Decarbonization of Industrial Facilities and the Crucial Role of Process Instrumentation and Valves

In recent years, concerns about climate change have spurred a global push towards decarbonization, the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions, particularly carbon dioxide, from human activities. This movement involves transforming various sectors, including industrial facilities that account for a significant portion of global emissions. A critical aspect of this decarbonization drive is the adoption of advanced process instrumentation and valves, which are pivotal in improving efficiency, reducing energy consumption, and minimizing emissions. This article will explore the importance of process instrumentation and valves in decarbonizing industrial facilities and discuss the latest technological advancements.

The Importance of Process Instrumentation and Valves in Decarbonization

Enhancing Energy Efficiency

Process instrumentation and valves are critical components of industrial control systems that regulate and monitor processes in facilities such as power plants, refineries, and manufacturing plants. By providing accurate and real-time data on parameters such as pressure, temperature, flow, and level, these instruments enable operators to optimize processes and reduce energy consumption. Efficient and precise valve control also ensures energy use applies when and where needed, preventing wastage and reducing overall energy demand.

Reducing Greenhouse Gas Emissions

Advanced process instrumentation and valves help reduce greenhouse gas emissions by identifying inefficiencies and leaks in industrial processes. For instance, smart valves with built-in sensors can detect gas leaks, enabling operators to address the issue promptly and minimize emissions. Moreover, advanced control systems can optimize combustion processes in power plants and other facilities, reducing the amount of carbon dioxide and other greenhouse gases released into the atmosphere.

Facilitating the Integration of Renewable Energy

As industries transition towards renewable energy sources, process instrumentation, and valves play a crucial role in integrating these technologies into existing infrastructure. Advanced control systems can effectively manage the variable nature of renewable energy sources, such as solar and wind, ensuring a stable and reliable power supply. Additionally, smart valves can help balance the flow of energy between different sources, optimizing the system's overall efficiency.

Technological Advancements in Process Instrumentation and Valves

Digitalization and the Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT)

Digitalization and the Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT) are revolutionizing process instrumentation and valve technology. Integrating sensors, communication networks, and data analytics allows for real-time monitoring, predictive maintenance, and remote control of industrial processes. This interconnected system enhances efficiency, minimizes downtime, and reduces energy consumption, contributing significantly to decarbonization efforts.

Advanced Materials and 3D Printing

The development of advanced materials and the adoption of 3D printing technology in producing process instruments and valves have significantly improved performance, durability, and efficiency. For example, advanced alloys and ceramics can withstand extreme temperatures and pressures, reducing energy losses and improving the overall efficiency of industrial processes.

Machine Learning and Artificial Intelligence (AI)

Machine learning and artificial intelligence (AI) are increasingly utilized in process instrumentation and valve technology. These advanced algorithms can analyze data from sensors and other sources to predict equipment failures, optimize processes, and recommend maintenance activities. AI-driven process instrumentation and valves play a crucial role in decarbonizing industrial facilities by enhancing efficiency, minimizing downtime, and reducing energy consumption.

Decarbonizing industrial facilities is essential to mitigate climate change and achieve a sustainable future. Process instrumentation and valves play a vital role in this endeavor by enhancing energy efficiency, reducing greenhouse gas emissions, and facilitating the integration of renewable energy sources. As technology advances, adopting digitalization, advanced materials, and AI-driven solutions will further improve industrial processes' performance and environmental impact, accelerating the global shift towards decarbonization.

Mead O'Brien
(800) 874-9655

Don’t Overlook the Value of Valve Automation Professionals on Your Next Valve Project

Sales and Engineering Professionals are there to assist
and save you time and money.

Local distributors and representatives who sell industrial valves, actuators and controls also provide services and equipment that will save you time, money, and help you achieve a better outcome for the entire project.

Projects requiring engineered valve systems are best completed and accomplished through the proper selection and application of the valves, actuators, positioners, limit switches and other associated components. A great resource exists, ready to provide a high level of technical knowledge and assistance, that can be easily tapped to help you with your project - the valve automation sales professional.


Consider a few elements the valve automation professional brings to your project:

Product Knowledge: Valve automation professionals are current on product offerings, proper application technique, and product capabilities. They also posses  information on future product obsolescence and upcoming new designs. This type of information is not generally accessible to the public via the Internet.

Experience: As a project engineer, you may be treading on new ground regarding some aspects of your current valve system design assignment. There can be real benefit in connecting to an experienced and highly knowledgable source, with past exposure to your current challenges.

Access: Through a valve automation professional, you may be able to establish a connection to “behind the scenes” manufacturer contacts with essential information not publicly available. The rep knows people at the factories, a well as at other valve related companies, who can provide quick and accurate answers to your valve automation related questions.

Of course, any valve actuation or automation solution proposed are likely to be based upon the products sold by the representative. That is where considering and evaluating the benefits of any solution becomes part of achieving the best project outcome.

Develop a professional, mutually beneficial relationship with a local valve automation professional to make your design job go after, more efficiently, and more cost effective. Their success is tied to your success, and they are eager to help you.

For assistance with any industrial valve automation requirement, contact Mead O'Brien at (800) 892-2769 or visit http://www.meadobrien.com.

Theory of Operation for MOVs (Motor Operated Valves)

Limitorque SMB MOV

This presentation, provided by the NRC, provides an introductory look at motor operated valves, with a focus on the manufacturer Limitorque. The document includes the theory of operation of MOVs, plus descriptions of valve types, such as gate, globe, ball, plug and butterfly.

This document also provides detailed descriptions of Limitorque SMB actuators and Limitorque SB actuators with full assembly and subassembly breakdown and illustrations.

NRC Course on Motor Operated Valves and Limitorque from Mead O'Brien, Inc.

Document provided by NRC.gov

Product Update - New Valve Actuator Series From Limitorque

New Limitorque CEA Series Valve Actuator
Courtesy Flowserve Corp.

Industrial process control encompasses a broad range of fluid handling operations. A significant part of fluid control is accomplished by valves, many of which are operated automatically through the use of actuators. Actuators are mounted on valves in place of, or in addition to, a handwheel, lever, or other manual means of opening and closing the valve. With an actuator installed, a control signal can be transmitted from a remote source to the actuator, commanding a change in valve position, and the actuator will respond by converting some form of connected energy into mechanical motion that positions the valve accordingly.

Modern actuators are increasingly endowed with functions that provide information to the process operator, closing the loop with feedback that confirms the valve position, suitability of the energy supply to the actuator, and a range of other specialized data points.

An eternal desire of all process operators is a reduction in whatever level of maintenance that is currently required to keep everything operating. Maintenance is costly and time consuming, a set of many specialized tasks, each with a probability of not being completed properly.

Flowserve Corporation, under their well known Limitorque brand, has designed and launched a new series of electric actuators, the CEA Series, that provide real benefits for operation and maintenance in light-to-medium duty applications. Some of the highlights....

• Auto calibration and a user-friendly HMI provide optimized commissioning. Standard diagnostics include torque monitoring and actuator temperature, with early warning detection of undesirable conditions and an alarm output.
• Application specific brushless DC motors and worm gear drives reduce downtime. Tests have demonstrated reliability of up to 250,000 cycles. Modulating service can provide 1800 starts per hour with 0.1% position accuracy.
• Suitable for applications with rotary duty requirements of 90 and 180 degrees, as well as multi-turn duty to 20 turns.
• Available through a network of professional industrial process control distributors, with application assistance and product expertise.
• CEA is fully qualified to NEMA Type 4, 4X and6, IP66/68 Class 1, Div 1 and 2, Gps B,C,D (CSA,FM) and ATEX II 2G Ex d IIB +H2 T4: IECEx II 2G Ex d IIB +H2 T4.

The CEA actuator is available in seven sizes and five variants, serving torque requirements up to 15,000 in-lbs (1695 Nm). Contact a product specialist to find out more about this new product and discuss your potential applications.

Limitorque CEA Actuator Data Sheet from Mead O'Brien, Inc.

Welcome to Mead O'Brien's Steam, Valve, Process Control, and HVAC Blog

Welcome and thanks for visiting. We established this blog as a means to provide educational information in the field of steam management, industrial hot water systems, industrial valves, and process instruments.

Our weekly posts will attempt to teach the reader something new and interesting in the field of industrial control and HVAC.

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