Showing posts with label Wyoming. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Wyoming. Show all posts

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.

Instrument Weatherization Doesn't Only Mean Ice, Heat, and Cold - Don't Forget Wind!

WeatherizationWeatherization 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.

O'Brien VIPAKA 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.

O'Brien STILL AIR PORTThe 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
Swanson Flo has a long and successful history of providing innovative process control solutions  to the upstream and midstream oil & gas pipeline industry. The have a well-earned reputation for  supplying quality equipment and experienced application engineering with an unrelenting desire to not only meet, but to exceed their customer's goals.

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.

 Upstream / Midstream Oil & Gas Pipeline ServicesSwanson 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

Jordan Valve is a leading manufacturer of high quality and innovative pressure regulators, back pressure regulators, and temperature regulators. Their products are used in many demanding applications - very often in applications requiring more than a standard, off-the-shelf industrial product.

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.

Brewery Valve Application Guide

Download the Brewery Valve
Application Guide Here
Today, beer is one of the oldest beverages humans have ever produced and has spread all over the world. It is a product valued by its physicochemical properties as in its quality and traditional link with culinary and ethnic distinctiveness.

Many types of valves are commonly used in a brewery to regulate the flow of fluids throughout process pipes in a plant.

One type is the diaphragm valve, in which a soft diaphragm is pushed against a bell-shaped feature using a mechanical screw . This mechanism allows gas or liquid flow to be controlled within the valve’s total variability, but the flow pressure tolerances are fairly tight.

The butterfly valve is the next most commonly used valve in breweries due to its compact design and wide pressure and flow tolerances. It consists of a metal disc which rotates within the body of the valve and closes against a rubber seal. Its flow-through design makes it easy to clean.

The Brewery Valve Application Guide, located on Swanson Flo web site, provides a quick reference on the various processes involved in brewing and what type of valves are used for those processes.

Changing VR Actuator Orientation on Valtek Rotary Valves, including Valdisk, Shearstream and MaxFlo


The Valtek VR rotary cylinder actuator is a high pressure, compact actuator with high torque and pneumatic stiffness for excellent throttling capabilities. The standard splined shaft connection eliminates backlash for precise control. This video shows how to change the orientation on a Valtek Rotary Valves including Valdisk, Shearstream and MaxFlo products.

For more infomration on Valtek Control Valves, contact Swanson Flo by calling 800-288-7926 or by visiting https://swansonflo.com.

Electric Valve Actuation

Electric actuator
Electric Valve Actuator in Service (Limitorque)
Electric actuators use electrical power to actuate a valve. While most of the basic technology used in electric actuators has been around since the 1930s, decades of incremental improvement have significantly increased their functionality while dramatically reducing their cost. In recent years, these advances have reached a tipping point that makes electric actuators the first choice for a wide variety of applications.



Electric Valve Actuation Advantages


  • Electric power is relatively inexpensive, easy to manage, and normally available to most industrial sites. The capital cost of electric actuators is typically cheaper per equivalent unit of torque/thrust output. They’re also cleaner and safer to operate.
  • Electric actuators can provide superior positioning accuracy for control or modulating valve functions, which can include provisions for a high degree of process monitoring, data logging and information feedback.
  • All necessary control functions are integral to electric actuators, reducing capital costs.
  • Electric actuators significantly reduce control wiring costs by enabling distributed control. They simplify control logic by integrating control commands and feedback into customer SCADA or DCS systems. (Traditional electromechanical control systems require a dedicated wire for each command and feedback signal, leading to cable bundles with seven or more cores as minimum for each actuator. By contrast, a typical bus system can use one twisted pair wire in a daisy chain configuration to carry all required input and output signals.)
  • As torque and thrust requirements increase, electric actuators weigh less and have smaller footprints compared to pneumatic actuators.
  • Electric actuators may be combined with external gearboxes to produce extremely high output thrust and torque values.

Electric Valve Actuation Disadvantages


  • With the exception of a few specific configurations, electric actuators can’t guarantee a fail-safe stroke but will “fail in the last position.” (Fail-safe stroke refers to an actuator’s ability to move a valve to a predefined safe position when power fails).
  • Electric actuators have more complex and sensitive components than the mechanical parts used in other types of actuators. Electronic technology also requires periodic refreshing to keep pace with component changes and improvements.
  • Beyond a certain size/torque range, electric actuators are less cost-effective and generally have limitations in operating speed when compared to pneumatic and hydraulic actuators.
  • In hazardous areas with potential exposure to explosive process media, electric actuators require more specific certifications and construction features to be considered safe for use.

Recommended applications for electric actuation.


Electric actuation is the first choice for most oil and gas applications. They’re ideal for general process valve automation, non-critical applications, and light-duty modulating applications (generally up to 1200 starts per hour), although some can modulate continuously up to 3600 starts per hour.

For more information about electric valve actuation, contact Swanson Flo. Call them at 800-288-7926 or visit their web site at https://swansonflo.com.

Reprinted with permission from Flowserve Limitorque.

Dual-Seal Trunnion Mounted Ball Valves Offer Twice the Life for Pipeline, Petrochemical, and Process Industries

WOM Trunnion Mounted Ball Valves
WOM trunnion mounted ball valves in service.
WOM (Worldwide Oilfield Machine) manufactures a dual seal ball valve is the only trunnion mounted ball valve with two independent seats on both sides of the ball. The primary seat takes the normal wear and tear when the valve is cycled. If it ever gets damaged the secondary seat takes over. This redundant sealing technology can more than double the useful life of the valve.

two independent seats
The only trunnion mounted
ball valve with two independent seats.
Even after the primary seat gets damaged, it will continue to work as a wiper ring. Each time the valve is cycled the primary seat will clean trash and line debris off of the ball before it can damage
the secondary seat.

WOM’s Dual Seal Ball Valve typically comes with two seats upstream and two seats downstream of the ball. But it can be configured to have the outer seat on the downstream side modified to act as a Third seal. The third seal will provide one more seal on the downstream side of the valve. The valve is still bi-direction, even with the third seal option.

WOM Ball ValveThe Dual-Seal was designed specifically so that it could not trap pressure in the body cavity. This is critical in hazardous liquids service, where thermal expansion can cause pressure build-up inside the body. The Dual -Seal will automatically self-relieve to the low pressure side of the valve. However, if the third seal is installed, it forces the valve to self-relieve to the upstream side. You are in control of the direction that the self-relieving seats vent to.

Redundant sealing technology, the third seal, and being able to control the direction of the thermal expansion pressure makes the Dual-Seal ball valve unsurpassed in real life performance. This combination of seats gives you a valve that will outlast typical ball or gate valves. It will lower your operational costs, add safety, and increase reliability.

For more infomration on WOM trunnion mount ball valves, contact Swanson Flo. Call them at 800-288-7926 of visit https://swansonflo.com.

Accurate Dosing of Corrosion Inhibitors Greatly Improves Corrosion Prevention and Extends Pipeline Life

Pipe Corrosion
Accurate dosing of corrosion inhibitors in industrial applications, especially in the chemical, process and oil and gas industry can be a real challenge. These industries cope with demanding environmental and process conditions in production and operation. In oil and gas, it is common that wells produce other products that are likely to cause corrosion, such as water and carbon dioxide. Pipelines are required to transport oil and gas products from the well, sometimes over long distances. Even though they are designed to last for decades, corrosion processes are responsible for degradation and significant losses. It is clear that the best way to combat corrosion economically is through prevention using chemical inhibitors.

A corrosion inhibitor system will add small concentrations of (bio)chemicals into the process which form a film on the interior surface of the pipe or vessel, preventing corrosive attack. The effectiveness of an inhibitor system greatly depends on the correct injection amount, and can be influenced by the environmental and process conditions; so accuracy is crucial here. A properly applied chemical corrosion inhibitor system is very effective in lowering corrosion rates, with the potential to reduce corrosion rates up to 99%.

The key in determining the overall rate of corrosion over the life of a pipeline is determined by the proportion of time for which the corrosion inhibitor is available, and the correct concentration. In order to accurately assess the availability of corrosion inhibitor, it is necessary to have some means of accurately measuring the dosage of inhibitor being injected.

CORI-FLOWUsing a low flow control system containing a mass flow controller (MFC) allows for very accurate corrosion inhibitor dosing. High accuracy and high turndown ratio is achieved based on pure mass flow measurement with this type of flow meter. A device such as the Bronkhorst (mini) CORI-FLOW mass flow controller can directly control valves and pumps via it's on-board PID controller, and be further optimized with ancillary PLC and HMI controls, extending both performance and flexibility.

The application of chemical corrosion inhibitors can significantly reduce the rate of corrosion  and using a dosing system with an integrated MFC (such as the Bronkhorst (mini) CORI-FLOW) enables real-time monitoring, control and logging of injection rates. This allows online checking of flow rates and instantaneous re-setting of the required flow rate. Asset management and preventive maintenance is supported with several active diagnostics.

For more information about mass flow controllers used in chemical dosing applications, contact Swanson Flo by calling 800-288-7926 or visit https://swansonflo.com.

The ASCO FasN Connection System for the Series 212 Composite Valve: A Tutorial


The ASCO Series 212 composite valve is ideal for use in mid-size reverse osmosis water purification systems used for conditioning and distribution in commercial/ industrial markets. The valves are available in 3/8", 1/2", 3/4", and 1" pipe sizes and handles pressure up to 150 PSI at temperatures up to 180° F.

The ASCO FasN connection system makes installing and servicing the series 212 extremely easy.  The video above is a tutorial on how to install the series 212 using the ASCO FasN system for all three types of connections, namely NPT thread connection, turn and lock, and solvent bond.

For more information, contact Swanson Flo by calling 800-288-7926 or visit their web site at https://swansonflo.com.

Foxboro Schneider Electric Vortex Flow Meters


The Foxboro® intelligent, high performance vortex flowmeter transmits a 4-20 mA or digital multi-drop, and a pulse output signal (as applicable) using HART communication protocol for remote configuration, calibration, and monitoring.

Foxboro vortex flow meters have unique vortex sensing with a lifetime warranty; patented algorithms that improve performance in real-world applications; a broad offering of sizes, materials, and end connections, with the widest flow range available today; ease of configuration using FDT technology, and no moving parts ensures low operating and maintenance costs. They are ideal for applications requiring accuracy for totalizing and batching; utility metering of fluids in the process industries; fuel, air, steam, or gas metering for the measurement of energy in any high use application; or stability and repeatability for process control.

The Foxboro vortex flowmeter is perfect for applications within the upstream and downstream Oil & Gas industries, specifically on high pressure pipeline applications for both gases (and vapors) and liquids.

For more infomration, contact Swanson Flo by calling 800-288-7926 or by visiting https://swansonflo.com.

Patented Pressure Gauge Technology Eliminates Need for Liquid Fills

Pulsating gauge
Pulsations caused by compressors and other machinery.
Patented technology by Ashcroft dampen pulsations
without the cost and hassle of liquid-fill.
Compressors pumps and other machinery create pulsation and vibration that can make your pointer unreadable.  Liquid-filled gauges can solve your problem, but they command a higher price.  So to keep costs down, you have to stock both dry and liquid-fill gauges.

In response, Ashcroft developed their patented PLUS!™ Performance technology. Gauges with PLUS!™ Performance employ a unique cartridge that surrounds the pinion with an engineered dampening medium. This viscous compound encapsulates and stabilizes the pinion in order to restrict the overactive pointer motion due to vibration. A throttle screw helps to neutralize pulsation by restricting the flow rate of the pressure medium into the Bourdon tube.


Plus! technology
Pinion is stabilized by a cartridge with viscous compound.
While a standard dry gauge may become indecipherable, both liquid-filled and PLUS!™ Performance gauges continue to provide stable readings.  the liquid fill can leak, be affected by extreme ambient temperatures, and become an environmental hazard when disposed of. Ashcroft's patented PLUS!™ Performance option assures fast and easy readings so you can focus on what matters and standardizing with PLUS!™ Performance helps consolidate your SKUs, and less inventory means lower costs.

For more information, contact Swanson Flo by calling 800-288-7926 or visit their web site at https://swansonflo.com.

The Valtek® Mark Eight™ Y-Pattern Control Valve

Mark Eight Control Valve
The Valtek Mark Eight Control Valve Features
(Click for larger view)
The Valtek® Mark Eight™ control valve is designed with a unique “Y” style globe body that provides higher flow capacities and less process turbulence than conventional globe valves.

Because of its nearly straight-through flow passage, the “Y” style body is less flow restrictive than a normal globe-style body. This permits less pressure to be converted into velocity as the fluid passes through the seat, resulting in a lower valve recovery factor and higher capacity.

Mark Eight’s straight-through design generates less valve and piping turbulence which significantly reduces harmful noise and vibration levels.



Applying Gas Pipeline Block Station Valves


A block valve is used on gas transmission systems to isolate a segment of the main gas pipeline for inspection and maintenance, or for shutdown in the case of a natural disaster or pipeline damage.

The block valve is typically a full-bore, soft seated ball valve to allow for scraping. However, this type of valve cannot be opened against full differential pressure without damage to the valve seats. Therefore, a bypass system is installed around the block valve, and used to balance the pipeline pressure prior to opening. Plug valves should be used in the bypass as they are capable of opening and throttling against full differential pressure without damage.

The Requirement of a Bypass

Let's see what would happen if the block valve, which is a soft seated ball valve, was operated against full differential pressure. As it is initially opened the huge pressure drop across the valve generates high velocity flow carrying fine dust, rust, or scale particles in close proximity of the valve seats. This results in seat damage and a block valve that cannot seal bubble tight once closed.

The Bypass Valve Sequence

To avoid this, a bypass system is utilized to balance the pressure either side of the block valve prior to opening it. With the vent valve closed, bypass valve 1 is opened allowing pressure into the bypass. In this case, a plug valve should be used, as it can be opened against full differential pressure without seat damage. Now bypass valve 2 is slowly opened, gradually building pressure in the downstream section until the pressure either side of the block valve is equalized. A plug valve is also used here capable of throttling the flow without seat damaged. With the pressure now equalized the block valve can be opened safely without the risk of seat damage. The two bypass valves have now done their job and can be closed providing bubble tight shutoff against the main pipeline.

Venting a Pipeline Section

Block stations are also used to vent sections of the pipeline into the atmosphere. This operation would start with all valves in the closed position. Bypass valve 1 is then opened allowing pressure into the bypass station. The vent valve is now slowly opened to release the pipeline pressure. Once again, this is a demanding application opening against full differential pressure, hence a plug valve is used to ensure bubble tight isolation to the atmosphere once closed.

For more information, contact Swanson Flo by visiting https://swansonflow.com or by calling 800-288-7926.

Guided Wave Radar Transmitters: Accurate and Reliable Level Measurement for the Widest Choice of Installation Options and Applications

guided wave radar level

Guided wave radar transmitters are widely used across different industries. These devices with their simple installation and trouble-free operations help industrial companies save time and money. They are ideal for a large number of process applications ranging from simple to complex.

How Do Guided Wave Radar Transmitters Work?


Guided wave radar transmitters rely on microwave pulses. Since microwaves are not affected by dust, pressure, temperature variations, and viscosity, this type of transmitter produces highly accurate results. 

A low-energy microwave pulse is sent down a probe, and a part of it is reflected back when the pulse hits the process media. The liquid level is directly proportional to the time-domain reflectometry. The time when the pulse is launched and received back is measured to determine the distance from the surface of the media. 

Types of Guided Wave Radar Level Transmitters


Guided wave radar level transmitters are available in different probe configurations. Selecting the right probe is important for successful implementation of the device. While manufacturers offer a range of guided wave radars, most are derived from the three basic probe configurations: single element, twin element, and coaxial.

Single element probe — The single element probe is the most widely used and least efficient device. The device is popular since it is more resistant to the coating of the liquid. 

Twin element probe — The twin element probe is a good, general purpose probe that is generally used in long-range applications. They are ideal in situations where flexible probes are important for successful reading. 

Coaxial probe — The coaxial probe configuration is the most efficient guided wave radar level transmitters. The probes are used in more challenging low-dielectric applications. 

Benefits of Guided Wave Radar Level Transmitters


Dielectric Constant and Reflectivity - Guided WaveRadar (GWR)
(Courtesy of Schneider Electric Foxboro)
Guided wave radar level transmitters provide a range of benefits in different applications. The concentration of the measuring signal is strong and clean. This is due to the narrow path of the signal propagation that reduces the chances of impact by stray signals due to obstacles or construction elements inside the tank. 

Another benefit of guided wave radar level transmitters is that they are easy to install. No mounting holes are required to install the device. This results in cost savings for the organization. The waveguide can be formed to follow the tank’s contours or mounted at an angle. 

The device is ideal in situations where an interface measurement is required. The measuring signals can penetrate the medium deeply, resulting in more accurate results. The waveguide technology is suitable for applications where the medium is subjected to heavy vapors, foam, and dust. 

Guided wave instruments can detect changes in dielectric consents on the boundary of a property. The device can be configured to detect level at both the top and the bottom of a layer of emulsion. 

Industrial Application of Guided Wave Radar


Guided wave radar level transmitters are increasingly being used in process industries. The sensors are used in situations that previously employed ultrasonic, hydrostatics, and capacitance. The accuracy specification of the basic model range is up to ±5mm, while the accuracy of the advanced models is up to ±2mm. 

The device is generally used in industries to take level readings. The readings are used for local indication and visualization in control systems. 

Moreover, guided wave radar level transmitters are also used for managing liquid inventory, determining safety limits, dry run protection, and leak detection. Other applications of guided wave radar level transmitters include communicating low limits to suppliers, automated ordering systems, and streamlining the logistics process. 

Guided radar level measurement is also suitable for bulk solids. The surface type is not restricted to liquids since the reflected waves are guided easily through any medium. Foam formation and turbulent liquid surfaces and different angled surfaces (as is the case with bulk solids) don’t influence the accuracy of the reading.

Selection of Guided Wave Radar Level Transmitters


Selection of guided wave radar level transmitters should be based on the requirements of the task. Generally, the rigid single element probe configuration is ideal for angled installations for flowing liquids. The dual flexible wire probe is suitable for most other common applications. 

A coaxial probe configuration is recommended for liquids that are cleaner with low dielectric constant and with turbulence on the product’s surface. This type of guided wave radar device is also recommended for installations where the probe is near the tank wall or other obstacles. 

Make sure that the device can withstand the range of temperature within the tank. Most GWR devices are rated up to 850 deg F or 450 deg C. You should select a device with added signal strength since this will result in increased reliability and accuracy of the devices. 

Guided wave radar level transmitter with dynamic vapor compensation is recommended where a high level of accuracy is required under a high-pressure environment. The measurement taken from the device can compensate for changes in vapor dielectric, which results in improved accuracy. 

Other factors that should be considered include mounting and proximity. Single probe configuration can be installed almost anywhere. But the single probe configuration can only to apply to specific situations. 

Lastly, the probe length of the device should be of the right length. The length should be according to the measurement rate. This is an important consideration as it can help in ensuring accurate reading with minimum chances of an error. 

Guided wave radar level transmitters can also be used with an agitator. However, certain things must be considered prior to use the device. The probe must be prevented from contacting the agitator blades. Make sure that you confirm the ability of the probe to withstand the force inside the medium. This is important since turbulent on the surface may decrease the accuracy of the measurement. You can install the device in a bypass chamber or stilling well for an agitated tank.

For more information on guided wave level transmitters, contact Swanson Flo by calling 800-288-7926 or by visiting their web site at https://swansonflo.com.

Hazardous Area Classifications in the USA

Hazardous Area Classifications
Understanding Hazardous Area classifications is critical.
An important aspect of safe installation is to determine the hazardous area classification in the area. Checking the area classification is also important for safe electrical wiring. The hazardous area classification should be known by personnel before starting work in an area.

Hazardous areas refer to locations with a possible risk of explosion or fire due to dangerous atmosphere. The hazards can be associated with flammable vapors or gases, ignitable fibers, and combustible dusts.

Different hazardous area classifications exist in the North America and Europe. Generally, the National Electric Code (NEC) classifications govern hazardous areas in the US. While in Europe, hazardous area classification has been specified by the International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC).

CLASS
NATURE OF HAZARDOUS MATERIAL
CLASS I
Hazardous area due the presence of flammable vapors or gases in sufficient quantities to produce ignitable mixtures and cause an explosion.
Examples include natural gas and liquified petroleum.
CLASS II
Hazardous area due the presence of conductive or combustible dusts in sufficient quantities to produce ignitable mixtures and cause an explosion.
Examples include aluminum and magnesium powders.
CLASS III
Hazardous area due the presence of flammable fibers or other flying debris that collect around lighting fixtures, machinery, and other areas in sufficient quantities to produce ignitable mixtures and cause an explosion.
Examples include sawdust and flyings



Division groups hazardous areas based on the chances of an explosion due to the presence of flammable materials in the area.

DIVISION
LIKELIHOOD OF HAZARDOUS MATERIAL
DIVISION 1
Areas where there is a high chance of an explosion due to hazardous material that is present periodically, intermittently, or continuously under normal operation.
DIVISION 2
Areas where there is a low chance of an explosion under normal operation.


Group categorizes areas based on the type of flammable or ignitable materials in the environment. As per NEC guidelines, Groups A to D classify gasses while Groups E to G classify dust and flying debris.
GROUP
TYPE OF HAZARDOUS MATERIAL IN THE AREA
GROUP A
Acetylene.
GROUP B
Area contains flammable gas, liquid, or liquid produced vapor with any of the following characteristics:
  • Minimum Ignition Current (MIC) value equal to or less than 0.40
  • Maximum Experimental Safe Gap (MESG) value equal to or less than 0.45 mm
  • Combustible gas with more than 30 percent volume
Examples include hydrogen, ethylene oxide, acrolein, propylene oxide.

GROUP C
Area contains flammable gas, liquid, or liquid produced vapor with any of the following characteristics:
  • Minimum Ignition Current (MIC) value between 0.40 and 0.80
  • Maximum Experimental Safe Gap (MESG) value greater than 0.75 mm
Examples include carbon monoxide, hydrogen sulphide, ether, cyclopropane, morphline, acetaldehyde, isoprene, and ethylene.

GROUP D
Area contains flammable gas, liquid, or liquid produced vapor with any of the following characteristics:
  • Minimum Ignition Current (MIC) value greater than 0.80
  • Maximum Experimental Safe Gap (MESG) value greater than 0.75 mm
Examples include ammonia, gasoline, butane, benzene, hexane, ethanol, methane, methanol, natural gas, propane, naphtha, and vinyl chloride.

GROUP E
Area contains metal dusts such as magnesium, aluminum, chromium, bronze, titanium, zinc, and other combustible dusts whose abrasiveness, size, and conductivity present a hazard.

GROUP F
Area contains carbonaceous dusts such as charcoal, coal black, carbon black, coke dusts and others that present an explosion hazard.
GROUP G
Area contains combustible dusts not classified in Groups E and F.
Examples include starch, grain, flour, wood, plastic, sugar, and chemicals.


NOTE: This post serves only as a guide to acquaint the reader with hazardous area classifications in the USA. It is imperative to discuss your instrumentation, valve, or process equipment requirement with a qualified applications expert prior to installing any electrical device inside of any hazardous area.

800-288-7926 

Flowserve Valtek Control Valve Packing Adjustments


Flowserve Valtek offers packing in many different types, styles, and materials for a wide range of applications. One thing they all have in common is that they require periodic adjustment to ensure optimal performance. Adjusting packing is a necessary and important valve maintenance practice. Neglecting packing can lead to a leak path formation that may be impossible to repair without packing replacement. Packing leaks should be addressed as soon as possible to ensure safety and optimal reliability. This video demonstrates basic packing adjustments and procedures.

For more information about Flowserve Valtek valves, contact Swanson Flo by calling 800-288-7926 or by visiting https://swansonflo.com.