The Indispensable Role of Process Control Sales Engineers in the Digital Age

In an era where Internet search engines and artificial intelligence promise instant answers to complex questions, the traditional role of the industrial valve, instrumentation, and process control sales engineer faces unprecedented scrutiny. Critics argue that online resources can replace the consultative expertise these professionals provide. However, this perspective overlooks the multifaceted value that sales engineers bring to the sales cycle when specifying, applying, and supporting process control equipment. Their ongoing importance lies in their technical knowledge and ability to navigate the intricate landscapes of industrial processes, regulatory compliance, and personalized customer support.

Process control equipment forms the backbone of many industrial operations, from chemical plants to food processing facilities. Selecting the appropriate valves, sensors, and control systems requires a deep understanding of the specific application, environmental conditions, and safety considerations. While online resources offer a wealth of information, they cannot replace the tailored insights that a seasoned sales engineer provides. Sales engineers draw from years of hands-on experience to recommend solutions that align with each customer's unique needs. They consider factors such as compatibility with existing systems, scalability for future expansions, and compliance with industry standards.

Moreover, sales engineers excel in translating complex technical specifications into practical solutions. They bridge the gap between manufacturers and end-users, ensuring that the equipment meets performance requirements and integrates seamlessly into the customer's operational workflow. For example, when specifying a control valve for a high-pressure application, a sales engineer assesses the pressure ratings, material compatibility, actuation methods, and potential failure modes. This level of detailed analysis cannot be replicated by AI algorithms that lack context-specific judgment.

In the application phase, sales engineers provide invaluable support beyond the initial sale. They assist with installation guidance, troubleshooting, and optimizing the equipment's performance. Their involvement reduces downtime, enhances safety, and improves overall efficiency. Customers rely on their expertise to navigate unexpected challenges during commissioning and operation. While AI tools can offer generic troubleshooting tips, they cannot replace the nuanced understanding from direct experience with similar situations.

Supporting process control equipment over its lifecycle involves anticipating maintenance needs, upgrading components, and adapting to changing operational demands. Sales engineers cultivate long-term customer relationships, offering continuity that fosters trust and reliability. They stay abreast of technological advancements and regulatory changes, proactively advising customers on maintaining compliance and leveraging new improvement opportunities. This proactive approach differentiates them from static online resources that may not reflect the latest industry developments.

Furthermore, the human element that sales engineers bring cannot be underestimated. Building rapport and understanding customer concerns require empathy, active listening, and effective communication—qualities that AI has yet to master fully. Sales engineers can discern unspoken needs and address apprehensions that customers might not express explicitly. They provide reassurance and confidence in decision-making processes that involve significant investments and potential risks.

In conclusion, the industrial valve, instrumentation, and process control sales engineer remain a critical asset in the sales cycle despite the rise of Internet search and AI technologies. Their expertise, personalized service, and ability to navigate complex industrial environments offer irreplaceable value to customers. The digital age may provide access to information, but it cannot replicate the depth of understanding and human connection that sales engineers deliver. As industries continue to evolve, the role of the sales engineer will adapt but remain essential in ensuring that process control equipment meets the ever-changing demands of modern operations.

Miller Energy, Inc.
800-631-5454
https://millerenergy.com

When Old School is Best: The Continued Relevance of Electro-Mechanical Switches in Modern Process Control

Simple solutions, like electro-mechanical pressure and temperature switches, are often favored in specific industrial process control applications due to their inherent reliability and straightforward functionality. In the bustling environment of an industrial plant, complexity can introduce potential points of failure. While offering a broader range of functionalities and detailed diagnostics, sophisticated digital transmitters can be susceptible to software glitches, require periodic updates, and may be sensitive to electromagnetic interference from surrounding equipment. Furthermore, the cost of purchasing, installing, and maintaining these sophisticated instruments can be significantly higher than that of basic switches. On the other hand, electro-mechanical switches provide immediate, direct responses with minimal chances of malfunction, making them particularly suitable for applications that demand high reliability and quick actions. Their simplicity also means reduced training for operators, easy maintenance, and straightforward troubleshooting. In scenarios where continuous monitoring or data logging isn't essential but reliable actuation is, these traditional switches often emerge as the more pragmatic choice.

Electro-mechanical pressure and temperature switches have been a staple in the process control industry for many decades. Even with the advent of newer digital technologies, these traditional switches remain essential in many factory and plant automation instrumentation schemes. Here's a detailed breakdown of why these devices are still considered vital:

• Simplicity and Reliability: Electro-mechanical devices function on straightforward principles, such as the expansion of a bimetallic strip in response to temperature changes or the deformation of a diaphragm in response to pressure variations. These switches, having few moving parts, are inherently reliable. They don't suffer from software bugs or require firmware updates.
• Direct Control: Electro-mechanical switches can be wired directly to the control elements like solenoids, relays, or alarms, providing immediate response without needing an intermediary control system or software processing.
• Fail-Safe Operations: In safety-critical applications, it's sometimes preferable to have a direct-acting, mechanically-driven switch that can actuate an emergency shutdown or trigger alarms. These switches' inherent "on/off" nature ensures a definite state.
• Cost-effective: Electro-mechanical switches are generally less expensive than their electronic counterparts, especially for applications that don't require continuous monitoring or advanced functionalities.
• Low Power Requirements: Unlike electronic sensors that may need continuous power, these switches only consume energy when they change state, making them energy-efficient for specific applications.
• Resilience to Electromagnetic Interference (EMI): Electro-mechanical devices, being fundamentally mechanical in operation, are less susceptible to EMI, which can be a concern in industrial environments with heavy machinery and electrical equipment.
• Long Lifespan: Many electro-mechanical switches are known for their durability and long operational lifespan, mainly used within their design specifications.
• Versatility: They work in environments where advanced electronics, such as high-temperature areas or corrosive materials, might fail.
• Independent Operation: These switches do not necessarily rely on centralized control systems. This decentralization can be an advantage in scenarios where a failure in the central system shouldn't impact local controls.
• Ease of Integration: The infrastructure is built around electro-mechanical devices for many older plants and factories. Integrating newer electronic devices might require significant overhauls while continuing with electro-mechanical solutions offers seamless integration.

While electronic sensors and digital systems offer advanced functionalities and integration capabilities, there's still a strong case for the simplicity, reliability, and directness of electro-mechanical pressure and temperature switches. As with many technologies in the process control industry, the "best" choice often depends on the specific needs of the application and the context in which the device is applied.

Miller Energy, Inc.
https://millerenergy.com
800-631-5454

Basics of Mass Flow Controllers (MFCs)

MFCs work by measuring the mass of the process fluid flowing through them and using this information to control the flow rate. They typically use a flow sensor to measure the flow rate and a control valve to regulate the flow. The control valve is usually a variable area flow meter or a valve that can be opened or closed to adjust the flow rate.

MFCs are used in a variety of applications, including chemical processing, semiconductor manufacturing, and environmental monitoring. They are often used to control the flow of gases in chemical reactions, to regulate the flow of fluids in manufacturing processes, and to monitor and control the flow of gases in environmental monitoring systems.

MFCs are highly accurate and precise and can maintain a constant flow rate over a wide range of process conditions. They are also relatively easy to install and maintain and can be integrated into various process control systems.

There are many applications for mass flow controllers (MFCs) in process control. Some examples include:

• Chemical processing: MFCs can be used to control the flow of reactants and catalysts in chemical reactions, ensuring consistent product quality and yield.
• Food and beverage processing: MFCs can be used to control the flow of ingredients in the production of beverages, sauces, and other food products.
• Pharmaceutical manufacturing: MFCs can be used to control the flow of active ingredients and excipients in the production of medications.
• Petrochemical processing: MFCs can be used to control the flow of fluids in the refining and processing of oil and natural gas.
• Environmental control: MFCs can be used to control the flow of gases and liquids in air pollution control systems, water treatment plants, and other environmental applications.
• Semiconductor manufacturing: MFCs can be used to control the flow of gases and liquids in the production of semiconductor devices.
• Aerospace and defense: MFCs can be used to control the flow of gases and liquids in a variety of aerospace and defense applications, including propulsion systems, life support systems, and fuel systems.

For more information about mass flow controllers in NY, NJ, PA, DE, MD and OH contact Miller Energy, Inc. Call 800-631-5454 or visit https://millerenergy.com.

Miller Energy Is a Premier Manufacturer's Representative and Distributor of Process Instrumentation, Valves and Process Equipment

Miller Energy is an Industrial Instrumentation and Process Control Equipment Manufacturer's Representative and Distributor. We have been committed to exceeding our customers' expectations by providing unrivaled customer service and local technical support since 1958. We currently offer the most comprehensive range of measurement, control, and communication solutions in the industry.

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:

• The South Plainfield, NJ, corporate headquarters serves Northern New Jersey, New York, and Fairfield County, Connecticut. 
• The Exton, PA office serves Southern New Jersey, Eastern Pennsylvania, Delaware, and Maryland. 
• The Pittsburgh, PA location serves Western Pennsylvania, Western Maryland, and West Virginia. 
• The Cleveland, OH office serves Ohio. 

Miller Energy, Inc.

https://millerenergy.com

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

Vaisala K Patents Refractometers - Refractive Index Measurement

Vaisala K-PATENTS Process Refractometers provide in-line solids and density measurement  for liquids for process control and industrial automation. 

Vaisala K-PATENTS Process Refractometers are commonly used to determine the liquid concentration or density. This measurement has been an essential element in the processing industries for over a century in all sectors, including refining, paper production, pharmaceuticals, food and beverage, and chemical manufacturing. , 

The measurement principle is critical angle measurement. The refractometer has three main components: a light source, a prism, and an image detector.  

The light source sends light rays to the prism and process interface at different angles. Rays with a steep angle are partly reflected in the image detector and partially refracted to the process. The angle from which the total reflection starts is called the critical angle. A CCD camera detects a bright field and a dark field corresponding to partly reflected light and totally reflected light. The borderline position between the bright and the dark area correlates with the critical angle which is a function of the refractive index and therefore correlates with the concentration of the solution.

For more information in New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania, Delaware, Ohio, West Virginia and Western Maryland contact Miller Energy. Call 800-631-5454 or visit https://millerenergy.com.

How Proper Level Instrumentation Can Alleviate Foam Headaches

Foam is at times present in liquid tanks used in the chemical, manufacturing, food and beverage, life sciences, and other process industries. Because of foam's fluid nature, there is no such thing as a "one-size-fits-all" level measurement solution. It's essential to understand the foam's characteristics and understand what form of measurement is needed. The foam may develop in a tank for several reasons, such as introducing air or gas into the liquid or the activity of agitators/mixing blades. Regardless of the source, caution is required when selecting a level measurement technology to avoid potentially costly errors. 

Magnetrol, a world-leading manufacturer of level instrumentation, authored a white paper that aims to go through the challenges that foam presents and overcome them by recommending proper instrumentation.

GET THE WHITE PAPER HERE

In New York Metro and Northern NJ
Phone: 800-631-5454

In Eastern Pennsylvania and Delaware:
Phone: 610-363-6200

https://millerenergy.com

Interface in the Field: Achieving Reliable Interface Measurement to Optimize Process and Increase Uptime

Interface or multiphase level measurements exist throughout the Oil & Gas streams as well as Petrochemical. While level measurement technologies have come a long way in effectively measuring liquids and solids, multiphase level measurement continues to be the biggest challenge and opportunity that exists today to which there is no perfect technology.

However, experience has shown that process optimization and increased uptime can still be achieved in many separator applications through reliable, best-in-class, level technology.

The objective of this paper is to review interface challenges, the current technologies being utilized for interface, field experience in various applications to achieve process optimization and increased uptime, and the future of reliable interface measurement.

DOWNLOAD THE TECHNICAL PAPER HERE

Courtesy of Magnetrol and Miller Energy, Inc.
https://millerenergy.com
800-631-5454

Miller Energy Inc. Announces Acquisition of Fox & Dole Technical Sales

Miller Energy is pleased to announce the acquisition of Fox & Dole Technical Sales as of November 1, 2018.

Founded in 1974, Fox & Dole is a leading distributor of process instrumentation and controls serving Western Pennsylvania, West Virginia and Ohio. With over 100 years of combined experience, the merger of our two companies will offer our customers the most technical customer support and application expertise in the industry, an unparalleled product portfolio, and a continued commitment to outstanding customer service.

For more information, visit the news section of the Miller Energy web site.

Miller Energy, Inc. - Expertly Serving These Industries in the Mid-Atlantic Region

Miller Energy is a Manufacturer's Representative and Distributor of Industrial Instrumentation and Process Control Equipment with offices in South Plainfield, NJ and Exton, PA. In business since Since 1958, Miller's success is attributable to their commitment to exceeding their customers expectations and a comprehensive line of "best-of-breed" measurement, control, and communication products. With a strong reputation for unparalleled customer service and expert local technical support,  Miller Energy continues to demonstrate strong growth in the Mid-Atlantic region.

https://millerenergy.com
908-755-6700 NJ
610-363-6200 PA

Radiometric, Non-contact Level Measurement for Liquids or Solids

Radiometric level detection
(RONAN)

Radiometric level measurement, using a very low gamma level source, is designed to deliver outstanding performance in a wide range of difficult applications and process conditions for both liquids and bulk solids which include the most dangerous materials such as caustic, toxic, corrosive, explosive, and carcinogenic irrespective of their viscosity and temperature.

These level gauges meet “As-Low-As-Reasonably-Achievable” (ALARA) guidelines. Source activity is customized depending on vessel and process parameters such as diameter, wall thickness, material, and measurement span to ensure optimum sensitivity, economy and safety while keeping the source activity to a minimum.

Sources and Detector Mounted
External to Vessel

An exclusive “Radiation Low Level” (RLL) source holder uses up to 100 times less gamma energy than comparable gauges, and is the only source holder recognized by the NRC to be so safe that it does not require the stringent documentation, training or handling procedures of other systems.

Operation

Radiometric level measurement provides a safe and efficient, non-contact method to measure liquids or solids in harsh process environments. Each system consists of a gamma source, detector and microprocessor.

• The gamma source, typically mounted external to the vessel emits energy through the vessel walls collimated in a direction towards the detector mounted on the opposite side of the vessel. The gamma energy reaches the detector when the vessel is empty. As the process level rises in the vessel, the gamma energy reaching the detector will decrease in an inversely proportional relationship to the level. 
• The detector measures the level of energy and sends a proportional signal to the microprocessor. 
• The microprocessor linearizes, filters, and correlates this signal to a level measurement. 

The entire system is mounted external to the vessel and can be easily installed and maintained while the process is running ... without expensive down time, vessel modifications or chance of accidental release.

Applications

Low Level Source and Detector
Mounted External to Vessel

• Radiometric level detection
• Low Level Source and Detector
• Mounted External to Vessel
• Solids or Liquid Measurement 
• Measurement Not Affected by: 
• Internal Obstructions. i.e. Agitators Extreme Process Temperatures 
• Caustic Processes 
• Violent Product Flow 
• Sterile Process 
• Changing Process 
• Variable Product Flow 
• Automatic Compensation for Vapor Density Changes 
• Automatic Compensation for Foam or Gasses 
• Automatic Compensation for Process Build-Up 
• Detectors Contoured to the Shape of Vessels 
• Upgrade Utilizing Existing Sources

Features and Benefits 

• Accurately Measures the Most Complex Processes 
• Solid Crystal or Flexible Scintillating Fill- Fluid 
• Excellent Measurement Reliability due to Proprietary Filtering Technology 
• Level Detection of Multiple Interfaces 
• Low Maintenance / No Component Wear 
• Auto-Calibration

For more information in Eastern Pennsylvania, New Jersey, Metro New York or Delaware contact:
Miller Energy by visiting https://millerenergy.com or by calling 908-755-6700 in New Jersey, or 610-363-6200 in Pennsylvania.

Laboratory Flame Testing of Industrial Pressure Gauges: Wika vs. Competitor

Laboratory flame testing of industrial pressure gauges. Manufacturer Wika versus a competitor. The test is structured in (3) stages: a 10 second burn, a 30 second burn, and then a one minute burn. The Wika gauge maintains its reading, does not melt, and does not continue to burn.

https://millerenergy.com
New Jersey 908-755-6700
Pennsylvania 610-363-6200

Miller Energy - Industrial Instrumentation & Process Control Equipment

Miller Energy is a Manufacturer's Representative and Distributor of Industrial Instrumentation and Process Control Equipment. Since 1958, we have been committed to exceeding our customers expectations by providing an unparalleled level of customer service and local technical support. We offer the most comprehensive line of measurement, control, and communication solutions in the Industry today. The products we represent solve challenging applications in the Industrial Gas, Power, Refining, Chemical / Petro-Chemical, Food & Beverage, Water/Wastewater, and Pharmaceutical markets.

https://millerenergy.com 

NJ 908-755-6700 

PA 610-363-6200

Register Early for the Yokogawa Users Conference 2018

The Yokogawa Users Conference for North America will be held
on September 10 - 13 in Orlando, FL

Yokogawa is hosting its Users Conference in Orlando FL for 2018. This excellent event enables attendees to:

• Learn how to maximize the value of their measurement and control investment.
• View and learn about the latest products and solutions for process measurement and control.
• Interact with subject experts and Yokogawa partners.
• Network with industry peers.
• Build knowledge of best practices for particular industries and measurement and control in general.

There will be panel discussions, technical sessions, exhibits and more. The event is scheduled for September 10th through 13th, and early registration has started. Make plans to attend and build your knowledge base. You can find the registration information at the conference website, or reach out to a Yokogawa representative to find out more.

Focus Your Product Selection Quickly With This Useful Tool

The Process Instrumentation Selection Tool from Yokogawa
enables the user to make detailed product selections
with a few clicks.
Image courtesy Yokogawa

In the process measurement sphere, manufacturers respond to market demand and their own growth goals by offering integrated product solutions. This can result in a product offering that is extensive, with many different products that can be applied to the same task. There are often several, or many, choices to winnow down to a final selection. Product research and evaluation for application suitability takes time. In today's business environment, time is what we never seem to have in sufficient quantity. Finding ways to streamline any process can be beneficial.

Yokogawa is one of those companies that manufactures a broad range of products for process measurement. Whatever your process measurement needs, it is likely the Yokogawa has an effective solution that delivers solid quality and performance.

In a past blog posting, we introduced readers to Process Instrument Selection Tool. With some basic information about your application, a few clicks can quickly deliver access to the best product selection for an application. It is simple, rapid and accurate. The product selector covers 24 basic measurement and instrumentation classifications. We are posting about it again because it has been so successful in helping customers zoom in on the right product solutions for their process measurement applications.

The Product Finder is accessible through a number of links throughout Yokogawa's network of representatives. Clicking the link lands you on the start page of the Product Finder. Try it out, and share your process measurement and control challenges with application specialists for even more leveraging of your own process knowledge and experience toward an effective solution.

Best Temperature Control Performance Starts With a Match of Sensor Configuration to Application

A specially configured temperature sensor can improve
measurement response and process control.
Image courtesy Applied Sensor Technologies

There are more temperature controlled operations than any of us could count in a lifetime, each with a set of signature performance requirements and design challenges. Matching the means of temperature measurement, the control loop characteristics, and heat delivery method to the application are essential to achieving successful operation.

Step one is to measure the process temperature. This sounds simple until you start researching products and technologies for measuring temperature. Like the temperature controlled operations mentioned previously, they are numerous. To filter the possible candidates for temperature sensing devices, consider these aspects of your application and how well a particular sensor may fulfill your requirement.

• Response Time - How rapidly the sensor will detect a change in process temperature is a function of how the sensor is constructed and how it is installed. Most temperature sensors are enclosed or encapsulated to provide protection for the somewhat vulnerable sensing element. Greater mass surrounding the sensing element, or a shape that inhibits heat transfer from the process to the sensor, will slow sensor response. Whether the slower response time will adversely impact process operation needs to be considered. More consideration is due to the manner in which the temperature sensor assembly is installed. Not all applications involve a fluid in which the sensor assembly can be conveniently immersed, and even these applications benefit from careful sensor placement.
• Accuracy - Know what your process needs to be effective. Greater levels of accuracy will generally cost more, possibly require more care and attention to assure the accuracy is maintained. Accuracy is mostly related to the type of sensor, be it RTD, thermocouple, or another type.
• Sensitivity - Related to the construction, installation, and type of sensor, think of sensitivity as the smallest step change in process temperature that the sensor will reliably report. The needs of the process should dictate the level of sensitivity specified for the temperature sensor assembly.

Take a simple application as an illustration. Heat tracing of piping systems is a common function throughout commercial and industrial settings experiencing periods of cold weather. Electric heat trace installations benefit from having some sort of control over the energy input. This control prevents excessive heating of the piping or applying heat when none is required, a substantial energy saving effort. A temperature sensor can be installed beneath the piping's insulation layer, strapped to the pipe outer surface. A specially designed sensor assembly can improve the performance of the sensor and the entire heat trace control system by enhancing the response time of the temperature sensor. A right angled sheath permits insertion of the sensor beneath the piping insulation while orienting the connection head upright. A surface pad at the tip of the sheath increases the surface contact with the pipe to provide faster sensor response. The surface pad is a metal fixture welded to the sensing end of the temperature sensor assembly. It can be flat, for surface temperature measurements, or angled for installation on a curved surface, like a pipe. The increased surface contact achieved with the surface pad promotes the conduction of heat to the sensor element from the heated pipe in our illustration. This serves to reduce and improve the response time of the sensor. Adding some thermally conductive paste between the pad and the pipe surface can further enhance the performance. While the illustration is simple, the concepts apply across a broad range of potential applications that do not allow immersion of the temperature assembly in a fluid.

A simple modification or addition of an option to a standard sensor assembly can deliver substantially improved measurement results in many cases. Share your temperature measurement requirements and challenges with a process measurement specialist. Leverage your own process knowledge and experience with their product application expertise.

Special RTD Temperature Sensor Configuration for Heat Trace Applications from Miller Energy, Inc.

White Paper About Safety Compliance for Solenoid Valves

Solenoid valves for industrial process control applications
Image courtesy Asco Valve

Regulatory modifications have raised important issues in design and use of industrial safety systems. Certain changes in IEC 61508, now being widely implemented, mean that designers and users who desire full compliance must give new consideration to topics such as SIL levels and the transition to new methodologies.

In particular, these issues can impact the selection of solenoid valves and prepackaged redundant control systems (RCS) for implementation in a safety instrumented system (SIS). Such selections may also be affected by how experienced valve suppliers are at dealing with complex new compliance methodologies.

These issues are especially applicable to the oil, gas, chemical, and power industries - in applications such as safety shutdown systems, boilers, furnaces, high-integrity protection systems (HIPS), and more. These issues are of concern to safety engineers and reliability engineers, as well as to process engineers, engineering executives, and plant managers.

This report, a white paper made available by ASCO Valve, will address these issues in developing a compliant safety instrumented system using valves and redundant control systems. Making the right choices in safety system planning and in valve supplier selection can affect design time, costs, and effort — as well as the safety of the plant itself.

Asco Safety Systems Solenoid Valve Selection Guide from Miller Energy, Inc.

Miller Energy Expands Capabilities With New Valve Line

The sliding gate control valve is part of the Schubert & Salzer
product line. Image courtesy Schubert & Salzer.

Miller Energy is pleased to now represent, in the company's Pennsylvania office, Schubert & Salzer, a recognized innovator and manufacturer of high precision process flow control valves.

Schubert & Salzer specializes in precise control and stop valves for industrial fluid processing operations.

• Sliding gate valves
• Ball Sector Valves
• Segment disc valves and segment disc orifices
• Seat valves
• Three-way valves
• Sanitary valves
• Pinch Valves
• Manual valves
• Positioners & controllers
• Accessories to complement all products

With the expansion of its already wide range of common and specialized valve technologies, Miller Energy further solidifies its position as the go-to source for solutions to fluid process control challenges. Contact the Pennsylvania office for detailed product information. Share your challenges and leverage your process knowledge and experience with their product application expertise to develop effective solutions.

Schubert & Salzer Product Overview from Miller Energy, Inc.

Miller Energy Expands Product Offering

Miller Energy is now a distributor of Asco solenoid
valves for a wide range of general and special applications

Miller Energy, through its acquisition of a New Jersey based distributor, has greatly expanded the company's offering of solenoid valves, pneumatic system components, and fluid handling and control components.

A solenoid is an electrical device, converting electrical energy input to a linear mechanical force. Solenoids are used to provide rapid two state mechanical movement of other devices. In process control applications, those devices are often fluid control valves.

At the basic level, a solenoid is an electromagnetic coil and a metallic rod or arm. Electrical current flow in the coil creates a magnetic field which will position the rod in one of two locations, depending upon whether the coil is energized. 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 small 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.

Flow through an orifice is controlled by the movement of the rod or core. The core is enclosed in a tube sealed to the valve body, providing a leak tight assembly. A controller energizing or de-energizing the coil will cause the valve to change operating state between open and closed, regulating fluid flow. There are almost countless variants of solenoid operated valves, specifically tailored for applications throughout industrial, commercial, and institutional operations.

The document provided below illustrates a portion of the broad array of solenoid valves available for industrial control applications. Share your fluid control requirements and challenges with an application specialist. Leverage your process knowledge and experience with their product application expertise to produce effective solutions.

ASCO Solenoid Valve Product Line Overview from Miller Energy, Inc.

Bulb and Capillary Temperature Switches

General purpose temperature switch with bottom connection
for capillary and bulb specific for each application.
Image courtesy United Electric Controls

Not all processes or operations require the use of state of the art technology to get the desired results. Part of good process design is matching up the most appropriate methods and technology to the operation.

One method of changing the state of a switch in response to a process temperature change is a bulb and capillary temperature switch. The switch operation produces a state change in the mechanical switch when the temperature of a process control operation crosses a certain threshold. Bulb and capillary switches have the advantage of operating without electricity, simplifying their application.

The physical operating principle behind the capillary thermostat relies on the use of a fluid. The fluid inside the thermostat expands or contracts in response to the temperature at the sensing bulb. The change in fluid volume produces a force upon a diaphragm or other mechanical transfer device. The diaphragm is connected to, and changes the status of, an adjoining circuit using a snap action switch. For example, a main use of the operating principle in action is when a commercial food company relies on the capillary switch to control temperature related to processing and distribution. Each individual use of a bulb and capillary thermostat is specifically designed based on manufacturer and industry specifications, all of which apply the same physical principle of fluid based physics.

Because of their simplicity and comparatively modest cost, commercial versions of bulb and capillary switches find application throughout residential and commercial settings. Some common applications include warming ovens, deep fat fryers, and water heaters. The HVAC industry uses capillary and bulb switches because the rate of temperature change found in their applications fits the adjoining range offered by the bulb and capillary type switches. Operation of the temperature switches is subject to a few limitations. The switching point is often fixed, so the application must be without a requirement for an adjustable setpoint. The temperature range over which the switches are suitable is comparatively limited, with a matching of the bulb and capillary fluid system to the application temperature range a necessary task in product selection. Within its proper sphere of use, though, bulb and capillary temperature switches offer simple, reliable operation, with little requirement for maintenance.

Bulb and capillary switches are typically used to evaluate average temperature and are especially useful for applications where the temperature is to be maintained at a well-known, consistent value. The bulb portion can be configured to accommodate mounting within the media to be controlled. The devices can be applied effectively to liquid and gaseous media when the proper bulb is used.

Industrial versions of bulb and capillary switches are fitted with appropriate housings for the installation environment. Hazardous location installation can be accommodated, as well as high current ratings and auxiliary functions. There are almost countless variants of bulb and capillary temperature switches available. Don’t overlook these simple mechanical devices as candidates for application in any temperature control process. Share your application requirements and challenges with product specialists for useful recommendations.

Temperature, Pressure, Vacuum, and Differential Switches from Miller Energy, Inc.

Application of Load Cells in Process Measurement

The advanced model G5 can handle input signals from multiple load cells
Image courtesy of BLH Nobel

In industrial application of process measurement and control, principles of the physical sciences are combined with technology and engineering to create devices essential to modern high speed, high accuracy system operation. Years of research, development, and the forward march of humanity’s quest for scientific knowledge and understanding yields packaged devices for process measurement that are easily applied by system designer and operators.

Load cells are the key components applied to weighing component or processed materials in modern industrial operations. Load cells are utilized throughout many industries related to process management, or just simple weighing operations. In application, a load cell can be adapted for measurement of items from the very small to the very large.

In essence, a load cell is a measurement tool which functions as a transducer, predictably converting force into a unit of measurable electrical output. While many types of load cells are available, one popular cell in multiple industries is a strain gauge based cell. Strain gauge cells typically function with an accuracy range between 0.03% and 0.25%. Pneumatically based load cells are ideal for situations requiring intrinsic safety and optimal hygiene. For locations without a power grid, there are even hydraulic load cells, which function without need for a power supply. These different types of load cells follow the same principle of operation: a force acts upon the cell (typically the weight of material or an object) which is then returned as a value. Processing the value yields an indication of weight in engineering units.

For strain gauge cells, deformation is the applied operational principal, where extremely small amounts of deformation, directly related to the stress or strain being applied to the cell, are output as an electrical signal with value proportional to the load applied to the cell. The operating principle allows for development of devices delivering accurate, precise measurements of a wide range of industrial products.

Load cell advantages include their longevity, accuracy, and adaptability to many applications, all of which contribute to their usefulness in so many industries and applications. A common place to find a strain gauge load cell in use is off a causeway on a major highway at a truck weigh station. Through innovation, load cells have been incorporated in an efficient measuring system able to weigh trucks passing through the station, without having each stop. Aircraft can be weighed on platform scales which utilize load cells, and even trains can be weighed by taking advantage of the robust and dependable nature of the transducers.

Thanks to their widespread incorporation and the sequential evolution of technology, load cells are a fantastically useful tool in process measurement and control. Share your process weighing challenges with application experts, combining your own process expertise with their product knowledge to develop an effective solution.