Processing, Dec 2012

102012 Breakthrough Products Sometimes the problem is putting it back together The weld end ball valves found in many process control applications can be a problem For many years engineering firms have searched for valves with extended pipe ends The issue Rapid heat transfer from the welding process can damage valve seat and seal materials if not properly handled In the past the solution has been to take the valve apart remove the seat and seal materials prior to welding and reassemble the valve after the ends have been welded in line When automated valves are installed the entire valve assembly has to be removed Integrity of the pretested automated package is voided Worse often when reassembled the components dont work properly It costs money to fix the problem which leads to finger pointing gnashing of teeth and a litany of accusations flung amongst the valves users distributor and manufacturer So says Lumberton N C based Flo Tite Valves Controls which further says the weld in place end connections for socket and butt weld 3 piece ball valves it has developed solve this problem ending wasted time and money associated with taking valves and automation components apart to allow welding The valves have extended end caps with heat sink rings with a series of radiator type grooves cast into the outside diameter of the valves The increased surface area allows heat to dissipate during welding protecting the valve seat materials from damage This allows soft seated 3 piece ball valves to be welded into any piping system without disassembly or special welding procedures Super TEK high temperature body seals and Super TEK TFM seats are standard further minimizing any potential damage Weld in Place Ball Valve In short considering the number of ball valves that are welded in place in process control applications in the U S and around the world in any given year and bearing in mind the potential cost savings associated with Flo Tites solution the company has been recognized with a 2012 Breakthrough Products award Flo Tite Valves Controls www flotite com Write In 508 Calibration validation in situ how do you do Of the many positive features of its FT3 meter transmitter Marina Calif based Fox Thermal Instruments says calibration validation is the most groundbreaking The Fox Model FT3 Thermal Mass Flow Meter and Temperature Transmitter improves eficiency and supports compliance with environmental mandates while eliminating the cost and inconvenience of annual factory calibration Validating calibration without removing the meter from the pipe or sending it for re calibration the company says revolutionizes how operators interface with flowmeters Other flowmeter manufacturers ofer calibration validation the company says but their methods often involve extra equipment or gas canisters or removing instrumentation from the pipe Moreover with these other methods no certificate is available to record the test for proof of regulatory compliance as it pertains to calibration Using CAL V and its innovative design approach the test may be performed in the pipe at process conditions with just a push of a button It takes about four minutes If FT3 View software is used a calibration validation certificate can be printed With a pass result annual shipment of the meter to its manufacturer for recalibration is no longer necessary Zero CAL CHECK is a companion test to CAL V calibration validation which tests sensor functionality and its associated signal processing circuitry Zero CAL CHECK does the following Checks for build up on sensor that affects calibration Further validates the zero stability of the meter Checks sensor thermal conductivity heat transfer capability Zero CAL CHECK is done at zero flow to ensure a valid test result A Fox packing gland assembly allows the meters sensor to be isolated from the flow Depending upon the configuration in situ or out of pipe zero flow will either be compared to a customer established field baseline or factory baseline Fox Thermal Instruments www foxthermalinstruments com Write In 509 December 2012 www ProcessingMagazine com One piece thermoplastic molded vessel delivers higher basket flow rate The most advanced of all thermoplastic bag filters for elimination of solids from liquids by allowing the impure liquid to flow through filter media that retain the particles letting only clean product to navigate through has been introduced by Hayward Flow Control the company says Manufactured and assembled in its North Carolina facility Haywards FLV Filter Series features a one piece injection molded Platinum GF PP body to accommodate bag sizes 1 and 2 with Micron ratings from 1 through 800 flow rates up to 150 GPM and includes optional adapter kits for single or multiple filter cartridges Andreas Moser Hayward product manager says the FLV Series has higher available flow rates than other bag filters its design allows for optional in line or loop configurations and multiple end connection options reducing installation time and maintenance cost its hand removable cover with liquid displacement dome prevents splashing and a hinged basket opens to allow easy bag removal Media and vessel design determine filter flow rate particle holding capacity overall cost of operation and initial investment The FLV Series True Union design allows for multiple end connections to be used in sizes from 1 1 4 to 4 The FLV Series is available as Simplex through Quadplex units all feature a pressure rating of 150psi 10 bar for all sizes and a service temperature of up to 240 degrees F 116 C The new one piece thermoplastic molded vessels are designed with a higher basket flow rate over similar competitors products Moser says Quality cognizant customers expect and eficient plant operations dictate removing of solid contaminants from liquid products or processes Filtration of particles too small for the eye to detect is crucial to protect and increase quality Thats why the maker of the FLV Series Bag Filter says it is relevant for the water and wastewater treatment chemical processing metal plating and food and beverage industries Hayward Flow Control www haywardflowcontrol com Write In 510 FT3 Thermal Mass Flow Meter and Temperature Transmitter FLV Series Bag Filter