An informational site dedicated to process control education. Posts on this blog contain interesting and noteworthy information about valves, instruments and process equipment used in industrial, municipal and environmental applications. This blog is sponsored by Advance Instruments. For more information, please visit Advance Instruments.
Inflow and Infiltration and Sewer Overflows
Let's talk about one of the Wastewater Operators' most significant concerns:
Register Now! Important Covid-19 Early Warning Wastewater-based Epidemiology Webinar to be Held on January 12, 2022
COVID-19 EARLY WARNING WASTEWATER-BASED EPIDEMIOLOGY WEBINAR TOPICS
- Wastewater sampling site selection
- Sampling instruments - selection and installation
- Sample optimization and SCADA control
- Sample preservation and transport
- Lab testing and minimum detection levels
- Key Performance Indicators (KPIs)
- Predictive analytics and advanced decision support tools including rapid identification of hot spots and high-risk areas
Automatic Samplers Help in Wastewater-based Epidemiology Pathogen, Virus, and CEC Detection
Wastewater-based epidemiology (WBE) and sewage chemical information mining is a technique for determining a population's consumption of chemicals or disease exposure. A sewage treatment facility measures chemical or biological entities (biomarkers) in municipal wastewater to do so. Aside from illicit drug use, wastewater-based epidemiology can quantify alcohol, caffeine, pharmaceuticals, and other chemicals. In addition, wastewater-based epidemiology can detect diseases such as SARS-CoV-2 in a population. Wastewater-based epidemiology is a collaborative effort that includes wastewater treatment plant operators, chemists, and epidemiologists.
According to water quality professionals, contaminants of emerging concern (CECs) are pollutants found in water bodies that may harm the environment or human health but are not currently regulated. These pollutants come from agriculture, urban runoff, everyday household products (such as soaps and disinfectants), and pharmaceuticals.
Natural and synthetic hormones, as well as 1,4-dioxane, are emerging contaminants. After being discharged as waste, CECs can enter the water cycle via runoff into rivers, effluent discharge, seepage, and infiltration into the water table, eventually joining the public water supply system. Some emerging contaminants are known carcinogens or ones that disrupt the endocrine system and cause other toxic mechanisms.
Teledyne ISCO automatic samplers can help local governments, private industry, colleges and universities, and many other organizations detect the COVID-19 virus, pharmaceuticals, and CECs in wastewater and provide the information needed to develop a corrective plan of action.
For more information about Teledyne ISCO samplers in Western Pennsylvania, Northern Ohio, Western Maryland, and West Virginia ,contact Advance Instruments. Call 888-388-6446 or visit https://advanceinstruments.com.
See the Teledyne ISCO Automatic Sampler In Action Detecting COVID-19 in Wastewater Systems
UC Berkeley researchers use an effective method for detecting the presence of the Coronavirus in wastewater flowing through municipal sewer systems. Wastewater testing will assist public policy makers in determining where and how to implement COVID-19 plans.
The UC Berkeley videos above show how the Teledyne ISCO sampler collects wastewater for COVID-19 detection in a real-world application.
Wastewater testing, also known as "wastewater quality indicators," refers to the various test methodologies used to assess water quality. These tests determine the physical, chemical, and biological properties of wastewater. In a single sample, wastewater naturally collects waste from hundreds to even millions of people. By drawing a representative sample of wastewater and analyzing it, you can gain a wealth of information that you would not be able to obtain by testing people individually.
The amount of viral matter in a community's wastewater could reveal the prevalence of COVID-19 in the population. This information initiates the necessary mitigation and response initiatives, such as individual testing, contract tracking, and quarantine. It also allows for collecting data on a cross-section of the population, allowing for the monitoring of large-scale public health solutions. However, detecting tiny virus particles in the wastewater that flows through our sewage pipes is problematic. It includes toilet water, sink water, shower water, and everything else that goes down the drain. Teledyne ISCO is pioneering the use of water samplers to detect virus evidence in sewage.
Teledyne ISCO is a leading manufacturer and supplier of rugged, dependable field-portable water quality monitoring instruments. Their automatic sampler readings analyze the Coronavirus characteristics and presence in parts per million quantities, which, compared to population numbers in a geographic area, aids in determining the presence and amount of virus in the wastewater.
The video link is here. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FwsRUw4y_dU.
The full article outlining UC Berkeley's initiative is here.
For more information about Teledyne ISCO samplers used for Covid detection in Western Pennsylvania, Northern Ohio, Western Maryland, and West Virginia contact Advance Instruments. Call 888-388-6446 or visit https://advanceinstruments.com.
A Non-contact Laser Level and Distance Transmitter for Just About Any Application: The Hawk Measurement OptioLaser L100 and L200
THE HAWK MEASUREMENT OPTIOLASER L100 AND L200 LASER LEVEL TRANSMITTERS:
IDEAL FOR MEASURING THE LEVEL, DISTANCE, AND THE LOCATION OF SOLID AND LIQUID SURFACES
The Hawk Measurement OptioLaser L100 and L200 are the ideal solution for a wide range of industrial applications such as plastics, mining, aggregates, water and wastewater, oil and gas, pulp and paper, pharma, food and beverages, and chemicals and petrochemicals.
The OptioLaser L100/L200 is a non-contact laser sensor used to measure the distance to solid and liquid surfaces, slurries, or murky water. Solid surfaces can be anything from a metal plate on the side of an overhead crane to the top of material stored in a silo. The L100 measures up to 164ft and the L200 up to 328ft. These devices include an easy-to-use menu system configurable for either distance or level measurement, and provide high accuracy, long-range, and fast update rates.
The OptioLaser L100/L200 uses a unique laser with a very narrow beam that can measure long and short distances at practically any angle. Furthermore, the OptioLaser L100/L200 is made entirely of stainless steel and is exceptionally tough and perfect for the harshest conditions. The OptioLaser L100/L200 Laser Level Transmitters are fully programmable and come with user-friendly software. Configuration is done via USB. Their accuracy and durability make the OptioLaser ideal for a wide range of applications and industries, and where there is a need for level control, distance, positioning and blockage detection. Typical applications consist of block chute detection, stockpile monitoring, tank and silo level, collision detection, and truck or machine detection.
In Western Pennsylvania, Ohio, West Virginia and Western Maryland contact Advance Instruments. Call (888) 388-6446 or visit https://advanceinstruments.com.
Water and Wastewater Webinar Library from Teledyne ISCO
Teledyne ISCO's Water & Wastewater Webinar Library is a valuable knowledge-base for water and wastewater experts. It is an excellent method to learn about water sampling technology and flow management. Teledyne ISCO webinars provide timely information from experts and the option to view at your leisure without incurring travel costs.
Investigate their periodic and on-demand webinars on various product deployment methods and best practices for water sample analysis and data collection. Teledyne ISCO releases new content regularly, so check back frequently for new webinars.
VISIT THE WEBINAR LIBRARY HERE
WATER & WASTEWATER WEBINAR TOPICS
- PFAS Sampling Strategies
- What to Consider When Collecting Water Samples
- Cipher: Data Collection Anywhere, Anytime on Any Device
- Ask ISCO: All About Portable Sampling
- Fundamentals of Open Channel Flow Rate Measurement
- Tips and Tricks for Winter Sampling Webinar
- Measuring Flow Rates in Large Channels and Rivers
- Measuring Flow in Difficult Conditions
- Confirming the Accuracy of Open Channel Flow Data
- Advanced Technologies for Monitoring COVID-19 in Wastewater
- Confirming the Accuracy of Open Channel Flow Data
- Laser & Radar Sensors for Open Channel Measurement Applications
- Tracking COVID-19 in Wastewater
- Open Channel Sensor Diagnostics
- Increasing Safety & Minimizing Exposure with Collection System Flow Measurement
- Firmware Updates to Improve Your Performance
- Preparing for the Wet Weather Monitoring Season
- Troubleshooting and Optimizing ISCO Communication Devices
- Open-Channel Flow Measurement 101
- Collecting Samples: Placement, Setup, and Programming
- Measuring Flow in Hazardous Applications
- Ask ISCO: Measuring Open Channel Flows
- Ask ISCO: About Vacuum Sampler
- Hazardous Areas and the LaserFlow Ex
- Measuring Flow in Difficult Conditions
- Ask ISCO: Collection System Flow Monitoring
- Vacuum vs. Peristaltic Pump Samplers: Which is Right for You?
- Efficient Ways to Do Stormwater Sampling
- Things to Consider When Using Collection System Flow Meters
- ASK ISCO: Portable Sampling
Industrial and OEM Pressure Switches by NOSHOK
A pressure switch is a device that detects the presence of fluid pressure. Pressure switches use various sensing elements such as diaphragms, bellows, bourdon tubes, or pistons. The movement of these sensors, caused by pressure fluctuation, is transferred to a set of electrical contacts to open or close a circuit.
When selecting pressure switches, you must consider several critical criteria:
- The electrical requirements (volts, amps, AC, or DC)
- The area classification (hazardous, non-hazardous, general-purpose, water-tight)
- The pressure sensing range
- The body materials exposed to ambient contaminants
- The wetted materials - parts exposed to the process media
Typical applications for mechanical pressure switches include hydraulics & pneumatics, pumps & compressors, tank monitoring, leak detection, and water management.
NOSHOK's new mechanical pressure switch program addresses a broader range of applications. It offers a significantly expanded selection of process and electrical connection options, including spade terminals, Hirschmann, Packard, Deutsch, M12 x 3-pin, flying leads, terminal screws, and both Weatherpack Tower and Weatherpack Shroud. Each of the four new NOSHOK switch series offers vacuum, low pressure, and high-pressure versions and is CE compliant for RFI, EMI, ESD suppression, and RoHS compliance.
The NOSHOK 100 Series Mechanical Compact SPST Pressure Switch has been updated with a creep action, low current switch. These switches have silver-plated contacts with switch adjustment ranges ranging from vacuum to 6,000 psi. The 100 Series switch series includes housing materials such as brass and zinc-nickel and wetted parts made of Buna-N or Kapton, depending on the model.
NOSHOK’s new 200 Series Mechanical Compact SPDT Pressure Switch is an SPST or SPDT snap-action switch with solid Silver contacts. This switch ranges from vacuum through 6,000 PSIG and Brass or Zinc-nickel housing material with Buna-N diaphragm wetted parts.
The new 300 Series Mechanical Compact SPDT with Adjustable Hysteresis Pressure Switch is an SPST or SPDT snap-action switch with solid Silver contacts. The 300 Series offers switch adjustment ranges from vacuum through 4,600 PSIG depending on model and a standard Zinc-nickel housing with Buna-N diaphragm wetted parts. The NOSHOK 300 Series switch provides an improved contact rating over the previous version of 6A 125V/250VAC and 6A 12/24VDC.
Lastly, NOSHOK’s new 400 Series Mechanical Heavy-Duty Pressure Switch is a snap-action, high current device that offers field adjustability. The 400 Series offers switch adjustment ranges from vacuum through 4,600 PSIG with a Standard Zinc-nickel with Buna-N diaphragm wetted parts. This switch also provides an improved contact rating over the previous version of 6A 125V/250VAC and 6A 12/24VDC.
For more information, contact Advance Instruments. Call them now at (888) 388-6446 or visit their website at https://advanceinstruments.com.
Volucalc Hybrid™ Pump Station Monitoring System
Maid Labs Volucalc™ Hybrid CS - The Only Real Time Diagnostic and Volumetric Flowmeter
VOLUCALC™ HYBRID CS is a volumetric flow meter and an open channel flow meter and can be used on lift stations having constant speed pumps.
The flow rate accuracy of a volumetric flow formula is equal to its capacity to compensate for all abnormal behaviors, which occurs in one third of the stations. Unfortunately, the Volume/time formula is not enough.
For intelligence, communication and flow in a pump station, simply add what is missing. Get the most advanced technology without replacing existing working equipment. Volucalc Hybrid™ CS analyzes each main element behavior to extend its useful life and predict failures.
LEAN MORE AND DOWNLOAD A BROCHURE FROM THIS WEB PAGE
Advance Instruments
https://advanceisntruments.com
(888) 388-6446
Manifold Valves in Flow Measurement
Several approaches to measuring and controlling flow in process applications have been established over the years by the industry. Magnetic flow meters, Coriolis flowmeters, vortex meters, thermal dispersion flow meters, and a wide range of differential sensing primary elements are some examples that have successfully evolved over the years.
Installing a differential sensing system to produce the pressure drop is one of the oldest methods of calculating flow. The orifice plate is still widely used in this process. Wedge meters, pitot meters, VENTURI meters, cone style meters, and other differential producing devices are examples.
Many experienced industry experts would inform us that there is no one-size-fits-all solution when it comes to flow calculation. The process itself and economics and performance expectations all play a role in determining the best method to use.
The user must be aware of the following while using the DP method to measure flow accurately.
- The specific gravity or density of the fluid under consideration.
- Chemical compatibility of the media with the materials used.
- The estimated minimum and maximum flow rates.
- The media's static pressure and temperature (particularly in gas measurement applications).
- The inside diameter of the tubing.
- The primary element's parameters (in the case of the orifice plate, the bore dimension and bore location within the plate).
- The user must examine the pipe's flow profile to ensure that sufficient fully formed turbulent flow to obtain an accurate measurement (Reynolds number calculations come into play, and piping conditions in the process should be analyzed upstream and downstream).
- What amount of differential pressure does the consumer want to generate?
- Is the generated DP compatible with the flow device or transmitter?
- How much pressure drop in the flow stream is acceptable?
So, where do manifold valve products fit in, and why are they so crucial? For the most part, the valves are service valves between the primary meter and the measuring instrument (DP transmitter or flow computer). The valves allow the user to block in, calibrate or check calibration, replace instruments, and vent entrapped pressure without shutting down the critical operation.
Manifold Valves are available in several configurations, soft seat, hard seat, 2-valve types, 3-valve types, or 5-valve types. They are available in various materials, but stainless steel and carbon steel are the most common. These valves come with a standard bore or large bore design for custody transfer applications. Manifold valves offer high and low-pressure isolation (pressure upstream and downstream of the differential producing element) and the ability to equalize the differential pressure to the transmitter or flow computer. Finally, manifold valves can offer a dedicated vent valve to vent entrapped pressure during service operations.
In conclusion, manifold valves play a critical role in allowing the user to operate and service instrumentation in their processes safely. Every application and every supplier's goal is to work collaboratively to achieve safety, protect valuable assets, reduce downtime during maintenance, lower maintenance cost, and higher measurement accuracy.
For more information, contact Advance Instruments. Call them at (888) 388-6446 or visit https://advanceinstruments.com.
Portable Sampler Application Assistance from Your Local Teledyne ISCO Rep!
Water quality can be monitored in remote locations using portable samplers. However, deciding the best equipment and layout for the site can be difficult. Your local Teledyne ISCO Representative is a reliable resource. They are your regional resource for new products, proper application, product obsolescence, and replacement. Furthermore, since these professionals have access to such a wide range of applications and circumstances, the local Teledyne ISCO Representative is a source of implicit information that they readily share with their customers.
More and more municipalities, for example, are checking their wastewater for the SARS-CoV-2 virus. Wastewater-based epidemiology (WBE) employs Teledyne ISCO portable samplers to monitor COVID-19 in wastewater collection systems, assisting in pandemic control. The use of sewage pathogen detection as a public health surveillance method in wastewater treatment facilities is now a fact. Municipalities have portable and refrigerated samplers available for widespread collection and testing. Your ISCO Representative is ready to explain how to use this equipment as part of your overall Coronavirus plan in any climate or testing situation.
Teledyne ISCO Representatives will help you implement portable samplers in these difficult situations:
- Sites with low flow
- Deep vertical sampling
- Fast flow, solids, ragging, and other challenging conditions
- Special considerations for wastewater-based epidemiology (WBE)
- Tracking COVID-19 in wastewater to help control the epidemic
- Sample preservation, cooling, and battery life
- Selecting the proper sampler for the location
It makes sense for water treatment practitioners to cultivate a close relationship with these factory-trained technical sales experts. They will assist you in gaining a deeper understanding of the most commonly experienced issues in portable sampling applications and how to deal with them.
In Western Pennsylvania and Ohio, contact Advance Instruments. Their phone number is (888) 388-6446. You can also learn more at https://advanceinstruments.com.
Calibration Procedure for the ControlAir Type 500 Electro-Pneumatic I/P Transducer
In this video you will learn how to calibrate a ControlAir Type 500 I/P transducer.
The ControlAir Type 500X converts a current or voltage input signal to a linearly proportional pneumatic output pressure. This versatile instrument provides a high degree of reliability and repeatability at an economical cost.
The Type 500X is available in two different versions. The lower range model is for standard process control applications, which typically utilize a 3 to 15 PSIG (0.2 to 1 bar) output. The extended range unit provides up to 145 PSIG (10 bar) output for higher pressure industrial pneumatic and process control system requirements.
For more information, contact Advance Instruments. Call them now at (888) 388-6446 or visit their website at https://advanceinstruments.com.
Diaphragm Seals Thermal Error Calculations
Measuring errors based on ambient conditions and the diaphragm seals' fill physical properties cause temperature-related errors when connected to pressure, absolute pressure, or level transmitters.
Three major factors contribute to thermal error:
- Type of fill fluid used
- Fill fluid volume
- Diaphragm flexibility
Weir Boxes
Water management systems depend on different factors, but an accurate measurement is a priority. Depending on the type of water management system you run, there are many flow measurement tools at your disposal.
However, the cheapest and most effective is the open channel system and weir boxes are the durable and precise measuring tools that allow your operation to gauge the channel flow in the easiest way possible.
First, what is a Weir Box and how does it work? Weirs direct open channel flow for measurement purposes. A Weir Box usually contains a Weir plate with a 'V' notch that allows you to take accurate flow sample measurements. Installing a Weir Box in your open channel flow system allows you to achieve the desired results with ease. The most significant advantages of weir boxes are:
- Their design is simple and easy to use, allowing for precise measurements.
- They are adept at low flow operations.
Indicators of a need for a Weir Box depend on the setup and conditions of your operation. Weirs may not be the best choice for closed channel flows or those with high water volumes. Open channel low flow systems, however, require Weirs for consistent and accurate measurement. Another consideration is durability.
Weir flow measurement devices are rugged and inexpensive, making them the right choice for harsh environment operations. All that matters when selecting a Weir Box is whether you want a reliable, accurate measuring tool. If so, Weir Boxes are right for you.
Weir Boxes come in many materials. Fiberglass is a good material for weir boxes because it is strong and durable, and resistant to the elements. Choosing a fiberglass weir box means getting a tool that will serve your operation reliably.
A flow meter or a Weir Box are the best ways to measure open channels. Weir Boxes offer the measurements needed to control the water system efficiently.
To install a Weir Box on your water management system, you need to find a company that fits that bill perfectly. TRACOM offers every kind of water management products you need. Contact Advance Instruments to get more information about TRACOM products.
Advance Instruments
(888) 388-6446
www.advanceinstruments.com
Sampler Selection Considerations for COVID-19 Tracking
Wastewater-based epidemiology methods have shown the potential to detect COVID-19 in wastewater samples well in advance of an outbreak compared to the testing of individuals.
By using portable samplers, hot spots are easily detected by taking aliquots daily at sensitive locations.
Teledyne ISCO is a leading manufacturer and supplier of rugged, reliable wastewater sampling and monitoring instruments.
For more information, contact Advance Instruments. Call them now at (888) 388-6446 or visit their website at https://advanceinstruments.com.
All-in-One Non-Metallic Diaphragm Seal with Pressure Transmitter/Switch
NOSHOK is a high-quality manufacturer of pressure, level, temperature, force measurement instruments, needle and manifold valves transducers, transmitters, gauges, and valves.
NOSHOK is introducing it's new electronic indicating pressure transmitter with two alarms, protected by a corrosion-resistant, chemically inert PTFE diaphragm seal with a single pressure connection.
The device is ideal for water, wastewater & chemical feed applications and is a tested and proven solution used in many municipalities. In many situations, it replaces the heavy analog gauge with a diaphragm seal and mechanical switch, commonly used for pump shut-off protection. It offers fewer possible leak paths, no moving parts, and a high level of repeatability, durability, compact size, and lightweight.
For more information, contact Advance Instruments. Call them now at (888) 388-6446 or visit their website at https://advanceinstruments.com.
Versatile Panel Meters and Digital Indicators for Any Process Variable
NOSHOK Digital Indicators provide local indication for pressure, level, and temperature transmitters. The NOSHOK Attachable Loop-Powered Digital Indicators fit easily to NOSHOK pressure transmitters utilizing a 4 to 20 mA output signal and the Hirschmann (DIN 43650A) connector. NOSHOK also offers a dual display model that accepts a wide variety of input signals, including thermocouples or RTDs, current, voltage, resistance, and process signals. Plug-in option cards are available on several models for field upgrading.
DOWNLOAD THE NOSHOK DIGITAL INDICATOR SOLUTIONS CATALOG HERE
The Teledyne ISCO LaserFlow® Non-contact Velocity Sensor
The Teledyne ISCO LaserFlow velocity sensor remotely measures flow in open channels with non-contact Laser Doppler Velocity technology and non-contact Ultrasonic Level technology. The sensor uses advanced technology to measure velocity with a laser beam at single or multiple points below the surface of the wastewater stream.
The sensor uses an ultrasonic level sensor to measure the level and determines a sub-surface point to measure velocity. The sensor then focuses its laser beam at this point and measures the frequency shift of the returned light.
During submerged conditions, flow measurement continues without interruption with optional continuous wave Doppler Ultrasonic Area Velocity technology.
With its specially designed mounting bracket in place, the LaserFlow can be deployed and removed from street level. This avoids the risk and expense of confined space entry. A variety of communication options enable programming and data retrieval from a remote location. Information about data quality can be recorded and transmitted with the flow data.
For more information about Teledyne ISCO products in Western Pennsylvania, Western Maryland, West Virginia, and Northeastern Ohio, contact Advance Instruments. Call them at (888) 388-6446, or visit their website https://advanceinstruments.com.
Orange Research Pressure & Flow Instrument Catalog
Orange Research Products include:
- Differential Pressure Gauges
- Differential Pressure Transmitters
- Differential Pressure Switches
- Flow Meters
- Fixed Set-Point Flow Switches
- Flow Transmitters
YOU CAN DOWNLOAD THE ORANGE RESEARCH PRODUCT CATALOG FROM THIS ADVANCE INSTRUMENTS WEB PAGE.
For additional information, call Advance Instruments at (888) 388-6446 or visit https://advanceinstruments.com.
ControlAir Precision Pneumatic and Electro Pneumatic Control Product Catalog

ControlAir is a leading manufacturer of precision air pressure regulators, I/P transducers, E/P transducers, P/I transducers, valve positioners, air relays, volume boosters, air filter regulators and frictionless diaphragm air cylinders.
ControlAir Precision Pneumatic and Electro Pneumatic Control Product Catalog Includes:
- Current-to-Pressure (I/P) Transducers
- Voltage-to-Pressure (E/P) Transducers
- Pressure-to-Current (P/I) Transducers
- Precision Air Pressure Regulators
- Valve Positioners
- Filter Regulators
- Gas Pressure Regulators
- Volume Boosters
- Snap Acting Relays & Bias Relays
- Motorized Regulators
- Liquid Level Systems
- Friction-free Diaphragm Air Cylinders
NOSHOK Measurement Product Catalog
NOSHOK Measurement Solutions Catalog Includes:
- Pressure, Level, Temperature Instruments
- Needle Valves
- Manifold Valves
- Diaphragm Seals
- Digital Indicators
For more information on NOSHOK products in Western Pennsylvania, Western Maryland, Ohio, and West Virginia contact Advance Instruments. Call them at (888) 388-6446 or visit their website at https://advanceinstruments.com.












