Control Valve Actuator Sizing and Valve Action Selection

Control valves are used to change process conditions such as flow, temperature, level, and pH. A complete control system would include: a sensor, controller, positioner or current to pressure transducer, and control valve.  Globe valves, such as the Dwyer Series 2000VA/ 3000WA Hi-Flow™ Control Valve, are a very common type of control valve.

Hi-Flow™ Valve

The Dwyer Hi-Flow™ Series control valves have pneumatic actuators that modulate the valve for flow control. The opening, closing and throttling of the valve plug is accomplished by varying the air pressure to the diaphragm in the actuator. Typically the control pressure signal is 3 to 15 psig. There are two types of actuators: Air-To-Lower and Air-To- Raise. Continue reading “Control Valve Actuator Sizing and Valve Action Selection”

An Introduction to Lead-Free Product Requirements

In a world of constantly changing approvals and requirements, is it realistic to expect a customer to stay up-to-date with the latest and greatest information? Things that were once deemed acceptable are now found to cause serious health complications. Consequentially, there are all kinds of agencies in place designed to keep products safe, regulate material composition, and educate the consumer.

But how does an individual, not experienced in the industry, know what is necessary (or pertinent) to their specific application? If I want to purchase a water meter for my home or business and am unfamiliar and unlicensed with those specific regulations, am I putting myself or my business at risk? Particularly something like lead, which according to the CDC ,“[…] can affect nearly every system in the body.” Continue reading “An Introduction to Lead-Free Product Requirements”

The Operation of Gages and Switches in Hazardous Environments

In many industrial processes, the materials and the end product or by-products of the process, such as dust or vapors, can create conditions for a hazardous environment. Processes that have potential for hazardous environments include: water treatment, oil drilling, gas and chemical processing, power generation, pharmaceutical, and food manufacturing. The measurement and control of these processes are essential in maintaining optimal conditions of the manufacturing system and preventing catastrophic events.  Continue reading “The Operation of Gages and Switches in Hazardous Environments”

The Making of a Market Leader – The Magnehelic® Differential Pressure Gage

The name of the Magnehelic® Differential Pressure Gage was derived from the terms Magnet and the Helix. The Magnehelic® gage is a simple yet elegant solution, which solved a problem faced by customers who wanted to measure low differential pressure. Historically the industry measured differential
Molded Plastic Manometers Series Mark II

pressure with a liquid filled manometer. The manometer worked on the principle that the difference in air pressure is measured as a function of gravity and liquid density. The challenge, however, was that the liquid in the manometer evaporates over time. This means that individuals would need to regularly add more liquid and re-calibrate the device. Continue reading “The Making of a Market Leader – The Magnehelic® Differential Pressure Gage”

Leachate, A Growing Market for Level Control

For decades, the municipal Water and Wastewater Market has been a focal point for many product lines associated with the Mercoid brand.  With Dwyer’s ever expanding product lines we have been able to offer a diverse array of instruments to monitor and control pressure, level, flow, humidity, and data logging.  A growing application with similar demands is landfill leachate pumping, where Mercoid has been able to successfully implement several products.

Continue reading “Leachate, A Growing Market for Level Control”