- PI sanitary pressure transmitter
- Setup and support
Optimal installation of PI sanitary transmitters
Thank you for your purchase of a PI sanitary pressure transmitter. On the following pages, you will find information to help you install and program the sensor as well as answers to frequently asked questions.
For best performance of the PI family of sanitary pressure transmitters, please follow the guidelines below.
Should you need additional support, feel free to contact our service center at 800-441-8246 to speak with one of our application engineers.
Installing adapters
The PI1 series pressure sensors uses a flexible process connection called Aseptoflex Vario. This system allows you to easily pair standard sensors with the adapter of your choice, providing flexibility and streamlining production. Since we are a direct-selling, build-to-stock organization, this makes sensors more affordable and readily available from local stock.
Steps to install adapters:
- Grease the sensor thread with suitable lubrication paste.
- Install the o-ring at the bottom of the sensor (an EPDM O-ring (E30054) is supplied with the adapter).
- Thread the adapter onto the sensor until hand tight. Then, tighten the adapter to the required torque spec (max 35 Nm) using wrench flats on the sensor and a vice (D) or wrench for adapter.
Sanitary installations with 3A authorization
For installations requiring 3A authorization, follow these key guidelines:
- One part of the Aseptoflex Vario process connection system includes an o-ring seal between the sensor and the process medium.
- The second part of the sealing system required for 3A authorization is a leakage port (weep hole).
Leakage port
When the o-ring is in place, the process medium will remain in the tank or pipe. If the o-ring is compromised (i.e., missing or damaged), the medium will leak through the weep hole. This indicates that the o-ring must be replaced.
Replace with one of the article numbers in the table below.
| Article | Material | Description / application | Supplied with: |
|---|---|---|---|
 E30054 |
EPDM FDA compliant |
Common for F&B applications; suitable for hot water / steam and both acidic / alkaline CIP fluids. This O-ring seals between the face of the process connection and the adapter. | Aseptoflex Vario adapter |
 E30123 |
FKM FDA compliant |
Suitable for oil applications as there is minimum swelling even with mineral oil; Excellent chemical and high temperature resistance. | Optional accessory purchased seperately |
 E30124 |
PEEK FDA compliant |
More durable seal if devices are removed during cleaning process; resistance to chemicals, and is more stable than elastomers, | Optional accessory purchased separately |
Available adapters or fittings
Clamp fittings (triclamp or varivent)
- Pressure rating: 16 bar with traditional wing-nut style clamp.
- Pressures above 16 bar are acceptable only with a high pressure clamp (bolted).
Weld fittings
- Use a weld mandrel to prevent warpage during welding.
- Ensure the arrow on the fitting aligns with the final orientation of the sensor display.
- When cleaning up welds, make sure not to damage sealing edge of adapter. This will cause leaks.
Align the mark on the fitting (1) with the final orientation of the sensor display
Protective accessories for installing weld adapters
Weld mandrel (Part number E30452)
A weld mandrel is recommended when installing any of ifm’s weld adapters on tanks or pipes. It acts as a heat sink and prevents warpage of the weld adapter that could cause leaking or compromise the fit and function of the adapter.
The ifm weld mandrel is a simple solution to prevent this from occurring. Never use the sensor as a heat sink when welding the adapter as this can cause permanent damage to the sensor electronics.
Steps for weld mandrel (E30452) installation:
- Screw the welding aide (2) by hand into the welding adapter (3).
- Position the counterplate (4) under the weld adapter on the opposite side of welding surface.
- Insert the fastening screw (1) through the welding aide (2) to secure the counterplate (4) with the nut (5).
- Perform the welding operation according to the specific weld adapter instructions.
- Allow the weld mandrel to cool before removing it.
Weld seam cleanup / sealing edge protection (Part number E30160)
Important: Protect the sealing edge (1) of the weld adapter to prevent leaks.
Use optional ifm accessory E30160 to prevent damage to sealing edge (B) of the adapter during weld seam (A) cleanup. This accessory works with the welding aide included with ifm part number E30452.
Follow these steps to prevent damage to the sealing edge of the adapter:
*The E30160 is intended to be a one-time use accessory as it will help to protect the sealing edge from damage, but it will also be worn during the process.
Optimal sensor and atmospheric vent orientation
To avoid build-up on the measuring cell, avoid placing the measuring face horizontally, facing up.
- For 3-A installations only use adapters with 3-A certification
Ensure the atmospheric vent is in a vertical position, or no more than a 30-degree angle if installed horizontally, to allow proper flow of washdown media.
For Installations in high humidity or where media coats sensors:
- The sensor’s atmospheric vent must be able to breathe freely for the sensor to measure accurately.
- Vent tubes can be installed to relocate the atmospheric vent to a safe area or position the vent in the appropriate position when sensor cannot be rotated.
- This is primarily a concern with lower pressure measurements in tank level applications since the vent provides the atmospheric reference for the relative pressure measurement.
Optional vent accessories for additional protection
In most cases, following the guidelines for vent orientation is adequate to guard against ingress through the vent. However, for applications with particularly difficult environmental conditions or installations where the ideal alignment is not possible, the following optional accessories can be used to protect the atmospheric vent.
| 1 | E30483 | Replacement filter cover and ventilation membrane |  |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2 | E30148 | Closed vent cap: Only recommended for applications ≥ 25 bar or application temperature is constant. |  |
| 3 | E30139 | Filter cover with tube fitting and vent tube that can be located in a protected and dry area*. |  |
| 4 | E30467 | Filter cover with rotatable push to connect fitting, additional plug-in filter cover, and vent tube. Recommended for applications where the end of the vent tube cannot be protected or where chemically demanding external cleaning is conducted. |  |
