New One Series Safety Transmitter

WATERTOWN, Mass., Dec. 10, 2013 /PRNewswire/ United Electric Controls has introduced the One Series Safety Transmitter the first SIL 2-certified transmitter designed solely for safety system applications. Unlike costly, overcomplicated process transmitters that must be adapted for safety use, the One Series is engineered to protect, giving safety teams simple setup and fast, safer and affordable performance from the start.

The new One Series Safety Transmitter is available in versions that monitor temperature and pressure. Its features include "an exclusive design that means fewer nuisance trips and greater safety and productivity, an internal high-speed safety relay for the fastest emergency shutdown, greater affordability than adapting a process transmitter for safety applications, and a higher safe failure fraction that simplifies SIL achievement," said Wil Chin, Vice President of Marketing and Business Development, United Electric Controls.

The One Series transmitter provides 4-20 mA NAMUR standard output with exclusive "I Am Working" diagnostics. A unique, high-speed safety relay output is incorporated for local alarm or emergency shutdown. Discrete outputs deliver diagnostics and relay status voting logic input to the safety PLC to determine appropriate action. The transmitter is certified for use in SIL 2 safety instrumented systems, and is capable of SIL 3 per IEC 61508. It has configurable self-diagnostics and achieves a safe failure fraction of 98.5%. Instrument response time is less than 100 milliseconds.

Additional features include:

• A large digital display that provides process variable, status, self-diagnostics and field programming information
• 100% programmable solid-state relay (switch set point & deadband)
• Effectively replaces a gauge, transmitter and a switch to reduce potential leak paths
• Certified for use in SIL 2 plant safety applications with FMEDA report available Worldwide hazardous location approvals for Class I, Divisions 1 & 2 (Zones 0, 1 & 2)

 

One Series Safety Transmitter

Engineered to Protect
The One Series Safety Transmitter gives plant safety teams simple setup and faster, safer performance, right from the start - all at a more affordable price. Don't use a costly, over complicated process transmitter that must be adapted for safety use. The One Series Safety Transmitter is the first SIL 2-certified transmitter designed solely for safety system applications. It's the only One that comes with an internal high-speed safety relay for the fastest emergency shutdown. And that simple design means fewer nuisance trips - for greater safety, productivity, and throughput.


One and You're Done
The One Series Safety Transmitter is available in versions that monitor temperature and pressure. They provide a 4-20 mA NAMUR standard output with exclusive "I Am Working™" diagnostics. A unique, high-speed safety relay output is provided for local alarm or emergency shutdown. Discrete outputs deliver voting logic input to the safety PLC to determine appropriate action. The One Series Transmitter is certified for use in SIL 2 safety instrumented systems, and is capable of SIL 3 per IEC 61508. It has configurable self-diagnostics and achieves a safe failure fraction of 98.5%. Instrument response time is less than 100 milliseconds.

DOWNLOAD BROCHURE

It's the one:

• Fewer nuisance trips for greater productivity
• More affordable than adapting a process transmitter
• Internal safety relay for faster emergency shutdowns
• Higher safe failure fraction simplifies SIL achievement

If you would like more information, pricing and availability on the UE One Series Safety Transmitter or other United Electric Controls products please contact Forberg Scientific Customer Service.
Toll Free: 855-288-5330
Email: mechanicalsales@forberg.com
Forberg Website: www.forberg.com
UE Website: www.ueonline.com
 

How do pressure gauges fit into my reliability initiatives?

Author: Instrument Guru
Published: WIKA Blog Knowledge

In my interactions with safety and compliance officers from large petroleum companies, these themes always seem to be a part of the conversation: I need to increase reliability…and by the way, I also want to lower costs—all without putting safety at risk.

From there, they jump to the next logical question for an Instrument Engineer: “How do pressure gauges fit into these needs?”

With so much automation and electronic measurement in plants, it’s easy to see how mechanical instruments have been marginalized.  This also explains why we’re finding that 25% of gauges in a typical plant aren’t working—and up to 60% or more are in danger of failing because the instruments no longer match the applications or processes.

Let’s start with how pressure gauges fit into reliability, safety and lowering costs. Pressure gauges are important to every day operations because they work like alarms. They help identify process issues before they lead to costly situations such as critical equipment failure or loss of containment. If they aren’t working properly, you won’t have a complete picture of what is going on in the pipes, pumps and other equipment in the plant.

• Local readings – Workers in the plant rely on gauges to let them know that the systems surrounding them are functioning properly and safely.
• Dual readings – Comparing pressure readings helps evaluate the efficiency and safety of operations. If you need to confirm what is going on in your process, you don’t want failed gauges.
• Back-up readings – If the power goes out, pressure gauges supply the readings you need to continue monitoring your process.

If you would like to learn more about WIKA's FAST Full Audit Service Team please click the below links

 

 

To receive pricing and availability on WIKA pressure gauges, WIKA thermometers and WIKA pressure transmitters please contact Forberg Scientific, Inc. customer service.

 

Email: mechanicalsales@forberg.com

Toll Free: 1-855-288-5330

Website: www.forberg.com & www.autoctrls.com

NK Technologies Current Sensing Theory

From: NK Technologies
Published: Current Sensing
 
For a given current flow, a proportional magnetic field is produced around the current carrying conductor. NK Technologies current sensors measure this field using one of two technologies. For DC currents, we use "Hall Effect" while for AC currents, we use "Inductive" technology.

The Hall Effect sensor has a core, Hall Effect device and signal conditioning circuitry. The current conductor passes through a magnetically permeable core that concentrates the conductor's magnetic field. The Hall Effect device is mounted in the core at a right angle to the concentrated magnetic field. A constant current in one plane excites the Hall device. When the energized Hall device is exposed to a magnetic field from the core, it produces a potential difference (voltage) that can be measured and amplified into process level signals such as 4-20mA or a contact closure.
 
The Inductive sensor has a wire-wound core and a signal conditioner. The current conductor passes through the core that magnifies the conductor's magnetic field. AC current constantly changes potential from positive to negative and back again, generally at the rate of 50 or 60 Hz. The expanding and collapsing magnetic field induces current in the windings. This secondary current is converted to a voltage and conditioned to output process-level signals such as 4-20mA or contact closures.
 

Know Your Power

The current sensor is an economical and reliable tool that is indispensable for monitoring equipment status, detecting process variations, and ensuring personnel safety.
 
Controlling pumps, compressors, heaters, conveyors, and other electrically powered loads requires accurate, real-time status feedback. The conventional approach to this monitoring problem has been to use pressure switches, optical sensors, and zero-speed switches. Within the past 10 years, however, a growing number of design and process engineers have found current sensing to be a more reliable and economical way to monitor and control electrically powered loads. Solid-state current sensors are easier to install and more reliable than electromechanical devices--and they deliver more information.
 
Simply stated, measuring the current input to equipment gives you more knowledge about actual equipment performance. Seeing load changes instantly can help you improve throughput, reduce waste, and prevent catastrophic equipment failure. Continuous real-time monitoring of current draw can also be used for trend analysis or status alarming.
 


Current sensors facilitate the automation of

industrial pumping stations by allowing real-

time monitoring of pumps, compressors,

heaters, fans, and other powered equipment.

Measuring power input can help improve

efficiency, safeguard personnel, and reduce

motor maintenance cost in wide range of factory

applications. This photo was shot from an

overhead crane at National Fuel Gas's natural

gas compressor station in Ellisburg, PA. The

five integral engine/compressors (large-bore,

slow-speed. ~200 rpm, ~2200hp) made by

Dresser-Rand, are running in parallel. Each

panel on the left controls and monitors an

engine/compressor unit. (courtesy of Basic

Systems, Inc.)

 



Methods of Current Sensing

 
The most common ways to sense current are resistive shunt, Hall effect, and induction.
 

Resistive Shunt

 
The resistive shunt is a calibrated resistor placed in a current path that produces a voltage drop proportional to the current flow according to:
  V = IR
where:
  V = voltage drop
  I = current flow
  R = shunt resistance
 
The voltage drop measurement is typically in the millivolt AC range. This output must be conditioned by a separate transducer into a process signal such as 4–20 mA or a contact closure.
 
Unfortunately, the shunt presents serious operational problems and potential safety hazards. Both sides of the shunt resistor are at line voltage, which in practice means bringing 480 VAC into an otherwise low-voltage control panel. This lack of isolation can cause serious injury to unsuspecting service personnel.
 
Since it is essentially a resistor, the shunt is often perceived as the least expensive solution. Although it is in fact a low-cost device, the signal conditioner must be built to withstand 480 VAC and is very expensive. Installation and operating costs of the resistive shunt further restrict its use. Installing this device requires cutting and re-terminating the current carrying conductor--an expensive and time-consuming proposition. Furthermore, because the shunt is a fixed voltage drop (insertion impedance) in the monitored circuit, it generates heat and wastes energy. The shunt is suitable only for DC current measurement and low-frequency AC measurement (<100 font="" hz="">
 

Hall Effect Sensor



Figure 1. Hall Effect & Induction use

different techniques to measure the

magnetic field around a current-carrying

conductor. The Hall effect sensor is best

suited to DC current, and the inductive

sensor to AC current.

Hall effect and induction are noncontact technologies based on the principle that for a given current flow, a proportional magnetic field is produced around the current-carrying conductor. Both technologies measure this magnetic field, but with different sensing methods (see Figure 1).

The Hall effect sensor consists of three basic components: the core, the Hall effect device, and signal conditioning circuitry. The current conductor passes through a magnetically permeable core that concentrates the conductor's magnetic field. The Hall effect device is carefully mounted in a small slit in the core, at a right angle to the concentrated magnetic field. A constant current in one plane excites it. When the energized Hall device is exposed to a magnetic field from the core, it produces a potential difference (voltage) that can be measured and amplified into process level signals such as 4–20 mA or a contact closure.
 
Because the Hall sensor is totally isolated from the monitored voltage, it is not a safety hazard and has almost no insertion impedance. It also provides accurate and repeatable measurement on both AC and DC power. Hall effect transducers require more energy than conventional loop-powered, two-wire systems. Subsequently, most Hall sensors are three-wire or four-wire devices.
Depending on the design, Hall effect transducers can measure frequencies from DC to several kilohertz. Because they tend to be more expensive than shunts or inductive transducers, their use is generally limited to measuring DC power. Compared to the inductive transducer, their major disadvantage is limited range ability.
 

Inductive Sensors

 
The inductive sensor consists of a wire-wound core and a signal conditioner. The current conductor passes through a magnetically permeable core that magnifies the conductor's magnetic field. AC current constantly changes potential from positive to negative and back again, generally at the rate of 50 Hz or 60 Hz. The expanding and collapsing magnetic field induces current in the windings. This is the principle that governs all transformers.
 
The current-carrying conductor is generally referred to as the primary and the core winding is called the secondary. The secondary current is converted to a voltage and conditioned to output process-level signals such as 4–20 mA or contact closures. Inductive sensing provides both high accuracy and wide turndown, and the output signal is inherently isolated from the monitored voltage. This isolation ensures personnel safety and creates an almost imperceptible insertion loss (voltage drop) on the monitored circuit.


Photo 1. Inductive current switches are

available in both solid-core and split-core

configurations. These compact, self-powered

devices provide field-adjustable set points

and built-in mounting brackets to simplify

installation.

 

Applying Noncontact Current Sensors

 
Current sensors are frequently used to provide essential information to automated control systems, and as primary controllers in relay logic schemes. The two most common types are current transducers and current switches.
 
Current Transducers. Current transducers convert monitored current to a proportional AC or DC voltage or milliamp signal. These small devices have extremely low insertion impedance. Inductive transducers are easier to install because they are two-wire, self-powered (0–5 VDC or 0–10 VDC outputs), or loop-powered (4–20 mA output) instruments. Hall effect transducers are generally four-wire devices and require a separate power supply. Because both types can be connected directly to data systems and display devices, they are ideal for monitoring motors, pumps, conveyors, machine tools, and any electrical load that requires an analog representation over a wide range of currents.
 
Variable frequency drives (VFDs) conserve energy and improve motion control through improved motor speed regulation. Silicon controlled rectifiers (SCRs) improve heater life by minimizing thermal cycling. And switching power supplies are small, efficient, and compact devices that are easily integrated with a wide variety of electrically powered equipment. All three technologies are based on high-speed switching, which distorts the AC sine wave. Understanding the two principal methods of amp measurement can help you specify the right device for these demanding applications.


Figure 2. Average responding transducers are adequate for the

measurement of pure sine waves.

 
Most current transducers are of the average responding type, rectifying and filtering the sine wave to obtain the average peak amperage. To calculate the RMS current of a pure sine wave, the transducers simply divide the peak current by the square root of 2 (1.1414). This method provides fast response (100·200 ms) at a moderate cost, but it works only on pure sine waves (see Figure 2).
 
The output waveform of a typical VFD or SCR is not a pure sine wave. The simulated wave can exhibit peaks several times greater than the average current, and their relative sizes change with the carrier and output frequency. In these applications an average responding transducer can be accurate at 20 Hz, but 10% high at 30 Hz, and 10% low at 40 Hz. Average responding transducers simply cannot provide an accurate measure of these distorted waveforms.
 
Only true RMS measurement is capable of accurate measurement of non sinusoidal waveforms found on VFDs, SCRs, electronic ballasts, switching power supply inputs, and other nonlinear loads. True RMS instruments measure the power or heating value of any current or voltage waveform. This allows very different waveforms to be compared to one another and to the equivalent DC (heating) value.
 

Figure 3. The accurate measurement of distorted waveforms

from VFDs requires a true RMS transducer.

True RMS measurement begins by squaring the input waveform to mathematically rectify the signal. The next step is to average the wave over a period of time and calculate the square root. The output is the true power (heating value) of the wave (see Figure 3).
 
How can you tell if you have a true RMS transducer? If the product specification or data sheet describes the output as "true RMS on sinusoidal waveforms," you have an average responding transducer and a clever spec writer. A true RMS transducer specification will be described in the datasheet as "true RMS on all waveforms" and "accurately measures VFDs or SCRs." True RMS transducers typically provide a slower response than that of average responding transducers (400·800 ms) and may cost 30%·50% more than the average responding transducer.

Most current transducers are available in solid or split-core configurations to facilitate installation. The typical transducer uses field-adjustable span pots. More advanced devices feature jumper-selectable ranges to eliminate calibration labor. Typical transducer ranges are 0–2 A up to 0–2000 A, with apertures of 0.5 in. to >3 in. (12–76 mm).
 
Current Switches. Designed for monitoring and switching AC and DC circuits, current-operated switches integrate current sensing and signal conditioning with a limit alarm. The switch output is activated when the current level sensed by the limit alarm exceeds a user-selectable threshold. Inductive current switches generally feature solid-state output switches. They are self-powered and consequently are a good choice for retrofits, renovations, and temporary monitoring (see Photo 1). Hall effect current switches have either a solid-state or relay output. Their high power requirements preclude a self-powered design, and a separate power source requirement increases their installation cost.
 
Some current switches are shipped with a fixed set point. Newer designs provide field-adjustable set points with a potentiometer and LED or LCD feedback. Their set point ranges span from 0–5 A up to 0–2000 A. For relay logic systems, switches should be equipped with integral time delays to allow for start-up surge and momentary sags or swells.
 

Motor Monitoring and Control

 
One of the most common applications for induction current sensing is motor monitoring. Because current draw is such an excellent indicator of motor condition, the current sensor can be used to solve a wide range of process control, safety, and maintenance problems.
 
Automating the feed mechanism to crushers and grinders is often accomplished by installing a current transducer on the motor lead. The output signal is used for closed-loop control between the crusher and the feed mechanism. A drop in load signals the conveyor or loader to increase the feed rate, and a rise in load initiates a decrease in the feed rate. In this operation, controlling the feed rate helps prevent jamming, improves the uniformity or structure of the ground product, and enhances the efficiency of subsequent processing operations (see Figure 4, page 56).
 
The same control logic can be used to interlock two or more motors to ensure personnel safety. Here the objective is to start a second motor only after the first motor is running and driving its load. This type of safety interlock is used in a variety of commercial and industrial facilities.
 
Automatic load switching and status alarming are also typical applications for current switches. Often they are used to replace auxiliary contacts, which signal only the contactor position. Most motors are equipped with local disconnect switches at the actual load to facilitate maintenance. If equipment is taken out of service at the disconnect, the contactor's auxiliary contact will give a false on indication that can have serious safety or operational consequences.
 
Smart self-calibrating current switches can be programmed to alarm overload and under load conditions or to start up standby equipment. These microprocessor-based devices feature built-in programmable timers that compensate for short-duration abnormalities and motor in-rush during startup. In these operations, the current switch is more reliable because it is not subject to contact corrosion or set point drift, and does not require periodic maintenance or calibration.
 
Current transducers and switches are also used to ensure motor protection and facilitate equipment maintenance procedures. Large electric motors need to be overhauled or rebuilt periodically. A predictive maintenance schedule, based on the actual number of motor starts, ensures proper operation and reduces the risk of motor failure. Installing a current switch on the motor lead, and using the signal to run a counter or feed into an automated system, provides an accurate count of motor starts. This information can be used to schedule preventive maintenance and reduce costly emergency repairs.
 
Current transducers are also installed on cutting tools to diagnose the tool's effectiveness. If the tool is drawing too much current, its cutting edge is probably dull. Signaling the operator that maintenance procedures are required reduces the production of rejected material and prevents process interruption.
 

Pumps, Heaters, and Other Monitoring Applications

 
Current sensors are frequently used for protection against pump jams and suction loss. In wastewater applications, organic matter can jam pumps and cause damage to both the motor and the pump before thermal overloads are tripped. Alternatively, a blockage in the pump suction line can cause the pump to run dry, overheat, and damage seals. Installing a current transducer on one leg of the motor leads allows the operator to monitor both overload and under load conditions and take corrective action before the equipment is compromised.
 
The same technique is used to monitor equipment that supplies heat to manufactured products, storage systems, or recirculating material. If a heater fails, the batch or process may have to be scrapped. Integrating the current switch signal with the automation system allows the operator to monitor on/off status, alarm a failure, or automatically switch on a backup heater.
 

New Trends in Current Switch/Relay Technology

 
Two new trends are emerging in the current switch/relay market. Today's smaller control panels and crowded switchgear are driving the demand for more compact units with higher ratings and more versatile mounting options.
 
Relays are typically used to start loads, and pressure switches or zero-speed switches are used to monitor them. This approach requires two installations and multiple conduit runs that increase the complexity of the system. Today, modular relays can quick-connect to a wide range of current sensors from adjustable set point current switches to single-piece transducers. This modular approach lets the operator switch on a motor, alarm the on/off status, and monitor the motor's load condition with a single installed device.
 
The second trend is toward smarter relays. New microprocessor-based current sensors automatically self-calibrate on initial start-up. Other smart devices feature user-programmable timers that compensate for short-duration abnormalities and motor start-up in-rush. These enhanced control capabilities, higher ratings, and solid-state reliability have led to wider acceptance of current sensing technology as a replacement for conventional instrumentation.
 

Summary

 
Current sensors
offer the design engineer and the process engineer a rich source of equipment "knowledge." They are economical and reliable tools for monitoring equipment status, detecting process variations, and ensuring personnel safety.

If you would like to receive pricing and availability on NK Technologies products or any of the other products we carry please contact Forberg Scientific, Inc. Customer Service.
Email: mechanicalsales@forberg.com
Toll Free: 1-855-288-5330
Websites: www.forberg.com & www.autoctrls.com

Aitek Display Offline Resolution for Tachtrol 30 Tachtrol 10 & Tachtrol Plus

“Display Is Offline” may be displayed on the front panel of a TACHTROL tachometer or remote display. In most cases this is a simple fix. Displays communicate to the tachometer through a local network, created by the tachometer, regardless of if they are part of the instrument (TACHTROL 10 & TACHTROL 30) or as a remote display (TACHTROL plus). Each display must have a distinct address to be properly orchestrated on the network and there can be up to 8, including the TACHTROL instrument display, on any local tachometer network.

1.  From the front panel press F2 > Security
2. On the drop down menu verify Display Address is not “0”.  It can be any number between 1 & 8.  If there will be multiple remote displays connected it is best to use 1 for the tachometer.
3. If the display address = 0 it must be changed.
4. Use the down arrow (4) to navigate to Display Address.
5. Press Enter to toggle the address number. Set to the desired number. If there are additional     TACHTOL plus units connected, each display must be a different number.
6. Press F1 to return to the main screen

If you would like more information about the Aitek Tachometers or other Aitek Products please contact Forberg Scientific, Inc.
Toll Free: 855-288-5330Email: processsales@forberg.com
websites: www.forberg.com & www.autoctrls.com

Stationary Gas Warning System Draeger VarioGard 3x00 Transmitter

Draeger VarioGard 3x00 Transmitter with integrated sensor for gas detection in ambient air. Inexpensive system component
for building a simple digital gas warning system.

DIGITAL FUNCTIONAL SAFETY

The Draeger VarioGard 3x00 Transmitter is a component of the VarioGard gas warning system. A VarioGard system is comprised of a central unit and various components connected to and supplied by a digital VarioGard bus.
 

HIGH RELIABILITY

Draeger Variogard 3x00 AL

Sturdy metal case Transmitter

for selected gases

Field-proven Draeger Sensors in the Dräger VarioGard 3x00 Transmitter measure the concentration of noxious gases in the ambient air. The measured values are digitally transmitted to the central unit for visualisation. If the value exceeds predefined limits an alarm will be triggered.



SIMPLE HANDLING



Draeger VarioGard 3x00 PL

Economical Transmitter in plastic

housing for selected gases


Operation is extremely simple. All necessary settings are performed via VarioGard software from the central unit. Four actual limits and four time averaged values may be set and adjusted for every Transmitter. Alarms are visually and acoustically indicated by the Transmitter and transmitted to the central unit. The three-color LED indicates the operating status of the Transmitter. The calibration procedure is performed via a magnetic wand and contact pads.

FLEXIBLE HOUSING

Two housing version are available. An inexpensive plastic and a extremely sturdy metal housing. Cable inlets may be attached on all transmitter sides. The transmitter may be mounted both horizontally and vertically. 


If you would like more information about the Draeger VarioGard Transmitters or other Draeger products please contact Forberg Scientific, Inc.
Toll Free: 855-288-5330
Email: processsales@forberg.com
websites: www.forberg.com & www.autoctrls.com

TopWorx GO Switch Process Solution Options

Topworx is excited to announce the newest additions to the GO Switch product line. Offering the best products for proximity switch and limit switch functionality:

All TopWorx GO Switch Models offer

higher reliability with increased safety

and lower installation costs.

• GO Switch Models 12 & 22 with ATEX/IECEx Zone 1 Ex 'de' Approvals
• GO Switch Model 73, 75, 77, 7G and 7I GO Switchers with an ATEX/IECEx Ex 'de' approved junction head.
• GO Switch Models 7CX & 7DX Hazardous Area Approved Hydraulic/Pneumatic End-of-Stroke Position Sensors

All GO Switch models are engineered to meet tough applications while offering high reliability and installation flexibility. These rugged, dependable, and affordable models are designed to operate in the following process industries with increased safety and lower installation cost:

• Chemical and Petrochemical
• Power
• Food and Beverage
• Municipal and Waster Water
• Off-Shore Applications 

The new GO Switch product brochures are available in the

Visit us on-line at www.forberg.com or www.autoctrls.com .

If you have any questions or require additional information, please contact Forberg Scientific customer service.
Toll Free: 855-288-5330
Fax: 248-288-4204Email: mechanicalsales@forberg.com

Burkert Solenoid Valves Tried and Tested for 50years Reliable

Burkert Solenoid Valves Tried and tested valve design nears 50 years of reliable service 

As a design concept, the pivoted armature solenoid valve has certainly withstood the test of time. Originally designed by Christian Bürkert nearly 50 years ago, this extremely reliable and versatile valve design continues to be a best seller for Bürkert Fluid Control Systems.

Available with a wide range of options to suit an array of applications, the pivoted armature solenoid valve provides a cost effective, reliable process control solution.

Compared to the plunger-type versions, pivoted armature valves from Bürkert have all three port connections integrated in the body of the solenoid valve, which places them all in the same plane, making connection design easier. The solenoid valves are equipped with a lockable manual override as standard and have the option of a visual position indicator or an electrical feedback.

Available in 2/2 or 3/2 way configuration, the design uses an isolating diaphragm, which ensures that no fluid is allowed to enter the armature chamber. This innovative solution makes the pivoted armature valve more resistant to contamination than the plunger-type valve as well as offering a higher resistance against aggressive fluids and providing a longer service life, even in non-lube conditions.

All of the materials used in the construction of Bürkert valves are carefully selected to suit a variety of applications. Body and seal materials are chosen to optimize functional reliability, fluid compatibility, service life and cost. Additional options are available with regard to material specification depending of the application and can be discussed with the engineers at Bürkert.

The solenoid valve can also be customized to suit a wide variety of specialist applications, such as the Analysis version, which is particularly suitable for switching extremely pure gaseous and liquid media. All contaminated parts are subjected to additional purification processes, so that the media is not contaminated under any circumstances. The assembly of this solenoid valve takes place under cleanroom conditions to ensure the design is not compromised.

Further versions are available with specifications such as the vacuum version, ATEX and non-standard supply voltages, all of which can be configured with different seal materials, and arranged in a multitude of circuit functions.
 
If you would like to receive more information about Burkert Valves or other Burkert Products please contact Forberg Scientific customer service.
Toll Free: 855-288-5330
Email: mechanicalsales@forberg.com

Parker Balston New Compressed Air Testing Device

New Compressed Air Testing Device Allows Users to Test for the Presence of Microbial Contamination in Compressed Air Systems

HAVERHILL, Mass. — The Filtration and Separation Division of Parker Hannifin Corporation, the global leader in motion and control technologies, has introduced an innovative compressed air microbial detection device which allows users to quickly test for microbial contamination in compressed air that comes into contact with food and food contact surfaces.

The warm, dark, moist environment inside a compressed air system provides the perfect conditions for microbes to flourish and grow. These bacteria flow along with the air stream and begin their journey through the compressed air system. Introducing this type of microbial contamination to food products is very risky and would be considered a lack of control by the facility. It is not always apparent where the compressed air is contacting the food. Working surfaces such as counters and conveyors are obvious and manageable contact points. However, air is invisible, and leaves no visible trace where it contacts the food, food contact surfaces, or the packaging.

Currently, the only devices capable of sampling compressed air systems for microbes are expensive, cumbersome, require lengthy sample times and extensive training.

The Parker Balston CAMTU detection device allows food safety personnel to quickly and easily test for contamination present in compressed air supplies that come in direct contact with food product or food packaging/processing equipment. The CAMTU is portable, weighing less than one pound, and is supplied with connection tubing, shut off valve, pressure regulator, and metering orifice.

To obtain a sample, simply plug the CAMTU into the compressed air system, expose the petri dish for 20 seconds and then incubate the dish for 24 - 48 hours.

Testing is critical for understanding how to properly treat the compressed air. The CAMTU will assist with identifying Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Point (HACCP) risks. Without adequate treatment in place, an increased risk of food product contamination exists.

For additional information about Parker Balston products, please contact Forberg Scientific Customer Service.
Toll Free: 855-288-5330
Email: mechanicalsales@forberg.com
www.forberg.com

Don't Neglect Pressure Gauges

Inadequate attention can make plants vulnerable to mishaps

From: WIKA Jason Deane

The simple pressure gauge is an often-overlooked defense mechanism for preventing accidents. However, in auditing more than 250 plants, WIKA Instrument discovered that up to 25% of all pressure gauges were broken, damaged or misapplied — this represents an average of eight deficient gauges located within 20 feet of each employee.

A failed gauge compromises a plant's ability to detect a problem before a safety incident occurs. Malfunctioning gauges also can lead to media leaks, fugitive emissions and a fire or explosion, taking a toll on safety and reliability.

Even minor accidents can cause employee injury and lead to downtime. Any accident or leakage also puts staff sent to fix the problem into harm's way, which, of course, can lead to further employee injury and lost hours.

Many causes contribute to this dangerous situation with gauges. Fortunately, they can be prevented.

CAUSES OF GAUGE FAILURE

Through its evaluation of more than 150,000 gauge installations, WIKA has identified eight common causes of failure. So, let's look at each, along with the solution.

1. Vibration. Many pieces of equipment vibrate. However, excessive vibration can lead to gauge failure and may indicate a problem with a component. Solution: install a gauge that will resist vibration better — i.e., a liquid-filled or direct-drive gauge with only a single moving part.

2. Pulsation. A rapidly cycling medium within a pressure system can make a gauge pointer move erratically and eventually can lead to breakdown of internal parts. Solution: install a restrictor and liquid-filled case to dampen pulses on a standard gauge or replace with a direct-drive gauge that lacks gears and linkages.

3. Temperature. Extreme temperatures cause sweating and loosening in metal joints and eventually can cause them to crack. Solution: install a gauge with a fully welded diaphragm seal and consider adding an on-board cooling element to combat the highest temperatures.

4. Overpressure and pressure spikes. Frequent pegging against the stop pin can bend the gauge pointer and compromise the integrity of the Bourdon tube or sensing element and, ultimately, lead to rupture. Solution: install an overpressure protector to inhibit readings that exceed gauge capacity.

5. Corrosion. The highly corrosive media often found in process plants can damage the sensing material in gauges. Solution: install a diaphragm seal that's constructed from material that will withstand the corrosive.

6. Clogging. A medium that contains suspended particles or is viscous or can crystallize can clog the pressure system and make gauge readings unreliable. Solution: install a diaphragm seal with a clog-preventing barrier.

7. Steam. Some media produce steam or other vapors that can damage the internal parts of gauges. Solution: install either a mini-siphon with an internal chamber to reduce surges or a full siphon, making sure to include a coil for horizontal applications and a pigtail for vertical ones.

8. Mishandling and abuse. Even properly installed gauges will start to malfunction if mistreated over time. Solution: conduct regular safety and maintenance training for all employees who come into contact with or proximity to gauges.

Unfortunately, many plant personnel aren't properly equipped or experienced enough to recognize and address all these problems. That, however, doesn't reduce the importance of doing so.

TACKLING THE PROBLEMS

When beginning to address instrument shortcomings, keep in mind that studies show that fewer than 0.25% of piping components account for greater than 80% of controllable fugitive emissions. Installing gauges with welded diaphragm seals on these components creates a dual containment device, which is required by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. This means plants can correct a major source of violations and fines by addressing a very small percentage of connection points. For many facilities, this is an excellent place to start to get meaningful results quickly.

Another fairly straightforward step that's simple to implement but can yield powerful results is standardization of gauges. This reduces the number of replacement parts that must be kept in inventory — and confusion by technicians. In other words, when replacing an old or faulty gauge, employees more likely will select the correct gauge rather than resorting to like and kind replacement. This also helps ensure the storeroom maintains proper inventory, helping cut costs.

Plants that don't have the resources to identify and correct faulty and misapplied pressure measurement instruments can get outside help, such as from WIKA's FAST Team. Any audit team should:

• Visually evaluate the plant's gauge population and look for issues that need to be addressed.
• Diagnose gauges that pose threats and uncover the causes.
• Formulate a strategic plan to address all the discovered issues.
• Audit the storeroom and streamline inventory, reducing redundant part numbers and guesswork.
• Provide dependable processes to prevent misapplying instruments in the future, and coordinate employee-training programs.

Given the complexity of managing the operations of a process plant, it's easy to understand how smaller components such as mechanical pressure instruments can be overlooked. However, using gauges as early warning devices can improve uptime, safety and profits. Money spent on the humble gauge very well could be the best investment a processing plant can make.

If you would like more information, pricing and availability on WIKA Pressure Gauges or other WIKA Instrument products please contact Forberg Scientific Customer Service.
Tool Free: 855-288-5330Email: mechanicalsales@forberg.com