes** in the oscillating tube, with each hole accounting for 0.07 L/min. During watering, the jets from the **holes** within 60° arcs on each side of the midpoint of the tube are directed at the sample. The test sample was placed at the center of the semicircle of the swing tube. The swing tube swings 60° on each side of the vertical line, for a total of 120°. Each swing (2×120°) takes about 4 seconds. Test duration: Continuous watering for 10 minutes. b. Nozzle-type spray test: Testing equipment: Handheld spray and splash testing device; the diagram of this device along with its testing methods are provided in section 2.14 of this book. Sample placement: The parallel distance from the top of the sample to the nozzle opening of the handheld device should be between 300 mm and 500 mm. Testing conditions: A baffle equipped with a counterweight must be used during the test, and the water flow rate should be 10 L/min. Testing time: It is calculated based on the surface area of the sample’s exterior – 1 minute per square meter (excluding the area occupied by the mounting components), with a minimum of 5 minutes. (4) IPX4 method name: Spray test ; Test method: a. Pendulum tube water spray test. Test equipment and sample placement: identical to those specified in item a of section (3) IPX3 above ; Test conditions: Identical to item a of IPX3 in clause (3) above, except for the following conditions ; **The fluid is sprayed at the sample from the **holes** within the 90° arc segments on each side of the midpoint of the pendulum tube. The test sample was placed at the center of the semicircle of the swing tube. The swing tube swings 180° on each of the vertical sides, for a total of about 360°. Each swing (2×360°) takes about 12 seconds. Test time: The same as item a of IPX3 in clause (3) above (i.e., 10 min). b. Nozzle-type spray test: Test equipment and sample placement: The baffle equipped with a counterweight on the equipment should be removed; otherwise, everything is the same as in item b of IPX3 in point (3) above ; Test conditions: Identical to item b of IPX3 in clause (3) above, except for the following conditions ; Test time: It is the same as item b of IPX3 in clause (3) mentioned above, that is, calculated based on the surface area of the enclosure of the sample under test, at 1 minute per square meter (excluding the installation area), with a minimum of 5 minutes. (5) IPX5 Method name: **Test. Test equipment: The inner diameter of the nozzle’s** outlet is 6.3 mm ; The device diagram and its testing methods are described in Section 2.14 of this book. Testing conditions: Keep the distance between the test sample and the **port at 2.5–3 m, with a water flow rate of 12.5 L/min (750 L/h) ; Testing time: Calculated based on the surface area of the sample’s enclosure, at 1 minute per square meter (excluding the installation area); a minimum of 3 minutes is required. (6) IPX6 Method Name: Severe **Test ; Testing equipment: The inner diameter of the nozzle’s orifice is 12.5 mm ; The device diagram and its testing methods are provided in Chapter 2.14 of this book ; Test conditions: Keep the distance between the test sample and the **mouth at 2.5–3 m, with a water flow rate of 100 L/min (6000 L/h) ; Testing time: Calculated based on the surface area of the sample’s enclosure, at 1 minute per square meter (excluding the installation area); a minimum of 3 minutes is required. (7) IPX7 Method Name: Short-term Immersion Test ; Testing equipment and testing conditions: Immersion tank. Its size should be such that, after the sample is placed in the immersion tank, the distance from the bottom of the sample to the water surface is at least 1 m. The distance from the top of the sample to the water surface must be at least 0.15 m. Test time: 30 min. (8) IPX8 Method Name: Continuous Diving Test ;
Reply #212009-03-04
Could we please stop discussing this issue? We’re all in the instrumentation industry; do you find it boring to keep discussing this? I think, in any case, water must not be splashed on the instruments. Everyone should stop such behavior when they notice it. And prevent it from happening again. Please stop posting replies.

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