Manifold Valves in Flow Measurement

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!

Portable Sampler Application Assistance

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

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
The choice of fill fluid contributes directly to thermal  errors in proportion to the coefficient of thermal expansion of the  fluid. The resulting internal pressures produce adverse forces on the diaphragm which in turn are reflected in the pressure instrument.


Advance Instruments
(888) 388-6446
www.advanceinstruments.com

Weir Boxes

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: 

  1. Their design is simple and easy to use, allowing for precise measurements. 
  2. 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

Happy Holidays from Advance Instruments!

 

Happy Holidays

Sampler Selection Considerations for COVID-19 Tracking

Sampler Selection Considerations

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.