Team,
At yesterday when we’re visit to Slickline barge (many thanks to pak Harapan P) that we
observed the Chart recorder on barge were have valid certifications and calibrations tests
record (for Static Pressure Pen as well) it reminds us sometimes ago that we had creates
several ANM/CeRMAT relate with the Inspections, Certifications, Utilizations, Maintenances and
Services of Chart Recorder as mentioned below dah,
By then, we would like to share and opened lines discussions about the Chart recorder as a
lesson learns and wish it could be useful for all of us and feel free (please) for any feedbacks,
comments etc relate with we’ll describes as below dah :
Chart recorder is an electromechanical device that records an electrical or mechanical input
trend onto a piece of paper (the chart). Chart recorders may record several inputs using
different color pens and may record onto strip charts or circular charts. Chart recorders may be
entirely mechanical with clockwork mechanisms, electro-mechanical with an electrical
clockwork mechanism for driving the chart (with mechanical or pressure inputs), or entirely
electronic with no mechanical components at all (a virtual chart recorder). And Chart Recorder
has many types and brand/trade marks we just selected with the TOTAL requirements.
Chart recorders are built in three primary formats. Strip chart recorders have a long strip of
paper that is ejected out of the recorder. Circular chart recorders have a rotating disc of paper
that must be replaced more often, but are more compact and amenable to being enclosed
behind glass. Roll chart recorders are similar to strip chart recorders except that the recorded
data is stored on a round roll, and the unit is usually fully enclosed.
Features:
Case — suggested was made of rugged, lightweight die-cast aluminum that features a
built-in rain-shield
Chart Drive — available in battery and spring-wound versions with a wide variety of
chart speeds (24 hr/7day is standard), suggest to check daily basis.
Charts — are made from moisture-resistant, 7-point paper with high-grade copper
engravings that eliminate eccentric and elliptical errors. 12'' circular charts (standard),
8'' circular chart (refer to manufacturer and/TOTAL Req).
Recording Mechanism — All parts are stainless steel for long life. The pen mount is
exceptionally rugged. Disposable pens with clear body for checking ink levels. Optional
box (fountain) ink systems are available.
Dual Pen (with different color Green and Red) ..correct me dah
Main Components : May see pictures above dah.
Static Pressure Systems
The static pressure system consists of a helical bourdon tube connected to system piping. The
static pressure element measures the static pressure in a piping system. Elements are available
for measuring pressures ranging from 30 in. of vacuum (mercury) to 30,000 psi.
Thermal Systems
The thermal systems consist of a spiral bourdon tube, a capillary, and a bulb. All parts are made
of stainless steel. The bulb is fitted with a bendable extension ( Check), and the capillary is
protected with stainless steel armor.
Receiver Bellows
Chart recorder may be connected to a pneumatic transmitter to record the 3-15 or 6-30 psi
(correct us) an output signal of the transmitter. The instrument may also be connected to
record the output of a pneumatic transmitter simultaneously with the direct system pressure.
Recording Mechanism
The recording mechanism is a linkage and pen system that permanently records data. It
converts mechanical inputs from the pressure, temperature, and receiver elements to link lines
on a revolving chart. All operative parts of the recorder mechanism are made of stainless steel
for a long field life. The pen mount is exceptionally rugged. All lines are adjustable. Screw
adjustments for zero, range, and linearity assure fast and accurate calibration.
Chart Drive
A variety of chart drives are available. Both electrical and spring-wound chart drives fit a wide
variety of chart speeds and time intervals that reduce maintenance time interchangeable and
fitted with a recorder hub clip that features a simple yet secure method of locking the chart in
place. Explosion-proof electrical chart drives are available (confirmed)
Case
Chart recorder housed in an aluminum case with a hinged door providing access for chart
changes and calibration adjustment. The case is finished in a black, polyurethane electrostatic
powder paint that is highly resistant to weathering, scratches, marring, and industrial fumes.
Recorder connects to the system or transmitter through fittings in the bottom of the case.
Theory of Operation :
General
Pressure, temperature, and receiver elements in Chart are connected by tubing or pipe to
measure system pressure, system temperature, and transmitter output. The capillary tubes
from the static pressure element and receiver element connect directly to the piping system
and are filled with the process system fluid. Two thermal systems are available: a Class
mercury-filled system and a Class hydrocarbon-filled system (correct us).
A chart drive mechanism turns the chart at a selected speed. The chart is driven by either an
electrical motor or a mechanical, spring-wound type motor
Static Pressure Element
The sensor element consists of a helically coiled bourdon tube with a slightly flattened cross-
section of tubing coiled into a helix or flat spiral. The upper end of the element attaches to a
drive arm, and the bottom end of the element connects to the capillary tubing, which extends
into the bottom of the recorder case and attaches to a connector in the back wall of the case.
The connector allows system piping to be connected externally through the back of the case.
Temperature Element
The thermal system senses temperature changes, using the thermal expansion principle.
Temperature changes cause thermal expansion and contraction of mercury in the bulb. When
heated mercury expands, it increases in volume, causing the bourdon tube to exert mechanical
force. The bourdon tube movement is transmitted through mechanical linkage to a recording
pen
Thermal Bulb
The thermal bulb acts as the sensing element. Its physical and dimensional characteristics
determine response time of the system. Large surface area to volume, minimum wall thickness,
and high heat conductivity are desirable for high speed temperature response. The metal used
in thermal bulb fabrication should have a minimum coefficient of expansion and low specific
heat factor—stainless steel is used in the several types of chart recorder.
Capillary Tubing
The capillary tubing provides a thermal seal between the temperature bulb and bourdon tube.
The tubing, fabricated from thick-walled stainless steel, minimizes the internal volume for
mercury. The capillary is provided with 1/4-inch spiral armor to assure a strong and pliable
transmission line between the primary element and the secondary mechanism (bourdon tube).
Filling Fluid
Mercury's thermal properties make it highly sensitive to temperature changes and suitable for
use with a wide range of temperatures.
Secondary Mechanism
The measuring element is a precision-wound stainless steel bourdon tube, which converts the
volumetric expansion and contraction of the mercury-fill to an angular output of 17 degrees
nominal for the full temperature range.
Calibration Check :
Pressure System
Check the calibration of the pressure system prior to placing the recorder into service :
1. Connect the recorder to the calibration equipment as shown
2. Apply zero pressure and adjust the pen to the zero circle on the chart using the zero adjust
screw.
3. Apply 100% pressure. (For example, 100% pressure for an element with a standard range of 0
to 1500 psi is 1500 psi; 50% pressure is 750 psi.) Verify that the pen moves across scale to the
100% pressure indication.
4. Apply 50% pressure. Verify that the pen indicates 50% pressure on the chart.
5. If the pen does not accurately indicate the pressure being applied, recalibrate the static
pressure pen
Maintenance and Calibration :
Maintenance
Generally, Unit Chart recorders require no maintenance other than replacement of the chart,
replacement of pens, winding of the spring-wound chart drives, and occasional calibration. In
addition, the operator should periodically check the door seal for wear and the pressure fittings
for tightness.
List of Maintenance Actions required for routine maintenance, such as :
Calibration adjustment (zero adjust), Capillary mounting nut, Thermal well, wrench Gland nut ,
Packing nut, etc
Periodic Maintenance and Inspections (Calibrations) :
Periodically inspect and clean the thermal well. In services where the temperature bulb or
thermal well is in contact with semisolids, sludge build up can appreciably affect the heat
conductivity of the sensing element. Inspect and clean the temperature bulb or well and also
calibrations of static pressure pen and associated linkage, generically proceed as follows:
1. Carefully remove the temperature bulb from the thermal well by loosening the packing nut
and slipping it back on the bulb extension. Loosen the jam nut and remove the temperature
bulb.
2. Remove the thermal well from the socket.
3. With a fine-grade steel wool, remove excess residue from the temperature bulb and thermal
well.
4. Examine the capillary tubing for damage or kinking.
5. Check availabilities of times watch
6. Check availabilities of ink pen
7. Check conditions of static range arm and drive arm
8. Place the static drive link in the fourth hole from the pen shaft of the range arm
9. Assure that range arm lock screws, thumb nut lock screw, and link screws
are tight.
10. Unlock the recorder hub clip and remove the temporary calibration chart .
11. Replace the chart plate by sliding it into the chart plate retainer brackets and engaging each
side into the chart plate latches.
Safety Aspects relate with Chart Recorder are :
1. Please ensure we’re reading carefully the Manufacturer safety instruction related with
Chart Recorder because of incorrect practices can lead to personal injury or death,
property damage, etc
2. Aware to potential trapped pressure inside the recorder parts may create flying debris
or any objects
3. Minimize personnel during calibration test (pneumatic test) and much safer when do it
on closed installations
4. Any part of installation system which has been nominated for pneumatic testing (if
required) shall be carried out in accordance with ASME B31.3
5. etc
Media sources :
o BARTON Safety Manual
o Cameron Chart Recorder Manual
o Other references
