The Swanson Flo Blog is dedicated to provide educational and new product information on process control instrumentation, control valves, and valve automation. For more information on these products, visit SwansonFlo.com or call 800-288-7926.
The Limitorque MX Series B Electric Valve Actuator
Where reliability is critical, the Limitorque MX B Series electric valve actuator performs across a broad range of challenging applications. These include the toughest environments in oil and gas production, commercial power generation, chemical manufacturing, water and wastewater, as well as across general industry.
MXb Enhanced User Experience
An updated user interface coupled with a simplified, intuitive menu structure and larger, high-resolution LCD screen makes navigation easy and enables 50% faster commissioning, set-up, and operation. Users of any skill level can configure the actuator through various pre-configured or customization options for quick and error-free set-up and operation. A larger, higher-resolution LCD with a built-in ambient light sensor offers eight times the previous display's resolution to extend viewing distances up to 30 feet. Real-time torque graphs, alarm and event logs, and other data are accessible in higher-quality resolution.
MXb Advanced Diagnostics and Analytics
The MXb electric actuator's next-generation diagnostics and analytics capabilities help operators monitor and track its performance and quickly respond to upset conditions. The MXb actuator has 500 times the previous MX model's memory capacity, allowing increased data capture and storage for higher degrees of process monitoring, data logging, and information feedback. Additionally, a real-time clock enables data log time stamping to support asset management functions and lifecycle analysis.
MXb Improved Reliability
The actuator's design isolates critical components, protecting them from electrical shock and interference, typical in extreme environments. High-quality materials extend actuator service life, operating ranges, and mean time between failure.
MXb Simplified Maintenance
A new electric connector design removes the need for brackets and hold-downs, making maintenance more straightforward and faster. And the enhanced connector design ensures robust connectivity throughout the rated seismic and vibration envelope.
For more information about the Limitorque MXb contact Swanson Flo by calling 800-288-7926 or visiting their website at https://swansonflo.com.
Bronkhorst ES-FLOW Flow Meter/Controller Achieves 3-A Sanitary Standards
Bronkhorst presents their new generation of ES-FLOW Ultrasonic Flow Meters for low flow rates of water, additives, and other liquid substances. The improved flow meters measure volume flow from 2 up to 1500 ml/min with even higher precision, high linearity, and low-pressure drop, using ultrasound in a small-bore tube. The instruments are liquid-independent, thanks to the unique measuring principle, which accounts for the flow calculation's actual sound velocity. Thanks to the combination of a straight sensor tube with zero dead volume, the flow meter is self-draining. The flowmeter with orbital TIG-welded flanges is CIP or SIP cleanable and now meets 3-A sanitary standards for hygienic applications. More information at the Swanson Flo website here.
Swanson Flo
800-288-7926
https://swansonflo.com
Badger Dynasonics Ultrasonic Flow Meters
Badger Meter ultrasonic flow meters measure flow rate by propagating ultrasound waves into liquid-filled pipes and measuring the reflections. There are two technologies to choose from based on the fluid properties:
- Transit time
- Doppler
With clamp-on technology, the Badger Meter ultrasonic meters reside outside the pipe and bring you flow measurement with:
- Reduced installation costs
- Uninterrupted production
- Installation flexibility across a wide range of pipe sizes
- No pressure head loss
- No contact with internal liquid
- No moving parts to maintain
The TFX ultrasonic clamp-on flow meter is quickly and easily installed without cutting or tapping the pipe. Ultrasonic waves transmit upstream and downstream through the pipe wall and water flowing in the pipes. By measuring the difference in the travel time and knowing the pipe size, the meter determines the velocity and flow rate. TFX flow meters are a cost effective meter for measuring water flow in a variety of applications.
For more information, contact Swanson Flo. Visit their website at https://swansonflo.com or call 800.288.7926.
Now is the Time to Pay Attention to Your Plant's Steam System!
Avoid Costly Downtime and Lengthy Maintenance from Frozen Process Piping and Steam Tracing Lines
Contact Swanson Flo with all of your freeze protection and steam system needs.
Swanson Flo
800-288-7926
Flowserve Valtek FlowTop GS General Service Globe Control Valve
Designed from the ground up, the Flowserve Valtek FlowTop GS has achieved optimum performance at the minimum total cost with easy and quick maintenance. Available in globe style design with interval flanges designed to B1634, it is available in sizes from 1/2 inch to 6-inch class 150 to 300 with a diaphragm actuator. The positioner can be mounted directly to the valve.
Flowserve Valtek FlowTop GS design features include:
- PTFE packing as standard with optional PTFE live loaded to ISO 15848-1.
- A robust bonnet design.
- Seat retainer clamps and the seat ring with no threads for easy removal.
- Standard shutoff that's better than class 4, and no lapping required.
- Zero leakage between the seat and body for less maintenance.
- A stainless steel packing follower.
- Stable post guiding for no galling in the flow area.
- Precisely machined contours on the plug head, providing optional reduced trims.
- Excellent flow characteristics and a high flow globe valve body.
For more information, call Swanson Flo now at 800-288-7926 or visit their website at https://swansonflo.com.
Move Over Ultrasonics, Radar Level Transmitters are Better Choice for Dry Bulk Solids
Ultrasonic level transmitters used in dry bulk solids level monitoring are starting to be eclipsed. Radar technology is now so good that it can get a signal and level or distance off of very unreflective media such as polypropylene pellets. Compared to ultrasonics, radar is often more reliable, easier to use, and has lower maintenance requirements. Check out this video from Swanson Flo highlighting the Schneider Electric LR64 and LR65 radar level transmitters.
For more information, call Swanson Flo now at 800-288-7926 or visit their website at https://swansonflo.com.
Happy Labor Day from Swanson Flo!
A sincere thanks to all the hard working people that make the US economy run each and every day.
Bronkhorst Mini Cori-Flow™ Coriolis Mass Flow Meters & Controllers
Mass Flow Measurement of low flow rates, independent of fluid properties.
With the development of the mini CORI-FLOW™ series Bronkhorst achieved a technological breakthrough in Coriolis mass flow measurements and control, by realizing a compact, cost-effective Coriolis Mass Flow Meter/Controller for accurate measurement and control of (very) low flow rates. The unique design of the miniature Coriolis sensor features unsurpassed performance, even with changing operating conditions in pressure, temperature, density, conductivity and viscosity.
Contrary to many other Coriolis flow meters on the market, mini CORI-FLOW™ offers integrated PID control and close-coupled control valves or pumps, thus constituting very compact, cost- and space-saving, precise Coriolis Mass Flow Controllers.
For more information about Bronkhorst Mass Flow Meters and Controllers, contact Swanson Flo. Call them at 800-288-7926 or visit their website at https://swansonflo.com.
Understanding the Operation of a Steam Filter with Integral Cyclone Separator: An Inside Look at the TLV SF1
In regular piping systems, steam carries large quantities of entrained material. With TLV's SF1 Separator Filter, heating efficiency and product quality is greatly improved by removing condensate, dirt and scale.
The TLV SF1 SF1 Separator Filter is a filter with integral cyclone separator. The cyclone separator (98% separation ratio) eliminates condensate, dirt and scale before filtering. This extends the filter maintenance cycle. Compared to a filter without a built-in cyclone separator, the time between required maintenance is improved nearly three times. The cyclone separator also supplies dry steam, eliminating water spots.
The TLV SF1 is made from all stainless steel construction and includes an easy to clean 5-layer sintered wire mesh filter that maintains an extremely low pressure drop for extended periods. The unit is compact and lightweight, with a ferrule joint clamp facilitates easy cleaning.
For more information about the TLV products in Minnesota, Iowa, Wisconsin, Nebraska, Illinois, Indiana, North Dakota, South Dakota, Montana, Wyoming, or Michigan, contact Swanson Flo. Call us at 800-288-7926 or visit our website at https://swansonflo.com.
Excellent Article: Specifying a Thermal Gas Flowmeter for Gases
There are important factors to consider when defining a thermal mass flowmeter to ensure precision and performance in a gas flow application.
A thermal mass flowmeter has numerous advantages over other technologies for measuring the mass flow rate and consumption of gases. Featuring wide rangeability, pressure independence, extreme low-end sensitivity and ease of installation, they have become widely popular for countless commercial, industrial and environmental applications. Furthermore, by offering a variety of configurations and outputs, TMFMs provide the flexibility and economy to accommodate mostly any type of gas flow application.
To use a TMFM to its fullest potential, give thoughtful consideration to the installation location, the meter’s flow body and which features are best for the application.
Here is an excellent full text article from Flowcontrolnetwork.com, authored by Sage Metering President Bob Steinberg, titled "Specifying a Thermal Mass Flowmeter for Gases".
The topics it covers are:
- What is mass flow?
- Why is mass flow important?
- 9 benefits of thermal mass flowmeters
- Importance of proper installation
- Selecting the proper meter and specifications
- Wiring considerations
- Applications to avoid
For more information about Sage Metering products, contact Swanson Flo. Call them at 800-288-7926 or visit their website at https://swansonflo.com.
Advanced Sliding Gate Design: The Heart of Jordan Regulators and Control Valves
The Jordan Valve Sliding Gate Seat is a true value-added alternative to conventional trim designs. Here's why:
Easy Maintenance
Sliding Gate Seats only have one moving component. The seats are not pressed or screwed, making removal simple. Cv values are interchangeable. Valve action is easily changed.
Seat Materials
Jorcote is tougher than stainless steel, offering excellent wear, corrosion, and galling resistance. It has lower friction coefficient than Teflon, providing higher pressure drop capability and less offset. Jorcote seats handle temperatures from sub-zero to 550 ° F (288 ° C). Seats were tested to 1,000,000 full stroke cycles in 70 psi steam, maintaining ANSI Class IV leakage while exhibiting negligible wear.
Constant Seat Contact
Disc and plate are in constant contact. Therefore, there is no 'chatter' inside the valve, less mechanical wear and greater stability at the stroke's low end. Constant touch results in self-lapping and self-cleaning.
Straight Thru Flow
The control element is perpendicular to flow, resulting in lower turbulence and greater trim life.
Short Stroke
In regulators, this results in faster response to input signals, less droop (greater accuracy), and longer diaphragm life. In control valves, the gate seat's short stroke results in less packing wear. Smaller actuators may also be used, resulting in lighter weight, smaller envelope dimensions and less air consumption.
Multiple Orifice Layout
The sliding gate seat's multiple orifice dissipates wear from downstream flow, resulting in longer trim life and quiet activity.
Disc plate overlap
Disc and plate overlap 1/32 "(0,8 mm) around each tube. This creates an area of closure, not line of closure, resulting in better shutoff for a longer period of time, reducing waste and lowering costs.
For more information on Jordan Regulators and Control Valves, contact Swanson Flo. Call them at 800-288-7926 or visit their website at https://swansonflo.com.
The Sage Paramount™ Industrial Thermal Mass Flow Meter for Gases
The new Sage Paramount™ Industrial Thermal Mass Flow Meter provides state-of-the-art components, a dual-sided, explosion-proof, NEMA 4X enclosure, a fast response to rapid temperature fluctuations, and a well-thought-out terminal arrangement with a 3-way switch for externally or internally isolating the 4-20 mA or for non-isolated, self-powered operation.One of the most compelling features of the Paramount™ is its accompanying free software, SageCom™. The SageCom™ software effortlessly connects the Sage Paramount to your PC via a separate mini USB connector1 (cable supplied) located within the back terminal enclosure. This connector is independent of the normal Modbus communication channel allowing validation or reconfigurability of your Paramount, even while it’s standard Modbus output is connected to a network of additional Paramount meters going to the SCADA system.
Swanson Flo
https://swansonflo.com
800-288-7926
Severe Service Valve Parts, Repair, Replacement & Upgrades
Swanson Flo is pleased to partner with Megawatt Machine Services (MMS). MMS has developed industry leading expertise in severe-service control valve repair and replacement parts. Their state-of-the-art capabilities can meet your needs for replacement trim and valve repair on all brands of AOV and MOV valves including:
- Valtek®
- Fisher®
- CCI-Drag®
- BTG/Sulzer
- Copes-Vulcan®
- Masoneilan®
- Yarway®
- Pacific®
- Edwards®
- Siemens® - Westinghouse®
- WEIR/Atwood-Morrill®
- GE®
- Velan®
- ABB/Alstom®
- Toshiba®
- Anchor-Darling®
MMS can also reverse engineer and manufacture trim parts and rebuild valves when the OEM is no longer in business or parts are obsolete.
For more information on replacement valve parts, valve repairs, or trim upgrades contact Swanson Flo. Call them at call 800-288-7926 or visit them at https://swansonflo.com.
The Dynasonics / Badger Meter TFX Ultra Clamp-on Ultrasonic Flow Meter
The TFX Ultra transit time ultrasonic meters from Dynasonics / Badger Meter measure volumetric and energy flow of clean liquids, as well as those with small amounts of suspended solids or aeration, such as surface water or sewage. It works by transmitting ultrasonic waves from outside the pipe into the liquid and propagate upstream and downstream. The flow velocity is determined by the difference in the time of flight and is used to calculate the volumetric flow.
For more information, contact Swanson Flo. Visit their website at https://swansonflo.com or call 800.288.7926.
Mitigate Hammer in Flashing Condensate Return Systems with Vertical Riser Piping
TLV Consulting and Engineering Services constructed a clear piping system to visualize the complex bi-phase flow within a steam condensate return system to determine if water hammer can be reduced or eliminated in certain less-than-ideal piping configurations. Sometimes, condensate returns are incorrectly considered to be single-phase flow, but in reality the pipe volume can be primarily filled with flash steam. This creates a two-phase flow condition that presents challenges to the desired action of gravity drainage. Elevation changes in 2 phase condensate return lines are particularly prone to creating condensate backup which can lead to damaging water hammer. The damage can be particularly severe due to the magnitude of condensate mass present as the pipe size increases in diameter.
Two scenarios are examined. First is a commonly seen piping installation of flashing condensate with a vertical rise. Wave action can be seen in the top pipe. It is caused by high velocity steam moving over the surface of the liquid gradually forming waves within the pipe. When the wave grows large enough, it momentarily seals the cross section of the pipe, building a pressure wall behind it. This causes a slug of water to be sent down the line, potentially causing serious damage to piping, valves, gaskets or fittings.
Additionally, in a flashing condensate line, the vapor space is occupied by low energy flash steam which can collapse and generate hammer as condensate rushes into fill the void. In this video, the vapor is non-condensing air, so the violent back slam of condensate filling an instantaneous void is eliminated for safety purposes. The second video introduces a non-ideal method incorporating a drop down loop seal (or DDLS)to help mitigate some water hammer effects. The ideal solution is always to incorporate gravity drainage in the flashing condensate return system design. However, when gravity drainage was not accomplished during the original design, the DDLS may reduce hammer and can be evaluated on a case-by-case basis by a professional engineer for suitability and safe operation. Notice the less violent flow draining into the loop where the wave action was occurring in the upper pipe.
This piping configuration minimizes the length of pipe where surging can occur and reduces the mass of potential water slugs. The result can be smoother flow with lessened water hammer. Although the DDLS is demonstrated using a loop with horizontal piping to enable visualization of the vapor/liquid interface promoting upward flow, it is considered that joining two long radius elbows with no horizontal section between them could further reduce hammer.
For more information about proper steam or condensate system design, contact Swanson Flo. Call them at 800-288-7926 or visit their website at https://swansonflo.com.
Radar Level Transmitter for Water (and Other Liquids) in Narrow Tanks With Obstructions
The Schneider Electric 80 GHz Radar (FMCW) Level Transmitter for liquids in narrow tanks with internal obstructions.
This device is a non-contact radar level transmitter that uses FMCW technology. It measures distance, level and volume of liquids and pastes. It has an empty spectrum function that filters false reflections caused by equipment inside the tank.
- LR75 Free Space Radar
- 80 GHz FMCW technology
- cQPSus XP
- 4 -20mA /HART® 7
- 1/2" NPT Cable Entry
- Backlit Display
- (-14.5..580 psig) I (-40 deg F to +302 F) / FKM/FPM Process Seal
- 1-1/2“ DN40 Lens Antenna
- 1-1/2“ NPT ASME Process Connection
- Very low cost of ownership
Radar Level Transmitters: Frequency, Beam Width, and Beam Width Calculators
Radar level transmitters provide non-contact level measurement. All radar level detectors send microwave beams, emitted from a sensor, to the surface of the liquid in a tank. The electromagnetic waves returns back to the sensor after hitting the surface of the fluid. Radar is the preferred technology for level measurement in many of today’s industrial applications. Newer high-frequency technology (80 GHz) offers advantages in certain application to older low (10 GHz) and mid-frequency (24 GHz) technologies. Selecting the best microwave frequency for your application is crucial. In as much, understanding the relationship between frequency and beam angle is very important.
In this video, Jeff Blair, Offer Manager for level products at Schneider Electric, presents the difference in beam angle at various frequencies. He also demonstrates how to use Beam Angle Calculators to determine beam width at various places in a tank or vessel.
For more information about radar level instrumentation, contact Swanson Flo. Call them at 800-288-7926 or visit their website at https://swansonflo.com.
COVID-19 Update
We at Swanson Flo Company continue to navigate the ever changing COVID-19 pandemic. We are closely monitoring and following the guidance available through the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), the World Health Organization (WHO) and state and regional public health authorities. We are committed to keeping the safety of our customers, business partners, and team members at the center of all our decisions and actions.
Securing our supply chain is a priority for us. We are working with all of our key suppliers on a daily basis to monitor any potential supply disruption and /or material shortages that may impact us and you. As of today, we have not recorded any specific disruptions of our upstream supply chain. Shipments to our customers are still flowing and our inventory is considerable.
Swanson Flo is:
- Fully Operational - SwansonFlo Company remains open during normal business hours. Our territory managers will still make in-person visits upon request. We are using all available communication techniques to continue to provide excellent customer support.
- Continues its Technical Assistance and Support – Our customer service team is able to answer your questions and take orders via phone or email. We will not change our commitment to providing exceptional client services delivered by a team of highly qualified individuals.
- Continues its Service Capabilities – Our highly trained service and repair experts are available via phone or in person via request.
As always, Swanson Flo greatly appreciates your business.
Instrument Weatherization Doesn't Only Mean Ice, Heat, and Cold - Don't Forget Wind!
Weatherization is about more than just temperature when it comes to instrumentation. One example is the effect of storms and wind on draft range transmitters used to control furnaces in process plants.Protecting Draft Range Transmitters from Storms and Wind
Normally, you wouldn’t think about an enclosure in the furnace or boiler area on these applications because they are measuring air flow or air pressure and are not subject to freezing. Pressure measurement in furnace and boiler combustion is critical for safety, efficiency and environmental control.
It doesn’t require heavy wind to cause problems: a 5 – 7 mph wind across the ambient pressure port might cause a 0.1” pressure change, 12 – 15 mph may create a 0.8” change. When the full range is 1 – 2” that can be a 40 – 80% error reading.
Even light wind across the open port can cause 10% error.
For example - in a a draft transmitter with full scale of 1” H2O ...
- 5 – 7 mph wind can cause up to a 10% full scale error.
- 12 – 15 mph wind can cause up to a 75% full scale error.
The pressure range is so small, often just 1 – 2” of H2O or 2 – 4 mm of Hg, that even a light breeze might cause automated dampers to fluctuate or trigger systems to shut down. Using a differential pressure transmitter the reference measurement is vented to atmosphere, where air flowing past the open port creates pressure changes and errors in furnace, heater and boiler combustion box pressure. As part of the Safety Instrumented System these measurement errors can create nuisance maintenance and shutdowns affecting the entire unit.
A Solution That Works
The O'Brien VIPAK Draft Transmitter enclosure, is a field tested and proven solution addressing the common sources of draft transmitter installation error with:
- Still Air Chamber
- Atmospheric Equalization
- Uniform Capsule Temperature
The O'Brien VIPAK draft range transmitter enclosure atmospherically equalizes the still air chamber for the transmitter and manifold. The pressure inside the enclosure changes at the same rate as the barometric pressure but is unaffected by wind or wind gusts.
The enclosure system also ensures that both sides of the instrument measurement capsule are at the same temperature. Since these instruments are often placed near the furnace, heater or boiler one side can be hotter than the other creating an error in measurement.
Real World Use Case
A large refinery was experiencing furnace upsets and shutdowns caused by storms and wind in the unit. They installed two O'Brien Draft Transmitter Enclosures on their most trouble prone units as a trial. After a severe storm hit and the units with the O'Brien Draft Transmitter enclosures ran with no problems they installed another 128 protection enclosures. To date there have been no more upsets or shutdowns caused by wind induced measurement errors.
The STILL AIR PORT: A Critical Component
The O'Brien STILL AIR PORT is a critical component of the draft range transmitter solution. It equalizes the still air chamber for the transmitter and manifold, allowing the pressure inside the enclosure to change at the same rate as the barometric pressure and not allowing wind or wind gusts to have any affect.
For help in determining how you can protect your instrumentation from the effects of weather, contact Swanson Flo. Call them at 800-288-7926 or visit their website at https://swansonflo.com.
Swanson Flo Performance - Upstream / Midstream Oil & Gas Pipeline Services and Capabilities
Swanson Flo Performance supports every process control customer with region-based, full-capability service and repair. Their factory-certified technicians provide you with a complete overhaul and repair of the control valves, actuators, and instrumentation. Equipment is fully disassembled, inspected, cleaned, reassembled, calibrated, and tested to meet factory original standards. Swanson Flo Performance utilizes only factory OEM parts to repair your equipment.
Swanson Flo Performance Includes:
- Commissioning - to ensure that equipment performs to expected specifications.
- Mechanical Inspection - detailed reports on the mechanical health of your valves.
- Valve Repair - returning the customer's valves to "like new” condition.
- Onsite Repair - bringing resources and equipment to the customer's facilities.
- OEM Parts - certified original manufactured parts maintaining highest standards.
- Re-instrumentation - upgrading performance and equipment to meet ever-changing needs.
- Site Surveys - gathering plant data for asset management.
- Training - hands-on technical and practical training custom designed for their customers.
Swanson Flo is a multi-brand factory trained control valve repair center providing factory trained technicians and certified repairs and parts from Foxboro/Schneider Electric and Flowserve Limitorque (notably, Swanson Flo is the only FM approved Limitorque repair facility in the upper-midwest).
For more information, contact Swanson Flo by calling 800-288-7926 or visit their web site at https://swansonflo.com.
Jordan Valve Product Application Guide
It's not unusual for Jordan Valve applications to require a solutions-oriented approach, where in-house engineers and application specialists work closely with the customer to solve a stubborn problem. Whether requiring a unique valve design, or needing special construction materials, Jordan Valve has both the know-how and manufacturing capabilities to meet the requirement.
This guide provides 25 real-world applications where Jordan Valve products are used.
For more information, or if you wish to discuss an application you're working on, contact Swanson Flo. Call them at 800-288-7926 or visit their web site at https://swansonflo.com.
Removal and Installation of the Feedback Mechanism of the Flowserve Logix 3800 Positioner
This video demonstrates the removal and installation of the feedback mechanism of the Flowserve Logix 3800 valve positioner.
Make sure the valve is bypassed or in a safe condition. Disconnect power to the positioner. Disconnect air supply to the positioner. Remove the take off arm and follower arm.
Note, it is recommended that when the positioner is removed from the valve, it is taken to a clean work environment for disassembly and reassembly.
Note, the procedure is the same for both intrinsically safe, or explosion-proof, positioners.
Begin by removing the three screws that attach the feedback assembly to the positioner housing. Install the replacement feedback assembly to the positioner housing.
Note, the orientation is irrelevant since the feedback mechanism has a clutch. Torque the screws to 0.9 Newton meters or 8 inch pounds. Next reconnect the positioner follow arm and take off arm to the valve.
For more information, contact Swanson Flo. Visit their web site at https://swansonflo.com, or call them at 800-288-7926.
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