Automated Water Sampler

Automated water sampler is programmable to meet
a variety of water testing protocols.
Image courtesy Teledyne ISCO

Part of many water monitoring operations is the regular gathering of field samples for analysis. Teledyne Isco manufactures an array of water sampling equipment and supplies to meet the broad range of application requirements found in field operations.

The Model 3700 is a portable sampler designed for use in water and wastewater treatment plants, stormwater runoff monitoring, and industrial wastewater applications. The construction and configuration of the unit accommodates the range of aggressive environmental conditions often found at water sampling sites.

The portable water sampler is equipped with a controller, sampling system and storage bay, all integrated into a single unit that will gather water samples in accordance with a preprogrammed schedule and hold them until the unit is retrieved at the end of its cycle.

More detailed information is provided in the datasheet included below. Share your water quality monitoring and measurement challenges with application specialists, leveraging your own knowledge and experience with their product application expertise to develop an effective solution.

Portable Water Sampler for Field Use from Instrument Specialties, Inc.

Non-Contact Area Velocity Flow Measurement Using Advanced Laser Doppler Technology

Non-contact flow measurement in open channels is
effectively conducted with laser doppler technology
Image courtesy Teledyne ISCO

An effective way to measure liquid flow in open channels employs a combination of non-contact Laser Doppler Velocity technology and non-contact Ultrasonic Level technology. Teledyne ISCO manufactures a variant of their LaserFlow non-contact flow meter that incorporates both velocity and depth sensors into a single compact unit. The sensor uses advanced technology to measure velocity with a laser at single or multiple points below the surface of the water or wastewater stream.

An ultrasonic level sensor provides the depth of the flow, and the system determines a sub-surface point at which to measure velocity. The sensor then focuses the laser at the designated point and measures the frequency shift of the returned light.

This sensor is ideal for a broad range of wastewater monitoring applications and is compatible with readily available flow meters.

With optional continuous wave Doppler Ultrasonic Area Velocity technology flow measurement continues without interruption even while submerged.

A specially designed mounting bracket enables deployment of the sensor in a manner that permits removal from street level, avoiding the risk and expense of confined space entry. A variety of communication options enable programming and data retrieval from a remote location as well. Built-in diagnostic tools simplify installation, maintenance, and advanced communication options reduce site visits.

The sensor provides excellent system versatility across a wide variety of industrial applications to manhole installations, with many configuration options providing the flexibility to measure flow in most open channel applications.

Depending on your application needs, the device can be programmed to take velocity measurements at single or multiple points below the water's surface, producing an accurate mean velocity reading.

In applications where the level measurement point of the built-in ultrasonic and the measurement point of the laser velocity are of different elevations, such as a freefalling outfall or drop manhole, the remote ultrasonic option can be used so that both measurement points reference the same elevation.

During submerged conditions, the optional bottom-mounted area velocity sensor seamlessly takes over the flow rate measurement. The sensor provides ultrasonic Doppler velocity measurement and Differential Pressure level measurement. This option measures flow in the pipe/channel. By measuring velocity over a large area, the ultrasonic Doppler technology provides more accurate flow measurement during submerged conditions.

For redundant flow measurement at critical monitoring sites, a unique flexibility is added by an optional sensor which is mounted at the bottom of the pipe. This sensor provides redundant velocity, level, and flow data from the same site as the device.

Following initial installation and adjustment, the sensor can be installed or removed as needed without manhole entry in most situations, using the optional sensor retrieval arm to grasp the handle. The handle's simple yet effective locking mechanism holds the sensor securely in place, and is easy to engage and release from above ground.

Share your open channel flow measurement challenges with measurement instrumentation experts. Leverage your own knowledge and experience with their product application expertise to develop an effective solution.

Non-Contact Open Channel Flow Measurement from Instrument Specialties, Inc.

Industrial Bulb and Capillary Temperature Switches

Weatherproof temperature switch, one of many variants.
Image courtesy SOR, Inc.

Not all processes or operations require the use of state of the art technology to get the desired results. Part of good process design is matching up the most appropriate methods and technology to the operation.

One method of changing the state of a switch in response to a process temperature change is a bulb and capillary temperature switch. The switch operation produces a state change in the mechanical switch when the temperature of a process control operation crosses a certain threshold. Bulb and capillary switches have the advantage of operating without electricity, simplifying their application.

The physical operating principle behind the capillary thermostat relies on the use of a fluid. The fluid inside the thermostat expands or contracts in response to the temperature at the sensing bulb. The change in fluid volume produces a force upon a diaphragm or other mechanical transfer device. The diaphragm is connected to, and changes the status of, an adjoining circuit using a snap action switch. For example, a main use of the operating principle in action is when a commercial food company relies on the capillary switch to control temperature related to processing and distribution. Each individual use of a bulb and capillary thermostat is specifically designed based on manufacturer and industry specifications, all of which apply the same physical principle of fluid based physics.

Because of their simplicity and comparatively modest cost, commercial versions of bulb and capillary switches find application throughout residential and commercial settings. Some common applications include warming ovens, deep fat fryers, and water heaters. The HVAC industry uses capillary and bulb switches because the rate of temperature change found in their applications fits the adjoining range offered by the bulb and capillary type switches. Operation of the temperature switches is subject to a few limitations. The switching point is often fixed, so the application must be without a requirement for an adjustable setpoint. The temperature range over which the switches are suitable is comparatively limited, with a matching of the bulb and capillary fluid system to the application temperature range a necessary task in product selection. Within its proper sphere of use, though, bulb and capillary temperature switches offer simple, reliable operation, with little requirement for maintenance.

Bulb and capillary switches are typically used to evaluate average temperature and are especially useful for applications where the temperature is to be maintained at a well-known, consistent value. The bulb portion can be configured to accommodate mounting within the media to be controlled. The devices can be applied effectively to liquid and gaseous media when the proper bulb is used.

Industrial versions of bulb and capillary switches are fitted with appropriate housings for the installation environment. Hazardous location installation can be accommodated, as well as high current ratings and auxiliary functions. There are almost countless variants of bulb and capillary temperature switches available. Don’t overlook these simple mechanical devices as candidates for application in any temperature control process. Share your application requirements and challenges with product specialists for useful recommendations.

Industrial Temperature Switches for Process Control from Instrument Specialties, Inc.

Sight Flow Indicators

Sight flow indicators give operators a rapid and direct
means of verifying process flow.
Image courtesy Clark Reliance - Jacoby-Tarbox

Industrial process operations involving fluids benefit greatly from advanced instrumentation and measure, but there may be instances where a visual confirmation or assessment of fluid flow is useful or necessary. In those cases, a direct reading sight flow indicator is just the thing needed to fill the requirement.

The sight flow indicator is essentially a clear window or tube with an encasement and appropriate connections that facilitate its installation into a process piping system. It is installed in a manner that provides an operator visual access to the inside of the piping at that location. Further details about construction materials, armoring, and more will round out the product selection that best accommodates the industrial environment, the media, and the visual inspection needs.

Jacoby-Tarbox manufactures a range of  fluid processing and measurement products, including sight flow indicators, for industrial use. Their sight flow indicators, available in a broad range of line sizes and connections, enable a process operator to get that all important visual inspection of liquid or gaseous media flow in real time. The presence, color and character of the media can be assessed visually through the flow indicator, delivering visual confirmation of some targeted aspect of the process.

Share your process flow and level measurement challenges with instrumentation specialists, leveraging your own knowledge and experience with their product application expertise to develop an effective solution.

Sight Flow Indicators With Flanged Connection from Instrument Specialties, Inc.