A time of peace, a season of wonder and joy... We wish you all the best during the holidays and through the coming year.
The VEGA Multi-Point Density Array (MDA) Solution for Separation Applications
The VEGA Multi-Point Density Array (MDA) solution for fixed-point interface profiling measurements. It provides high resolution and an unparalleled method of measuring interfaces, especially those with emulsion layers and operates reliably in the most difficult of applications.
Why Use the MDA?
The MDA system provides continuous density data at each individual measurement point, specific to each horizontal plane of elevation. As the outputs change from the multiple detectors, the operator can determine the movement of the interface or the size of the emulsion layer for optimal running efficiency of the unit. The density profile created by the MDA system provides actionable data that allows for real-time process monitoring, leading to unit efficiency that is unachievable by other measurement technologies.
For more information, contact Classic Controls. Call them at 863-644-3642 or visit their web site at https://classiccontrols.com.
The World's Only Clamp-on Steam Meter from Flexim
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| FLUXUS G601 ST |
The new measuring system offers the same advantages as FLEXIM’s well known flowmeter series FLUXUS: Reliable and accurate flow measurement from outside the pipe, free from pressure loss, wear and tear, and maintenance. The installation requires minimal effort, no pipe work, and never affects operation and supply.
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| FLUXUS G721 ST |
With FLUXUS ST, for the first time ever, it is possible to capture all steam usage from very low to very high flow rates with one meter size. The acoustic measuring method proves to be impressive with its exceptionally high measuring dynamics, is highly sensitive even at very low flow velocities and functions independently of the flow direction. Due to this large flow range (flow velocities from 0.003 ft/s up to 200 ft/s, there is no need to reduce pipe diameter to fit an inline meter’s requirement of minimum flow velocity. Moreover, the non-invasive measurement does not cause any pressure loss. The transducer mountings can be completely insulated to reduce any heat loss to the environment.
For more information on the FLEXIM FLEXUS ST contact Classic Controls by calling 863.644.3642 or by visiting https://classiccontrols.com.
We Celebrate Our Veterans
Veterans Day is a day of observance and celebration for those who have served in the United States military. Veterans Day was originally called Armistice Day because of the November 11 Armistice that ended World War I. In 1954 it was officially changed to Veterans Day to include Veterans of all wars. This holiday honors those who took an oath to defend the United States and our Constitution, from all enemies, foreign and domestic. Through the observance of Veterans Day, we remind ourselves of our Veterans patriotism, love of country and willingness to serve and sacrifice for the common good. Classic Controls thanks our Veterans, past and present, for serving our country and protecting our freedom.
Precision Ultrasonic Flow and Thermal Energy Meters for Building Energy Optimization
FLEXIM, the leading manufacturer of non-intrusive, clamp-on ultrasonic flowmeters, offers thermal energy meters that make it easy to implement a system for more energy efficient buildings and facilities.
FLEXIM’s energy meters combine the attributes of non-intrusive ultrasonic flow measurement with superior temperature monitoring into an integrated energy computer. All flow transducers and temperature sensors are connected to one unit.
Applications/Uses
- Chiller Plants
- Heating Plants
- HVAC
- Metering & Verification
- Retrofits
- Billing
- Water Control / Leak Detection
- Combined Heat and Power / Cogeneration Plants
Yokogawa SMARTDAC+ GX and GP Navigation Screen and User Interface
This video introduces the viewer to the Yokogawa SMARTDAC+ GX and GP navigation screen.
In the new Yokogawa SMARTDAC+ data acquisition and control product series, smart user interface, smart architecture and smart functionality are achieved. The Yokogawa SMARTDAC+ GX and GP are fully embedded platforms fitted with sophisticated touch screen operator interface for measurement, display and recording. The GX series is a panel mount design that can be used in severe industrial applications and environments. GP is the GX portable version intended for use in laboratory applications and test bench applications.
For more information contact Classic Controls. Call them at 863-644-3642 or visit their site at https://classiccontrols.com.
Masoneilan Process Control Valve Condensed Catalog
With its breadth of products and services, unequaled global presence and advanced process control expertise, Masoneilan is uniquely positioned to be the leading provider of control valve solutions. For well over a century Masoneilan has been synonymous with innovation, leading technology and responsiveness to market needs.What Makes Masoneilan Unique
Balanced trim design; Smaller actuators reduce overall assembly size and weight; Heavy cage-guided construction; Heavy guiding of the plug enhances throttling control performance; Reliability & low maintenance; Standard solutions to control noise cavitation & valve leakage; Versatile valve technology; Robust construction; Long-term smooth operation; Optimized process control and high process yields.
Classic Controls, Inc.
https://classiccontrols.com
863-644-3642
Thermal Mass Flow Meters for Oil & Gas Applications
Thermal mass flow meters have been used to measure tank vent and flash gas during storage. VOC emissions from these tank batteries are required to be reported for regulatory purposes. The accurate monitoring of leaks from these tanks is another common use of thermal mass flow meters.
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| Thermal Mass Flow Meters (Fox Thermal) |
water/chemical solution from the oil and gas components that the water has forced out of the shale formations. The gases processed by the separators exit the separator unit from its own outlet that must be accurately measured for accounting and allocation purposes. Furthermore, flow of water, oil, and gases from the separator equipment must be measured to determine how productive the resources from the gas well head are. Over time, the well heads produce less and less gases and owners must determine when to decommission them.
Due to the often remote locations of these gas wells, there are not always local utilities available to power the equipment needed at the well site. Fuel gas to the equipment is needed to measure and monitor consumption.
Exhaust and vent gas from compressor packing cases is required to be monitored for environmental impact.
Some common gases and applications:
- Compressor Packing Case Exhaust Flow Measurement
- Greenhouse Gas Emissions Monitoring Flow Meters
- Continuous Emissions Monitoring
- Flow Meters for EPA and Other Emissions Regulations and Protocols
- GHG Flow Meter
- Sub meters for Natural Gas Measurement
- Tank Vent / Flash Gas Station Monitoring
- Natural Gas Totalizers
- Methane Flow Measurement
- Propane Flow Measurement
- 40 CFR Part 60 Subpart OOOO Reporting
- 40 CFR Part 98 Subpart W Reporting
- CO2e Reporting
- Flare and Combustor Gas Measurement
- Separator Gas Measurement
- Vapor Recovery Unit (VRU) Gas Measurement
- Fuel & Combustion Gas Measurement
- Other Pure and Mixed Gas Applications
For more information on applying thermal mass flow meters in the oil and gas industry, contact Classic Controls at 863-644-3642 or visit https://classiccontrols.com.
Case Study On Thermal Flow Meter Calibration For Natural Gas Service
The Importance of Gas Composition and Calibration and their Effects on Flow Meter Accuracy
Errors associated with the calibration of flow meters for natural gas service can be costly but can also be mitigated using an advanced flow meter design that allows field-adjustment of the natural gas composition without loss of accuracy.
This outstanding case study, courtesy of Fox Thermal Instruments, discusses the importance of gas composition and calibration and their effects on flow meter accuracy.
For more information, contact Classic Controls.
https://classiccontrols.com
863.644.3642
Basics of Rotameters
Rotameters, also referred to as variable area flow meters, have diverse industrial processing applications that range from simple to sophisticated. The devices are easy to install, require no electrical connection, and provide direct flow rate reading. They provide fail-safe flow rate readings in a wide array of industrial applications.Rotameters: An Overview
Developed by German inventor Karl Kueppers in 1908, Rotameters measure the volumetric flow rate of liquids and gases.
Important elements of a rotameter (variable area flow meter) include the tube and the float. Their operation is simple. The tube is fixed vertically and the fluid is fed from the bottom. It travels upward and exits from the top. The float remains at the bottom when no liquid is present and rises upward when fluid enters the tube.
The float inside the tube moves in proportion to the rate of fluid flow and the area between the tube wall and the float. When the float moves upward, the area increases while the differential pressure decreases. A stable position is reached when the upward force exerted by the fluid is equal to the weight of the float. A scale mounted on the tube records the flow rate of the liquid. Usually, the flow can be adjusted manually using a built-in valve.
Types of Rotameter
Variable area flow meters can be categorized by the type of tube they use, which relates to their ability to withstands various pressures, temperatures, process media, and cost. Process connection size and wetted part materials vary as a function the rotameter type and construction.
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| Glass Tube Rotameter (Yokogawa) |
Applications:
- Analytical instrumentation
- Industrial processes
- Chemical production
- Pharmaceutical production
- Oil & gas extraction
- Refining processes
- Fuel cell research
- Water treatment systems
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| Metal Tube Rotameter (Yokogawa) |
Applications:
- Purge liquid/ gas metering
- Liquid, oil, or gas flow measurement
- Chemical injection
- Rotating equipment flow measurement
- High-pressure flow meters on offshore oil platforms
Clamp-On Ultrasonic Flow Meters: Measure from the Outside of the Pipe
Conventional measuring systems such as differential pressure meters, electromagnetic flowmeters, vortex meters or Coriolis mass flowmeters require costly pipe modifications and experience increased wear resulting in frequent maintenance intervals. FLEXIM is the technology and market leader in the field of clamp-on ultrasonic flowmeters that eliminate the need for pipe entry points, eliminate wear, and does not require shutdown for maintenance.
For more information, contact Classic Controls.
https://classiccontrols.com
863.644.3642
Globe Control Valves
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| Internal view of globe control valve (Masoneilan) |
Applications of Globe Control Valves
Globe control valves are used in many different industries, but particularly in the petrochemical and power generation industries on fuel oil pipes, chemical feed systems, steam pipes, as well as cooling water and feedwater systems. Other industrial applications of globe valve include boiler, main steam vents, and turbine lube oil systems.
Pros
Globe control valves have many advantages that make them preferable over other valve designs. Globe control valves have excellent shut-off and throttling capabilities. In addition, globe valves are easy to maintain and repair compared to other valves.
Cons
Globe control valves have also certain shortcomings. For instance, globe valves have an S-shaped flow pattern (as opposed to a straight-through flow pattern) which creates a significant pressure drop making them unsuitable for applications constant pressure is required. Another shortcoming of the globe valves is they generally require greater torque to open and close, requiring larger actuators to properly seat the valve.
For more information on industrial globe valves, or any type of industrial valve, contact Classic Controls by calling 863-644-3642 or by visiting https://classiccontrols.com.
Reduce Standby Cycling to Optimize Boiler Operation
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| There are savings to be had by controlling boiler standby cycling |
Building owners, boiler engineers, operators and other stakeholders will benefit from this simple and understandable video explanation of some of the inefficiencies associated with boiler operation, and how incorporating a better control method can minimize boiler dry firing (also called standby cycling). Boiler operation costs can be reduced between 10% and 25%, with a commensurate reduction in carbon footprint, by including the Fireye NXM2G control in the boiler control system.
Watch the video. It's just a few minutes and explains the source of the inefficiency, as well as the solution, in a manner understandable to everyone. More information is available from a combustion product specialist, who can help evaluate the efficiency of your current system or assist with incorporating the latest energy saving features and design into a new installation.
Clamp-on Ultrasonic Flow Measurement of Natural and Process Gases
FLEXIM‘s ultrasonic gas flow meters use the proven clamp-on transit-time correlation technique also employed for the F series liquid meters. Special ultrasonic transducers are simply clamped onto the outside of the pipe and never come in contact with the gas.
FLUXUS® G represents the ideal solution for non-invasive gas flow measurement. FLEXIM’s non-invasive technology is an advantageous and cost-effective alternative to conventional methods, particularly with chemically aggressive, poisonous or high pressure media. With their extremely wide turn-down ratios, the instruments of the FLUXUS® G series register even the smallest flows.
Non-invasive Measurement
- No contact with the medium, therefore no possibility of chemical attack. No need for expensive special materials (sour gas applications for example)
- No wear and tear, even with high flow velocities or with gas containing particles
- No clogging of small bore impulse lines with deposits, condensate, inhibitors, oil vapors, dust (as happens when using impulse lines in the measuring system)
- Insensitive to dust and humidity
Classic Controls, Inc.
https://classiccontrols.com
863-644-3642
Plant-wide Condition Monitoring
Financial Justification
For many assets, failure can mean substantial or total loss of production, often worth millions per day. Or it can lead to the release of hazardous substances, fires, and even explosions— resulting in a severe safety hazard as well as fines for violating environmental regulations.
Maintenance Costs
When viewed on a per-asset basis, maintenance costs for plant-wide assets can appear modest. However, when viewed collectively across the dozens, hundreds, or even thousands of assets in a typical plant, these costs can be appreciable. Reducing the maintenance costs on each asset through effective condition monitoring—even by a mere 10%—has a large impact on plant profitability. Condition Monitoring is a planning tool that allows more effective insight in planning and asset management, allowing maintenance to be done in advance of a functional failure.
Things to think about as you move towards Predictive Maintenance:
- 90% of failures are NOT time-based.
- 50% of companies site maintenance and reliability as a top priority.
- It costs 6x as much for unplanned events vs. planned maintenance in process industries.
- A 60% estimated increase in environmental, health and safety spending among global exploration & production companies.
- 50% of workforce to retire in the next 5 to 10 years. Knowledge & experience is not being transferred.
- -70% Machinery breakdowns
- -40% Plant downtime
- -50% Maintenance costs
- +25% Production
The Yokogawa YS1700 Replaces Obsolete Siemens/Moore 353
Are you concerned about the cost and time for a new installation, application development and personnel training?
Is it possible that the new equipment vendor may again leave you stranded with their equipment as their core business is not industrial automation and control?
We have a better solution for you: Yokogawa and its YS1700 PID loop controller. Yokogawa has been providing industrial solutions, as their primary business, for over a century and their YS1700 will keep you off of eBay looking for spare 353 parts.
Pneumatic Actuator Types
Pneumatic valve actuators all provide the same function: They convert air pressure to rotational movement and are designed to open, close, or position a quarter-turn valve. These include ball valves, plug valves, butterfly valves, or other types of 90 degree rotational valves.
The basic design variations of pneumatic valve actuators are as follows:
Let's review each of these in detail:
Scotch-yoke Actuators
These actuators come in a multitude of sizes, but are usually used on larger valves because they can produce a very high torque output. They employ a pneumatic piston mechanism to transfer movement to a linear push rod. That rod, in turn, engages a pivoting lever arm to provide rotation. Spring return units have a large return spring module mounted on the opposite end of the piston mechanism working directly against the pressurized cylinder.
Rack & Pinion Actuators
These actuators are sometimes referred to as, “lunch box,” because they, well, look like a lunch box. This actuator uses opposing pistons with integral gears to engage a pinion gear shaft to produce rotation. They are usually more compressed than a scotch yoke, have standardized mounting patterns, and produce output torques suitable for small-to-medium sized valves. Rack and pinion nearly always include standard bolting and coupling patterns to directly attach a valve, solenoid, limit switch or positioner. One of their features include several smaller coil springs mounted internally, which provide the torque to return the valve to its starting position.
Rotary Vane Actuators
These actuators are usually used when the application requires a significant space savings. They take up less space when comparing size-to-torque with rack and pinion and scotch yoke. Rotary van actuators also benefit from a reputation of longevity. They contain fewer moving parts than other types of pneumatic valve actuators. Rotary vane actuators use externally mounted, helically wound "clock springs" for their spring return mechanism.
When considering the choice of pneumatic valve actuators, your decision comes down to size, power, torque curve and the ease of adding peripherals. To ensure that your valve actuation package will be optimized for safety, longevity, and performance, the advice of a qualified valve automation expert should be sought out. That expert will be able to help you with the best selection of the appropriate valve actuator for any quarter turn valve application.
The basic design variations of pneumatic valve actuators are as follows:
- Scotch-yoke
- Rack and pinion
- Rotary vane
Let's review each of these in detail:
Scotch-yoke Actuators
These actuators come in a multitude of sizes, but are usually used on larger valves because they can produce a very high torque output. They employ a pneumatic piston mechanism to transfer movement to a linear push rod. That rod, in turn, engages a pivoting lever arm to provide rotation. Spring return units have a large return spring module mounted on the opposite end of the piston mechanism working directly against the pressurized cylinder.Rack & Pinion Actuators
Rotary Vane Actuators
When considering the choice of pneumatic valve actuators, your decision comes down to size, power, torque curve and the ease of adding peripherals. To ensure that your valve actuation package will be optimized for safety, longevity, and performance, the advice of a qualified valve automation expert should be sought out. That expert will be able to help you with the best selection of the appropriate valve actuator for any quarter turn valve application.
The VEGA MINITRAC 31 Radiation-based Density, Level, and Flow Measurement Sensor
Radiation is a popular means of density measurement in several industries, including refining and offshore oil and gas. The VEGA MINITRAC 31 is suitable for liquid and bulk solids applications in vessels that present mechanically difficult process conditions. The measured value is detected non-intrusively, right through the vessel wall. Process fittings and vessel openings are not required. The instrument is therefore ideal for retro-fit applications. The VEGA MINITRAC 31 can be used for many different measuring tasks. Apart from density measurement and level detection, the MINITRAC 31 can also detect residues and the mass flow rate when used in conjunction with a flow meter. This video demonstrates how the sensor uses radiation to reliably and accurately measure the density of liquids and slurries and how operators can use Bluetooth-enhanced display modules for wireless remote access to density sensors.
Classic Controls, Inc.
https://classiccontrols.com
863-644-3642
Industrial Flow Meter Selection
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| Flow meter selection chart. Click on image for larger view. |
Many industrial process control operations require fluid flow measurement as an essential element in the design of the process. The proper application and installation of a flow meter as part of the fluid transfer system will provide accurate flow measurement.
Industrial flow meters use different technologies to measure fluid flow rates directly or indirectly. Some of the most common technologies for fluid flow measurement are vortex flow meters, magnetic flow meters, Coriolis flow meters and rotameters.
Each separate technology has attributes that can make it more suitable for certain applications. The selection of the most appropriate flow measurement technology for an application is an initial and crucial step in the design of a functioning fluid measurement system.
Selection criteria such as fluid temperature, pressure and velocity will be included in the selection process. Further considerations include whether the fluid may be abrasive, corrosive, clean or dirty. The state of the fluid, liquid or gas, must also be taken into account.
The table above provides general guidance on which technologies to consider, based on the above mentioned factors. This will help you to focus further research on product selection.
Contact Classic Controls with any industrial flow application you may have. Their application engineers will provide guidance and advice to assure the proper flow meter is chosen.
Classic Controls
https://classiccontrols.com
863-644-3642
Magnetic Level Indicators (MLIs) and Bridle Combination Units
Below is a good instructional reference document (courtesy of VEGA) on how magnetic level indicators (MLIs) are installed and how they work.
Download the "Magnetic Level Indicators and Bridles for Level Measurement and Visualization" document here.
Yokogawa SENCOM™ for SMART Liquid Analyzer Communications
For more information, contact Classic Controls by calling 863-644-3642 of visit https://classiccontrols.com.
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