Showing posts with label Kansas. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Kansas. Show all posts

Inflatable Seat Butterfly Valves - Posi-flate


The Posi-flate Inflatable Seat Butterfly Valve uses air pressure to inflate the seat against the disc and create a bubble-tight seal, resulting in minimal friction as the disc opens and closes. The Posi-flate inflatable seat automatically compensates for wear, providing longer valve life. 


The resilient seated butterfly valve forces the disc into the static seat, causing impingement between the disc and seat, resulting in excessive damage, premature wear, and valve leakage. 


The Posi-flate inflatable seated butterfly valve offers less friction, low torque, less wear, and longer valve life!


Unlike other valves that seal with friction, Posi-flate's unique butterfly valve uses an inflatable seat to seal with air pressure. Thus it requires less torque and a smaller actuator, resulting in lower overall valve cost. Plus, the seat automatically compensates for wear, providing longer valve life.


How Posi-flate Butterfly Valves Work


Closed, unsealed

As the valve rotates into the closed position, the disc makes only casual contact with the seat, reducing friction, wear, and torque requirements.


Closed, sealed

After the valve is closed, the seat inflates against the disc providing more sealing surface and an even pressure distribution against the disc.


Open, unsealed

Before the valve opens, the seat deflates. The disc is then free to rotate to the open position.


Posi-flate inflatable seated butterfly valve applications include:


  • Material Control and Cut-Off Valve Applications
  • Double Dump Valve Assembly Applications
  • Dryer Valve Applications
  • Outlet Valve Applications
  • Pneumatic Conveying Valve Applications
  • Vacuum Valve Applications


For more information about Posi-flate inflatable disc butterfly valves, contact Mead O'Brien at (800) 892-2769 or visit http://www.meadobrien.com.

Benchmarking Energy Consumption of Equipment and Facilities

Benchmarking Energy Consumption

Note: The following post discusses energy consumption and benchmarking in general. As you'll see, the most significant component of plant energy consumption is typically process heating/steam consumption. Mead O'Brien, along with products and technologies from Armstrong International, Shannon Global Energy Solutions and Everactive, has the people, equipment, and experience to assist you in developing a strategy to significantly improve your plant steam and hot water systems conservation efforts. Contact Mead O'Brien for more information.


While each manufacturing facility and production process is unique, every industry uses similar equipment. Most facilities' major energy consumers concentrate energy use on a few basic systems: lighting, process heating, steam generation, compressed air, pumping, and fans. Making a list of Significant Energy Users (SEUs) can assist in focusing efforts on projects that will result in the most significant savings. 


To create a list of SEUs, group equipment by location, type, or process, and record information such as estimated operating hours, rated power, and loading. The diagram below depicts the various systems and equipment that consume energy in a typical plant and the differences in potential energy savings between facility systems. 


Plant Energy Consumers

The 80/20 rule applies here. Eighty percent of energy consumption is accounted for by 20 percent of the equipment or processes. Only a few energy systems typically consume most of the energy at a site. Consider concentrating your efforts on these systems.

 

Comparing facilities, processes, or equipment over time is the baseline. 
Benchmarking: Comparing the energy performance of facilities, techniques, or equipment over time to similar internal or external facilities. 


Benchmarking the performance of your SEUs is a great place to start on your energy-saving journey. If you work in a multi-facility organization, you can use benchmarking to compare facilities and combine the results to identify best practices. Even if you only have one facility, benchmarking against similar equipment within your facility allows you to identify areas for improvement and best practices of your own. 


Benchmarking can include practices such as understanding, comparing, and optimizing maintenance measures and equipment energy use (such as boiler blowdown or compressed air leaks). 


Benchmarking your energy data allows manufacturers to compare their equipment, process, or facility to others and identify potential energy savings opportunities. Benchmarking understands how you currently operate (for example, how much energy your plant or a single SEU uses) and compares that to similar operations. 


Benchmarking internally (comparing similar steam boilers in the same facility), company-wide (comparing air compressors in different facilities), industry-wide (information from surveys, trade groups, etc.), or all three. Benchmarking can be intimidating for many small manufacturers because, unlike your larger industry peers, you don't have a large pool of plants, manufacturing lines, and heavy equipment for a fair comparison. However, even the smallest manufacturers must compare their major energy users to best practices. 


Energy savings occur in systems such as compressed air, steam generation/distribution, or process heating. Determine the types of energy resources used by each piece of machinery or process. A paint booth, for example, will use compressed air to spray the paint, exhaust fans, and process heating to cure the painted product. This activity will aid in the identification of individual energy-consuming systems and their supporting equipment. 


Small or medium-sized manufacturers may lack a large energy team, a large budget, or the resources to conduct large-scale energy audits or significant equipment overhauls. Turning to outside experts can be extremely helpful provide proven expertise all for reasonable costs.


Call a Mead O'Brien steam/hot water efficiency expert to help you establish your energy conservation plan.


Mead O'Brien
(800) 874-9655

A Commitment to Sustainability Starts With A Strong Value System and A Principled Approach to Doing Business

Commitment to Sustainability

Mead O'Brien Mission

"In partnership with our employees and principals, we provide product-based solutions and service to people dedicated to improving energy efficiency, improving production, and providing a safe working environment."

Mead O'Brien's sustainability efforts focus on three pillars - energy efficiency, improved production, and safe working environments - and the critical importance they present to our customer base. Mead O'Brien is fortunate to have partners and products that provide our client base with technologies and solutions that make meaningful contributions to a more sustainable future. We have strong relationships with world-leading decarbonization technology innovators like Armstrong International, Neles, Ashcroft, Parker, Shannon Global Energy Solutions, Everactive, and many others. These relationships assist us in making industrial plants more energy-efficient while improving throughput, reliability, product quality, and personal safety related to factory production and plant processes.
 

Carbon footprint reduction, increased throughput, and safety is our goal. 

Mead O'Brien and our partners help in decarbonization and sustainability through:
  • Benchmarking Energy Consumption
  • Analytical Measurements for Steam or Hot Water Generation
  • Use of Instrumentation to Increase Throughput
  • Use of Instrumentation to Increase Safety
  • Control Environmental Leakage Rates Through Valves
  • Optimize Valve Selection & Automation for Reliability
  • Applications of Appropriate Safety Approvals Such as FM, API, NFPA, ANSI
  • Valve Assembly and Testing Documentation
For more information about the intersection of industrial plant automation, sustainability and decarbonization, contact Mead O'Brien. Call (800) 874-9655 or visit https://meadobrien.com.

OmniSeal Expanding Plug Valves from Mead O'Brien

OmniSeal Expanding Plug Valves from Mead O'Brien

OmniSeal expanding plug valves are intended for applications requiring positive shut-off, verifiable zero leakage, double block and bleed (DB&B), and/or double isolation and bleed (DIB). 

OmniSeal is perfect for great  leased automated custody transfer (LACT), product metering, aviation fueling, product isolation, blending, lockout/tagout (LOTO), multi-product manifolds, tank storage, and other DB&B applications. 

The OmniSeal is a single valve solution that blocks both upstream and downstream flow while allowing the user to test seal integrity with a manual or automatic body bleed system. OmniSeal valves have exclusive features designed to improve performance over the valve's life. 

All OmniSeal DB&B expanding plug valves are manufactured and monogrammed per API 6D and ISO 9001, fire tested under API 607 and API 6FA, and have specific certifications such as CE/PED, CRN (Canadian Registration), TA-Luft, or other similar design or regional certifications where applicable. 

For more information about OmniSeal valves contact Mead O'Brien. Call (800) 874-9655 or visit https://meadobrien.com.

Mead O'Brien, Armstrong International, and Everactive: Partners in Decarbonization, Reducing Energy Waste and Sustainability

Partners in Decarbonization


Mead O'Brien provides the experience and expertise, along with Armstrong's Sage™ IIoT platform and Everactive's battery-less technology, for a completely new energy monitoring and management approach for the process industries.


Consistent with the global move toward sustainability and energy efficiency, Mead O'Brien is proud to join Armstrong International and Everactive. This partnership allows us to work with our customers steam, hot water, and process heating applications in a completely new way. By combining our abilities and technologies jointly, we improve your production process and performance, reduce environmental emissions, increase safety, and help you reach your net-zero carbon goal.


Mead O'Brien, Armstrong International, and Everactive provide the technology and resources to assist you in developing a decarbonization road map customized to your facility and industry. Call us today for more information. 800-874-9655.

Mead O'Brien
https://meadobrien.com/netzerocarbon.

Kurt Armstrong and Bob Nunn Discuss Decarbonization, Steam Trap Monitoring, and Batteryless Technology

Kurt Armstrong and Bob Nunn

As the fight against climate change gets traction and the globe draws closer to decarbonization, net-zero has become our common goal. For more than a century, Armstrong has aided businesses in increasing efficiency, lowering energy consumption, and reducing emissions. Armstrong is the world's leader in thermal utility management. 


Everactive, based in Silicon Valley, creates sensors that require so little power that they can continuously sense, process, and wirelessly transmit data by harvesting energy from their surroundings. Indoor solar (even in dimly lit facilities down to 100 Lux), thermal gradients, radio frequencies, vibration, and other energy sources are all possible.


Mead O'Brien transcribed the interview with Everactive CEO Bob Nunn and Armstrong CIO Kurt Armstrong where they discuss the global decarbonization movement and how monitoring steam traps might help reduce CO2 emissions. Read the transcript or watch the video here.


Mead O'Brien works closely with Armstrong on a regional basis to assist industry in achieving a net-zero objective efficiently and smoothly.

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

Steam Trap Replacement When Using the Armstrong TVS 6000UD

The Armstrong TVS 6000UD is a compact double isolation and bleed concept (up and downstream) with a 360° connector.

TVS 6000UD gives you double isolation inlet and outlet piston valves, bleed of inlet/outlet valves, a test valve, a strainer and a blowdown valve at trap inlet all merged together in a single compact 2-bolts universal connector.

With Armstrong’s 2-bolt universal connector block concept, the TVS 6000UD can be fitted with Armstrong’s inverted bucket, disc, thermostatic, thermostatic wafer, freely floating, and bimetallic steam traps. Any manufacturer’s 2-bolt steam trap can also be applied to Armstrong’s standard connector.

Benefits of the TVS 6000UD Trap Valve Station:

  • Increased Safety when replacing steam traps thanks to double insolation and bleed concept
  • Refurbishing existing trap stations without piping modification
  • Trap Replacement in 5 minutes
  • Simplified trap testing check trap operation easilly thanks to test valve at trap outlet
  • Installation versatility. TVS 6000UD is adaptable to different steam trap technologies using 2-bolts
  • Reduced costs a single compact trap station instead of 10 elements
  • Reduction of potential leaks
  • Connection flexibility (from ½’’ to 1’’ SW, BW, BSPT, NPT, flanges EN or ANSI)
  • Piston valve technology
  • 3-years guarantee

For more information about Armstrong products, contact Mead O'Brien. Call (800) 874-9655 or visit https://meadobrien.com.

White Paper :Ten Reasons to Consider Brushless DCV Motors in Electric Valve Actuators

Brushless DCV Motors in Electric Valve Actuators

This paper, courtesy of Flowserve Limitorque, aims to investigate the most recent advancements in these motors, consider alternatives, and discuss how to make an informed decision about when and where to use BLDC motor technologies.

Brushless DC motors are synchronous motors powered by a direct current source via an electric controller rather than the brush/commutator mechanism used in brushed DC motors. The electric controller, an integrated inverter/switching power supply, generates an alternating current signal that drives the rotor. Electronically commutated motors, ECMs, or EC motors are other names for them.

Brushless DC electric (BLDC) motors have been around for nearly 50 years, but their use for intelligent actuation is relatively new. Their adaptation is critical to the improvement of process control and plant safety systems.




Wireless Steam Trap Monitoring and Networking from Armstrong International and Mead O'Brien

Wireless Steam Trap Monitoring and Networking

Armstrong International's Everactive is a breakthrough wireless steam trap monitoring technology that works seamlessly with Sage®, Armstrong's accurate, reliable, leading-edge technology and software package for monitoring, measuring, auditing and includes complete documentation.

Everactive is wireless and batteryless technology. It is affordable, maintenance-free, simple to install, and works with all brands and models of steam traps. You'll receive warnings when traps fail, allowing you to fix or replace failing traps before they cause major steam system problems. The ground-breaking technology maximizes efficiency and dependability while reducing the size of the IT infrastructure footprint.

Everactive sensors send trap data to SAGE®, where you can evaluate real-time trap activity, view and resolve failure alerts, and better manage your whole steam trap population.

Whether you want to maintain a constant eye on important process traps or want to monitor your whole steam trap population, the decision is yours, and you can do it without the hassle and expense of battery maintenance.

For more information about Armstrong products, contact Mead O'Brien. Call (800) 874-9655 or visit https://meadobrien.com.

How to Set the Position Limits on a Limitorque L120 Electric Actuator

The Flowserve Limitorque L120 electric actuator is designed for a wide range of environmental applications in power, oil & gas, and water industries.

The purpose of this instructional video to demonstrate the proper method of setting position limits on the Limitorque L120 electric actuator in a safe manner. Explore the video to learn correct equipment terminology, understand the wiring diagram with respect to the limit switch contact development and learn how to read the position of the limit switch.

Rugged, reliable and versatile, L120 actuators are proven performers in challenging applications. Thousands of L120 actuators are at work in some of the world’s most demanding conditions, where nothing less than day-after-day dependable operation is acceptable.

Petrochemical installations such as refineries, pipelines, terminals, tank farms, cokers and off-shore platforms rely on the L120’s safety, endurance and operational efficiencies. The L120 has network compatibility, explosion-proof certification, and resistance to lightning and EMI.

Power Generation plants value the L120’s availability, controls versatility and reliable performance. The L120’s rugged design and construction quality stands up to vibration, high-pressure steam and extreme temperatures.

Water and Waste Treatment Facilities benefit from the L120’s low-maintenance requirements and modulating control capabilities. L120 actuators meet AWWA standards and easily fit the industry trend toward modern controls networks. The wide range of options in the L120 Series allows specification needs to be met cost-effectively.

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

The Ashcroft Acid Leak Detection Assembly

While dangerous acids have been safely used in industrial applications for many years, specifying proper pressure instrumentation for these locations requires unique expertise. Ashcroft understands the dangers of acid leaks. That is why they developed the Acid Leak Detection (ALD) assembly.

ALD is a special yellow coating that changes to red once it is exposed to acids with a pH of ≤ 3.0, providing visual indication of a leak of process media. 

For more information about the Ashcroft Acid Leak Detection system, contact Mead O'Brien. Call them at (800) 892-2769 or visit their website at https://meadobrien.com​.

Superior Process Measurement Performance for All Industries: EcoStruxure Process Instrumentation

EcoStruxure Process Instrumentation

Process instrumentation provides accurate, reliable measurement and analysis of pressure, flow, level, temperature, positioner, and process analytical variables so you have the process control you need for maximum integration and interoperability — all at competitive prices, low cost of ownership, and 24-hour worldwide support from a single source.

Schneider Electric’s process instrumentation is allied with various industry-leading brands that result in systems, software, and services that dramatically improve your operation’s economic, safety, and environmental performance. In addition, the deployment of multiple, advanced measurement systems will enhance the availability and utilization of all the assets on which your success depends.

Mead O'Brien
(800) 874-9655
https://meadobrien.com


The Armstrong ASDV Ambient Sensing Drain Valve for Freeze Protection

The Armstrong ASDV Ambient Sensing Drain Valve

Designed for freeze protection of condensate systems up to 300 PSIG,  the Armstrong ASDV (Ambient Sensing Drain Valve) is ideal for protecting piping, valves, fittings, pumps, condensate systems, safety showers, fire lines, and spray nozzles freeze sensitive equipment. It also can be used to provide back-up protection on steam-traced systems or equipment.

The valve features an all-stainless steel body, fittings, spring, and plug. It is unaffected by pressure variation, sensitive to temperature only, and easily installed with simple wrenches.

Trying to provide freeze protection manually with valves cracked for continuous drainage is wasteful and possibly susceptible to freezing. The ASDV automates freeze prevention and reduces waste by opening only when freezing is imminent and closing when the danger is past. The valve minimizes water loss and eliminates damage and downtime. The ASDV’s unique ram-type plug and seat provide reliable, tight shut-off longer than any other design, and all valves are 100% factory tested.

The ASDV thermal element senses ambient temperatures, and at a preset temperature, the drain valve will open. Water from the line will then flow past the element. If the water temperature becomes high enough, the valve will close. If the water temperature is low, the valve will modulate to maintain temperature or open to drain completely. The valve will be fully open at 35˚F (2˚C). As the temperature rises, the valve will be tightly closed at 40˚F (4.4˚C).

For more information in Kansas, Missouri, Southern Illinois, and Western Kentucky, contact Mead O'Brien. Call them at (800) 892-2769 or visit their website at https://meadobrien.com.

Replace Existing Valves or Steam Traps Quickly With Armstrong's Patented, 10-in-1 TVS 6000UD

Upgrade to the flanged version of Armstrong's compact, Double-Isolation-and-Bleed Trap Valve Station, and you can replace any existing flanged steam trap, valve, or strainer quickly without any pipework modifications. Replacing a complete welded or threaded set of ancillaries requires only four welds or threads with the SW / BW or NPT / BSPT versions.

A safer way to prevent burns during steam trap replacement—with no need to shut down the system.

Single Isolation valves and standard double-block-and-bleed configurations allow operators to close just one of the two isolation valves, resulting in a severe accident. This mistake is impossible with Armstrong's unique, Double-Isolation-and-Bleed Trap Valve Station because both isolation valves operate simultaneously.

Save design, procurement, and installation costs with Armstrong's compact, 10-in-1 TVS 6000UD.

Armstrong's  Double-Isolation-and-Bleed Trap Valve Station contains eight high-quality valves with one strainer and one two-bolt universal connector—all in a single unit. There is no need to design, purchase, store, and install ten separate components with Armstrong's Trap Valve Station, making it the most cost-effective solution on the market to eliminate risks associated with replacing steam traps.

Features of TVS 6000UD include:

  • Error-proof double-isolation and bleed design
  • Allows for optimal energy efficiency through steam trap replacement with no system shut-down
  • PN40 has a standard steam trap face-to-face (DN15 and DN20 are 150 mm and DN25 is 160 mm)
  • Custom footprints for existing installations available upon request
  • Available for all steam trap technologies with universal two-bolt connector
  • Streamlined mounting and fewer weld points
  • 3-year warranty and repairable piston valve technology

In Missouri, Kansas, Southern Illinois, and Western Kentucky contact Mead O'Brien. Call them at (800) 892-2769 or visit their website at https://meadobrien.com.

Leading Edge Electric Actuators - The Limitorque MXb

The Limitorque MXb electric actuator performs across a broad range of challenging applications where reliability is critical, including oil and gas; commercial power; chemical; fresh and wastewater; and general industries.

Improved reliability

The actuator's design isolates critical components, protecting them from electrical shock and interference, typical in extreme environments. High-quality materials extend actuator service life, operating ranges, and mean time between failure.

Enhanced user experience

An updated user interface coupled with a simplified, intuitive menu structure and larger, high-resolution LCD screen makes navigation easy and enables 50% faster commissioning, set-up, and operation. Users of any skill level can configure the actuator through various pre-configured or customization options for quick and error-free set-up and operation. A larger, higher-resolution LCD with a built-in ambient light sensor offers eight times the previous display's resolution to extend viewing distances up to 30 feet. Real-time torque graphs, alarm and event logs, and other data are accessible in higher-quality resolution.

Advanced diagnostics and analytics

The MXb electric actuator's next-generation diagnostics and analytics capabilities help operators monitor and track its performance and quickly respond to upset conditions. The MXb actuator has 500 times the previous MX model's memory capacity, allowing increased data capture and storage for higher degrees of process monitoring, data logging, and information feedback. Additionally, a real-time clock enables data log time stamping to support asset management functions and lifecycle analysis.

Simplified maintenance

A new electric connector design removes the need for brackets and hold-downs, making maintenance more straightforward and faster. And the enhanced connector design ensures robust connectivity throughout the rated seismic and vibration envelope.

For more information about the Limitorque MXb contact Mead O'Brien by calling (800) 892-2769 or visiting their website at https://meadobrien.com

Shannon Global Energy Solutions Garners an E+E Leader Top Product of the Year Award

Shannon Global Energy Solutions

Shannon Global Energy Solutions engineers and manufactures products such as blanket insulation, insulation jackets, and insulation covers designed for energy conservation, thermal efficiency, noise reduction, and safety.

Their Thermal Reusable Blanket Insulation product received an Environment + Energy Leader Product of the Year award

Thermal Reusable Blanket Insulation simultaneously improves equipment performance, reduces landfill waste, and improves environmental conditions. 

Insulation is installed on steam lines to reduce energy consumption and improve safety, but the insulation is often removed and throw away during routine maintenance. Additionally, insulation almost exclusively is fitted on pipes, while the valves and fittings go uninsulated. 

By using Shannon's Thermal Reusable Blanket Insulation, millions of BTUh can be saved within less than a year while at the same time increasing safety and profitability.

For more information about Shannon Global Energy Solutions contact Mead O'Brien by calling (800) 892-2769 or visiting their website at https://meadobrien.com.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Mead O'Brien Expands its Armstrong International Territory into Western Missouri and Kansas

Mead O'Brien Expands its Armstrong International Territory into Western Missouri and Kansas

North Kansas City, MO
Release: October 26th, 2020

Mead O’Brien, Inc. has signed a representative agreement with Armstrong International, a global leader in industrial and institutional steam & water thermal utility systems, to expand into the Western Missouri and Kansas territory.

Mead O'Brien supports customers with application engineering and design consulting of our product portfolio, surveys & assessments, field service, in-house assembly & repair, and training. The extensive product and application knowledge possessed by our sales experts and inside sales product champions are projected into all of our product portfolio territories in the Midwest.  Existing Armstrong customers in Western Missouri and Kansas can expect excellent service and product support from our North Kansas City location.  

“Our company is excited about our expanded partnership with Armstrong and we are eager to build upon the success our partnership has created over many years in our St. Louis and Calvert City, KY locations.  Our vision for this territory expansion will be based upon our culture of dedication to customer, superior service, applied industry knowledge, and our focus on client education.  Our mission is to be the technical experts with proven products for our customers with the goal of earning the opportunity to be their trusted advisors”

Ron Morrison, President, Mead O’Brien

“To continue efforts to provide our customers exceptional service and an enjoyable experience, as of October 26, 2020 we have expanded the Mead O’Brien territory to include Western Missouri and the State of Kansas. Mead O’Brien has faithfully represented Armstrong products and customers in Eastern Missouri, Southern Illinois, and Western Kentucky for many years, and their knowledge of thermal utility solutions and services is unmatched. We are confident that their expertise and passion to assist with system solutions will be a true asset to all existing and new customers within this important Midwest region.”


Matt Bloss, Director of North America Sales and Marketing of Armstrong International

Mead O'Brien is a midwestern regional manufacturer's representative and distributor headquartered in North Kansas City, MO with branches, warehouses, and repair facilities in St. Louis, MO; Calvert City, KY; and Tulsa, OK. Sister companies include H*E Engineered Equipment Co., J&M Engineered Products Inc., and Pinnacle Controls LLC. We approach our customers in the process, power, pipeline, HVAC, and the critical infrastructure industries as application specialists in:


  • Valves, valve automation and control
  • Steam and hot water products and systems
  • Instrumentation and controls


Mead O'Brien supports customers with application engineering and design consulting of our product portfolio, surveys & assessments, field service, in-house assembly & repair, and training utilizing our live steam lab. The extensive product and application knowledge possessed by our sales experts and inside product champions are projected into all or parts of ten states in the Midwest including Missouri, Kansas, Nebraska, Iowa, Oklahoma, Arkansas, Southern Illinois, Southwest Indiana, Western Kentucky, and the Texas Panhandle.


CONTACT INFO:

Name: Steve Huffman, Vice President, Marketing & Business Development

Organization: Mead O'Brien, Inc.

Address: 1429 Atlantic St. North Kansas City, MO 64116

Phone: +1 (800) 874-9655

Contact: SalesKC@MeadOBrien.com 

Lead-Free, Regulation Compliant Water Valves from ASCO and Mead O'Brien

Mead O'Brien ASCO Lead-free valves

Lead is extremely toxic. Tight US safety regulations affect manufacturers of products such as drinking water fountains, reverse osmosis systems, coffee machines. and commercial kitchen equipment. A lead-free system cannot contain soldering flux with greater than 0.2% lead content, or more than a weighted average of 0.25% lead in the wetted surfaces of pipes, pipe fittings, plumbing fittings, and fixtures. Under the law, lead free is a cumulative concept. Let's take an example. A manufacturer who makes dishwashers performs the lead content calculation, averaging all of the models relevant components. A brass valve has 2.5% lead content in the brass parts, well over the 0.25% limit. But the small wetted surface area of the valve is outweighed by the large wetted surface of the stainless steel tank with zero lead content. No design changes are needed to comply with the law.

Considerations for Solenoid Valve Selection

  • Brass can have 2.5% lead content, so you must do a calculation to ensure compliance.
  • Lead-free brass products are now available.
  • Composite and plastic components are lead free.
  • Stainless steel is lead free, but it remains expensive.
  • NSF approved valves are often the preferred choice and may even be mandated in the future

ASCO Lead-Free Valve Solutions

ASCO Series 212 Composite Valves - These composite valves are designed for use in potable water applications and come with NSF certifications. Installation is made easy through the FasN system, with multiple end connector options. Download the Series 212 Brochure for more information.

ASCO Series 210 Solenoid Valves - ASCO has introduced new lead-free brass solenoid valves to the market that are aimed at providing a safer alternative to standard brass valves. The new products meet the EPA’s Safe Drinking Water Act Section 1417 low lead requirements. 

DOWNLOAD THE ASCO LEAD-FREE SOLUTIONS CATALOG, THE SERIES 212 CUT-SHEET, AND THE SERIES 210 CUT-SHEET FROM THIS MEAD O'BRIEN WEB PAGE

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

Armstrong International Expands Partnership with Mead O'Brien to Kansas and Western Missouri


For over 93 years, Mead O'Brien St. Louis has successfully represented Armstrong International in eastern Missouri, southern Illinois, and western Kentucky. Both companies enjoyed strong sales growth and cultivated deep customer loyalty during that time. In October 2020, Armstrong International rewarded Mead O'Brien's success by assigning them representation in western Missouri and Kansas. 


Founded in 1900, Armstrong International is a family-owned company headquartered in Three Rivers, Michigan. Armstrong International provides intelligent control systems for steam, air, and hot water utility applications that improve performance, lower energy consumption, and reduce environmental emissions. Broadly stated, Armstrong International offers steam trapping and steam tracing equipment, steam system testing and monitoring products, condensate recovery equipment, and industrial hot water systems.


Mead O'Brien provides local expertise in industrial steam systems, hot water systems, and process control loops in all or parts of ten Midwestern states, including Missouri, Kansas, Nebraska, Iowa, Oklahoma, Arkansas, Southern Illinois, Indiana, Western Kentucky, and the Texas Panhandle. Mead O'Brien Sales Engineers are experts at identifying and quantifying energy losses from steam pipes, industrial and commercial boilers, and hot water systems and have a reputation as solution providers for the most demanding applications.


Services offered by Mead O'Brien and Armstrong:

Utilities System Audits:

  • Steam Distribution
  • Process Heat Transfer and Control
  • Condensate Return
  • Heat Recovery Opportunities
  • Process, Ambient & Combustion Air
  • Steam Trap Surveys & Database Creation
  • Humidification Assessment
  • Application issues; coil freezing issues, poor heat transfer & steam control, water hammer issues, high back-pressure

Steam, Condensate, & Hot Water Measurements, Control & Monitoring

Learning Systems:

  • Armstrong University - Over 130 web-based courses
  • Mead O'Brien Live Steam Lab

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