Happy Holidays from Mead O'Brien

"It is tenderness for the past, courage for the present, hope for the future.  It is a fervent wish that every cup may overflow with blessings rich and eternal, and that every path may lead to peace."  Agnes M. Pharo

The Schneider Electric Foxboro CFT51 Digital Coriolis Mass Flow and Density Transmitter with HART or Modbus Communication Protocol


The Schneider Foxboro Model CFT51 Digital Coriolis Mass Flow and Density transmitter is an advanced generation of mass flow devices using DSP (digital signal processing) technology, which allows this transmitter to provide improved performance over other Coriolis flowmeters. This mass flow and density meter, comprising a CFT51 mass flow and density transmitter and a Foxboro CFS mass flowtube, measures fluid mass flow rate directly, not inferentially. Direct measurement of mass helps eliminate the inaccuracies of multiple process measurements associated with volumetric flow devices.


For more information, contact Mead O'Brien. Call them at  (800) 892-2769 or visit their web site at https://meadobrien.com.

The Case for Steam Trap Surveys and Trap Management Programs


Improve Steam System Efficiency, Improve Safety, Lower Carbon Emissions, and Conserve Energy

A reliable, accurate assessment of your steam trap population is important. A proactive trap management program has many benefits including keeping trap failure rates low, maximizing safety, improving system efficiency, improving steam quality, reducing energy use, and improving environmental compliance.

Failure to inspect your steam traps can lead to serious problems and safety risks. Precise, reliable checks help prevent serious problems such as water hammer, unscheduled downtime, production stoppages, frozen lines, increased energy usage, and excess fuel consumption.

Steam Trap Survey Case Study*

A major university is now realizing its energy management goals and improving the efficiency of its steam utility system by initiating and implementing a steam trap management program. The university's heating plant consists of three natural gas boilers that distribute steam to the entire campus through an underground tunnel system.

With the stated goal of making enhancements to their steam system, the university's facilities management group participated in a two-day steam seminar. The seminar provided a full understanding of the technology and methodology, leading to a decision to implement a full campus steam trap survey.

By utilizing state-of-the-art steam trap monitoring tools, the survey was completed after one year. All survey logs and data was collected, and the analysis reports were generated. A trap failure rate of about 15%, which corresponded to over $220,000 in yearly losses, was discovered. Over the course of the next 2 years, more surveys were conducted resulting in a continuing lower trap failure rates, lower carbon emissions, and the savings of an additional $120,000 in energy costs through replacing defective steam traps.

The university scored a huge success in savings, lower carbon emissions, and labor costs. As this trend continues in a downward direction, calculations and reports derived from the yearly surveys are a strong foundation for directors and managers to validate funding to drive the steam trap management program forward.

Components of a Steam Trap Management Program

  • Done by trained survey technicians.
  • Traps located and identified, tagged with SS tag #, and data logged with up to 27 fields of useful data per trap.
  • Executive summary and failed trap report with steam & dollar losses, detailed log sheets, and recommendations provided.
  • Monitoring options presented for critical service applications.
  • Steam flow measurement design discussed.
  • Heat recovery potential discussed.
  • Continued training options available through hands-on, live, steam lab.

Benefits of Steam Trap Management Program

  • Reduce steam & condensate losses.
  • Reduce loss of boiler chemicals.
  • Improve heat transfer performance.
  • Prevent coil and heat exchanger damage.
  • Minimize water hammer hazards.
For more information about steam trap surveys and steam trap management programs, contact Mead O'Brien. Call them at  (800) 892-2769 or visit their web site at https://meadobrien.com.

* Case study courtesy of Armstrong International

Honoring Those Who Served


Veterans Day is not just another holiday. It honors those Americans who fought for our freedom. By celebrating our Veterans, we continue to tell the story of how this country became the most powerful on Earth - through bravery, honor, truth, and determination.

Our Veterans are our neighbors, friends, family, and co-workers. They took an oath to defend the United States and our Constitution, from all enemies, foreign and domestic. We must never forget their bravery, service, and sacrifice.

Mead O'Brien thanks our Veterans for serving our country and protecting our freedom.

Sensors, Connectivity, and Fieldbus Products Used for Industrial Process Automation


Today's plants are on the forefront of the new industrial revolution. Smart factories of today needs sensors, connectivity and Fieldbus technologies that provide more data and increase the reliability of applications.

Turck, and their Process Automation Distributor Mead O'Brien, provide you with local engineering expertise and a wide range of products made right here in the USA.

For more information about Turck products, as well as their use in industrial process automation, contact Mead O'Brien by calling (800) 892-2769 or visit https://meadobrien.com.

What is a Ball Valve?

Ball valve cutaway
Cutaway of specialized ball valve with characterized
ball for control valve applications. (Neles)
A ball valve is a 90 degree rotational motion valve that uses a metal or ceramic ball with a hole through its center to stop or start fluid flow. The ball, shown below in Figure 1, opens and closes to allow fluid flow through the ball valve. When the valve handle or stem is turned to open the valve, the ball rotates to a point where the hole in the ball is parallel with the valve body inlet and outlet. When the valve is shut, the ball is rotated so that the ball's hole is perpendicular to the inlet and outlet of the valve body and the flow is stopped.

Most ball valve actuators are of the quick-acting type, which require a 90° turn of the valve handle or stem to operate the valve. Other ball valve actuators are planetary gear-operated manual,  electrically operated motors, or pneumatic piston type. All actuators provide the necessary operating force to open and close valves.
Figure 1 



Ball Valve Advantages

A ball valve is often the least expensive of any industrial valve configuration and has low maintenance costs. In addition to quick, quarter turn on-off operation, ball valves are compact, require no lubrication, and give tight sealing with low torque.

Ball Valve  Disadvantages

Conventional industrial ball valves have relatively poor throttling characteristics (except when using a characterized ball, as shown above). A standard ball valve when in throttling position will fail because of because of the impingement of high velocity flow and the erosive effect on the partially exposed seat.

Ball Valve Port Patterns

Ball valves are available in the venturi, reduced, and full port pattern. The full port pattern has a ball with a bore equal to the inside diameter of the pipe.

Ball Valve Materials

Balls are usually metallic in metallic bodies with trim (seats) produced from "soft" seats referring to the elastomeric materials used such as PTFE (100% Virgin Polytetrafluoroethylene), RTFE (Reinforced Teflon®), TFM, CTFE, Polychlorotrifluoroethene, Polyether Ether Ketone, and UHMWPE. Care must be used in the selection of the seat material to ensure that it is compatible with the materials being handled by the valve.Ball valve bodies may also be made of various plastic materials for corrosive applications.

Ball Valve Stem Design

The stem in a ball valve is not fastened to the ball. It normally has a rectangular portion at the ball end which fits into a slot cut into the ball. The enlargement permits rotation of the ball as the stem is turned.

Ball Valve Bonnet Design

A bonnet cap fastens to the body, which holds the stem assembly and ball in place. Adjustment of the bonnet cap permits compression of the packing, which supplies the stem seal. Packing for ball valve stems is usually in the configuration of die-formed packing rings normally of TFE, TFE-filled, or TFE-impregnated material. Some ball valve stems are sealed by means of O-rings rather than packing.

Ball Valve Position

Some ball valves are equipped with stops that permit only 90° rotation. Others do not have stops and may be rotated 360°. With or without stops, a 90° rotation is all that is required for closing or opening a ball valve.

The handle indicates valve ball position. When the handle lies along the axis of the valve, the valve is open. When the handle lies 90° across the axis of the valve, the valve is closed. Some ball valve stems have a groove cut in the top face of the stem that shows the flowpath through the ball. Observation of the groove position indicates the position of the port through the ball. This feature is particularly advantageous on multiport ball valves.

For more infomration about industrial ball valves, contact Mead O'Brien by calling (800) 892-2769 or visit their website at https://meadobrien.com.

Tutorial on Installing the ASCO 212 Series Valve Using the FasN Connection System



This video is a tutorial on how to install the ASCO series 212, using ASCO's FasN connection system. It includes instructions for all three types of connections, namely NPT thread connection, turn and lock, and solvent bond.

The ASCO series 212 composite valve is designed for use in water purification and water treatment applications, specifically within the membrane based filtration system application. The series 212 composite valve is ideal for use in mid-size Reverse Osmosis Systems applications where lead free and NSF approved constructions are required. The series 212 composite valves are available in 3/8", 1/2", 3/4", and 1" pipe sizes. The series 212 composite valve also handles pressure up to 150 PSI and operates at up to 180° F.

For more information about the ASCO 212 series valve, contact:
Mead O'Brien
(800) 892-2769
https://meadobrien.com

Steam and Gas Hot Water Equipment for Industry

Regardless of the method you use to heat water, Armstrong has the intelligent solutions you need. They will show you how to avoid scaling, improve efficiency and safety, and increase your production and yield. Armstrong delivers groundbreaking accuracy, simplicity and unparalleled performance with their advanced steam heated and gas heated solutions. From a single product to a complete, fully integrated system, Armstrong hot water solutions for steam and gas can fulfill your most exacting demands.

Products:
  • Readitemp™ Steam/Water Hot Water System
  • Emech® Industrial Mixing Center
  • Emech® Digital Control Valve
  • Vfd Pump Assembly
  • Hot & Cold Water Hose Stations
  • Flo-Direct® Gas-Fired Water Heater


Mead O'Brien 2019 Steam Seminar Registration is Now Open

Steam SeminarDo the people who maintain your plant’s steam system really understand how to save you money?

The Mead O’Brien Steam Seminar provides you a window into elements of the plant steam cycle as you observe live steam and condensate behavior in glass piping and glass-bodied steam traps under differing conditions. You will gain useful knowledge regarding:
  • Steam generation
  • Distribution
  • Control & Heat transfer
  • Heat Recovery opportunities
  • Condensate removal & return
Follow this link to sign up.

SAMPLE AGENDA

Steam System System-Wide Objective 

  • Basics of steam 
  • Steam energy facts 
  • Thermodynamic relationships 
  • Steam table uses 
  • Video: What is Steam? 
  • Steam system-wide components

Steam Traps 


  • What it is, where it fits, how it works 
  • Function and Operation of generic Steam Trap types How they operate against typical characteristics 
  • Testing techniques 
  • Troubleshooting and Video 
  • Functional problems associated with Steam traps 
  • Tools to maintain an efficient steam system 
  • Surveys and assessments 
  • Continuous monitoring 
  • SteamStar™

Distribution systems 


  • Functional problems associated with Distribution Systems Effects of not removing condensate formed in the system Water Hammer and Corrosion 
  • Differential Shock water hammer demonstration 
  • Piping for effectively removing the condensate 
  • PRVs: Use and effect on the steam distribution system Video: Guidelines for Steam System efficiency 

Steam usage systems (heat transfer) 


  • Different heat transfer devices 
  • Functional problems associated with heat transfer systems Process control considerations & challenges 
  • Pressure zone and partial load example 
  • What the control people usually don’t consider 
  • Stall and how to overcome it 
  • Vacuum Breakers and TAVs (thermostatic air vents) Control modes and unintended consequences 
  • Leaving the pressure zone

Condensate return systems 


  • System efficiencies 
  • Electric condensate pumps: operation and advantages Mechanical condensate pumps; operation and advantages Open and closed systems: advantages & disadvantages Stall review and solutions 
  • Flash systems and heat recovery options 
  • Back to the boiler house: Deaerators and their function
For more information, or to sign up, visit this web site - https://events.meadobrien.com

US Power Grids, Oil and Gas Industries, and Risk of Hacking


A report released in June, from the security firm Dragos, describes a worrisome development by a hacker group named, “Xenotime” and at least two dangerous oil and gas intrusions and ongoing reconnaissance on United States power grids.

Multiple ICS (Industrial Control Sectors) sectors now face the XENOTIME threat; this means individual verticals – such as oil and gas, manufacturing, or electric – cannot ignore threats to other ICS entities because they are not specifically targeted.

The Dragos researchers have termed this threat proliferation as the world’s most dangerous cyberthreat since an event in 2017 where Xenotime had caused a serious operational outage at a crucial site in the Middle East. 

The fact that concerns cybersecurity experts the most is that this hacking attack was a malware that chose to target the facility safety processes (SIS – safety instrumentation system).

For example, when temperatures in a reactor increase to an unsafe level, an SIS will automatically start a cooling process or immediately close a valve to prevent a safety accident. The SIS safety stems are both hardware and software that combine to protect facilities from life threatening accidents.

At this point, no one is sure who is behind Xenotime. Russia has been connected to one of the critical infrastructure attacks in the Ukraine.  That attack was viewed to be the first hacker related power grid outage.

This is a “Cause for Concern” post that was published by Dragos on June 14, 2019

“While none of the electric utility targeting events has resulted in a known, successful intrusion into victim organizations to date, the persistent attempts, and expansion in scope is cause for definite concern. XENOTIME has successfully compromised several oil and gas environments which demonstrates its ability to do so in other verticals. Specifically, XENOTIME remains one of only four threats (along with ELECTRUM, Sandworm, and the entities responsible for Stuxnet) to execute a deliberate disruptive or destructive attack.

XENOTIME is the only known entity to specifically target safety instrumented systems (SIS) for disruptive or destructive purposes. Electric utility environments are significantly different from oil and gas operations in several aspects, but electric operations still have safety and protection equipment that could be targeted with similar tradecraft. XENOTIME expressing consistent, direct interest in electric utility operations is a cause for deep concern given this adversary’s willingness to compromise process safety – and thus integrity – to fulfill its mission.

XENOTIME’s expansion to another industry vertical is emblematic of an increasingly hostile industrial threat landscape. Most observed XENOTIME activity focuses on initial information gathering and access operations necessary for follow-on ICS intrusion operations. As seen in long-running state-sponsored intrusions into US, UK, and other electric infrastructure, entities are increasingly interested in the fundamentals of ICS operations and displaying all the hallmarks associated with information and access acquisition necessary to conduct future attacks. While Dragos sees no evidence at this time indicating that XENOTIME (or any other activity group, such as ELECTRUM or ALLANITE) is capable of executing a prolonged disruptive or destructive event on electric utility operations, observed activity strongly signals adversary interest in meeting the prerequisites for doing so.”

Understanding Differential Pressure Measurement: Differential Pressure Gauge Example


This video (courtesy of Ashcroft) does an outstanding job illustrating the concepts of differential pressure and flow measurement using the differential pressure method.

Engineered restriction devices are often inserted into a closed pipe system to create a differential pressure for the purposes of measuring fluid flow rate. These restrictions can come in the form of an orifice plates, Venturi, wedge, and other designs.

To measure the differential pressure, taps must be installed on both sides of the plate.  The upstream side will always produce the greater pressure, and is referred to as the high side. Conversely, the downstream pressure will always be the lesser value, due to the obstruction.

A differential pressure gauge's range is based on the maximum difference that can be expected as a result of the restriction. The gauge's dial will display the differential pressure in units of pressure measurement, like psi or bar.  By applying the linear square root relationship between flow rate and pressure, the gauge style can be scaled in a specified rate of flow, such as gallons per minute. A dual scale dial can also be created to display both the flow rate and the differential pressure.

Another important consideration is the maximum line pressure, also referred to as the static pressure. The higher the static pressure, the more robust the gauge must be to contain it. That's why it's crucial to ensure that the gauge carries a static pressure rating that exceeds the highest pressure in the line.

For more information about differential pressure gauges, transmitters, and flow measurement, contact Mead O'Brien at (800) 892-2769 or visit their web site at https://meadobrien.com.

ValvTechnologies RiTech® Coating an Excellent Alternative for Applications Where Stellite Disbonding a Concern

ValvTechnologies
Stellite is a trademarked name of Kennametal Inc. describing a range of cobalt-chromium alloys designed for wear resistance. Commonly used on severe service valves, Stellite alloys operate at high temperatures (600 – 1112° F), can be polished to excellent levels of surface finish producing low friction coefficients and in-turn providing good sliding wear. In high-temperature, high-pressure steam applications, however, there are reported issues of Stellite delamination when valves operate at Stellite's upper operating temperature range.

ValvTechnologies RiTech31
Table of ValvTechnologies RiTech Coatings
(Click for larger view)


ValvTechnologies, a manufacturer of severe service valves, offers their RiTech® coatings and process as a better alternative to Stellite for these applications.

ValvTechnologies' RiTech® is a high-velocity oxygen fuel (HVOF), hot, high-velocity, gas jet coating process. RiTech® 31 is an alloy that maintains its hardness at high temperatures and is self-repairing in operation.

The article below, written by the editors of the Combined Cycle Journal and distributed by ValvTechnologies, explains the reported Stellite delamination problems as well as a RiTech® 31 user experience.

For more  information about ValvTechnologies valves and RiTech® 31, contact Mead O'Brien by calling (800) 892-2769 or by visiting https://meadobrien.com.


Coating Critical Steam-valve Parts with Chrome Carbide Avoids Stellite Delamination Issue

Stellite liberation from large valves installed in main and hot reheat (HRH) steam systems serving F-class combined cycles, considered a major industry problem 10 years ago, has been eliminated by substituting chrome carbide as the hard-facing material for critical valve parts.

The editors first learned of stellite delamination at the 2009 7F Users Group Conference where the liberated material from a 20-in. HRH block valve was displayed. The industry had been made aware of stellite liberation by GE, which issued Technical Information Letter 1626 about three months ahead of the 7F meeting. It advised steam-turbine owners to check the condition of the stellite inlay sections used in fabricating seats for the OEM’s combined stop and control valves.

Revision 1 of that TIL, published at the end of 2010, recommended a “one-time seat stellite inlay UT inspection during valve installation or the next planned maintenance inspection”—this to identify any lack of bonding between the inlay and base metal on units with fewer than 50 starts.

Disbonding of stellite associated with combined-cycle plants has occurred primarily in parallel-slide gate valves and non-return globe valves. Hardfacing has been liberated from valve seats, guide rails, and discs. Tight shutoff of valves has been compromised in some cases.

Many incidents of stellite liberation were reported. To illustrate: CFM/VR-TESCO LLC (formerly Continental Field Machining), a leading valve services company said that in 2011 and 2012 it repaired 50 valves manufactured from F91 (forged body) or C12A (cast body) and ranging in size from 12 to 24 in. More than half of these jobs involved stellite liberation.

These repair projects were split roughly 50/50 between valves within the Code (ASME Boiler & Pressure Vessel Code) boundary and those that were part of the boiler external piping. Repairs on the former were performed according to guidelines presented in Section I of the Code and in the National Board Inspection Code; those outside the Code boundary were performed according to ASME B31.1.

There hasn’t been much discussion on stellite disbonding the last few years—at least at meetings attended by the editors, which include the Combined Cycle Users Group, Steam Turbine Users Group, and HRSG Forum with Bob Anderson.

However, mention was made by one owner/operator regarding the successful use of ValvTechnologies Inc.’s IsoTech® parallel-slide gate valves on his company’s HRSGs in eliminating the need for stellite. According to the manufacturer, critical parts for its severe-service valves, used where steam temperatures exceed 1000F, are provided with its RiTech® 31 coating.

This chrome carbide refractory coating is much harder than Stellite 6 (68-72 RC versus 34-38 RC). It is applied in state-of-the-art HVOF (high-velocity oxygen fuel) spray booths using a proprietary compressive spray technique to achieve high bond strength. Applications extend up to ASME/ANSI Class 4500 at 1800F for valves up to 36 in.

The chrome carbide hard-coated web guide ensures the discs are kept parallel through the entire valve stroke. As the valve is cycled under differential pressure, the hard surfaces reportedly burnish and polish each other, avoiding the scratching and galling cited by some others.

The user sharing his experience with the ValvTechnologies product said their parallel slide gate valves have been operating on four or five of his company’s HRSGs for three years or so and the only hiccup was a stem-packing leak on one valve which was quickly corrected. This testifies to the vendor’s claim that RiTech 31 hard-coating technology is impervious to the effects of high-temperature cycling typically experienced today in combined-cycle main-steam isolation and HRH applications. The company guarantees coating integrity for 10 years or 10,000 cycles—whichever comes first.

Finally, the user mentioned that a representative of the manufacturer annually visits each plant where ValvTechnologies valves are installed to verify that they continue to meet expectations.

Courtesy of Combined Cycle Journal. Combined Cycle Journal is the independent voice of the gas-turbine-based generation sector of America’s electricity industry.

Pneumatic Valve Actuators

scotch yoke actuator
Actuated valve with pneumatic
scotch yoke actuator (Metso Neles)
Pneumatic valve actuators are used in extreme conditions in many industries such as oil and gas, chemical, water and wastewater, bulk storage, pulp & paper, and power generation. These devices are used in a multitude of valve control processes for regulation (or cessation) of flow, and / or controlling pressure and level.  Due to their reliability and simplicity, pneumatic actuators are one of the most popular types of actuators used in industry today.

Pneumatic valve actuators work by conversion of air pressure into motion. The device applies a force of air to a diaphragm, rotary vane, or piston that is attached to the actuator shaft, which is then mechanically connected to the stem of the valve or damper. Depending on the type, pneumatic actuators produce either linear or rotary motion. 

ACTUATOR ACTION - SPRING RETURN OR DOUBLE ACTING

Spring Return — Pneumatic actuators with spring return design have air supplied from one side. The spring on the opposite side is responsible for the motion. With this design, air compression moves the opens or shuts the valves while the spring is responsible for the opposite motion. 

Diaphragm actuator
Diaphragm actuator
(Metso Neles)
Double Acting  — Double acting actuators have air fed on both sides of a piston. The pressure on one side is higher as compared to the other that results in the required in movement. Air is used to open and close the valves.  

PNEUMATIC ACTUATOR DESIGNS

Diaphragm Actuators — Diaphragm actuators work by applying pressure to a thin membrane or diaphragm.  

Piston Actuators — Piston actuators apply compress air to a piston that is within a cylinder. Air is fed into a chamber that moves the piston in one direction. The piston moves in the opposite direction when air pressure is removed (spring assisted) or directed to the other side (double acting). 

Rack and Pinion — Rack and pinion actuators produce rotation by applying pressure to pistons with gears that turn a pinion gear. Rack and pinion actuators can be spring return or double acting. They are valued because of their compact size and versatility.
Rack and pinion actuator
Rack and pinion actuator
(Metso Jamesbury)

Scotch Yoke — A scotch-yoke actuator contains a piston, yoke, connecting shaft, and rotary pin. They can be direct acting or spring return. They are capable of providing very high torque outputs and are generally used on larger valves. Scotch yoke actuators can be powered by air or process gas.

Rotary Vane —Vane actuators use a mechanical vane, connected to a shaft, that separates a circular shaped body in two "clamshell" halves. The vane moves in response to the differential pressure inside the actuator body, turning the shaft clockwise or counter-clockwise in response to the pressure differential. External springs units are available for spring return models.
scotch yoke actuator
Scotch yoke actuator (Metso Neles)

BENEFITS OF PNEUMATIC ACTUATORS

The use of compressed air (typically found in all industrial facilities) as the power source is the prime advantage for the use of pneumatic actuators. Additionally, pneumatic actuators have an advantage in suitability for different environments and can be used in extremes temperatures. They are preferred over electrical actuators in explosive, flammable and other hazardous areas because they do not require electricity (a possible ignition source) to operate. They do not create electrical fields or electrical noise since there is no electrical motor. Pneumatic valve actuators are faster opening and closing compared to their electric counterparts. Finally, they are low cost, lightweight, durable, require little maintenance (depending on quality) and there are a myriad of positioning controls, speed controls, and communications devices available for tailoring the actuator to the application.

DRAWBACKS OF PNEUMATIC ACTUATORS

While compressed air is the main reason for using pneumatic actuators, it can also be considered a drawback. For instance, pneumatic actuators can perform poorly when the air supply source is located at a distance, resulting in lag and slow response. Another drawback of pneumatic actuators is the additional cost for the compressed air system due to the requirement of dust filters and moisture removing dryers. These are required to ensure clean air is fed into the system.

APPLYING PNEUMATIC ACTUATORS

There are many aspects to the proper, safe, and efficient application of pneumatic actuators to valves and dampers. The sizing the power (torque) output being paramount. All valves and dampers have unique torque requirements. You must consider a threshold force for opening (breakaway), as the valve continues to move to its open or closed position, and then for seating. Matching the actuators to the valve type, and operating conditions is critical. Published torque curves must be reviewed and understood. Too little torque and the valve will not respond. Too much torque increases cost and can damage the valve. Spring return adds to this complexity. Considering all this, it is strongly suggested you always discuss any valve actuation requirement with an experience applications expert. They will ensure the proper, safe, and cost effective mating of pneumatic actuator to valve or damper.

Humidification Design Checklist: Getting It Right The First Time

It’s not enough for a humidification system to simply add moisture to dry air. Control of relative humidity is essential – even critical – in some applications. Yet, there are a variety of factors and individuals that converge making it complex and challenging to design proper humidification systems.

This white paper, courtesy of Armstrong International, provides important information on all aspects of humidification.

Topics Discussed:
  • Direct Steam Injection (conventional separator type)
  • Direct Steam Injection (short absorption panel type)
  • Steam-to-Steam Humidifiers
  • Electric (steam generating) Humidifiers
  • Gas Fired Humidifiers
  • Fogging Systems (Compressed Air and Water)
  • Fogging Systems (High Pressure Atomizer)


White Paper "Valve Actuation: The When, How and Why of Actuator Selection"

Valve automation dramatically improves control, precision and efficiency. While these advantages
must be weighed against higher capital and operating costs, actuators are frequently found to be a cost-effective investment for most oil and gas applications. This white paper, courtesy of Flowserve, is excellently written and thorough.

TOPICS DISCUSSED
  • Is automation right for your application?
  • The actuator hierarchy
  • Electric actuation
  • Pneumatic actuation
  • Hydraulic actuation
  • Specialized actuators for pipeline applications
  • Gas-powered actuators
  • Electrohydraulic (EH) actuators
  • Future developments


Metso Neles High Performance Butterfly Valves for Industry


BW Series Butterfly Valve For High Pressure Applications

Neles BW series metal seated triple eccentric disc valve is designed for both control and tight shut-off in severe service. Multiple seat options makes it well suited for the refining, power, petrochemical and chemical industries. The BW series provides extended operational life in high cycle, high temperature and abrasive applications.

High Cycling Butterfly Valve, Series BO

Metso Neles BO series butterfly valve is designed for Vacuum Pressure Swing Adsorption plants (VPSA). It is a wafer type, soft seated, high performance, single eccentric disc valve. The valve provides maximal endurance in fast cycling. Additionally, it provides long lasting tight shut off with excellent flow characteristics and high capacity while maintaining the internal tightness even up to 2 million cycles.

High Performance Triple Eccentric Disc Valves, Series L6

Neldisc series L6 triple eccentric disc valve operate both in control and shut-off applications, with close to equal percentage characteristics and superior tightness.

High Performance Triple Eccentric Series L1 and L2

Neldisc series L1 and L2 triple eccentric disc valves operate both in control and shut-off applications, with close to equal percentage characteristics and superior tightness.

High Performance Triple Eccentric Series L12

Neldisc series L12 triple eccentric disc valve operate both in control and shut-off applications, with close to equal percentage characteristics and superior tightness.

High Performance Triple Eccentric Series LW & LG 

Neldisc series LW and LG triple eccentric disc valves operate both in control and shut-off applications, with close to equal percentage characteristics and superior tightness.


For more information, contact Mead O'Brien:
https://meadobrien.com
(800) 892-2769

Calibration Procedures for the Ashcroft P-Series Snap Action Switch Pressure Control


The Ashcroft P Series pressure control is a precision device which features a snap action switch. Fixed deadband is available with single or dual SPDT independently adjustable switches with various electrical ratings. Adjustable deadband is available with a SPDT switch with various electrical ratings. Several wetted material constructions for compatibility with pressure media may be obtained.

The “P” Series Ashcroft snap action pressure switch is available in explosion-proof NEMA 7 & 9 configurations. The enclosure is an epoxy coated aluminum casting.

This video describes how to calibrate the Ashcroft P-Series.

For more information about Ashcroft, Inc. products, contact:
Mead O'Brien
https://meadobrien.com
(800) 892-2769

White Paper: Intrusive vs. Non-Intrusive Electric Actuators: Which option is right for your installation?

Modern electric actuators offer a wide range of technologies and features, from basic motor controls to sophisticated electronic controls. Many choices are available, since no single design or feature set meets the needs of every application.

Actuators are motorized gear drives that control the operation of multi-turn valves, slide gates and dampers; or quarter-turn valves and dampers. Some actuators, including those compared in this paper, use electricity as a power source. Other types of actuators, such as those powered by hydraulic fluid or pneumatic pressure, are not addressed in this paper. Applications vary, requiring the user to select some form of actuator control system. Typical control systems range from simple electro-mechanical controls found in intrusive actuator designs, to solid-state electronic controls found in non-intrusive designs.


Mead O'Brien
https://meadobrien.com
(800) 892-2769


The StoneL Axiom AN Discreet Valve Controller


The Axiom AN by StoneL an advanced performance, discreet valve controller for quarter turn actuators integrates both state of the art monitoring and robust pneumatic control for use with most on-off automated valves.

The AN was designed for exceptional reliability, universal suitability for most standard control and actuator interfaces, while integrating user friendly advanced technology. This new Axiom platform delivers incredible value over the lifetime of automated valve installations.

The Axiom AN, and all Axiom platforms, undergo extensive crucible and field beta testing, so you can be assured of trouble free performance in harsh conditions and hazardous applications. These tests include a full battery of mechanical, electrical and pneumatic tests, taking place over at least one year. The objective is to accelerate severe process environment conditions so they can assure trouble-free performance over at least one million cycles of operation, and an extended period of time.

Testing is performed internally at the StoneL manufacturing site by independent third party testing organizations, and by nationally recognized hazardous location test labs. Upon successful completion of this testing program, you can be assured of reliable performance in your most challenging process environments. Since we are confident that you will enjoy consistent, reliable performance for many years, the Axiom AN is covered by a comprehensive five year warranty. This warranty covers all mechanical parts and electronics from defects in materials and workmanship five years from the date the unit ships from the factory.

The Axiom AN advanced performance features include an impact resistant, vapor tight Lexan cover, which stands up to most corrosive and heavy washed down environment. The universal pilot, still annoyed, operates with all voltage levels and is suited for temperatures ranging from -40 to 176 degrees Fahrenheit as standard. The switches have touch settings to lock in the limit switch position, and are fully solid state without any mechanical seals. The high flow pneumatic valve offers exceptional tolerance to dirty air and will operate over one million cycles. The larger mechanical visual indicator and brighter electronic high intensity LEDs offer incredible visibility of valve status in dark or brightly lit plant environments.

Like all of the StoneL electronic modules, the Axiom AN C module is fully potted and sealed, preventing contamination from residual moisture and contaminants. The manifold mounting pad attaches directly to most VDI/VDE actuators and features an adjustable spring return or double acting actuator setting for fast field configuration, and a standard re-breather capability that diverts low pressure pneumatic supply air to keep contaminants from damaging the actuator.

And like all Axioms, the AN features a magnetic drive system that provides exceptional long life.

The field proven magnetic drive system offers the most reliable, wear resistant operation on the market.  Lateral and vertical shaft movement created by actuator wear has no detrimental effect on the AN drive. There are no seals or bushings to bind. As a result, you can be assured of millions of trouble-free operations. Axiom AN pneumatics feature a standard 5-way, 2 position configuration. Choose from single coil, spring return spool for failing to a predetermined position, or dual coil, shuttle spool for fail in last position.

Like all of StoneL's valve point platforms, the AN was designed to be space efficient by minimizing head room above the actuator and fitting within the actuator dimensional footprint. Mounting kits are designed to adapt the AN to VDI / VDE conforming actuators, as well as most other quarter turn pneumatic actuators. StoneL will design and fabricate kits for your specialized applications on request. Each mounting kit contains manifold, drive coupler, and fasteners for your specific actuator. Kit fasteners and couplers are standard in stainless steel. The mounting manifold is made of anodized and epoxy coated aluminum the same material as the Axiom housing. Please note that the AN mounting manifold is not interchangeable With AMI or AX Axiom platforms.

You can remotely access your automated valves from up to 50 meters when you install the Axiom AN with StoneL's proprietary wireless link app, featuring Bluetooth technology with DEVICENET or AS interface protocols.

For more information about the StoneL Axiom AN, contact:
Mead O'Brien
https://meadobrien.com
(800) 892-2769

Top Ten List for Improving Process Steam Systems


10. Ensure the steam boiler is sized large enough to meet the current system consumption and possibly future expansion.  Remember: BTUs needed to get feedwater to saturation temperature, and heat loss in piping due to insulation inefficiency.

9. Size steam distribution piping for 6000 FPM velocity below 50 PSIG steam pressure and 8000 FPM velocity for 50 PSIG and above.  Remember: lower steam pressure has higher specific volume than higher pressure.

8. Make sure drip legs with drip steam traps are used to remove condensate from steam distribution lines to prevent thermal shock water hammer and poor quality steam delivered to the heat exchanger.  Remember: drip legs should be about 2 ft. long and the same size as the steam pipe up to 4” and ½ the size of the pipe above 4”

7. Use equal percentage inherent trim characteristic control valves for process temperature control on steam sized to operate between 20 and 80% open, min to max.  Remember:  non-linearity in the form of high gain under partial steam load conditions are plotted as the inverse of the =% curve to become close to linear in the installed trim characteristic applied to the process.

6. Use supplemental thermostatic air vents and vacuum breakers (or a single device that does both) on large cavity heat exchangers.  Remember:  air is an insulator and is detrimental to surface temperature, and vacuum, formed by steam condensing and not replaced with an equivalent volume of steam, prevents the gravity flow of condensate from the exchanger to a steam trap allowing for the potential of thermal shock water hammer and/or internal corrosion.

5. Select the proper steam trap for the application.  On modulated steam applications, the F&T (float & thermostatic) steam trap and inverted bucket steam trap are both acceptable depending on performance characteristics desired. Remember:  steam traps must 1) stop the flow of steam to allow desired steam pressure to be maintained on the heat exchanger while latent heat is transferred to the process, 2) remove condensate in the heat exchanger simultaneously, and 3) remove non-condensable gases.

4. Ensure the steam trap can provide the capacity at low differential and can overcome static head pressure created by an overhead condensate return.  Remember: if that condition can occur, use a mechanical (steam powered) pump as a closed-system in combination with an F&T trap, a double duty type combination device, or a separate open system pump/receiver either mechanical or electric.

3. When the system is operating smoothly and efficiently, look for more ways to increase efficiency by auditing different areas of the generation, distribution, heat transfer, and condensate handling systems periodically and look for opportunities to design and use heat recovery systems.  At a minimum, test steam traps once a year for proper operation, but to eliminate the +/- 6 months of lag time between discovery of failed traps at that one moment in time plus the time it takes to arrange and actually repair or replace the steam trap, consider a wireless steam trap monitoring system, at least for the most process-important or highest pressure steam traps that will have the largest steam loss where discovery of failure is within minutes, the system can self-generate a work order, and the repair can be done quickly.  One such system utilizes either ISA100 or WirelessHART mesh networks reporting to a measurement, monitoring, and reporting software system designed to manage the system effectively.

2. If you don’t really understand the thermodynamics, proper piping techniques, and potential problems that may occur in your steam system, don’t experiment.  Contact someone who has thorough knowledge of steam systems before making that first change.

1. If you do understand your steam heat transfer system, have never instructed someone to “just change out the steam trap, it must be the blame for my system not working correctly since I don’t really know what it does,”  then you may be numbered in that new group: “Steam system practitioner, the making of another Prima Donna”.

List courtesy of Steve Huffman, VP of Sales and Marketing, Mead O'Brien.

The "Automation Multiplier Effect" and the Much Overlooked Importance of Automation



Steve Huffman, VP of Sales and Marketing for Mead O'Brien, and Greg McMillan, retired Senior Fellow from Solutia/Monsanto and monthly "Control Talk" columnist for Control magazine, discuss how automation is far more important than recognized and that we each play a role in helping everyone appreciate the incredible significance of opportunities created. 

Raising Professional Performance in the Automation Industry

Automation Federation

Steve Huffman, VP of Sales and Marketing for Mead O'Brien, and Greg McMillan, retired Senior Fellow from Solutia/Monsanto and monthly "Control Talk" columnist for Control magazine, discuss the Automation Federation's plans to define needed competencies.

Selecting the Proper ASCO Solenoid Valve

ASCO Solenoid Valve
This catalog is designed to make it easier to select and order the right valve for your application from ASCO. It provides very handy tables of part numbers, port configurations, sizes, and materials.

Download the PDF version here and keep available when when specifying ASCO solenoid valves.

The Armstrong SAGE UMT™ Wireless Hand-held Steam Trap Testing Tool


The next-level addition to the most comprehensive and advanced steam trap management platform in the industry has arrived. Introducing SAGE UMT™. Wireless, water resistant, dust proof, rugged, accurate, consistent. SAGE UMT's performance eliminates human error and sets a new standard for trap testing.

It's easier and faster to test traps and instantly, send data to mobile devices and the cloud. And with 10 plus hours of battery life, SAGE UMT™ can go all day long.

SAGE UMT™ comes complete with charger, carrying case, bolster, ergonomic handle design and rubberized grip. All you have to add is the hardhat, the mobile device, and a human.

SAGE UMT™ Wireless Hand-held Steam Trap Testing ToolArmstrong's SAGE UMT™, used in conjunction with SAGE® Smart Steam System Management
platform, is the most comprehensive and advanced trap management program in the industry.
  • Detects traps in good, cold and blow-through condition
  • Piezoelectric acoustic sensor, developed and tuned specifically for the unique conditions found in steam traps
  • Non-contact infrared temperature sensor
  • RFID technology significantly reduces the time required to locate and identify traps
  • SAGE UMT™ works seamlessly with SAGE Mobile and SAGE Smart Utility System Management platform
  • Data is uploaded to the cloud by SAGE for secure storage and automated backups
  • Customers own their own data
  • Use SAGE UMT™ for 10 hours or more before recharging; charge is restored to 90% within 2.5 hours
  • Easy-to-hold, ergonomic handle with rubberized ribbed grip
  • Convenient holster holds SAGE UMT™ securely; configure for right- or left-hand use
  • Lifetime upgrades for SAGE UMT™ firmware at no charge