Showing posts with label Swanson Flo. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Swanson Flo. Show all posts

Actuators and Valve Automation

Actuators and Valve Automation

Industrial valves manage flow in pipelines and industrial facilities. The valve acts as a tap, controlling the pipeline flow by opening or shutting it. Automation of a valve involves installing an actuator and control system. Powering actuators may be done by hand, electricity, pneumatics, or hydraulic. Automating valves is beneficial for flow management in pipe systems that need precise control or fail-safe emergency cutoff. Improved output control through automated valves contributes to cost savings associated with product waste. Automated valves operate in all industrial settings, including wastewater treatment facilities, power plants, mines, nuclear operations, food and beverage companies, refineries, and pipelines.

Actuated valves contribute to operator safety by enabling constant operating levels and ensuring safety in areas where high temperatures, pressure levels, unpleasant or dangerous odors, combustible materials, or other conditions might result in catastrophic failures. In an emergency, automatic valve actuators return to their fail-safe settings, avoiding accidents, environment pollution, equipment or building damage, and other devastating outcomes. 

Additionally, automated valves enable remote access to valves that are difficult or impossible to reach securely to restore them to a safe position manually.

TYPES OF VALVE ACTUATORS


Manual valves are manipulated by hand, utilizing handwheels, levers, and gears. Although less costly and easier to use than other solutions, this isn't always practical or desirable. Larger valves need tremendous force to operate manually, and some are in isolated or dangerous locations. It might also be a safety hazard if the valve has to be closed quickly. 

Pneumatic valve actuators get their power from air pressure or another gas. Their simple design requires less maintenance and is a good fit in temperature extremes situations. 

Hydraulic actuators, like pneumatic actuators, translate fluid pressure into motion. In this case, the motive force comes from hydraulic fluids. They can generate forces larger than a pneumatic actuator of the same size. In some instances, the process fluid itself might supply the hydraulic pressure. 

The electric actuator uses motor torque to activate the valve. Electric actuators are also silent, non-toxic, and energy-efficient. Their opening and closing times are relatively slow and unsuitable for high-speed position change applications. 

Valve automation has made significant strides in recent years, with the addition of application-specific standards, certifications, safety integrity level (SIL), and digital protocols. Intelligent and digital valve positioners now include a digital communication protocol and advanced capabilities. Advances in device diagnostics are critical because they enable the move from conventional corrective and scheduled maintenance to predictive maintenance. Diagnostics using valve positioners are becoming more complex, allowing for the testing of valves to identify whether maintenance or replacement is necessary.

Valve actuators are essential in process automation. Valve automation enables firms of all types to continuously increase process efficiency and product quality while ensuring the safety of employees, facilities, and the environment. The current generation of valve automation technology allows industrial enterprises to conduct additional diagnostics on-site and better understand overall valve performance at a lower cost. Automated valve applications must include oversite by a competent and experienced valve professional who can advise on the best technology and crucial installation techniques for optimal results.

For more information, or to discuss your valve automation requirement, contact:

Swanson Flo
800-288-7926

Equilibar® Flow Control Valves Provide Advantages in Precision Flow Control

Equilibar® control valves

DOWNLOAD THE BROCHURE HERE

Equilibar® control valves provide precise flow control for gases, liquids, and mixed-phase fluids over a wide range of flow rates. The unique dome loaded multiple orifice design responds quickly to changes in upstream and downstream process disruptions to maintain setpoint, 

The Equilibar® control valve works in a completely different way than traditional regulators and valves. Instead of a single valve seat, the Equilibar® valve uses multiple orifices sealed by a flexible diaphragm. The Equilibar® valve is dome-loaded by pressure on top of the diaphragm.  The dome loading controls the process fluid flow proportional to that "pilot pressure" on the diaphragm. As flow requirements change, the diaphragm moves a few millimeters to open and close over some or all of the orifices, providing instantaneous and frictionless control. The Equilibar® valve was conceived as a precision back pressure regulator but easily reconfigured to control the flow rate in a flow control PID loop with an electronic pilot controller. Over the years, Equilibar®customers have discovered the significant benefits of the Equilibar®control valve in demanding flow control applications where the supply pressure is mainly stable.

Equilibar® valves can be an excellent solution for closed-loop flow control in complex applications that traditional flow control methods cannot solve. Equilibar® valves improve performance in a variety of demanding applications, including:

  • Flow coefficient (Cv) ranges wider than conventional valves (>100:1)
  • Extremely low DP and extremely high DP
  • Two-phase, phase-change, and supercritical states
  • Continuous flow chemistry
  • Sanitary applications

The Equilibar® Flow Control Valve's Operation 

Equilibar® valves are dome-loaded and pilot operated, which means that gas is supplied to the dome (top) of the valve via a pilot controller to set the process setpoint. In the dome, a direct sealing diaphragm covers a field of orifices and adjusts its position allowing flow through the orifices while maintaining the desired setpoint. 

The Equilibar®flow control valve links to an electronic pilot pressure controller and a flow meter in a control loop. (See Fig.1.) To control flow, a proportional-integral-derivative (PID) controller monitors input from a flow transmitter (FT) and adjusts the pilot pressure. The electronic signal from the PID converts into a pressure signal for the pilot controller by an electro-pneumatic transducer (E/P). Increasing the pilot pressure reduces flow, and decreasing the pilot pressure increases flow. The system performs best when the supply pressure is stable.

Equilibar Valves Offer Advantages in Flow Control


The Benefits of Using an Equilibar® Back Pressure Regulator for Flow Control 

Operates over a Wide Flow Coefficient Range (Cv) 

The limited flow range (or max/min ratio of effective Cv) of traditional flow control valves is one of their characteristics. Most control valves used in the research and process industries have a 10:1 to 15:1 ratio. An Equilibar®back pressure regulator is easily capable of operating in a Cv range greater than 100:1.

Multi-Phase Fluid Control 

The Equilibar® back pressure regulator's unique design allows it to handle two-phase or mixed-phase flow streams while maintaining high precision. Gas/liquid processes, water/oil flow streams, and supercritical fluids are all examples of this. 

Traditional back pressure regulators employ a single annular valve seat, which is frequently very small, so that when slugs of liquid flood the valve throat, the volumetric flow rate drops abruptly as the denser fluid accelerates through the orifice. This brief decrease in volumetric flow disrupts the upstream process pressure's stability. 

The Equilibar® technology employs a direct sealing diaphragm over multiple orifices to control pressure drop. The flexible diaphragm can instantly change its proximity to the orifices to adjust to the varying valve coefficient (Cv) requirements of the various phases.

Isolates from Changes in Downstream Pressure 

An Equilibar® fluid control valve acts as a pressure buffer in a change in downstream pressure. Equilibar® valves will automatically adjust to maintain the setpoint inlet pressure regardless of process changes at the outlet port. Any change in downstream pressure necessitates a PID control adjustment to maintain stability when using a traditional flow control valve (FCV).

High Resolution 

Equilibar® dome-loaded valves have incredibly high resolution, no hysteresis, and no dead band. Minor adjustments to the differential pressure result in high-resolution process control. 

Service Conditions That Are Demanding 

Because Equilibar® back-pressure regulators have only one moving part, they easily configure for the following severe and demanding service conditions: 

  • Excessive temperatures 
  • Extremely corrosive acids 
  • Sanitary processes
  • Ultrapure specifications

Continuous Flow Reactions 

In continuous flow chemistry, controlling pressure is critical for phase control, residence time, reaction speed, and equilibrium management. For example, the reaction temperature is an essential factor in reaction efficiency; however, at high enough temperatures, a reagent can reach boiling point, which harms the reaction. Controlling reaction pressure by connecting a back pressure regulator to the reactor's outlet can help prevent reagent boiling.

For more information about Equilibar®, contact Swanson Flo. Call 800-288-7926 or visit https://swansonflo.com.

Attend the 2019 BioFuels Automation University Ethanol Maintenance Classes

The 2019 BioFuels Automation University schedule is now released. Interested parties should review the course itineraries and plan to attend.

BioFuels Automation University provides Best Practice Certification courses designed to enable participants to learn directly from some of the industry’s top technical professionals and gain valuable hands-on training to best utilize the technology driving your facilities.

Ethanol Maintenance 101


A strong combination of concepts and best practice Hands-on Training – this course really delivers for insight and troubleshooting skills for instrumentation and valve technologies. BioFuels Automation University experts stand ready to help define your needs and craft a customized program.

Two Sessions available in 2019:
  • Jun 20 - 21, 8:00 AM 
  • Oct 24 - 25, 8:00 AM
Day One: Instrumentation - Flow Measurement, Temperature Measurement, Pressure Measurement, Level Measurement, Electro-Chemical Measurement

Day Two: Valves - Automated On/Off Valves, Valve Monitors, Control Valves, Positioners, Communication Protocols, Shop Tools - Hands On

Fee: $1,350 per participant. Fee includes lodging and meals. Payment information required to complete registration.

Location: BioFuels Automation University Training Center, 151 Cheshire Lane, North Plymouth, Minnesota


Ethanol Maintenance 201


All devices and technologies from 101 will covered in-depth at the master technician level. Course structure is 80% hands-on and centered around your specific plant needs. To maximize the impact of this course, extensive application challenges as well as Q&A sessions are conducted. BioFuels Automation University experts stand ready to help define your needs and craft a customized program.

This class will take you through an analysis of the complete control loop, providing you with a deeper understanding of the relationship between the three segments of a control loop. Sensing Element, PID Controller, Final Control Element, C (control) DCS, I and V.

Two Sessions available in 2019:
  • July 25 - 26, 8:00 AM
  • Dec 05 - 06, 8:00 AM
Space Limited to 10 participants for maximum comprehension. Class led by highly experienced service professionals, 80% hands-on practical application.

Topics covered: Loop Configurations, Controller PID Tuning: Theory and Practical Application Instruments, Advanced Valves

Fee: $2,250 per participant. Fee includes lodging and meals. Payment information required to complete registration.

Location: BioFuels Automation University Training Center, 151 Cheshire Lane, North Plymouth, Minnesota.

Take a Quick Tour of Swanson Flo

Take a minute (54 seconds actually) to acquaint yourself with Swanson Flo, one of the Midwest's most innovative process control companies. For more information, visit www.SwansonFlo.com.

Swanson Flo Minnesota Office Linecard

Swanson Flo's Minnesota Sales Office linecard.


Swanson Flo Wisconsin Sales Office Linecard

Here is the 2016 linecard from Swanson Flo's Wisconsin Sales Office:


Tech Sales & Marketing Linecard ( A Swanson Flo Company)

Tech Sales & Marketing, Inc., now a Swanson Flo company, is a manufacturers' representative and distributor serving the state of Indiana, Southwest Ohio and Kentucky for over 4 decades. Below id their current linecard: