Simplifying Industrial Controls: The Benefits of Electromechanical Pressure and Temperature Switches

Sometimes in industrial control, a simple contact closure is your best solution.

Process control instrumentation measures, controls, and monitors various chemical, pharmaceutical, and manufacturing processes. The accurate and reliable measurement of pressure and temperature is crucial for maintaining the quality of products and ensuring the safety of workers and equipment. Electromechanical pressure and temperature switches are process control instrumentation's most commonly used sensors. Despite the emergence of new sensor technologies, there will always be a need for electromechanical pressure and temperature switches in process control instrumentation.

Electromechanical pressure and temperature switches have several advantages over other types of sensors. One of the most significant advantages is their simplicity. These switches are relatively simple and have few moving parts, which makes them more reliable and less prone to failure. This simplicity also makes them easy to maintain and repair, saving time and money in the long run.

Another advantage of electromechanical pressure and temperature switches is their durability. These switches withstand harsh environments, such as high temperatures, corrosive chemicals, and high pressure, making them suitable for various industries and applications.

Electromechanical pressure and temperature switches are also cost-effective compared to other types of sensors. They are relatively inexpensive to manufacture and purchase at a lower cost than different types of sensors, making them an ideal choice for industries that require many sensors, such as refineries, paper mills, chemical plants, and water treatment facilities.

While many different types of sensors are available for process control instrumentation, each has advantages and limitations. For example, electronic pressure sensors are highly accurate and provide real-time data. Still, they can be expensive and prone to failure in environments with high electrical noise, shock, vibration, or extreme ambient temperatures.

Electromechanical pressure and temperature switches have several advantages over other sensors, including their simplicity, durability, and cost-effectiveness. While new sensor technologies are emerging, these switches will always be necessary for process control instrumentation. They are reliable, easy to maintain, and suitable for various industries and applications—electromechanical pressure and temperature switches are valuable components in process instrumentation.

Clamp-on Ultrasonic Flow Measurement

Clamp-on ultrasonic flow measurement is a non-invasive technique to measure the flow rate of liquids, gases, and steam in pipes without cutting into the line or interrupting the flow. In this method, ultrasonic transducers clamp onto the outside of the tube, and they emit and receive ultrasonic waves that travel through the pipe wall and into the flowing fluid.

The ultrasonic flow meter works based on the principle of the Doppler effect, which states that the frequency of a wave changes when the source and receiver move relative to each other. The ultrasonic transducers emit high-frequency sound waves that travel through the pipe wall and into the fluid flowing inside the pipe. These waves reflect to the transducers when they encounter particles in the fluid, such as bubbles or solid particles.

When the fluid is moving, the frequency of the sound waves changes slightly due to the Doppler effect. The speed and direction of the fluid flow are determined by measuring the frequency shift of the reflected waves. The ultrasonic flow meter uses this information to calculate the velocity of the fluid and, ultimately, the flow rate.

Clamp-on ultrasonic flow meters are versatile and used in various applications, including liquid flow measurement in water treatment, wastewater treatment, and chemical processing. They also measure gas flow rates in pipelines and are often in the oil and gas industry for custody transfer applications.

One of the benefits of clamp-on ultrasonic flow measurement is that it is non-intrusive and does not require any cutting or drilling into the pipe, making installation more accessible and less disruptive to ongoing operations. Additionally, the lack of moving parts in the flow meter reduces the need for maintenance and calibration.

FLEXIM is a company that specializes in designing and manufacturing a variety of non-intrusive ultrasonic flowmeters for both liquid and gas. They offer different types of flowmeters, including the permanent FLUXUS, which is available in a wide range of models and configurations, such as Mass and Thermal Energy Measurement Systems. Additionally, they have the F601 portable flowmeter and the FLUXUS H20 family of portable flowmeters designed explicitly for municipal applications.

Classic Controls, Inc.

https://classiccontrols.com

+1 863-644-3642

This Monday, January 23, The Trinidad and Tobago Energy Conference

The 2023 Trinidad and Tobago Energy Conference start this Monday, January 23! Classic Controls, Inc. is a valued sponsor for this year's event. As a leading supplier of valves, instruments, and controls for the energy industry, Classic Controls, Inc. brings a wealth of knowledge and expertise to the conference and is excited to share insights with the attendees. This year's conference will feature a variety of panel discussions, keynote speeches, and networking opportunities focused on the latest developments and trends in the energy sector. See you there!

T&T Energy Conference

Navigating a Complex Energy Future

January 23rd - 25th 2023

Hyatt Regency, Port of Spain, Trinidad & Tobago

Classic Controls is a Proud Sponsor of the 2023 T&T Energy Conference

The Trinidad and Tobago Energy Conference is a significant event in the global energy industry. It provides a forum for leaders in the industry to discuss and address important issues related to energy production, distribution, and consumption. The conference brings together experts from a wide range of fields, including government officials, researchers, industry executives, and academics, to share ideas and insights on the latest developments in energy technology and policy. The conference is typically held in Port of Spain, Trinidad and Tobago, and attracts a large number of attendees from around the world. It is an important platform for building relationships, sharing knowledge, and finding solutions to the challenges facing the energy sector.

What:

T&T Energy Conference

Navigating a Complex Energy Future

When:

January 23rd - 25th 2023

Where:

Hyatt Regency, Port of Spain, Trinidad & Tobago

Classic Controls is proud to sponsor such an important educational event that spotlights and charts the course of an industry, and helps companies in the upstream, downstream and energy services sectors navigate a very complex energy future. 

Merry Christmas, Happy Holidays, and Happy New Year from Classic Controls

Industrial Control Valve Primer

There are several industrial control valves, each with unique characteristics and uses. Some common types of control valves include:

Globe valves: Globe valves are typically used for regulating flow in pipelines and are known for their ability to handle high-pressure systems. They consist of a disk that moves up and down to block or allow flow through the valve. Industrial globe valves are mechanical devices that are used to regulate the flow of liquids or gases in a pipe. They consist of a cylindrical body with a disk-shaped element, called the plug or disc, that moves up and down to open and close the valve. The disk is connected to a stem, which is operated by a handwheel, lever or pneumatic or electric actuator. When the stem is turned, it raises or lowers the disk, allowing for the flow of fluid through the valve. Globe valves are typically used in industrial settings, where precise control over the flow of fluids is important. They are known for their durability and reliability and are often used in applications such as steam systems, water treatment plants, and chemical processing facilities.

Butterfly valves: Butterfly valves are used for controlling the flow of fluids in pipelines. They consist of a disk that rotates to block or allow flow through the valve. They are known for their low cost and ease of installation. Butterfly valves are a type of industrial valve that are typically used to regulate the flow of fluids, such as gases, liquids, and slurries, in a pipe. They are called butterfly valves because the mechanism that controls the flow of the fluid is a disc that is mounted on a shaft and rotates like a butterfly's wings.

Some of the key characteristics of industrial butterfly valves include:

• They are relatively compact and lightweight compared to other types of valves, which makes them easy to install and handle.
• They are able to handle a wide range of temperatures and pressures, making them suitable for use in many different industrial applications.
• Butterfly valves are often used in applications where a tight shutoff is required, as they can provide a very tight seal when closed.
• They are typically used in applications where the fluid being controlled is either highly viscous or abrasive, as the design of the valve allows for low-friction operation and reduces the wear on the valve's components.
• Butterfly valves are available in a wide range of sizes and materials, which allows them to be tailored to the specific requirements of a particular application.

Diaphragm valves: Diaphragm valves are used for controlling the flow of fluids in pipelines. They consist of a flexible diaphragm that moves to block or allow flow through the valve. They are often used in applications where the fluid being controlled is corrosive or dirty. Industrial diaphragm valves are valves that use a flexible membrane to control the flow of liquids or gases. The membrane is typically made of rubber or another flexible material and is positioned between the valve body and the valve seat. When the valve is open, the membrane flexes to allow the flow of fluid, and when the valve is closed, the membrane seals against the valve seat to stop the flow. Diaphragm valves are commonly used in industrial piping systems for a variety of applications, such as controlling the flow of chemicals, water, steam, and other liquids and gases. They are often used in situations where the fluid being controlled is corrosive or abrasive, as the flexible membrane helps to prevent damage to the valve body.

Plug valves: Plug valves are used for controlling the flow of fluids in pipelines. They consist of a plug that rotates to block or allow flow through the valve. They are known for their ability to handle high-pressure systems and are often used in applications where the fluid being controlled is viscous. Industrial plug valves are a type of quarter-turn valve that is used in various industrial applications to control the flow of liquids and gases. They are named for the plug-shaped component that is used to open and close the valve. Some of the key characteristics of industrial plug valves include:

• Quarter-turn operation: As mentioned, industrial plug valves are quarter-turn valves, which means they can be opened and closed by rotating the valve handle or stem by 90 degrees. This allows for quick and easy operation of the valve, and is particularly useful in applications where the flow needs to be quickly shut off.
• Plug-shaped component: The core component of an industrial plug valve is the plug, which is a cylindrical piece with a hole through the center. When the plug is rotated to align the hole with the inlet and outlet ports, the valve is open and allows flow. When the plug is rotated so that the hole is perpendicular to the inlet and outlet ports, the valve is closed and blocks flow.
• Various materials and sizes: Industrial plug valves are available in a range of materials, including metal alloys, plastic, and other materials, depending on the specific application and media being controlled. They are also available in a range of sizes to accommodate different flow rates and pressure ratings.
• Multiple sealing options: Industrial plug valves can be equipped with a variety of sealing options, such as soft seats, metal seats, or a combination of both. This allows for better control of the flow and pressure, and can prevent leaks in the system.
• Low-maintenance design: Industrial plug valves are known for their low-maintenance design, which makes them a popular choice for many industrial applications. They have few moving parts and can be easily disassembled and cleaned, reducing downtime and maintenance costs.

Each type of control valve has its own unique advantages and disadvantages, and the best type of valve for a particular application will depend on the specific requirements of the system. Discuss your control valve requirements with professional, skilled application engineers. Classic Controls is available to assist in the application and specification of any valve application for any industrial or commercial process. Call them at 863-644-3642 or visit their website at https://classiccontrols.com.

Happy Thanksgiving from Classic Controls