800-631-5454
https://millerenergy.com
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.
Miller Energy provides a wide range of instrumentation and control solutions to many markets, including refining, water treatment, chemical production, and food and beverage. Miller's products are useful in applications that require measuring, controlling, monitoring, and analyzing pressure, temperature, level, flow, pH, O2, CO2, and various other process variables.
Miller Energy comprises the most technically savvy salespeople in the industry. All Field Sales Engineers are factory trained on all of our product lines. All Inside Sales/Technical Support Engineers are responsible for a specific product line and support our entire customer base. Intelligent geographic product distribution provides the most timely delivery for greater customer satisfaction.
Miller Energy has four office locations:
Miller Energy, Inc.
In New York Metro and Northern NJ
Phone: 800-631-5454
In Eastern Pennsylvania and Delaware:
Phone: 610-363-6200
In Western Pennsylvania:
Phone: 412-257-0200
In Ohio:
Phone: 440-735-0100
A new level of device flexibility significantly improves the flexibility of the entire bioreactor unit operation with the Brooks Instrument SLA Series Biotech mass flow controller – essential for process development and biomanufacturing.
Learn about the key benefits of mass flow controller flexibility for your bioprocess in this new white paper:
Miller Energy, Inc.
https://millerenergy.com
This video demonstrates how to calibrate a 4-20 mA transmitter in a hazardous environment using a portable calibrator, in this case, the WIKA CPH7000 Ex.
Before you do calibrations in a hazardous (Ex) space, you must be aware of several things. There are many levels of dangerous areas, as well as various levels of calibrating equipment to choose. A hazardous location includes or may contain combustible substances (whether indoors or outdoors). It could be a liquid, gas, vapor, or dust that is combustible. Depending on the hazardous area classification, a flammable substance may be present all of the time, a particular percentage of the time, or just in specific instances, such as during shutdowns or accidents.
In the best of circumstances, calibration can be a challenging task. Doing so in an area with a risk of explosion raises the complexity level to a new level, requiring the technician to have the necessary training and equipment. The WIKA CPH7000 Ex process calibrator is a precise, easy-to-use portable instrumentation calibrator that tests process transmitters in hazardous areas.
For more information WIKA products, or about instrument calibration in general, contact Miller Energy, Inc.
Miller Energy, Inc.
800-631-5454
https://millerenergy.com
Many industrial processes involve the movement of fluid product components, either liquid or gaseous, through pipes. Because processing is about control, an input to the facility's management, measurement, or data logging centers will answer the query, "How much is going through that pipe?"
In the industrial process measurement and control industry, there are several ways for quantifying flow, each with unique characteristics that may be useful under certain operating situations. All flow measuring methods are indirect because the actual measurement is of a character influenced predictably by a change in the media flow. Flow measurement is a critical component that, when paired with other fluid properties, is used to calculate the total mass of a fluid passing through the measurement site.
The variable area meter, commonly known as a rotameter and VA meter, is a tried and true flow measuring device that operates by creating an equilibrium between an upward force created by fluid motion and a downward force, gravity. A tapering glass or metal tube encases a specifically shaped float, also known as a shaped weight, in the device. VA meters must be positioned vertically, with the media flowing upward from the bottom, so that the gravity force required for functioning is correctly aligned with the flow direction. As fluid flows upward via the precisely tapered tube, drag is created on the float enclosed within the tube, pulling it upward. As the float rises, the open space between the float and the tube wall expands, causing the fluid velocity and drag force to decrease. The flow velocity within the tube will cause the weight to climb for any given flow volume until the drag force generated by the flow reaches equilibrium with the countervailing power of gravity on the float. The tube and float are well designed, allowing for an immediate indication of flow volume.
Variable area flowmeters have the following operating characteristics:
Brooks Instrument, a world-renowned maker of flow, pressure, and level measurement equipment, created a brief paper highlighting the parameters to consider when specifying a VA meter and how each aspect influences the unit's performance. The description is realistic and straightforward to grasp. It is suggested reading for all process stakeholders who want to improve their flow measuring skills.
For more information about variable area flow meters contact Miller Energy. Call 800-631-5454 or visit https://millerenergy.com.
INTRODUCTION
Pure water treatment removes undesirable chemicals, biological contaminants, suspended solids, and gases from raw water. Water purification aims to produce water for a specific purpose, such as human consumption and medical or industrial use.
Polyaluminium coagulants are increasing use in potable water treatment plants, particularly for soft, colored surface waters. Polyaluminium chloride (PACl) is gradually replacing Alum (aluminum sulfate), a commonly used coagulant in water treatment plants. Alum coagulates at a limited pH range (between 5.5 and 6.5) and often requires alkali to the raw water to achieve the optimum coagulation pH. Furthermore, the alum floc produced is particularly fragile, which is vital if a coagulant is required to maximize color removal in a microfiltration-based water treatment process.
APPLICATION
Water treatment by chemical precipitation is a complex process. It starts with adding flocculants, specifically, Polyaluminium Chloride (PACl) and Sodium Hydroxide (NaOH). PACl is a synthetic polymer dissolved in water. It precipitates in big volumetric flocs, which absorb suspended pollutants in the raw water. The turbidity of the raw water defines Polyaluminium Chloride quantity. PACl concentration must be higher than 10 % To keep the flocculation process smooth. Polyaluminium Chloride is stable in the storage tank; however, it tends to crystallize after some time. Vaisala K-PATENTS® refractometer monitors the concentration of PACl to inform about the need for tank or pipe cleaning, thus preventing blockage caused by the PACl crystals.
NaOH regulates pH level, increases alkalinity, and neutralizes acids in the water. In alkaline water, the coagulation and flocculation processes work more effectively. Moreover, sufficient alkalinity prevents dissolving the lead from pipes and pipe fittings and reduces the corrosive effect of the water to iron pipes.
Further, particles suspended in water start to precipitate and agglomerate to form larger particles, known as flocs. The flocs are then settled at the bottom, forming sludge, and then removed from the process. After separating most of the floc, the remaining suspended particles and unsettled floc get filtered to remove water.
In the filtration phase, the water goes through the layers of anthracite, sand, and gravel. As a result, organic compounds contributing to taste and odor get removed. Other remaining particles get trapped by adhering to the sand and gravel particles.
After harmful micro-organisms get removed through filtering, it is necessary to add disinfecting chemicals to the water to inactivate any remaining pathogens and potentially harmful micro-organisms. One of the disinfecting chemicals used is Sodium Hypochlorite (NaOCl). When dissolved in water, this chemical releases chlorine, which is an efficient and safe disinfectant if added in a sufficient amount. Apart from sodium hypochlorite, liquid chlorine and chlorine dioxide are also choices as disinfectants.
Fluoride may also be added to the water to reduce tooth decay and prevent chronic diseases. However, fluoride in the water must not exceed recommended levels. Excessive levels of fluoride can be toxic or cause undesirable cosmetic effects such as staining of teeth.
Sodium Hypochlorite is unstable and quickly decomposes. The stability of NaOCl solution is dependent on the following factors:
With the process refractometer, it is possible to monitor NaOCl concentration and control the disinfection conditions.
The water purification disinfection stage happens in the disinfectant basin. Then, corrosion control assures the high quality of the purified water. Finally, the pure water gets stored for further consumption.
INSTRUMENTATION AND INSTALLATION
Vaisala K-PATENTS® Teflon Body Refractometer PR-23-M provides in-line measurements of Polyaluminium Chloride and Sodium Hydroxide at the initial stage of purification, ensuring the efficient flocculation of undesired particles. In addition, through the measurement of Sodium Hypochlorite and Fluoride at the water disinfection stage, high-quality purified water at the outlet is assured.
Refractometer installations happen in three different points in a by-pass loop between each chemical tank pump outlet and the treatment point. The refractometer allows monitoring the chemicals concentration at the exit from the storage tank to the pipe treatment point.
Typical measurement ranges are:
As one of the pioneering manufacturers in variable area (VA) flow meter (rotameter) technology, Brooks Instrument has created a diverse and proven portfolio of gas flow meters, installed and used across virtually every industry.
The NEW Brooks Instrument GT1600 Series industrial design is ideal for the toughest applications.
GT1600 Features
For more information about the Brooks Instrument GT1600 contact Miller Energy, Inc. Call them at 800-631-5454 or visit their website at https://millerenergy.com.
Miller Energy's valve automation philosophy is to design, build, and install automated valve packages that improve process efficiency and reliability. We deliver customized actuation products and services that suit your criteria and specifications. Our automated valve packages can be designed to perform basic service, or for specific unique applications where challenging or severe application criteria exist. Miller Energy has relationships with the most highly regarded brands of industrial valves, actuators and controls. Beyond that, Miller's team of valve experts have years of experience and can help you find solutions to fit your specific requirement. From specification, to start-up, through preventive maintenance, Miller Energy is there with you throughout the lifetime of your automated valve.
For more information, contact Miller Energy, Inc. Call them at 800-631-5454 of visit their website at https://millerenergy.com.
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Hazards areas are associated with flammable vapors or gases, ignitable fibers, and combustible dusts. |
CLASS
|
NATURE
OF HAZARDOUS MATERIAL
|
CLASS I
|
Hazardous area due the presence of flammable vapors or gases
in sufficient quantities to produce ignitable mixtures and cause
an explosion.
Examples include
natural gas and liquified petroleum.
|
CLASS II
|
Hazardous area due the presence of conductive or combustible
dusts in sufficient quantities to produce ignitable mixtures
and cause an explosion.
Examples include
aluminum and magnesium powders.
|
CLASS III
|
Hazardous area due the presence of flammable fibers
or other flying debris that collect around lighting fixtures,
machinery, and other areas in sufficient quantities to produce
ignitable mixtures and cause an explosion.
Examples include
sawdust and flyings
|
DIVISION
|
LIKELIHOOD
OF HAZARDOUS MATERIAL
|
DIVISION 1
|
Areas where there is
a high chance of an explosion due to hazardous material that is
present periodically, intermittently, or continuously under normal
operation.
|
DIVISION 2
|
Areas where there is
a low chance of an explosion under normal operation.
|
GROUP
|
TYPE
OF HAZARDOUS MATERIAL IN THE AREA
|
GROUP A
|
Acetylene.
|
GROUP B
|
Area contains flammable gas, liquid, or liquid produced vapor with
any of the following characteristics:
Examples include hydrogen, ethylene oxide, acrolein, propylene
oxide.
|
GROUP C
|
Area contains flammable gas, liquid, or liquid produced vapor with
any of the following characteristics:
Examples include carbon monoxide, hydrogen sulphide, ether,
cyclopropane, morphline, acetaldehyde, isoprene, and ethylene.
|
GROUP D
|
Area contains flammable gas, liquid, or liquid produced vapor with
any of the following characteristics:
Examples include ammonia, gasoline, butane, benzene, hexane,
ethanol, methane, methanol, natural gas, propane, naphtha, and
vinyl chloride.
|
GROUP E
|
Area contains metal dusts such as magnesium, aluminum, chromium,
bronze, titanium, zinc, and other combustible dusts whose
abrasiveness, size, and conductivity present a hazard.
|
GROUP F
|
Area contains
carbonaceous dusts such as charcoal, coal black, carbon black,
coke dusts and others that present an explosion hazard.
|
GROUP G
|
Area contains combustible dusts not classified in Groups E and F.
Examples include
starch, grain, flour, wood, plastic, sugar, and chemicals.
|