Back Pressure Regulators

Back Pressure Regulators

An industrial back pressure regulator is a type of pressure control valve that is used to maintain a consistent pressure downstream of the valve in a process piping system. It is designed to allow fluid to flow in one direction and is typically installed in the outlet of a process unit or a piece of equipment.

The basic design of a back pressure regulator includes a main valve body, a control piston or diaphragm, a spring, and a control mechanism. The control piston or diaphragm is connected to the spring, which is adjustable to set the desired downstream pressure. The control mechanism, which may be a pneumatic or electric actuator, is used to adjust the position of the control piston or diaphragm in response to changes in the downstream pressure.

The main valve body contains an inlet and an outlet, as well as a flow passage that connects them. The flow passage includes an orifice, which serves as the main flow restriction. When the downstream pressure rises above the set point, the control piston or diaphragm moves to close the orifice, reducing the flow and bringing the pressure back down to the set point. When the downstream pressure drops below the set point, the control piston or diaphragm moves to open the orifice, increasing the flow and bringing the pressure back up to the set point.

Back pressure regulators are commonly used in process control applications to maintain a consistent pressure in pipelines and process units. They are used in a variety of industries including chemical, petrochemical, and power generation. They can help maintain safety, improve process efficiency and productivity, and help prevent equipment damage.

Industrial back pressure regulators are commonly used in a variety of process industries, including:
  • Oil and gas production: To maintain a constant back pressure on the upstream side of a gas or liquid separator to prevent the flow of liquids into the gas pipeline.
  • Chemical processing: To control the pressure of reactants and products in various process vessels, such as reactors and distillation columns.
  • Power generation: To regulate the pressure in boiler feedwater systems, turbine bypass systems, and condensate return systems.
  • Pharmaceutical and biotechnology: To control the pressure in fermentation vessels and downstream processing equipment.
  • Petroleum refining: To maintain a constant back pressure on various process units, such as catalytic crackers and hydrocrackers, to improve process efficiency and product yields.
Miller Energy, Inc.
800-631-5454

Basics of Mass Flow Controllers (MFCs)

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.

What is Refractometer Critical Angle Measurement?

What is Refractometer Critical Angle Measurement?

Vaisala refractometers use the critical angle measurement principle. A refractometer's three essential components are a light source, a prism, and an image detector. 


The light source sends rays to the prism and process interface at different angles. Rays with a steep angle partly reflect at the image detector and partially refract at the process. Low-angle rays reflect entirely on the detector. The angle from which the total reflection starts is called the critical angle. 

The CCD camera detects a bright and dark field corresponding to partly reflected and totally reflected light. The position of the borderline between the bright and the dark area correlates with the critical angle, which is a function of the refractive index and correlates with the solution's concentration.

A built-in temperature sensor measures the temperature T on the interface of the process liquid. The sensor converts the refractive index nD and temperature T into concentration units. 

Vaisala K-PATENTS refractometer can indicate different scales, for example, Brix, liquid density, or concentration by weight. The diagnostics program ensures that the measurement is reliable.

Miller Energy, Inc.
800-631-5454

On/Off Valves from Schubert & Salzer

On/Off Valves from Schubert & Salzer

Schubert & Salzer on/off valves are available in many configurations and sizes. Application solutions for almost any process are available using pneumatic or motorized actuators. Traditional globe pattern designs are available, as are angle globe seat valves with straight-through flow channels that reduce turbulence. All include a variety of end connections, including ANSI 150/300 flanges, threaded connections, tri-clamps, and weld ends. Valves provide millions of maintenance-free cycles in demanding applications such as steam, gaseous media, and contaminated liquids. Products include 316 stainless steel and bronze bodies, with actuator packages available in all stainless steel (including internals), heavy-duty metals, and lightweight plastics. Many features of motorized actuators include weather and water resistance, a variety of voltages, and fail-safe operation. 


Angle seat valves: 

Angle seat valves in the open/close or control designs have a particularly compact construction and can execute many switch cycles. In all of its variations, the valve's architecture provides a very efficient flow rate and can even install in mildly contaminated media. 


Flange valves: 

Flange valves are more accessible to remove from pipes than screwed valves at bigger diameters. This range fits various connection standards associated with angle and straight-flanged seat valves.


Three-way valves: 

Three-way valves perform various activities, including mixing and distributing media flows and charging and discharging a functional component (e.g., a pressure cylinder).


For more information about Schubert & Salzer on/off products in NY, NJ, PA, DE, MD and OH contact Miller Energy, Inc. Call 800-631-5454 or visit https://millerenergy.com.