Gas Mass Measurement

Energy costs are rising around the world. In the United States, the cost of electricity, natural gas, and coal are all expected to increase in 2020.[1] As oil prices increase, energy costs are rising in Britain, and in Australia, the cost of electricity has skyrocketed.[2] It will become increasingly necessary to manage costs by maintaining efficient operation of energy systems as energy prices continue to rise.

Steam is a common byproduct of energy generation in boiler systems. When energy is generated in a boiler system, heat energy is transferred to water, which generates steam used for heating. Measuring the steam produced by a boiler is the most logical way to measure boiler output, but it is extremely difficult to measure steam output accurately.[3] In a world where energy costs are only expected to increase, it is imperative that boiler output be measured accurately in order to conserve both money and energy. Continue reading “Gas Mass Measurement”

What Are 3-Way Ball Valves?

3-Way NPT Stainless Steel Ball Valve, Series WE31

Dwyer Instruments offers a diverse line of 3-way ball valves with a variety of body materials such as brass, stainless steel, and plastic. We also have a variety of end connections to choose from, including: NPT (National Pipe Tapered threads), tri-clamp, flanged, or socket.

What is a 3-way ball valve?
A 3-way ball valve, also known as a multi-port valve, has 3 ports or openings, where one port is common to the other two.  This third port offers the fluid an alternate path of travel, which permits the valve to have one inlet and two outlets, or two inlets and one outlet. They also provide simple and economical flow shut-off and direction control in one valve body. Continue reading “What Are 3-Way Ball Valves?”

How to Set Up and Record with a SCD and Mini-Node™ Signal Converter

The DIN Rail Temperature/Process Controller, Series SCD, offers multiple PID loops in a compact size. Each SCD-1000 master controller can be combined with up to seven SCD-2000 slave controllers without any wires. Each controller has one universal input, one relay output, and one user selected output.

The Series SCD can be used with a Mini-Node™ Signal Converter for applications such as: oven, boiler, or chiller control; packaging equipment; environmental chambers; medical equipment; or food service equipment. The Mini-Node™ converter, Model MN-1, is a low cost device that converts half duplex RS-485 serial communications signals into a signal that can be read by any computer with a USB port.

Wiring up the MN-1 to an SCD controller can be accomplished in just a few steps, and the set up software is simple to use. Continue reading “How to Set Up and Record with a SCD and Mini-Node™ Signal Converter”

[Product Highlight] Series ACT Pneumatic and Electric Actuators

Pneumatic and Electric Actuators, Series ACT

The W.E. Anderson Series ACT Actuators are available in either pneumatic or electric models. The wide range of torques and voltages means there is an actuator for almost any application. The standard ISO 5211 mounting configuration makes installation to any valve or damper quick and simple. W.E. Anderson pneumatic ACT models are a compact rack-and-pinion design with a symmetrical structure that ensures fast and steady action, high precision, and high output power. The corrosion-resistant anodized aluminum body is designed to withstand harsh, abusive industrial environments and provide reliable service. We offer double acting and spring return models in a variety of sizes to fit any application. Continue reading “[Product Highlight] Series ACT Pneumatic and Electric Actuators”

The Key to Energy Efficiency

“In the real estate industry you always hear this phrase, ‘Location, location, location.’ I think for energy management systems the key is ‘Execution, execution, execution.'”[1]

— Sara Lisauskas, Energy Management Systems: Maximizing Energy Savings

What comes to mind when you think of the phrase “energy efficient?” Perhaps you think of LED light bulbs, electric cars, Energy Star appliances, or LEED-certified buildings. But energy efficiency isn’t limited to “green” products or certifications. Continue reading “The Key to Energy Efficiency”