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 coal-fired power generation and combined-cycle power generation industry now demands much more of its control and instrumentation suppliers. Common areas for use are fuel systems, fermenters, gas storage, water treatment, boiler feed water, boiler drum, steam line, cooling water system, generator, condenser, gas cleaning system, flue gas desulfurization, residuals storage and stack.
The document below provides a visual guide of common applications and the instrumentation products that have proven track records in those applications.
The video below highlights several Swanson Flo automated Valtek control valves. Included in these systems are Valtek ShearStream segmented ball valves, Valtek Valdisk BX butterfly valves, Logix positioners, Valtek VR piston actuators, and StoneL Axiom valve monitors.
Swanson Flo is a premier valve and valve automation supplier located in Plymouth, MN with warehouse and fabrication facilities in Addison, IL, Indianapolis, IN and Menomonee Falls, WI.
Visit Swanson Flo at http://www.swansonflo.com or call 800-288-7926 with any valve automation project.
42 inch electrically (Limitorque) actuated butterfly valve.
Swanson Flo, an industrial valve and control company headquartered in Plymouth, Minnesota is also one of North America's leading valve automation specialists.
From simple, small pneumatic or electrically actuated valves, to very large, critical-control valve systems, Swanson Flo delivers tested,
certified, and reliable product to customers located in the Upper Mid-West. Swanson Flo designs, engineers, and assembles actuated valve assemblies for the best fit,
highest performance, and optimal application life. Their engineers and technicians combine
decades of experience and knowledge. Coupled with a broad variety of carefully selected, readily
available components, Swanson Flo customers are provided the best
quality and best value possible.
Building upon 50+ years of industry and applications experience, Swanson Flo boasts the largest, most comprehensive automation facility in the mid-west, with capabilities for electric, pneumatic and electro-hydraulic actuation. A team of experienced design engineers and fabrication technicians construct automated valve systems from virtually any valve, actuator, monitor or positioner technology.
For more information, visit http://www.swansonflo.com or call 800-288-7926.
Swanson Flo specialize in valves, automation and instrumentation. Swanson Flo Performance sets the standard for process control optimization and training that maximizes plant uptime, safety and operating efficiency.
The video below demonstrates the operation a small (Worcester) motor operated ball valve (MOV). Also known as an “electric actuator”, motor operators come in a wide variety of sizes and styles. Some electric actuators are intended for quarter-turn valves (such as ball and butterfly valves), while others are designed to operate linear valves (such as gate and globe valves).
The MOV / electric actuator consists of an electric motor with the gearbox assembly which rotates the shaft of the valve. Most MOVs operate at 120, 240 or 480 volt, single or three phase. Basic features include adjustable limit switches to limit valve travel and to notify valve status, directional settings, analog inputs to allow for precise control, analog outputs to provide a feedback signal and digital communications. MOV enclosures can be either NEMA 4, NEMA 4X and NEMA 7 and are available in a wide range of torque outputs to match the valve it is operating.
Control valves are an integral part of many process control loops. Understanding their basic operation is important for any process control professional. The following video demonstrates the reassembly of the Flowserve Valtek Mark One control valve and introduces the viewer to a control valve's main components.
There are a variety of styles of control valves. A globe control valve is a specific type of valve used for regulating flow in a pipe. The design includes a movable plug, connected to a stem, which can be moved linearly to close or open the valve. Globe control valves are referred to as “linear” valves because of this movement to open and close is directed by a piston type, linear movement actuator. Generally, globe control valves provide better overall flow control than quarter-turn valves due to the design of their flow path.
For more information, a Valtek Mark One specification sheet is also included with this post.
Swanson Flo has facilities and teams of skilled experts who are uniquely equipped to rapidly combine resources and skills for the maximum benefit of their customers. As the company continues to grow, their investment in new technologies, equipment, facilities, and solutions demonstrate their commitment to build solid client
partnerships.
The video below provides a virtual tour of our new Addison, Illinois warehouse, instrument calibration lab, and valve automation center.
