The Ashcroft E2 Sanitary Pressure Transmitter

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 

DOWNLOAD THE ASHCROFT E2 BROCHURE HERE

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 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

DOWNLOAD THE CHEMTEC CATALOG HERE

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

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

The 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.

Download the OmniSeal® Double Block & Bleed Expanding Plug Valve from this Mead O'Brien Web Page

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

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

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.

DOWNLOAD VALVE TECHNICAL REFERENCE DOCUMENT HERE

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

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

DOWNLOAD THE 80GHz LR75 BROCHURE HERE

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.

Mead O'Brien increases reach in the Water and Wastewater Industry through acquisition of Ulmer Equipment Company

Mead O’Brien, a leader in valves & valve automation, steam & hot water products and instrumentation products, has acquired the operations and substantial assets of Ulmer Equipment Company, Inc. of Fenton, MO.

Ulmer Equipment Company is a well known and well respected manufacturer’s representative and distributor of AWWA and industrial valves and accessories.

The acquisition expands Mead O'Brien’s offering in valves and related equipment to the Water and Wastewater industry sector in the Midwest region.

Mead O’Brien, Inc. headquartered in North Kansas City, is a midwestern regional manufacturer’s representative and distributor with branches and warehouses 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.

READ MORE ABOUT THE ACQUISITION HERE

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.

Download the Schneider Electric Foxboro CFT51 Digital Coriolis Mass Flow and Density Transmitter Product Bulletin Here

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

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?

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

Attend Mead O'Brien Steam Lab

CLASSES AVAILABLE SEPT. OCT. NOV. AND DEC. 2019

LEARN MORE ABOUT THE MEAD O'BRIEN STEAM LAB HERE

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

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DOWNLOAD THE ARMSTRONG HOT WATER FOR INDUSTRY BROCHURE FROM THIS MEAD O'BRIEN WEB PAGE

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Mead O'Brien 2019 Steam Seminar Registration is Now Open

Do 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

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.