A blog specializing in pressure, temperature, level and flow instrumentation, control valves, process analyzers, and all other areas of process measurement. Courtesy of Miller Energy, a New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania, and Ohio process instrumentation Rep and Distributor.
Showing posts with label Eastern Pennsylvania. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Eastern Pennsylvania. Show all posts
Mounting Options For DP Transmitters With Universal Mounting Bracket
This short video illustrates the ease with which numerous mounting configurations of DPharp transmitters can be accomplished in new and existing operations. The DPharp line of pressure transmitters utilize Yokogawa's top flight digital sensing technology for accurate process measurement of pressure and differential pressure in a multitude of applications.
Share your process measurement challenges with application experts, combining your process knowledge with their product application expertise to develop effective solutions.
Dynamic Compensation for Static Pressure Effects in Differential Pressure Measurement
DPharp Gauge Pressure Transmitter Courtesy Yokogawa |
Yokogawa Corporation has developed a means to dynamically compensate for static pressure effects in field measurements. The brief technical presentation below will help you understand how static pressure effects can impact your field measurements, as well as how Yokogawa’s Real-time Dynamic Compensation works to offset its impact.
More detailed product and application information is available from your Yokogawa specialist.
Summary of Technologies Used For Continuous Liquid Level Measurement in Industrial Process Control
Non-contact radar liquid level transmitter Courtesy Magnetrol |
Automated liquid processing operations in many fields have requirements for accurate and reliable level measurement. The variety of media and application criteria demand continuous improvement in the technology, while still retaining niches for older style units utilizing methods that, through their years of reliable service, inspire confidence in operators.
Here is a synopsis of the available technologies for instruments providing continuous liquid level measurement. All are generally available in the form of transmitters with 4-20 mA output signals, and most are provided with additional outputs and communications. What is notably not covered here are level switches or level gauges that do not deliver a continuous output signal corresponding to liquid level.
Whether considering a new installation or upgrading an existing one, it can be a good exercise to review several technologies as possible candidates for a project. None of the technologies would likely be considered the best choice for all applications. Evaluating and selecting the best fit for a project can be facilitated by reaching out to a product application specialist, sharing your applications challenges and combining your process knowledge with their product expertise to develop an effective solution.
Displacer – A displacer is essentially a float and a spring that are characterized for a particular liquid and range of surface level movement. The displacer moves in response to liquid level, changing the location of a core connected to the displacer by a stem. The core is within a linear variable differential transformer. The electrical output of the transformer changes as the core moves.
Here is a synopsis of the available technologies for instruments providing continuous liquid level measurement. All are generally available in the form of transmitters with 4-20 mA output signals, and most are provided with additional outputs and communications. What is notably not covered here are level switches or level gauges that do not deliver a continuous output signal corresponding to liquid level.
Whether considering a new installation or upgrading an existing one, it can be a good exercise to review several technologies as possible candidates for a project. None of the technologies would likely be considered the best choice for all applications. Evaluating and selecting the best fit for a project can be facilitated by reaching out to a product application specialist, sharing your applications challenges and combining your process knowledge with their product expertise to develop an effective solution.
Displacer – A displacer is essentially a float and a spring that are characterized for a particular liquid and range of surface level movement. The displacer moves in response to liquid level, changing the location of a core connected to the displacer by a stem. The core is within a linear variable differential transformer. The electrical output of the transformer changes as the core moves.
Guided Wave Radar – A radar based technology that uses a
waveguide extending into the liquid. The radar signal travels through the
waveguide, basically a tube. The liquid surface level creates a dielectric
condition that generates a reflection. Calculations and processing of the emitted and returned signals provide a measure of distance to the liquid surface. No moving parts.
Magnetostrictive – A method employing measurement of the transit time of an
electric pulse along a wire extending down an enclosed tube oriented vertically in the
media. A magnetic float on the exterior of the tube moves with the liquid surface. The float’s magnetic
field produces the return signal to the sensor. Processing the time from emission to return provides a measure of distance to the liquid surface.
Pulse Burst Radar - A radar based technology employing emissions in precisely timed
bursts. The emission is reflectex from the liquid surface and transit time from emission to return is used to determine distance to media surface. Not adversely impacted by changes in media conductivity,
density, pressure, temperature. No moving parts.
Frequency Modulated Continuous Wave Radar – Another radar based technology that employs a radar
signal that sweeps linearly across a range of frequencies. Signal processing
determines distance to media surface. Not adversely impacted by changes in media conductivity,
density, pressure, temperature. No moving parts.
RF Capacitance - As media rises and falls in the tank, the
amount of capacitance developed between the sensing probe and the ground
reference (usually the side metal sidewall) also rises and falls. This change in capacitance is converted into a
proportional 4-20 mA output signal. Requires contact between the media and the
sensor, as well as a good ground reference. No moving parts.
Ultrasonic Non-Contact – Ultrasonic emission from above the
liquid is reflected off the surface. The transit time between emission and
return are used to calculate the distance to the liquid surface. No contact with media and no
moving parts.
Differential Pressure – Pressure sensor at the bottom of a
vessel measures the pressure developed by the height of the liquid in the tank.
No moving parts. A variation of this method is often called a bubbler, which essentially measures hydrostatic pressure exerted on the gas in a tube extending into the contained liquid. It has the advantage of avoiding contact between the measuring instrument parts, with the exception of the dip tube, and the subject liquid.
Laser - Probably one of the latest arrivals on the liquid level measurement scene, laser emission and return detection is used with time interval measuring to accurately determine the distance from the sensor source to the liquid surface.
Load Cell - A load cell or strain gauge can be incorporated into the support structure of the liquid containing vessel. Changes in the liquid level in the vessel are detected as distortions to the structure and converted, using tank geometry and specific gravity of the liquid.
All of these technologies have their own set of attributes which may make them more suitable to a particular range of applications. Consulting with a product specialist will help determine which technologies are the best fit for your application.
Laser - Probably one of the latest arrivals on the liquid level measurement scene, laser emission and return detection is used with time interval measuring to accurately determine the distance from the sensor source to the liquid surface.
Load Cell - A load cell or strain gauge can be incorporated into the support structure of the liquid containing vessel. Changes in the liquid level in the vessel are detected as distortions to the structure and converted, using tank geometry and specific gravity of the liquid.
All of these technologies have their own set of attributes which may make them more suitable to a particular range of applications. Consulting with a product specialist will help determine which technologies are the best fit for your application.
Diaphragm Pressure Gauges for Industrial Process Measurement
Example of a diaphragm pressure gauge Courtesy Wika |
The article is included below and provides a comparison of the differences between Bourdon tube and diaphragm operating mechanisms, focusing on design and operational features of diaphragm pressure gauges and the range of application criteria for which they may be the best choice.
Pressure gauges are utilized in most operations where fluids are moved through a system. Gauges, though mechanical in operation, remain a mainstay of fluid operations because of their reliability, local display, ruggedness, and lack of reliance on electric power for operation. There are countless pressure gauge configurations to suit every application. Specifying the best gauge configuration for an application is accomplished by combining your process knowledge with the application expertise of a product specialist.
Protect Valuable Pressure Gauges and Transmitters With a Pressure Limiting Valve
Pressure limiting valve provides gauge or transmitter protection from spikes Courtesy Mid-West Instruments |
Mid-West Instruments manufactures a line of pressure limiting valves specifically intended for use with pressure gauges and transmitters. The Model 200 pressure limiting valve prevents instrument over-range and has an adjustable needle valve to dampen pulsation. The valve and be used with all types of instruments and pressure gauges, is suitable for mounting in any position, and is available in a range of materials for body and seals.
The document below provides more product detail, as well as installation and setup instructions. Providing a useful measure of protection for pressure gauges and transmitters is a simple operation. Reach out to product application specialists for help in formulating effective solutions.
Industrial Process Gauges - New Product Guide
One of the many pressure gauge versions employed throughout industry Courtesy Ametek - U.S. Gauge |
A broad line of industrial gauges and diaphragm seals is available from U.S. Gauge. The company has consolidated its offering into a product guide that provides simple and quick reference to the various product series.
For pressure:
- Process Gauges
- Liquid Filled Gauges
- Test Gauges
- General Equipment Gauges
- Special Application Gauges
For temperature:
- Adjustable Bimetallic Thermometers
- Thermowells
- Industrial Bimetallic Thermometers
- Multi-Angle Industrial Thermometers
- Digital Thermometers
- Glass Tube Thermometers
The product guide also includes diaphragm seals and a range of electronic indicators, as well.
The guide illustrates gauges for every industrial application. Share your process measurement and control challenges with product application specialists, combining your process knowledge with their product application expertise to develop effective solutions.
Basic Guide to Understanding Pressure
One style of absolute pressure transmitter Courtesy Yokogawa |
Yokogawa, a globally recognized leader in process measurement and control, has made available a handbook on pressure that covers a range of useful topics. The content starts with the very basic concepts and moves quickly to practical subjects related to process measurement and control.
The handbook will prove useful to readers at all levels of expertise. Share your process measurement challenges with application specialists, combining your process knowledge with their product application expertise to develop effective solutions.
V-Cone® Flow Meter Conditions Flow For Accurate Measurement
Accurate measurement of fluid flow is a process requirement in many industrial operations. There are numerous methods employed in the measurement of fluid flow, of which the McCrometer V-Cone® is one entry with very particular advantages. Whether the application involves liquid, steam, or gas, this flow meter design, with its own flow conditioning built in, provides exceptional differential pressure flow measurements in a space saving format.
The video provides a clear illustration of how the V-Cone® design conditions fluid flow in order to provide better DP measurement performance. Share your flow measurement challenges with application specialists, combining your process expertise with their depth of product application knowledge to develop effective solutions.
Electronic Displacer Liquid Level Transmitter - How it Works, When to Use It
Electronic displacer liquid level transmitter using spring technology Courtesy Magnetrol |
Magnetrol, a globally recognized leader in the design and production of level measurement instrumentation, describes the operating principle of their Digital E3 Modulevel® displacer level transmitter:
Electronic displacer level transmitter technology operates by detecting changes in buoyancy force caused by liquid level change. These forces act upon the spring supported displacer causing vertical motion of the core within a linear variable differential transformer.
The movement of the core within the LVDT generates an electrical signal which is further processed and serves as the output of the transmitter. The unit is designed to be externally mounted on a tank. Isolation valves are recommended.
The spring technology employed as a counterforce to the buoyancy of the displacer results in a stable signal that is not impacted greatly by vibration, agitation, or turbulence of the measured liquid.
The video below provides more detail, covering the features and advantages of this level measurement technology and the Magnetrol instrument. Share your level measurement challenges and requirements with a product application specialist. The combination of your process knowledge and their product application expertise will produce effective solutions.
The spring technology employed as a counterforce to the buoyancy of the displacer results in a stable signal that is not impacted greatly by vibration, agitation, or turbulence of the measured liquid.
The video below provides more detail, covering the features and advantages of this level measurement technology and the Magnetrol instrument. Share your level measurement challenges and requirements with a product application specialist. The combination of your process knowledge and their product application expertise will produce effective solutions.
Tank Blanketing Valve Function and Useful Features
Tank Blanketing Valve Caschco - Valve Concepts |
Often, the gas employed to fill the vapor space in a tank is nitrogen. The purpose of blanketing can vary, but generally involves preservation of the stored product or safety. In both cases, one goal is to keep oxygen levels in the vapor space sufficiently low to inhibit ignition of flammable products, or minimize oxidation and its impact on stored product quality. The inflow of blanketing gas can also be used to keep the tank under positive pressure relative to the surrounding space, considered to harbor contaminants which could otherwise leak into the tank.
What are some functions of a tank blanketing valve?
- Maintain positive pressure in the tank at a selected setpoint.
- Provide gas control at very low flow rates, or close bubble tight, when tank liquid level is static.
- Adjust gas flow to compensate for the maximum liquid draw down rate.
- Provide sufficient closure to prevent supply gas from excessively pressurizing tank.
Blanketing valves are used in conjunction with vents to provide a full range of control over the pressure and content of the vapor space within a tank. A single valve solution eases the design and component selection burden of amassing individual components and combining them into a working assembly. Some useful features of a blanketing valve include:
- Bubble tight shutoff to prevent wasting of purge gas.
- Self cleaning flow path design.
- Pressure balanced pilot, so supply pressure fluctuations do not impact the setpoint.
- Setpoint not appreciably affected by changes in temperature.
- Low maintenance requirements, including complete access to valve internals without removing the valve from the tank.
More detail, including a description of the elements required for proper valve sizing, is found in the document below. Share your fluid process measurement and control challenges with application specialists, combining your process experience and knowledge with their product application expertise to develop effective solutions.
Solenoid Valves - The Operational Basics
Industrial Solenoid Valves Magnatrol |
At the basic level, a solenoid is an electromagnetic coil and a metallic rod or arm. Electrical current flow though the coil produces a magnetic field, the force of which will move the rod. The movable component of the solenoid is linked to, or part of, the operating mechanism of another device. This allows the switched electrical output of a controller to regulate mechanical movement in another device and cause a change in its operation. A common solenoid application is the operation of valves.
A plunger solenoid contains a movable ferrous rod, sometimes called a core, enclosed in a tube sealed to the valve body and extending through the center of the electromagnetic coil. When the solenoid is energized, the core moves to its equilibrium position in the magnetic field. The core is also a functional part of valve operation. It's repositioning causes a designed changed in the valve operating status (open or close). There are countless variants of solenoid operated valves exhibiting particular operating attributes designed for specific types of applications. In essence, though, they all rely on the electromechanical operating principle outlined here.
A solenoid valve is a combination of two functional units.
- The solenoid (electromagnet) described above.
- The valve body containing one or more openings, called ports, for inlet and outlet, and the valve interior operating components.
The document provided below illustrates a portion of the broad array of solenoid valves available for industrial control applications. There are also some good cutaway illustrations showing the internal operating valve parts. Share your valve requirements and challenges with an application specialist. Combining your process application knowledge with their product expertise will produce effective solutions.
Succeeding: Engineer as Peacemaker
Make Allies, Not Adversaries |
Let's take a step away from the technical, but still focus on an important aspect of our work.
As engineers involved in process measurement and control, we are accustomed to everybody else looking to us for answers and solutions. We are the people that make things work. Occasionally the pressure and stress can get a little intense and strip away some of our civility in our dealings with those around us. You may have bitter experience with this as either victim or perpetrator. It never ends well. With a private and candid self-assessment about how we view and interact with other stakeholders in our projects, we may be able to scale down some of our stress and better focus on the reality of the task at hand. Consider the points below. Comment and add a few points of your own.
You are an expert, but so are they.
Everybody else's job usually looks easier than it really is.
All jobs have their own special challenges and responsibilities that generate stress. Accept the notion that you probably do not fully comprehend the burdens on those around you. Your portion of the project is certainly critical, but no more so than that of anybody else. Everybody needs to perform or nobody succeeds. Try not to view your project tasks as compartmentalized, but rather as part of the combined joint effort of all stakeholders. Help out others whenever you can. Again, make allies.
Everybody is somebody's customer.
Whomever you deliver your work product to is your customer. The people delivering their work to you should view you as their customer. Make your customers happy by adjusting aspects of your procedures to better satisfy their needs. In a more technical sense, your modified process output becomes an improved input to their process. Small changes in your delivery may produce comparatively large returns in customer satisfaction. Allies.
Do not embarrass or demean others...especially in public settings.
Embarrassment breeds anger, a desire for revenge, and other bad and unproductive things. Avoid words and deeds that will make a coworker or stakeholder look bad in front of others. If there is a problem, if there is a mistake, try to deal with it discreetly whenever possible. Giving a someone a chance to repair a mistake before it becomes public builds value in your relationship. Certainly, there can be instances where more is at stake than someone's pride. Use good judgement to recognize when you can privately give someone an opportunity to amend a situation without causing harm.
Reach a common understanding of project scope and technical details
It's not about being right. It's about being successful.
At our company we recognize customers are more than merely people that buy things from us. They are people to whom we contribute our time and talent to help achieve their success,... which inevitably will lead to ours. Never hesitate to let us know how we are doing, or how we can help.
Miller Energy - Industrial Instrumentation and Process Control Solutions
Miller Energy is a Manufacturer's Representative and Distributor of industrial instrumentation and process control equipment. Miller is committed to exceeding customers expectations by providing an unparalleled level of customer service and local technical support.
Miller offers the most comprehensive line of measurement, control, and communication solutions in industry today. The products provided by Miller solve challenging applications in the industrial gas, power, refining, chemical / petro-chemical, food & beverage, water/wastewater, and pharmaceutical markets.
Welcome to the Process Measurement, Instrumentation and Control Blog, sponsored by Miller Energy
Welcome! We hope (over time) you find this blog interesting to visit and it becomes a trusted resource for process measurement and control. We plan on weekly educational and informative blog posts innovative process control solutions, insight to how industrial controls work, and new products that solve tough engineering challenges. Please come back often!
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