Trusted Process Control Partners: Miller Energy's Commitment to Customer Success

Miller Energy, Inc., headquartered in South Plainfield, NJ, stands as a trusted manufacturer’s representative and full-line distributor of industrial process control, instrumentation, and automation solutions. Founded in 1958, the company partners with leading manufacturers to serve customers across New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania, Ohio, Maryland, Connecticut, West Virginia, and Delaware.

Comprehensive Product Range

Miller Energy delivers a wide selection of quality products across multiple process measurement categories:

• Temperature, Pressure, Level & Flow Instrumentation: From precision transmitters, gauges, thermowells, and switches to high-end guided wave radar level probes and magnetic flow meters.
• Valving & Automation Systems: A full suite of control valves, safety reliefs, and actuated ball, globe, butterfly, and sliding gate valves—supporting sizes from ½″ to 48″ through in‑house automation and testing.
• Analytical & Gas Measurement: On‑line gas analyzers, mass spectrometers (e.g., Thermo Scientific Prima PRO), process photometers, and sanitary refractometers for food, beverage, and pharmaceutical use.
• Data Acquisition, Communications & Wireless: Paperless recorders, PLCs, IIoT-enabled devices, wireless transmitters, and integration-ready solutions.

Technical Highlights

• Guided Wave Radar & Interface Level Measurement: measure difficult liquids, high pressure, foam, or multiple-phase media with SIL‑rated reliability.
• Digital Mass Flow Controllers: offer advanced diagnostics, alarms, and multi-gas capability—ideal for bio-processing and industrial gas systems.
• Sanitary Refractometers: refractometers include 3‑A approved designs for hygienic applications in dairy, juice, brewing, pharma, and more.
• Valve Automation Shop: In‑house assembly of valve/actuator packages. Tests and QA documentation ensure field-ready performance and rapid delivery.

Customer-Centric Expertise & Services

Every interaction starts with engineering questions—not catalogs. Miller Energy’s technical sales team digs into facility-specific challenges—feed chemistry, throughput, failure history—before recommending instrumentation, valves, analyzers, or automation solutions. A New York plant manager might call on them following downtime, while a quality engineer depends on their devices to stabilize product specifications.

The team provides:

• Factory‑trained sales & support engineers per product line
• 24/7 technical help and local stock for immediate shipment
• On‑site startup, commissioning, calibration & training
• Preventive maintenance programs to ensure long-term reliability

Strategic Regional Footprint

With six strategically located offices, Miller Energy supports regional customers with local expertise:

• South Plainfield, NJ (HQ): Covers Northern New Jersey, Metro New York, and Fairfield County, CT.
• Exton, PA: Serves Southern NJ, Eastern PA, Delaware, and Central/Eastern Maryland.
• Pittsburgh, PA: Focuses on Western PA, Western MD, West Virginia.
• Cleveland, OH: Supports Northern Ohio markets.
• New Windsor & Saratoga Springs, NY: Cover Northern and Upstate New York.

Local presence guarantees rapid response times, field expertise, and inventory availability—translating to efficient support and minimized downtime.

Industry Specializations

Miller Energy brings specific domain expertise to a variety of market sectors:

• Water & Wastewater: Magnetic flow meters, guided wave radar, valves and control systems ensuring reliability in municipal and industrial water treatment.
• Food, Beverage & Dairy: Sanitary refractometers and process analyzers meet stringent hygiene and control standards.
• Pharmaceutical & Biotech: Mass flow controllers, sanitary instruments, and sanitary valve automation support cGMP compliance.
• Chemical, Petrochemical & Refining: Pressure safety valves, analyzers, automation packages built to withstand high-risk process conditions.
• Power Generation & Industrial Gas: Boiler controls, flame arresters, VFDs, and safety systems ensure safe and efficient operations.

Value Proposition for Local Customers

• Technical Depth: Engineers with deep knowledge consult, install, calibrate, and troubleshoot—ensuring first-time-right deployments.
• Accelerated Delivery: Multiple stocking locations ensure parts and instruments ship fast—reducing project delays.
• Quality Assurance: Automated valve packages undergo rigorous factory testing. Products meet SIL, 3‑A, and other industry standards.
• Ongoing Support: Preventive maintenance, spare parts, calibration, and training ensure systems continue to perform over their lifecycle.
• Proven Track Record: Customer-first philosophy delivers solutions for plants that reduced downtime, stabilized processes, and controlled spending more effectively.

Conclusion

Miller Energy leverages deep technical know‑how, comprehensive product lines, and localized service capabilities to solve instrument and control challenges across industries. By combining precise equipment with engineering insight and regional presence, the company empowers facilities to run safer, more efficiently, and with greater confidence. Whether a plant manager, maintenance lead, or process engineer seeks responsive support and robust instrumentation—Miller Energy stands as the trusted partner across the Northeast.

Magnetrol Eclipse® Model 706 High Performance Guided Wave Radar Level Transmitter

The Eclipse® Model 706 High-Performance Transmitter is a loop-powered, 24 VDC level transmitter that is based upon the proven and accepted technology of Guided Wave Radar (GWR). Encompassing several significant engineering accomplishments, this leading-edge transmitter provides measurement performance well beyond many of the more traditional technologies.

Utilizing patented “diode switching” technology, along with the most comprehensive sensing probe offering on the market, this single transmitter addresses a wide variety of applications ranging from very light hydrocarbons to water-based media.

DOWNLOAD THE MAGNETROL MODEL 706 BROCHURE HERE

The innovative angled, dual compartment enclosure is now a common sight in the industry. This enclosure, first brought to the industry by Magnetrol® in 1998, is angled to maximize ease of wiring, configuration, and viewing of the versatile graphic LCD.

All Model 706 transmitters have an interchangeable probe that offers enhanced reliability as certified for use in critical SIL 2 hardware safety loops. With the use of a unique adapter, the model 706 transmitter can even operate with older Model 705 probes.

For more information about Magnetrol products contact Miller Energy, Inc. Call them at 800-631-5454 or visit their website at https://millerenergy.com.

Liquid Interface Level Measurement Using Guided Wave Radar, Magnetic Level Gauges, Float & Displacer, Thermal Dispersion, and RF Capacitance

The need for interface measurement arises whenever immiscible liquids - those incapable of mixing - reside within the same vessel. The lighter material rises to the top and the heavier material settles at the bottom. In oil production, for example, water or steam is used to extract oil from a well. Well fluids then route to production separators where they settle into their primary constituent parts as a water-hydrocarbon interface. Water may also be used as a transport medium or a cleaning agent and forms an interface with an allied material which is later extracted.

Knowing the position of a process interface is necessary for maintaining product quality and operations efficiency. The interface is measured and controlled by precision level switches and transmitters. Though at least 20 different types of liquid level measurement devices are in service today, only a very few are suitable for accurate and reliable interface measurement. Grouped by their operating technologies, these include Buoyancy (Floats and Displacers), RF Capacitance, Thermal Dispersion, Radar, and Redundant Technologies (those combining two measurement technologies in one instrument).

The five leading interface measurement technologies in use today are Guided Wave Radar, Magnetic Level Gauges, Float & Displacer, Thermal Dispersion, and RF Capacitance. These five leading interface measurement technologies in use today are discussed in the technical bulletin titled "Liquid Interface Level Measurement" and produced by Magnetrol International.

DOWNLOAD THE TECHNICAL PAPER HERE

For more information on any industrial level control application, contact Miller Energy. Call them at 800-631-5454 or visit their website at https://millerenergy.com.

Guided Wave Radar - An Option for Level Measurement in Hygienic Applications

A special version of the Magnetrol Eclipse 705
is configured for hygienic applications.
Image courtesy Magnetrol

Measurements of a variety of process conditions are utilized to monitor and control operations and output. One general goal of measurement, other than answering the question "how much", is to avoid or minimize any interference with the process itself. A second goal is to not be fooled by the process into returning a false measurement result.

Guided wave radar is based upon the principle of TDR (time domain reflectometry). Pulses of electromagnetic energy travel from the emitting antenna via a fixed waveguide or probe immersed in the target medium. When it contacts the media surface, the pulse energy is reflected back along the probe to a receiving antenna. The instrument actually measures the time elapsed between the pulse transmission and the detection of the reflected return. The time measurement is used to calculate the distance from the antenna to the media surface. The distance calculation, with knowledge of the vessel, can be converted into a value indicating media level or volume. Of course, this is a simplified account of the operating principal.

Guided wave radar (GWR), as opposed to an open style radar level measurement method, uses a probe immersed in the process media to guide high-frequency electromagnetic waves into the media being measured. While it does involve contact by the sensing instrument with the media, GWR eliminates interference from fixtures or structures that may exist within the tank or vessel. The immersion probe waveguide also attenuates the impact of media turbulence and other potential disturbances. The waveguide reduces the potential impact of elements that may adversely impact the measurement accuracy, resulting in greater accuracy and reliability of the measurements.

For hygienic applications, the transmitters are available with 304 stainless steel housings designed specifically for use in facilities with the special requirements for the wetted and non-wetted materials, process connections and surface finishes of hygienic industries. In addition to high accuracy, the GWR instrument output is not impacted by media buildup on the sensing probe.

Share your level measurement challenges with process instrumentation specialists. Leverage your own process knowledge and experience with their product application expertise to develop an effective solution.

Magnetrol Guide Wave Radar Level Transmitter For Hygienic Applications from Miller Energy, Inc.

Top End Guided Wave Radar Level Transmitter

Magnetrol's model 706 embodies the best of guided
wave radar level measurement.
Image courtesy of Magnetrol

The Eclipse Model 706 is Magnetrol's loop powered high performance guided wave radar level transmitter. It incorporates many of the company's latest innovations into a single instrument capable of meeting the demanding requirements of an array of industrial applications.

Product improvements include increased signal to noise ratio, suitability for use with low dielectric media, and the ability to deliver accurate indication under foaming, flashing, or other challenging conditions. An extended probe offering enables use in measuring interface, liquified gas, even bulk solids.

The instrument is suitable for overfill applications, and does not use algorithms to infer measurements in a dead zone that may occur near the top of the probe in some other designs. The Eclipse 706 delivers true measurement right up to the process flange. Upgraded electronics allow the unit to be pre-configured prior to shipment, if requested. Additionally, the widest range of communications options is available.

For more information, share your level measurement challenges with a process measurement specialist. Leverage your own process knowledge and experience with their product application expertise to develop effective solutions.

Eclipse Model 706 High Performance Guided Wave Radar Level Transmitter from Miller Energy, Inc.

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.

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.

Optimizing Level Control in Combined Cycle Gas Turbine Plants

Magnetrol® International and Orion Instruments®, both recognized global innovators in level measurement technology, provide optimizing solutions for liquid level control in combined cycle gas turbine plants and other similar applications.

An overall cost analysis can reveal savings in the range of 25% to 35% through the application of the most advantageous level measurement technology. Miller Energy, Inc. has developed a short presentation and discussion regarding recent developments now available in the Magnetrol® Eclipse Line of guided wave radar level instruments.

More detail is provided on the single page document provided below. Reach out to Miller Energy and learn how your operation may benefit from the application of guided wave radar level measurement technology.

Optimizing Level Control - Combined Cycle Gas Turbines from Miller Energy, Inc.

Guided Wave Radar for Hygienic Applications: Advantages Over Other Technologies

Guided Wave Radar
for Hygienic
Applications

Operating Principle

Guided wave radar is based upon the principle of TDR (time domain reflectometry). Pulses of electromagnetic energy travel via the waveguide. The pulse is reflected when it contacts a liquid surface and the distance is then calculated.

Guided wave radar transmitters are available with a 304 stainless steel housings designed specifically for use in hygienic applications. This instrument meets the needs and requirements for the wetted and non-wetted materials, process connections and surface finishes of hygienic industries.
Features

• Low dielectric measurement capability (εr >_ 1.4)
• Volumetric output
• Quick connect/disconnect probe coupling
• Operates in visible vapors and ignores most foams
• IS, XP, and Non-Incendive approvals
• Ignores coating buildup

Advantage Over Other Technologies

• Advantage over Differential / Hydrostatic Pressure Transmitter:  Replaced by Eclipse due to setpoint shifts, blockage, leakage, installation cost & long term calibration / maintenance

• Advantage over Magnetostrictive: Replaced by Eclipse due to setpoint shifts, turn-down and clean ability & long term calibration / maintenance.

• Advantage over RF Capacitance: Replaced by Eclipse due to dielectric shifts, coating issues & long term calibration / maintenance.

• Advantage over Load Cells: Eclipse is more cost effective and long term cost of ownership is lower due to long term calibration / maintenance.

• Advantage over Ultrasonic: Replaced by Eclipse due to vapors, condensation, temperature restrictions, foaming & turbulence.

• Advantage over Through Air Radar: Replaced by Eclipse due to performance issues on low dielectric media, short range measurement because of dead band issues in small vessels, measurement issues when using false echo rejection from internal obstructions such as agitators and spray balls, signal attenuation from turbulence, foam, condensation and spray from spray balls used during cleaning or product filling. Through air radar can have issues from variable false echoes generated when spray hits the antenna when vessel is filled from spray balls.

For more information see this Guided Wave Radar bulletin:

Guided Wave Radar Level Transmitter For Hygienic Applications from Miller Energy, Inc.