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
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
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
