Articles

There is plenty of discussion in the industry regarding the pros and cons surrounding programmable logic controllers (PLCs) vs. programmable automation controllers (PACs) vs. PC-based controllers.

In the semiconductor industry, keeping equipment in top shape is a chief priority. To ensure that every batch of wafers coming out of the process meets the meticulous industry standards for quality, every component in the process must be regularly maintained.

The certification exists for a reason — to ensure that the control panels being built meet the very highest safety standards available.

A little knowledge goes a long way — knowing and understanding the advantages and limits of encoders and limit switches can ensure the best possible motion system design.

Selecting a regulator is not a simple process. There are many application-specific elements to consider and critical ramifications associated with each decision.

Rainwater can collect oils, contaminants, and chemicals as it touches the ground. Fortunately, technology exists to treat the initial rainwater, and it has been utilized in certain parts of the country for some time. However, as more people become aware of this functionality, its applications are gaining popularity all across the country.

The key to making the proper decisions on condition monitoring is to understand what kind of information is required, how often that information is needed and what kind of budget is in play.

Taking a systematic approach to specifying a tank heater can help ensure the equipment specified delivers the heating performance desired. Factors to consider include the amount of energy needed, heat loss, direct or indirect heating, materials of construction, and controls.

The concepts of “preventive maintenance” and “condition monitoring” are not always characterized in a way that is entirely accurate. They sometimes seem to be treated as a “one-size-fits-all” service that many operators believe they need. However, these concepts can mean very different things depending on the application.

Understanding the environment the conveyor is earmarked for is the most critical piece of the puzzle. Oversights on this part of the specification process can cause delays and corrections that lead to significant costs that could otherwise be avoided.

Selecting a conveyor for an automation project is certainly not a “one-size-fits-all” scenario. Automation applications are incredibly diverse, and the options and features available on conveyors reflect that.

Industrial process plants are complex facilities with thousands of components that play a role in the operation of the plant. Not all these components hold the same consequences if they are improperly selected or if they fail to perform their designed function.

Recently an article was published that presented an easily constructed Excel sheet that estimates hydrodynamic noise in control valves1. A number of people have asked me if there is something similar for aerodynamic noise. 

Investing in oil reclamation technology can help reduce the costs associated with oil usage. Learn more in the article below.

There are many types of options to sift through, and keying in on the ones that benefit your process the most will guide you to the most appropriate controller.

A veteran of valve sizing with more than 40 years of experience provides his perspective on how to calculate the compressibility factor of a real gas for control valve sizing purposes.

As technology continues to evolve, some terms meant to represent one thing have come to mean something a bit different. A technology that once had restrictions can evolve to the point where, not only is that restriction gone, but the name of the technology doesn’t even necessarily apply anymore.

With an understanding of the economic implications of VFDs running until failure, it is also important to be aware of the safety implications of such a feature.

Most control valve manufacturers include IEC 60534-8-4:2015 in their control valve sizing and selection software to predict control valve hydrodynamic noise. However, users who want to make quick noise predictions or who want to construct valve sizing applications, programming the above noise standard can be a daunting task. 

The first step to solving a problem is recognizing that one is present. An operations team cannot adequately put a sufficient maintenance plan in place if there is no awareness that maintenance is required.

If one wants to be able to do accurate hand calculations, or construct a simple program or Excel sheet, the method described here gives answers that agree exactly with iterative calculations using the equations in the current version of the ISA and IEC standards.

The key to developing the ideal filtration mix which achieves the desired results is to gather as much information as possible so that the right decisions about filtration can be made. Kari Kohonen from Valin Corporation examines whether introducing strainer technology can be advantageous.

Current data on cyber ransom is alarming. Most companies do not report their attacks because they do not want it to be advertised. This article discusses ways that IT and OT personnel can work together to make your company more secure.

EIVs are a critical safety device for fuel-burning equipment and industrial processes that use flammable ingredients. Proper selection is critical for the safety of the workers in the plant, plant equipment and the surrounding communities.

The availability of an easily constructed Excel worksheet that calculates and graphs control valve installed gain in conjunction with the user’s preferred control valve sizing application has prompted a new interest in the application of these calculations. Three examples are shown here.

It is on the top of every decision maker’s mind in the semiconductor industry: yield. Operators are continually doing what they can to improve their throughput and maximize yield in terms of wafer production, all with keeping an eye on increasing profitability. 

For any process where temperature needs to be monitored or controlled, a thermal loop is required. Typically, a process that contains a thermal loop includes some key elements: the process itself, the temperature sensor or transmitter, the temperature controller and the power controller. 

Positioner selection deserves due diligence — and consideration of several factors before making any firm decision. There’s certainly not a typical one-size-fits-all approach for positioners; an uninformed choice can lead to undesirable consequences.

For a power plant to run as efficiently as possible, proper filtration is a critical part of the equation.

Appropriately specifying trip valves in the world of natural gas liquification is a critical element. Failing to do so effectively can risk the lives of operators and maintenance personnel working in close proximity to the equipment, and can sometimes cause irreparable damage to expensive turbomachinery.

By taking advantage of Valin’s program, customers can be confident that their inventory management function is fully optimized.  They can rest assured that the right parts will be in the right place right when they need them, while keeping the peace of mind that their transactional costs are being lowered and the KPI’s are being adequately analyzed.

The process industries have control valves with actuators designed to open, close and control them.  Many people prefer pneumatic actuators given their long history, reliability and high performance.

Application requirements are paramount, but don't overspend when a less expensive option will do.

In this article, featured in Process Heating Magazine, Ryan Kraus discusses the various criteria to consider when selecting a circulation heater.

For the past 30 years, Inventek has utilized the expertise from the engineers at Valin to better understand and master the technology it needs to best serve its customer base.

A simple process method based on the principle that piping pressure losses are approximately proportional to flow squared is presented.

A fuel leak in any part of a generator set can potentially be a catastrophe for the operator. But the issue can be tackled.

While globe control valves are still a viable solution, modern rotary control valves offer many advantages and serve as a more suitable solution in certain process applications.

As long as products have had ethernet ports, people have been asking for remote access to them. They believed they could just plug the devices into the internet, and it would all work. As more software tools became available and internet speeds increased, capable users found ways to give themselves access, however, there was a catch.

The only way to achieve a specified purity levels is to select and install proper filtration, with the job intended and the task fully understood. Norman Hall, Filtration Business Unit Manager for Valin Corporation, suggests a correct approach.

Most facilities in the chemical process industries (CPI) require some form of heat. The amount of heat required and the necessary level of consistency can vary from process to process. Regardless of the details, engineers must decide on a heating source that works best for a particular process.

Most people who are familiar with control valves have seen the formula for calculating the valve capacity (Cv) required to pass a given flow rate of water. This seems fairly straightforward until you ask yourself, what is the correct value of differential pressure to use?

In terms of what matters to most in the field today, it is safe to assume that reliability, flexibility, accuracy and cost are at the top of the list. With these factors in mind, implementing a silicon-controlled rectifier (SCR) control system for an electric heater is often an optimal approach.

Maintaining a consistent internal environment for your enclosures is critical for equipment to function properly. The National Electrical Manufacturers Association (NEMA) has defined standards for specific enclosures designed for the application and environment when correctly installed. Learn more.

Reducing the amount of hydrocarbon leakage from compressor stations is not only imperative for the environment, but for your bottom line. Compressor-related emissions can be reduced by using electric heaters to heat the pressurized natural gas.

Strategic implementation of sensors helps maximize a process from the start and equips operators with enough information to constantly be aware of everything happening in a line. So, what type of sensor(s) will work best for your environment?

Looking for ways to support your systems more easily, more safely, and more quickly for your customers?  Perhaps you are wondering what remote access technology is for industrial control systems.

A lot must be reviewed prior to selecting the right fitting for power plant instrumentation applications. Among the choices are whether to use single- or double-ferrule designs; heat codes, lubrication, and corrosion resistance must also be considered.

There are several different processes that require a product to flow through a pipe from one piece of equipment to another. A certain level of heat is often required for this process piping, and this heat must be at very high levels for many applications.

Proper filtration is essential to process flow operation. Improper or lack of filtration can wreak havoc on components, reducing their life and changing the final product. This can lead to equipment failure, process upsets, increased quality issues and in some cases, unplanned shutdown. Learn more.

Achieving effective catalyst regeneration requires a process that produces a very high level of heat in a very efficient manner. Over the years, there have been several different approaches to create this required heat. Traditional steam and heated transfer media have limitations. Learn more.

The devastating effects cavitation can have on control valve internals is widely appreciated. In this article, the authors therefore explain the origins of cavitation, provide an easyto-use method to estimate cavitation sound levels and conclude with approaches to reduce or even avoid cavitation.

In many machines as much as 90% of all particles suspended in the oil can be iron or steel and can be particularly troublesome to operators. This article looks at the advantages and benefits of magnetic filtration and how it can often outperform traditional methods.

Laying out an effective heat tracing design requires careful attention to detail. Every aspect of the system must be meticulously considered, including both the temperature requirements of the fluids being protected as well as the physical characteristics of the equipment being heat traced.

Automation of product testing with IAI hardware and EtherNet/IP communication successfully eliminates monotonous manual labor and human error.

In the world of instrumentation, there are a number of different topics discussed and analyzed.  However, one that should not be overlooked is that of instrumentation fittings. Do you know what technologies are available? Do you know the strengths and /weaknesses? Are there any new trends?

For automating machines that require only two to three axes of electric actuators, pulse outputs may be the simplest way to go.

An operator in a fluid handling process is only as effective as his ability to work with a given controller. If there are factors that keep this individual from doing what is necessary for a smooth operation, adjustments need to be made.

When manufacturing engineers are tasked with automating a process that is currently done manually, their main question for an automation supplier is "Have you ever automated this specific process before?" In complex applications, the answer is typically "no." Learn more.

In Joe Nettemeyer's long and productive career, he has had a front row seat to a significant amount of change, and he’s learned how to help others embrace transition. Nettemeyer spoke to Industrial Distribution Magazine about guiding everyone—even the skeptics—through major business shifts.

Premature heater failures can lead to unexpected process downtime. Tactics such as testing, planned replacement programs and preventing moisture ingress can help prevent premature heater failures.

For many years, the industry has been guided to a liquid filter cartridge with an outside diameter (OD) measuring 2.5" or so with an inside diameter (ID) measuring 1", and a length that varied from 5" to 40". Of course, there are always a few exceptions. Learn more.

Closed-loop stepper motors may be the best choice for tasks typically done by servos because traditional steppers couldn’t handle them.

A plant operator’s biggest fear is an unplanned shutdown. The process can place a heavy amount of stress on both operations and maintenance personnel. Alternatively, taking full advantage of a planned shutdown or turnaround is critical.

Developing a strong preventative maintenance plan for plant shutdowns and turnarounds is the best way for operators to minimize the risk of equipment failure, which can lead to unnecessary shutdowns and ultimately, higher costs.

Predicting your plant's future depends on collecting and analyzing the correct type and amount of equipment and process data. Predictive maintenance (PdM), much like “IIoT,” “Industry 4.0,” and “Plug ‘n’ Play,” may be exciting concepts, but many plants still aren’t leveraging them fully. Learn more.

Specifying control valves and engineering a system in which the flow of a particular product is completely optimized for superior performance and yield can be a challenging process. A number of factors must be considered during this practice to avoid process-destroying problems. Learn more.

Many engineers may wonder if it is possible to have flashing liquid flow in a control valve even if flow is not choked. The short answer is yes, but it is not very common. This article provides a more detailed answer to this question.

Within a refinery, four main utilities are considered essential to operations: electricity, natural gas, water and compressed air.

With the cold months on the precipice, November is a great time to review the actions that plant managers and operators should take to better ensure a winter free from incident.

Depending on the industry and specific environment, different rooms will have different cleanroom classification requirements. There is information out there regarding how classifications are tested and determined, but not as much about how to improve a specific room's classification ranking.

I was recently asked how the installed flow characteristic of an equal percentage valve in a system that includes a significant amount of pipe or other pressure-consuming elements “magically” becomes a linear, or approximately linear, installed flow characteristic.

Fabs and OEMs in the semiconductor industry face a number of difficult challenges today, specifically in the etch and deposition/thin film processes. These incredibly specialized processes require extremely clean gases and vaporized chemical sources.

In the past, bulk storage systems have been used to house nitrogen on-site at the manufacturing plants, but this method of storage can result in a significant loss in revenue. So, what is the solution for plant owners? The answer begins with in-house nitrogen generation systems. Learn more.

Engineers building linear-motion systems can use ground-up DIY approaches or purchase complete turnkey solutions. Here we explain where each tactic is most profitable.

Patlite innovation continues with improved functionality to drive productivity, improve efficiencies, and reduce waste. One of their basic themes is to help you make continuous improvements in your process. With that in mind, Patlite introduced the REVOLITE LA6 multi-informational signal tower.

The iPolymer PTFE Pressure Regulator is designed for use with high purity water systems and aggressive chemical applications to regulate and maintain a constant pressure downstream of the valve and prevent over-pressurization of sensitive equipment.

Thermocouples and controllers themselves do not prevent a failure from occurring. What they can do is create a temperature profile for a heater that can be used as a maintenance log.

In the last ten years, the design of pneumatic manufacturers' online tools for sizing components have evolved, the fieldbus systems are ever-changing, component designs are constantly improving, and network devices such as the Industrial Internet of Things have reshaped the industry. Learn more.

Liquid choked flow in control valves results in either flashing, or more often, cavitation.

Robotics and motion control are closely related in many ways, but robots lean towards a "pre-engineered" solution while motion control leans towards a modular solution. Before deciding to install a robot or motion control component, these are ten questions to ask yourself.

In the chemical processing industry, a significant percentage of measurement devices are not correctly matched to their application. This leads to decreased quality and consistency in their operation.

Controlling vibration and surge is one of the most critical aspects of keeping centrifugal and reciprocating compressors up and running. If improperly monitored and maintained, these types of compressors can experience frequent functional issues and ultimately shorten their life span.

Robotics can be narrowed down to five types: Cartesian, Cylindrical, SCARA, 6-Axis and Delta. Each has specific elements (speed, size, workspace) making them ideal for certain applications. Knowledge of each type can help machine designers choose the best robot for their process. Learn more.

Parker’s Fulflo® EcoBond™ Cartridges are the most economical high purity filter cartridges available. Featuring a graded density matrix of uniform polypropylene fibers, the EcoBond™ provides consistent filtration for a wide variety of fluids. 

Valve sizing and proper application of control valves have always gone hand-in-hand. However, the tools available to valve users have changed and improved significantly over time.

The latest developments in servo technology allow for the benefits of high-performance motion control to be used in harsh environments.

We think of routine care and maintenance of a system to stave off failures as standard practice, but what about preventive maintenance of the replacement parts used when the system does fail?

Despite the demand for standardized communication protocols among manufacturers, both the manufacturers and end users face challenges when it comes to agreeing on a path.

Proper filtration is one of the most important functions performed inside refineries. Filtration is the removal of contaminants through some type of synthetic, paper, pleated or wound media. The goal of this process is to achieve a specific level of cleanliness.

Using lean principles in manufacturing is an important element when trying to reduce waste, control costs and ensure timely deliveries to customers. However, this concept of trimming back unnecessary work and reaping the production benefits can also be applied at an individual level in production lines or assembly rooms.

Electromechanical drives continue to capture more factory automation projects, but pneumatics technology still offers distinct advantages in many fields.

Semiconductors are the basis of most electronic circuits and exist in virtually all electronic devices. The manufacturing of these integrated circuits, also referred to as chips, is a multi-step process involving an intricate design system. Learn more

Employing flexible automation technology now is vital for companies to sustain growth, keep a diverse range of products flowing through their lines, and minimize downtime with product changeovers. Advances in industrial technology and the evolution of automation has been unprecedented. Learn more.

In today's coal-fired power generation plant, one element of critical preventative maintenance is keeping everything at a temperature that will prevent instrumentation from freezing. Learn more about the successful application of heat trace solutions in coal-fired power generation plants.

Inside of plants today, AC motors are becoming the industry standard. Many plants are shifting to AC motors from hydraulic motors or DC motors when powering heavy loads, which were more popular in the past. This shift can be attributed to a variety of reasons and most have to do with cost.

For automation applications, one of the larger misconceptions in the industry today is that when someone uses the phrase "motion control," they can just as easily use the term "robotics," as if the two are interchangeable. Read more.

When selecting the pipes and valves for a cooling system, it is important to understand the options available—and the possible outcomes associated with each selection. Many factors can impact the effectiveness, longevity and quality of the overall cooling system. Learn more.

Valin Corporation’s Vice President of Marketing, Anne Vrancic, recently did a Q&A with ID to discuss Valin’s journey from the planning phase, through the launch and how the site is being received now that it’s been up and running for 8 months.

Process automation is most used when talking about computer technology paired with software engineered to help industrial plants or factories operate more efficiently and safely. Before process automation, individuals would have to physically monitor the components and outputs of a plant or factory.

The distribution model of the past 50 years is changing. Joseph Nettemeyer, president and CEO of Valin Corporation, says that means distributors must find ways to add more value to solutions offered to customers. It also means they must become digital experts in communication.

Upstream bioprocessing, within the last 10 years, has been converted to a single-use disposable product rather than a housing that would be need to be regularly cleaned. The issue with single-use bioprocessing is that most systems will have a bottleneck at the chromatography column.

Liquid to liquid separation, at the very basic level, is a process where water is removed from a hydrocarbon. Over the last decade, there have been three prominent machines or mechanisms that can perform a liquid to liquid separation. Learn more.

Now more than ever the industrial plant model has become heavily reliant upon the connectivity possibilities between equipment and the automation that it can provide. The future digital plant will connect machines to work faster, more efficiently and in collaboration with one another. Learn more.

Contemplating an actuator for your pneumatic linear-motion system? Here are some tips on how to select the best one for the job.

Valin’s aluminum framing systems are being used in cleanroom environments to overcome many of the disadvantages associated with traditional painted steel shelving systems.

An extensive range of Panel Builder products feature time-saving, Push-In Plus terminals and reduced mounting depth and volume to fit smaller control panels.

A specialized version of the Internet of Things (IoT), referred to as the Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT), enables industrial application engineers to implement new or retrofitted systems with upgraded levels of connectivity that allow more advanced process control. Learn more.

According to the United States Energy Information Administration, coal power accounted for 39 percent of the country’s electricity production last year.

Creating meaningful and long-lasting change within an organization can always be challenging. Often, employees can become complacent in the way they operate on a day-to-day basis.

In order to avoid unnecessary shutdowns and the high costs associated with them, manufacturing systems need to be flushed at regular intervals. The practice is a high-value maintenance practice that is required throughout the industrial world.

Spectroscopy-based measurement on manufacturing lines yields greater process control

Join two dissimilar metals, add a little water, and you have set up a circuit that can lead to some serious corrosion. Understanding terminology like electrolysis and galvanic reaction can help you identify and avoid problems that can occur anywhere—not just in hydraulic systems.

In applications requiring heated concrete to prevent snow or ice accumulation, the ideal solution is mineral insulated heat trace cables embedded in concrete.

In a society with an “excess of everything,” a manufacturing or distribution business needs to be able to provide unique and clearly defined value propositions in order to gain that crucial market share.

Inside power generation plants, there is a need to eliminate the dangerous oil mist produced by lubrication systems. Wherever there is significant metal on metal contact, there should be some form of lubrication system installed that will increase the lifespan of the machinery.

Dry Resin Ion-Exchange Cartridges have become the international choice for reducing Total Acid Number (TAN) in lubricating, hydraulic and insulating oil systems.

Oil and gas engineers face a problem in accurately and reliably measuring and monitoring the various fluids that are introduced into oil pipelines from well site pumping stations. A thorough understanding of both the oil separation process and the properties of valves and actuators is required.

United Electric Controls has introduced a unique new family of HART capable transmitters that provides programmable switching functionality for industrial process monitoring applications. The One Series 1XTXSW transmitter line is the first to integrate HART 7 compatible 4-20 mA output. Lean more.

Making smart design decisions, particularly in relation to the suction line, can avoid potentially severe cavitation-induced damage to hydraulic pumps.

As electronics and technologies become smaller and more intricate, engineers are running into new challenges in automating manufacturing processes. The challenges of manufacturing new products extend beyond the capabilities of precise motion control mechanics to include environmental control.

Omron has been providing automation solutions for more than 80 years. Their washdown rated products and extreme washdown products in the IP69k protection class help you deliver safer solutions to your customers.

Workplace safety is—or should be—a primary focus of every organization, regardless of whether we’re talking about a classroom, an office, a manufacturing facility, or an oil rig. Employees deserve a workspace that is as safe and secure as it can possibly be.

In environments with persistent cold weather, ice buildup on flat commercial roofs is both a safety hazard and a costly liability for many businesses. There are three main roof drainage systems used by commercial facilities: drainage, scupper and traditional pitch and gutter drainage. Learn more.

Advantech ProView Ethernet Switch is a SCADA manageable switches which are the convergence switches for process control and IT networking management.

Meet Parker's new mSR (miniature square rail) linear motor positioner. The mSR integrates dual square rails for guidance, with one of two different linear motor technologies, and up to six different encoder technologies.

Precise combinations of valves and other equipment lead to process success. A biopolymer fermentation process provides an example of proper valve selection.

Nearly 30 years ago, in 1987, the Nobel-winning economist Robert Solow surveyed the impact of IT on the economy and concluded that “you can see the computer age everywhere but in the productivity statistics.”

Trying to size and space the electrical components before the mechanics are defined can lead to wasted time and rework.

Plant engineers often fail to incorporate correct lubrication into system processes and do not realize its critical importance until something goes wrong.

This is Part IV in a four-part series based on the contents of the new textbook, “Control Valve Application Technology, Techniques and Considerations for Properly Selecting the Right Control Valve.”

Cavitation is the 2nd leading cause of a pump system failure. It’s for this reason that a full understanding of what cavitation is, how it is caused and how it can be prevented is critical in the fluid power industry.

In order to get good control with stability throughout the full range of required flow rates, one must use a control valve that has an installed flow characteristic that is linear, or at least as close to linear as possible in most systems.

In a world where most information is available in an instant, plant managers and engineers are continuously trying to find ways to improve the efficiency of processes along the manufacturing line.

Tasked with increased demand for high power output, many operators in North American sectors such as power generation, oil and gas, petrochemical and chemical have been challenged by low-voltage solutions and their associated logistical challenges.

When addressing the needs of measurement operations involving various densities and amounts of liquid, Coriolis mass flowmeters are often chosen for their accuracy, durability and reduced maintenance costs. Applications involving custody transfer benefit from their simple and dependable characteristics.

Purchase Valin’s Control Valve Application Technology book today to learn how to apply the right techniques to selecting the correct control valves.

This is Part II in a four-part series based on the contents of the new textbook, “Control Valve Application Technology, Techniques and Considerations for Properly Selecting the Right Control Valve.”

Advice follows on using proportional-integral-derivative (PID) tuning for motion control and robotics. High-end robotics with high dynamics and reasonably high accuracy of movement almost always require the use of these control algorithms for operation.

This article discusses the importance of selecting the correct flow characteristic and correctly sizing the valve in order for the valve to properly control the process.

Considering the number of variables, gaining precise control of a process heating application can be a difficult task. In industries with a high demand for consistent quality, controlling the temperature of a substance from the start to the finish of a process is an absolute necessity. Learn more.

IAI's new IXP Series Robots cost around 1/2 of that of a conventional model due to the adoption of the pulse motors. The IXP achieves a payload equivalent to that of a conventional model by adopting high-output drivers. All IXP models come standard with battery-less absolute encoders.

In its earliest days, Valin focused on fluid handling and developing products used in the manufacturing of semiconductor equipment and microchips. Over time, the company expanded its capabilities based on market and economic conditions.

It’s important to understand the importance of proper control valve sizing. If the valve is too small, it won’t be able to pass the required flow. In actual practice, undersized valves are fairly uncommon, but oversized valves are all too common.

The Reveal™ optical spectroscopy-based measurement system will help customers increase quality, yield, and productivity while reducing both risk and downtime in the manufacturing environment. Its measurement capabilities are unmatched by legacy techniques.

With air cylinders, a compressor is operated with electricity to generate compressed air, and generated air is supplied though a line to the air cylinder where it is then converted to linear-motion force. This mechanism is subject to significant energy loss.

Loss of containment is one of the costliest things that can go wrong at a plant. Accordingly, smart enterprises employ a variety of measures that ensure loss of containment just doesn’t happen – or when it does, the adverse circumstances are kept to a minimum.

The noise abatement laws and health and safety legislation are becoming increasingly strict. Metso introduces Q2- Trim, the optimum solution for noise problems, that at the same time fulfills all legislative requirements and customer needs.

Emergency order required all rail shippers to test products from the Bakken to ensure proper classifications of the oil within federal regulations before it's transported. The intent was to ensure shippers properly classified crude oil for transportation and to quantify the range of physical and chemical properties.

The accurate allocation measurement of oil, water and gas is a constant priority for managers of surface operations, particularly with the recent oil boom in parts of the U.S. These measurements are the basis of the financial transaction between oil companies and royalty owners.

Valin introduced its new lease ­automatic-custody-transfer (LACT) configurator tool. This new software-application tool assists customers in LACT specification, quotes, component data, and reference documentation.

As the automation and motion control needs of industries using control and drive functions continue to progress, the technology that meets those needs must adapt to the growing demand for connectivity, accessibility, and efficiency, all while maintaining a high level of quality and durability.

When developing a practical approach to leakage and pollution prevention, plant managers have many options available for instrumentation and equipment. Depending on the process, materials, and operation, the method of ensuring the containment of potential contaminants will vary. Learn more.

Jon F. Monsen, Ph.D., P.E., a control valve technology specialist for Valin Corporation, has written a book detailing the many facets of control valves. The book, Control Valve Application Technology, Techniques and considerations for properly selecting the right control valve. Learn more.

The recent oil boom in the United States, driven by rapidly advancing extraction technologies, presents new and critical challenges to operators in the measurement of oil, water and gas produced in surface operations.

A primary goal of many a plant manager is maintaining continuous and cost-effective operation of a plant’s turbine engines. When considering this goal, it is important for plant managers to be aware of recent advances in filter designs for turbine air intakes.

Proper treatment of boiler systems when they are off line is a constant concern for those managing and overseeing the operations of a power plant. Many power plants are known in the industry as peaker plants, meaning they are not running constantly.

Understanding the environment the conveyor is earmarked for is the most critical piece of the puzzle. Oversights on this part of the specification process can cause delays and corrections that lead to significant costs that could otherwise be avoided.

When using a servo motor, one should consider torque, speed, and other applications for a specific motion control application.

The Snofree Roof Panel System protects against ice formations and resulting water damage. The material, shape, and mass of its extruded aluminum core and steel enclosure maximizes the transfer of heat and minimizes energy usage.

Valin is in the final stages of successfully commissioning 65 Lease Automatic Custody Transfer systems (LACT) for a very large project with one of the largest independent midstream energy companies in North America. The LACT systems were needed for an oil gathering project in the Myrmidon field in the Bakken Shale play in North Dakota.

Standard practices today simply use human machine interfaces (HMI) as windows into a system by allowing some information to be passed back and forth through those windows. This method anticipates the user having the knowledge to use that information both in and out of the system. Learn more.

The future of the petrochemical refining industry will be driven by human-machine interfaces (HMIs) pushing information to where it is needed. An HMI that pushes production, quality and alarm information to the right level of user or management anywhere in the world has the ability to increase the visibility and reaction time.

Valin Corporation has introduced the   from Heat Trace Specialists, which is designed to protect facilities against ice formations and the resulting water damage. This product is part of the company’s heat trace technology solutions for commercial and residential markets.

A temperature sensor is a key component of any process heating application as it provides temperature feedback about the process, which can be used to monitor or control the process

Certain frequencies of sound can play havoc on industrial equipment. When control valves are not selected appropriately, there is an increased risk for cavitation, which causes high noise and vibration levels, resulting in very rapid damage to the valve's internals and/or the downstream piping.

Automation of processes that increase yield and raise productivity, is the core of what people think of when they speak of smart manufacturing. Smart is not limited to process change but opens the door to the use of new materials.

Advanced Process Control (APC) methods used to be so advanced as to be esoteric- too complex and unusable except by a few high-level experts. Today, however, it seems APC is little talked about for an entirely different reason: It’s become a commodity.

In a recent interview with VALVE Magazine, Dr. Monsen discussed how the analysis of installed gain can be a guideline for selecting the control valve that will provide good control with stability throughout the full range of required flow rates

To diversify Valin®'s business one acquisition at a time, it took the skills of an M&A M.D. named Joe Nettemeyer

Valin® Corp. has more than doubled since CEO Joseph Nettemeyer began diversifying the 38-year-old industrial process and supply company away from its chipmaking industry roots in 2001

When control valve professionals talk about "control valve sizing," they really mean the entire process of selecting the valve that will do the best job of controlling the process. Selecting the right size valve is an important part of the process, but there are other equally important considerations as well.

Services Drive Growth for Valin®

Services make up more than a third of Sunnyvale, CA-based industrial distributor Valin®’s revenue, up from just 5 percent five years ago. That growth has been no accident.