Showing posts with label Nebraska. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Nebraska. Show all posts

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


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.

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.

The Ashcroft E2 Sanitary Pressure Transmitter

Ashcroft E2
The Ashcroft® E2 sanitary pressure transmitter integrates established thin film sensor technology while delivering sanitary benefits by using a tri-clamp fitting with an isolation seal. This model is designed to maintain process integrity and is an excellent option for sanitary applications, including those requiring 3A approval or requiring challenging process monitoring and control. The broad option of electrical connections and filling fluids satisfies specific application requirements.

Ashcroft E2 Sanitary Pressure Transmitter

Key Features:
  • Available with 1.5" and 2.0" Tri-Clamp® connection
  • 3A approved
  • Wide selection of electrical terminations
  • Customized configurations
  • External magnetic offset and span adjustment
Specifications:
  • Accuracy: ±0.25%, ±0.5% or ±1.00% of span
  • Process Connection: 316L stainless steel
  • Pressure Range: vacuum to 1,000 psi
  • Ingress Rating: IP66, IP67 or IP69K (consult factory)
  • Surface Finish: 12 to 20 Ra electropolished diaphragm 

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

Advantage Goes to Radar Level Over Ultrasonic Transmitters for Bulk, Dry Materials

Ultrasonic level transmitters used in dry bulk solids level monitoring are starting to be eclipsed. Radar level technology is now so good that it can get a level or distance signal from unreflective media such as polypropylene pellets. Compared to ultrasonics, radar is often more reliable, easier to use and has lower maintenance requirements.

The LR64 and LR65 from Schneider Electric (Foxboro) offer customers the benefit of reliable, trouble free solids level measurement. The radars use powerful Frequency Modulated Continuous Wave (FMCW) technology and advanced signal processing technology.

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

See How Easy Steam Trap Audits Can Be with the Armstrong SAGE UMT® Automatic Trap Tester

Armstrong's SAGE UMT® eliminates human error and raises the quality of steam trap testing to a new level. Their state-of-the-art, automatic testing device makes it easy for any steam trap technician to survey your trap population quickly and accurately, on a regular basis. 

Armstrong'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.

Armstrong's SAGE UMT® syncs wirelessly to the SAGE® Mobile app on your iOS or Android mobile device. SAGE® Mobile then delivers your steam trap information directly to SAGE® Smart Utility System Management platform, eliminating the need to manually enter survey information or decipher illegible field notes.

The SAGE UMT® is just this easy to use:

  • Scan a trap's RFID tag with SAGE UMT®; SAGE® Mobile automatically opens the details for that trap
  • Press the stainless steel probe tip to the trap and press the test button
  • Test progress will be visible on both SAGE UMT® and SAGE® Mobile
  • When testing is complete, SAGE UMT® wirelessly transfers the temperature and acoustic information it has collected to SAGE® Mobile
  • SAGE® Mobile analyzes the data received from SAGE UMT® using - Armstrong's proprietary, UNFCCC-approved, steam system efficiency methodology; based on the results, SAGE® Mobile assigns a condition to the trap
  • SAGE® Mobile stores the trap's data, automatically pushing it to SAGE® - Smart Steam System Management platform
  • SAGE® immediately uploads data to the cloud where it's protected by high-level security and automated backups
  • Customers own their own data

For more information, contact Mead O'Brien. Call them at (800) 874-9655 or visit their website at https://meadobrien.com

ChemTec Flow Monitor and Flow Meter Product Catalog

ChemTec

ChemTec specializes in low flow applications (120 SCFM; 20 GPM or less) and currently is the only manufacturer of all-Teflon® Flow Switches and Flow Meters. ChemTec's low flow products are engineered and manufactured from raw materials in their factory to ensure superior product life-cycles.

ChemTec Products:

  • Flow Monitors
  • Excess Flow Valves
  • Flow Meters

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

Innerlynx® Modular Mechanical Seals

Innerlynx Modular Mechanical Seals

There's a faster way to seal pipes other than caulk, grout, or mastic. Innerlynx® modular mechanical seals are used in a systematic approach for installers to easily seal the annular space between the carrier pipe and the ID of a wall penetration.  Innerlynx® are also designed to absorb vibrations, shocks and sound waves and act as a sound dampener while electrically isolating the carrier pipe from the penetrated structure. 


Innerlynx® are made from synthetic rubber with industrial strength U.S. manufactured pressure plates and are available in more sizes than offered by any other U.S. manufacturer.  APS offers 21 different sizes for all pipe diameters ranging from 1/2" to 144" and form a hydrostatic seal up to 40 psig and up to 92.28 feet of head pressure. 

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

OmniSeal® Double Block & Bleed/Double Isolation & Bleed Expanding Plug Valves



OmniSeal® expanding plug valves are designed for applications where positive shut-off, verifiable zero leakage and double block and bleed (DB&B) and or double isolation and bleed (DIB) capabilities are required.

They are ideal for a variety of applications including leased automated custody transfer (LACT), product metering, aviation fueling, product isolation, blend- ing, lockout/tagout (LOTO), multi-product manifolds, tank storage and other DB&B applications.

The OmniSeal® is a single valve solution that simultaneously blocks both the upstream and downstream flow while allowing the user to verify seal integrity using a manual or automatic body bleed system. It replaces older double block and bleed systems that use two valves with a spool and bleed valve in-between. OmniSeal® valves have exclusive features designed for better performance throughout the valve’s lifetime.

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

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

The OmniSeal® Double Block & Bleed Expanding Plug Valve

OmnisealThe OmniSeal® is a high integrity, double block and bleed expanding plug valve for product isolation, blending, metering, custody transfer, fueling operations, terminal, storage and other land or offshore zero leakage applications.

OmniSeal® expanding plug valves are designed for applications where positive shut-off, verifiable zero leakage and double block and bleed (DB&B) and or double isolation and bleed (DIB) capabilities are required.

They are ideal for a variety of applications including leased automated custody transfer (LACT), product metering, aviation fueling, product isolation, blend- ing, lockout / tagout (LOTO), multi-product manifolds, tank storage and other DB&B applications.

The OmniSeal® is a single valve solution that simultaneously blocks both the upstream and downstream flow while allowing the user to verify seal integrity using a manual or automatic body bleed system. It replaces older double block and bleed systems that use two valves with a spool and bleed valve in-between. OmniSeal® valves have exclusive features designed for better performance throughout the valve’s lifetime.

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

Omniseal® DB&B expanding plug valves have been determined to be a “Product of the USA “ by the US Customs and Border Protection Agency (CBP). This applies to both commercial and US government or military procurement.


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

Gate, Globe, and Check Valve Classification and Materials Technical Reference

Williams Valve

Follow the link below and download a technical reference document for industrial valves, courtesy of Williams Valve and Mead O'Brien.

The document includes:
  • Pressure / temperature ratings for different classification valves and body materials.
  • Forging materials: Types of forged body materials, designations, and service recommendations.
  • Casting materials: Types of cast body materials, designations, and service recommendations.
  • ISO mounting pad dimensions.
  • Steel pipe schedule - Schedule, O.D. and I.D. of pipe.


Williams Valve manufactures gate valves, ball valves, check valves, swing valves and more for industrial and commercial applications. Industries serviced include oil refining, chemical processing, energy, military shipbuilding, pulp and paper, mining and pharmaceutical processes.

For more information about Williams Valve, or any industrial valve application, contact Mead O'Brien. Call them at (800) 892-2769 or visit their website at https://meadobrien.com.

Measuring Water and Liquid Level in Narrow, Obstructed Tanks with 80 GHz Non-Contact Radar Technology

80GHz Level Sensor

The Foxboro Schneider Electric 80 GHz Radar (FMCW) Level Transmitter is ideal for measuring level of water and other liquids liquids in narrow tanks with internal obstructions.

The Schneider Electric (Foxboro) LR75 is a non-contact radar level transmitter that uses FMCW technology. It measures distance, level and volume of liquids and pastes. It has an empty spectrum function that filters false reflections caused by equipment inside the tank.

  • LR75 Free Space Radar
  • 80 GHz FMCW technology
  • cQPSus XP
  • 4 -20mA /HART® 7
  • 1/2" NPT Cable Entry
  • Backlit Display
  • (-14.5..580 psig) I (-40 deg F to +302 F) / FKM/FPM Process Seal
  • 1-1/2“ DN40 Lens Antenna
  • 1-1/2“ NPT ASME Process Connection
  • Very low cost of ownership

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

Radar Level: The Relationship Between Frequency and Beam Angle and Using Beam Angle Calculators


Radar is the preferred technology for level measurement in many of today’s industrial applications. Selecting the best microwave frequency transmitted by the device for your application is crucial, and understanding the relationship between frequency and beam angle is very important.

In this video, Jeff Blair, Offer Manager for level products at Schneider Electric, presents the difference in beam angle at various frequencies and how to use Beam Angle Calculators to determine beam width at various levels in a tank.

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