Merry Christmas and Happy New Year from Everyone at Classic Controls

All of us at Classic Controls wish you a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year! As we celebrate this joyous season, we hope you enjoy Christmas and New Year’s festivities surrounded by warmth, love, and laughter—whether in sunny Florida, Southern Georgia, vibrant Puerto Rico, or the beautiful Caribbean. We are incredibly thankful for the support and trust of our customers and vendors, whose partnerships have made this past year a success. Here’s to a bright and prosperous 2025 for all! May the New Year bring you and your families continued success, health, and happiness. Thank you for being an essential part of the Classic Controls family!

Comparing Industrial Butterfly Valves: Rubber Lined, High Performance, and Offset Designs

Butterfly valves play a vital role in industrial fluid control systems, efficiently regulating flow across a wide range of applications. Rubber-Lined (General-Purpose) Butterfly Valves—and High-Performance Butterfly Valves (including Double and Triple Offset designs) stand out due to their unique designs and specific uses. Understanding the differences in valve style, construction, and application is crucial for selecting the most suitable valve for a given industrial need.

Rubber-Lined (General-Purpose) Butterfly Valves feature a straightforward, robust design ideal for low-pressure and low-temperature environments. In these valves, the stem is centered in the middle of the disc and seat, meaning the disc remains in constant contact with the seat throughout its operation. The valves consist of a disc mounted on a rotating shaft within a rubber-lined body, where the rubber lining acts as both the seat and the seal, ensuring tight shut-off when the disc closes. While this design offers simplicity and cost-effectiveness, it can lead to increased wear under higher pressures and temperatures due to the constant contact between the disc and seat. Industries such as HVAC, water treatment, and general manufacturing frequently employ rubber-lined butterfly valves due to their reliability and economical nature, especially in applications involving non-corrosive fluids at low pressures and temperatures.

In contrast, High-Performance Butterfly Valves are engineered for more demanding applications involving higher pressures and temperatures. These valves often incorporate advanced materials like stainless steel or specialized alloys for the disc and seat, enabling them to handle steam, gases, and corrosive chemicals. High-performance designs include Double Offset and Triple Offset Butterfly Valves, each offering enhanced capabilities for specific industrial needs.

Double Offset Butterfly Valves incorporate two distinct offsets: one from the centerline of the pipe and the second from the centerline of the seat cone. This design minimizes rubbing between the disc and seat during operation, reducing wear and enhancing seal longevity. The reduced friction allows these valves to operate effectively in higher pressure and temperature conditions than zero offset valves. Industries requiring reliable performance and extended service life under challenging conditions often utilize double offset designs.

Triple Offset Butterfly Valves add a third offset by designing the sealing components with a conical profile. This feature ensures that the disc contacts the seat only at the final point of closure, virtually eliminating wear and providing a torque-seated, zero-leakage valve. Constructed with metal-to-metal sealing surfaces, triple offset valves can withstand extreme temperatures and pressures. Industries such as petrochemical, power generation, and refining favor these valves for critical applications where safety and reliability are paramount.

Comparing these valves reveals key differences in design and operational capabilities. Rubber-lined valves, with their concentric design and elastomeric lining, offer simplicity and cost-effectiveness for general-purpose use but are limited to lower pressure and temperature applications. High-Performance Butterfly Valves, including double and triple offset designs, enhance performance for moderate to high-pressure systems thanks to their offset stems and improved sealing mechanisms.

Selecting the appropriate butterfly valve hinges on the application's specific requirements, including the type of fluid, pressure, temperature, and the necessity for tight shut-off. Rubber-lined butterfly valves present economical and effective solutions for general-purpose needs involving non-corrosive fluids at low pressures and temperatures. Conversely, High-Performance Butterfly Valves with double and triple offset designs are better suited for challenging environments where reliability and longevity are essential under higher pressures and temperatures.

Understanding the nuances of each valve type ensures optimal performance, safety, and cost-effectiveness in industrial fluid control systems. Engineers and operators can make informed decisions that enhance system efficiency and reliability by carefully considering valve style, construction, and application requirements.

Classic Controls  

+1 863-644-3642  

https://classiccontrols.com

Reducing Emissions and Boosting Efficiency with Tunable Diode Laser Spectrometers

Tunable Diode Laser Spectrometers (TDLS) play a pivotal role in modern industrial combustion processes by delivering precise, real-time measurements of critical gases such as oxygen (O₂) and carbon monoxide (CO). These measurements help operators optimize combustion efficiency, reduce harmful emissions, and improve operational safety. Unlike other gas analysis technologies, TDLS provides quick, in-situ analysis with high specificity to individual gases, which makes it an invaluable tool for facilities reliant on controlled combustion, including refineries, chemical plants, and power generation sites.

TDLS technology's heart lies using a tunable diode laser as the light source. The laser precisely targets specific gas molecules in the combustion stream, causing them to absorb the light at wavelengths unique to each gas. By carefully tuning the laser, TDLS can accurately measure gas concentrations without interference from other gases or particulates. This selectivity is essential for gases like O₂ and CO, where accurate readings can directly affect the efficiency and safety of a process. 

Oxygen levels serve as a primary indicator of fuel efficiency in a combustion process. Too much oxygen, or "excess air," results in energy wastage and increases operational costs, while too little can lead to incomplete combustion, producing high levels of CO and other toxic byproducts. TDLS systems continuously monitor O₂ levels, giving operators the data to make real-time adjustments that ensure an optimal air-to-fuel ratio. This precision improves energy efficiency and reduces the emission of pollutants, contributing to environmental sustainability.

Similarly, carbon monoxide monitoring plays a vital role in combustion optimization. High CO levels signal inefficient combustion, often stemming from poor burner performance, blockages, or incorrect airflow settings. By providing accurate CO readings, TDLS helps operators detect issues before they escalate into safety hazards or cause costly inefficiencies. Maintaining low CO levels enhances combustion quality and limits greenhouse gas emissions, a growing concern for industrial facilities facing stringent environmental regulations.

In addition to efficiency and emissions control, TDLS systems contribute significantly to safety within combustion environments. Furnaces and heaters are high-risk areas where an accumulation of combustible gases can lead to hazardous situations. By supplying continuous, real-time data on oxygen and CO levels, TDLS enables operators to act quickly when conditions deviate from safe operating ranges. This level of control is essential in furnaces and process heaters, where maintaining stable combustion parameters is crucial for preventing explosions or accidental shutdowns. For plants where downtime directly impacts profitability, TDLS provides the reliability needed to sustain uninterrupted operations safely.

TDLS technology's versatility extends beyond refineries and power plants. It has applications in industries where precise combustion control is necessary, such as steel production, glass manufacturing, and cement processing. Each of these industries benefits from the improved fuel efficiency and enhanced emissions control that TDLS provides, making it a versatile tool across various sectors focused on high-temperature processing.

Among the TDLS options available on the market, the Yokogawa TruePeak TDLS 8000 stands out for its cutting-edge features designed to address the specific needs of modern industrial environments. The TDLS 8000 offers a speedy response time, crucial for industries where real-time gas monitoring can determine the difference between optimal and inefficient combustion. Its design incorporates a highly robust, single-laser configuration that enables accurate gas measurements even in harsh environments, making it an ideal choice for high-stress applications. Yokogawa's TruePeak TDLS 8000 operates with an in-situ measurement system, eliminating the need for sample extraction or conditioning, allowing direct monitoring of gases in the process stream, and reducing maintenance requirements. This in-situ approach enhances measurement accuracy, making the TDLS 8000 a superior choice for operators seeking precise, hassle-free gas analysis.

Further, Yokogawa has equipped the TDLS 8000 with advanced diagnostic capabilities that support predictive maintenance strategies. The device continuously monitors its health status, alerting operators to potential issues before they disrupt operations. These diagnostics help maintain the system's performance, ensuring the continuous reliability of data and minimizing the need for manual checks. This feature reduces the overall maintenance costs and ensures uninterrupted operation, a valuable benefit for industries dependent on high process efficiency.

Yokogawa's TruePeak TDLS 8000 reflects the advancements in TDLS technology, offering a robust solution for industries needing accurate, real-time gas analysis. Its capabilities in optimizing combustion efficiency, lowering emissions, and enhancing safety make it a critical asset for facilities aiming to meet high environmental standards and achieve operational excellence.

Classic Controls
+1 863-644-3642
https://classiccontrols.com

Modernizing Industrial Automation: How Classic Controls is Leading Digital Transformation in the Florida, Southern Georgia, and the Caribbean Region

Classic Controls, based in Lakeland, FL, is a recognized leader in delivering cutting-edge automation, control, and integration solutions across various industries. Serving sectors such as industrial, water and wastewater treatment, petrochemical, oil and gas, chemical, food processing, pulp and paper, and aerospace, Classic Controls provides tailored technologies to optimize processes and drive operational efficiency throughout Florida, Southern Georgia, and the Caribbean Region.

Expertise and Solutions:

Industrial Automation Solutions  

Classic Controls excels at implementing automation systems designed to streamline industrial processes. Their deep industry expertise allows them to reduce manual intervention, improving efficiency and productivity for various applications.  

Digital Transformation Integration  

With decades of experience, Classic Controls helps organizations embrace digital transformation by integrating advanced technologies into their existing systems. This modernization enhances performance, scalability, and operational outcomes, positioning industries for success in the digital age.

Connected Ecosystems  

Classic Controls designs and implements fully networked systems that enable seamless communication between devices, sensors, and control platforms. These connected ecosystems optimize industrial workflows, enhancing both productivity and reliability.

Operational Technology (OT) Integration  

Bridging the gap between IT and OT is essential for modern industrial environments, and Classic Controls specializes in this critical integration. Their solutions combine hardware and software technologies to allow companies to monitor, control, and optimize equipment and processes with real-time data and decision-making capabilities.

Cyber-Physical Systems (CPS)  

As pioneers in IoT and Industry 4.0 technologies, Classic Controls delivers advanced cyber-physical systems where digital controls and physical machinery work together. These systems ensure enhanced monitoring, precise control, and real-time responsiveness across industrial environments.

Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT) Integration  

Leveraging their expertise in IIoT, Classic Controls implements advanced sensors and connected devices to collect real-time data, providing industries with actionable insights that help optimize processes, improve safety, and enhance efficiency.

Smart Manufacturing Solutions  

Classic Controls leads smart manufacturing, offering intelligent systems that increase flexibility, improve product quality, and boost overall efficiency. Their solutions empower manufacturers to quickly meet the challenges of modern production environments.

Automation and Control Architecture  

Classic Controls designs scalable automation and control architectures, combining the latest technologies to deliver precise, efficient, and comprehensive solutions for process control. Their architectures support both small-scale and large-scale operations across multiple industries.

Intelligent Infrastructure  

Classic Controls creates intelligent infrastructure solutions through automation and data-driven analytics. These systems improve operational responsiveness, minimize downtime, and ensure processes are adaptive and resilient to changing demands.

Enterprise Connectivity  

Classic Controls emphasizes enterprise connectivity, integrating industrial processes with broader enterprise systems. This end-to-end integration provides greater visibility and enhances decision-making, leading to optimized operations and reduced costs.

A Trusted Partner for Innovation and Efficiency

With deep expertise in Industrial Automation, Digital Transformation, and IIoT Integration, Classic Controls remains a trusted partner for customers across the Southeast and Caribbean. Their tailored approach ensures seamless connectivity, process optimization, and operational efficiency, helping industries modernize, reduce costs, and improve productivity through cutting-edge technologies and innovative solutions.

Classic Controls
+1 863-644-3642
https://classiccontrols.com

Maximizing Market Penetration: The Need for Skilled Sales Engineers in the Caribbean's Industrial Sector

In the highly specialized field of industrial valves and controls, manufacturers face unique challenges in expanding their market reach, particularly in diverse and geographically dispersed regions like the Caribbean. Partnering with a technically skilled and account-knowledgeable sales engineering agency to cover the entire Caribbean, including key markets such as Puerto Rico, Trinidad & Tobago, Guyana, and Suriname, cannot be overstated. 

Expertise in Local Market Needs

The Caribbean region presents a unique blend of industrial needs driven by sectors such as oil and gas, petrochemicals, power generation, and infrastructure development. Each country within the region has its specific industrial demands, regulatory requirements, and operational challenges. A sales engineering agency with deep technical expertise and localized knowledge can effectively bridge the gap between these market demands and the manufacturer’s product offerings. 

For example, in Trinidad and Tobago, a major player in the oil and gas industry, the need for high-performance, corrosion-resistant valves that can withstand harsh environments is critical. In contrast, countries like Guyana, experiencing rapid growth due to recent oil discoveries, require solutions supporting exploration and new infrastructure development. An agency with technical acumen can guide manufacturers in tailoring their products to meet these diverse needs, ensuring relevance and competitiveness in each market.

Enhancing Customer Relationships

A sales engineering agency that combines technical knowledge with account management skills is invaluable in cultivating and maintaining strong customer relationships. Industrial clients in the Caribbean often require more than just products; they need solutions to complex operational challenges. A technically proficient sales team can engage with these clients at a deeper level, understanding their specific problems and proposing tailored solutions that add real value. 

For instance, in Puerto Rico, where the power generation and manufacturing sectors are significant, clients may require customized valve and control solutions that enhance efficiency and reliability in the face of frequent natural disasters. A knowledgeable sales engineering agency can provide these solutions and offer ongoing support and training, building trust and loyalty with customers.

Navigating Regulatory and Logistical Challenges

The Caribbean region has various regulatory environments, logistical challenges, and import/export complexities. A sales engineering agency with in-depth knowledge of these factors can help manufacturers navigate these hurdles effectively. For example, understanding the certification requirements in Suriname or the importation regulations in Trinidad & Tobago can be the difference between a successful project and costly delays. 

Additionally, logistical challenges such as transportation, warehousing, and distribution across the islands require careful planning and execution. An agency with experience in these areas can ensure that products are delivered on time and within budget, enhancing the manufacturer’s reputation and reliability in the region.

Expanding Market Reach

Finally, a technically skilled and account-knowledgeable sales engineering agency can significantly expand a manufacturer’s market reach in the Caribbean. By leveraging their expertise and local presence, they can identify new opportunities, engage with key stakeholders, and drive growth in markets that may have previously been inaccessible.

For an industrial valve and control manufacturer, partnering with a sales engineering agency with technical expertise and a deep understanding of the Caribbean market is crucial for success. This partnership ensures that the manufacturer’s products are well-represented and effectively sold and positions them as a trusted and reliable solution provider in this diverse and dynamic region.

Classic Controls
+1 863-644-3642
https://classiccontrols.com

The Evolving Role of Process Control Sales Engineering: Classic Controls Leading the Way

Process control sales organizations are crucial in bridging the gap between manufacturers of industrial instrumentation and valves and the end-users in various industries. These organizations, like Classic Controls of Lakeland, FL, serve as technical experts and consultants, helping clients navigate the complex world of process control and automation.

The primary roles of these organizations include:

1. Technical expertise: Sales engineers possess in-depth knowledge of process control instrumentation, industrial valves, and automation systems. They understand the intricacies of different industries and can recommend tailored solutions.
2. Product selection and specification: They help clients choose the right equipment for their applications, considering process conditions, regulatory requirements, and budget constraints.
3. System integration: Sales engineers often assist in integrating new equipment with existing systems, ensuring seamless operation and compatibility.
4. Training and support: They train end-users on proper equipment installation, operation, and maintenance.
5. Troubleshooting and problem-solving: When issues arise, these organizations offer valuable support in diagnosing and resolving problems.
6. Industry updates: They inform clients about technological advancements and industry trends.

The consultative approach of sales engineers is critical because it ensures that clients receive solutions that truly meet their needs rather than just off-the-shelf products. This approach involves:

1. Understanding the client's process and challenges
2. Analyzing the specific application requirements
3. Proposing customized solutions
4. Providing ongoing support and optimization

Over the next decade, the role of process control sales organizations is likely to evolve in several ways:

1. Increased focus on digital technologies: As Industry 4.0 and IIoT (Industrial Internet of Things) continue to advance, sales engineers must become experts in digital solutions, data analytics, and cloud-based systems.
2. Sustainability and energy efficiency: With a growing emphasis on environmental responsibility, these organizations will play a key role in helping clients implement more sustainable and energy-efficient process control solutions.
3. Cybersecurity expertise: As industrial systems become more connected, sales engineers must address cybersecurity concerns and offer secure solutions.
4. Remote support and virtual reality: The use of remote diagnostics, augmented reality, and virtual reality for training and support will likely increase.
5. Artificial intelligence and machine learning: Sales engineers must understand and implement AI-driven solutions for predictive maintenance and process optimization.
6. Regulatory compliance: As regulations become more stringent, these organizations will play an increasingly important role in ensuring clients meet compliance requirements.

Classic Controls, based in Lakeland, FL, has built an outstanding reputation in Southern Georgia, Florida, the Caribbean, and Puerto Rico. Their success is attributed to several factors:

1. Regional expertise: Classic Controls has a deep understanding of the unique challenges and requirements of industries in their service area, including water treatment, power generation, and chemical processing.
2. Comprehensive product portfolio: They represent leading manufacturers in the industry and offer a wide range of high-quality instrumentation and valve solutions.
3. Experienced team: Their sales engineers have extensive experience and technical knowledge, allowing them to provide expert guidance and support.
4. Customer-centric approach: Classic Controls is known for its commitment to customer satisfaction, often going above and beyond to ensure client success.
5. Strong relationships: They have built lasting partnerships with manufacturers and end-users, fostering trust and reliability.
6. Local presence: With strategically located offices, they can quickly and efficiently support clients across their service area.
7. Training and education: Classic Controls offers regular training sessions and workshops, helping clients stay up-to-date with the latest technologies and best practices.

As the process control industry continues to evolve, Classic Controls is well-positioned to adapt to new technologies and market demands, maintaining its status as a trusted partner for industrial clients in the region. Their consultative approach and technical expertise will remain valuable assets as they guide clients through the increasingly complex world of process control and automation.

Classic Controls
+1 863-644-3642
https://classiccontrols.com

Baker Hughes: A Leader in Industrial Flow and Pressure Control Solutions

Baker Hughes, a global energy technology company, offers a diverse range of products and services for the oil and gas industry. Four of its many product lines stand out for their contributions to flow and pressure control: Masoneilan, Consolidated, Mooney, and Becker. Each product line serves specific markets and applications, providing innovative solutions for various industrial needs.

Masoneilan: Precision Control Valves

Masoneilan is renowned for its high-quality control valves and associated equipment. The product line includes:

• Globe valves
• Rotary valves
• Butterfly valves
• Severe service valves
• Digital valve positioners
• Smart valve controllers

These products are widely used in industries such as:

• Oil and gas production and refining
• Power generation
• Chemical and petrochemical processing
• Pulp and paper manufacturing
• Food and beverage production

Masoneilan valves provide precision control in challenging process conditions, including high-pressure, high-temperature, and corrosive environments. The digital valve positioners and smart controllers enhance valve performance and enable predictive maintenance, reducing downtime and improving overall process efficiency.

Consolidated: Pressure Relief and Safety Valves

The Consolidated product line focuses on pressure relief and safety valve solutions, offering:

• Spring-loaded safety valves
• Pilot-operated safety valves
• Power-actuated relief valves

These products are crucial for ensuring safety and compliance in various industries, including:

• Oil and gas refineries
• Power plants (nuclear, fossil, and renewable)
• Chemical processing facilities
• Pharmaceutical manufacturing
• Marine and offshore applications

Consolidated valves protect equipment and personnel by relieving excess pressure in systems and preventing catastrophic failures. The product line's reputation for reliability and performance makes it a preferred choice for critical safety applications across multiple industries.

Mooney: Regulators and Control Valves

Mooney specializes in regulators and control valves for natural gas applications, offering:

• Pressure-reducing regulators
• Back pressure regulators
• Overpressure protection devices
• Slam-shut valves
• Control valves for gas service

The Mooney product line primarily serves the following markets:

• Natural gas transmission and distribution
• Gas processing facilities
• Power generation plants using natural gas
• Industrial gas users

Mooney regulators and valves are known for their accuracy and reliability in controlling gas pressure and flow. They play a crucial role in maintaining safe and efficient operations in natural gas infrastructure, from wellhead to end-user applications.

Becker: Control and Automation Solutions

The Becker product line focuses on control and automation solutions for the natural gas industry, offering:

• Control valves
• Actuators
• Valve positioning systems

Becker products are primarily used in:

• Natural gas transmission pipelines
• Gas storage facilities
• Compressor stations
• City gate stations
• Large industrial gas users

Becker's solutions optimize gas flow control, improve operational efficiency, and enhance system monitoring and data acquisition. Integrating smart technologies and advanced control algorithms allows for precise management of gas infrastructure, reducing waste and improving overall system performance.

Classic Controls of Lakeland, Florida: Engineering and Application Support for Masoneilan, Consolidated, Mooney, and Becker

Classic Controls, based in Lakeland, Florida, stands as a premier provider of engineering and application support for Baker Hughes' esteemed product lines—Masoneilan, Consolidated, Mooney, and Becker. With a dedicated focus on delivering exceptional service, Classic Controls ensures that customers in Florida, The Caribbean, and Puerto Rico receive top-tier support and solutions tailored to their specific needs.

Comprehensive Engineering Support

Classic Controls offers extensive engineering support, helping clients select and integrate the right Baker Hughes products for their unique applications. Their team of seasoned engineers provides:

• Technical Consultation: Expert advice on product selection and system design to optimize performance and reliability.
• Custom Solutions: Tailored engineering solutions to meet the specific requirements of diverse industrial processes.
• Installation and Commissioning: Assistance with the installation and commissioning of Baker Hughes products to ensure seamless integration and operation.

Application Support

Beyond engineering, Classic Controls excels in offering comprehensive application support for Masoneilan, Consolidated, Mooney, and Becker products:

• Product Training: In-depth training programs for customer teams, ensuring they are well-versed in the operation and maintenance of the equipment.
• Maintenance Services: Ongoing support and maintenance services to maximize the lifespan and efficiency of the products.
• Troubleshooting and Repair: Rapid response and effective solutions for any issues that arise, minimizing downtime and maintaining productivity.

Regional Expertise

Serving a broad geographic area, Classic Controls is well-versed in the unique demands of customers in Florida, The Caribbean, and Puerto Rico. Their regional expertise ensures that they can:

• Adapt Solutions to Local Conditions: Providing products and services that are suited to the specific environmental and regulatory conditions of the region.
• Quick Response Times: Leveraging their strategic location to offer prompt and efficient support to customers across the region.
• Strong Regional Partnerships: Building and maintaining strong relationships with local industries to better understand and meet their needs.

Classic Controls
+1 863-644-3642
https://classiccontrols.com