Benefits of Using Current Switches/Transformers

Motors are used for numerous industrial processes, be it moving air with a fan, pumping water with a pump, or driving a mechanical process. It is important to know when motors are not operating properly or require maintenance.

Many installations rely on a sensor or instrument used for the primary process, such as the use of a pressure transmitter to verify system pressure in a duct or the use of a flow transmitter to verify flow in a pipe. When errors or loss of pressure/flow are indicated, maintenance personnel may be dispatched to remedy the issue. However, this method does not indicate the root cause of an issue. Relying solely on primary process instrumentation opens the door to an unforeseen, possibly catastrophic situation. Continue reading “Benefits of Using Current Switches/Transformers”

Making Sense of Sensing Pressure

As discussed in previous articles and videos, pressure is the amount of force acting on a specific area and is equal to the force divided by the area. There are several types of sensing elements used inside pressure measurement devices. By understanding the components that make these products function and carefully comparing their specifications with your application requirements, you ensure the correct instrumentation is being used for your application. Today we’ll be discussing the functions of diaphragms and Bourdon tubes. Continue reading “Making Sense of Sensing Pressure”

Ask the Expert: How should I decide which flow meter would be best for my application?

Question: I need to decide on a flow meter for my application. I see that your Rate-Master® Polycarbonate Flowmeter, Series RM, and Visi-Float® Acrylic Flowmeter, Series VF, are the most popular series; how should I decide which would be best for my application? Continue reading “Ask the Expert: How should I decide which flow meter would be best for my application?”

Hydraulic Fracturing for Oil Extraction

In the past few years, oil production in the United States has skyrocketed. In fact, the U.S. is out-producing many OPEC countries and is currently on track to become one of the largest oil-producing countries in the world, alongside Russia and Saudi Arabia.[1] The top oil producing region in the U.S. is known as the Permian Basin, which includes parts of Texas and New Mexico. Other major oil-producing states include Colorado, Oklahoma, North Dakota, Alaska, and California.[2] Continue reading “Hydraulic Fracturing for Oil Extraction”