"May your walls know joy, may every room hold laughter, and every window open to great possibility." Mary Anne Radmacher
Happy Holidays from Instrument Specialties, Inc.
"May your walls know joy, may every room hold laughter, and every window open to great possibility." Mary Anne Radmacher
Industrial Toxic and Combustible Gas Detection Technologies: A Recorded Webinar
Industrial gas detectors are used in a wide variety of chemical plants, refineries, water treatment plants, and other manufacturing facilities to continuously monitor and detect toxic or combustible gases and vapors. They are equipped with audible and visual alarms to alert personnel to the existence of these conditions. The major components for industrial gas detectors are the sensor, the detector, the transmitter, and the annunciator. Gas detection systems are available as single point sensing or multiple point sensing capabilities, and in fixed position or portable configurations.
This recorded webinar, presented by MSA, provides an excellent overview of the history of gas detection and the technologies used today. MSA is the world's leading manufacturer of safety products designed to protect people throughout the world.
For more information about MSA gas detection products, contact Instrument Specialties. Call them at 407-324-7800 or visit them at http://isi.group.
Celebrating Those Who Serve Our Country and Protect Our Freedom
Veterans Day is not just another holiday. It honors those Americans who fought for our freedom. By celebrating our Veterans, we continue to tell the story of how this country became the most powerful on Earth - through bravery, honor, truth, and determination.
Our Veterans are our neighbors, friends, family, and co-workers. They took an oath to defend the United States and our Constitution, from all enemies, foreign and domestic. We must never forget their bravery, service, and sacrifice.
Instrument Specialties thanks our Veterans, past and present, for serving our country and protecting our freedom.
Products for Open Channel Flow Measurement: Teledyne ISCO 2100 Series Modular Flow Systems
Teledyne ISCO is a leading manufacturer and supplier of rugged, reliable instruments for water and wastewater sampling and monitoring. Teledyne ISCO's flowmeter and level measuring instruments are the first choice for use in demanding applications.
Contact Instrument Specialties for all your Teledyne ISCO needs. They can be reached by calling 407-324-7800 or visit their web site at http://isi.group.
LaserFlow® and LaserFlow® EX Non-Contact, Sub-Surface Sensors
- Remotely measure flow in open channels with non-contact Laser Doppler Velocity technology and non-contact Ultrasonic Level technology.
- Non-contact velocity and level measurement
- Single or multipoint velocity measurement below the liquid’s surface
- No dead band from measurement point
- The non-contact sensor avoids the need of unsafe and time consuming confined space entry for preventive maintenance
- LaserFlow EX for intrinsically safe applications in Class 1, Division 1, ATEX Zone 0 areas
2160 LaserFlow Module
- 2100 Series modularity with advanced non-contacting laser
- Doppler technology
- Rugged, submersible enclosure fulfills IP68 enclosure requirements
- The quick-connect sensor can be easily removed and interchanged in the field without requiring recalibration
- Up to four 2100 Series flow modules can be networked by stacking and/or extension cables
- Modbus output interface
2110 Ultrasonic Flow Module Accurate, non-contact liquid level measurement with built-in flow conversion software.
- Measurement technology: Ultrasonic
- Microprocessor-based digital sensor
- Self-tuned power control
- Unique sensor design minimizes “deadband”
- Vertical sensor face avoids condensation problems
- Variable rate data storage
2150 Area Velocity Flow Module Advanced area velocity technology in modular form.
- Measurement technology: Continuous Wave Doppler
- Microprocessor-based low profile sensor
- Span calibration not required
- No temperature drift
- Automatic gain control
- No “draw down” effect
- Variable rate data storage
2150 EX Area Velocity Flow Module BASEEFA and CSA approved for use in potentially explosive atmospheres.
- Measurement technology: Continuous Wave Doppler
Contact Instrument Specialties for all your Teledyne ISCO needs. They can be reached by calling 407-324-7800 or visit their web site at http://isi.group.
Remote Actuator Controls Provide Safer, More Efficient Wastewater Treatment Application
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| Above ground wastewater actuator controls. |
A wastewater treatment plant installed six new AUMA SAR electric actuators for modulating duty to control the dosing of chemical additives. These actuators are used for modulating duty to handle the high-precision dosing of short-chain fatty acids, used to support the growth of microorganisms and help to remove phosphorus from the wastewater.
The actuators are situated below ground, with their AC actuator control systems mounted above the ground. This is done for both for both safety and convenience. This arrangement is made easy thanks to the modular design of AUMA actuators. AUMA actuator controls can be mounted up to 325 feet from the actual actuator (motor and gearbox).
When workers have to access equipment underground, it requires special safety needs and procedures. These include the use of qualified personnel and gas detection tests to ensure sufficient oxygen as well as to rule out flammable of explosive potentials. Locating the actuator controls above ground level, in combination with non-intrusive actuator versions, reduces underground work to a minimum, thus helping to save time and cost.
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| Below ground motors and gearboxes. |
The split-level installation also provides diagnostic and local control from a more comfortable position. The graphical interface and all operational, data logging and diagnostic features provided by the intelligent AC actuator controls are easily accessible. These actuators also use Profibus DP-V1 to communicate with the plant’s main distributed control system. Local AUMA Service took care of installation and commissioning on site.
For more information, contact Instrument Specialties, Inc. by calling 407-324-7800 or visit their web site at http://isi.group.
Seametrics iMAG Series Electromagnetic Flowmeter
iMAG-Series meters are CE certified, certified to NSF/ANSI standard 61 and are rated IP68 for applications where the meter may be operated under water to a depth of at least 10 feet (3 meters) continuously.
The display can be meter mounted or remote, and both rate and total indication are standard. Rate and total units and pulse scaling can be set via the front panel touch key pad by the user.
Bidirectional flow reading is standard with totals available in forward, reverse, net flow, batch forward flow, and batch reverse flow. Batch totals can be reset.
A power/output cable allows outputs for use with a variety of Seametrics and other displays and controls for remote reading and telemetry applications. Pulse output is standard on all models and 4-20mA passive current loop is standard on the iMAG 4700p. In addition, 4-20mA loop, HART protocol, high speed digital, and Modbus® protocol outputs are optional on the externally powered units, depending on model.
For more information, contact Instrument Specialties, Inc. by calling 407-324-7800 or visit their web site at http://isi.group.
The SOR 815 LT Submersible Level Transmitter
The SOR 815LT transmitter is a rugged, compact, loop-powered instrument that accurately and reliably measure levels for many types of liquids. The SOR 815LT indicates level by continuously monitoring the static pressures of the liquids, using high-performance pressure sensors. The 815LT has a corrosion-resistant 316 stainless steel, seal welded housing, and a high-density Polyethylene (HDPE) cable jacket for compatibility with most liquids. A PVC self-flushing nose cone can also be provided to prevent clogging, or standard configuration offers dual 1/4” NPT female / 1/2” NPT male connections for rigid mounting. The transmitters are vented at the surface through a tube in the cable to reference atmospheric pressure.
For more information about SOR products in Florida, contact Instrument Specialties, Inc. by visiting http://isi.group or calling 407-324-7800.
Unique Terminology and Operation of Industrial Pinch Valves
There are many different configurations of pinch valves. Some words about these configurations have a very specific connotation for the field specialists.This white paper provides the proper terminology along with supporting diagrams for better understanding. Using consistent and accurate terminology assists in clear communications and allows for fewer mistakes.
This is made available courtesy of Onyx Valve, a leading manufacturer of pinch valves, isolator rings, check valves, and expansion joints.
For more information on Onyx Valve products, contact Instrument Specialties by calling 407-324-7800 or visit their web site at http://isi.group.
AUMA Electric Actuators Now Support Industrial Ethernet
Ethernet enables computers to communicate over one network - in today's environment, communication between machines would not be feasible without it. First created in the 1970s and subsequently standardized as IEEE 802.3, Ethernet is the leading standard in office settings for data networks today."Industrial Ethernet" defines the improvements that allow Ethernet to be used in industrial automation, even for critical applications. Industrial Ethernet is Ethernet applied to an industrial environment, often requiring more robust connectors, wires, and, most importantly, better determinism.
Industrial Ethernet (IE) is the use of Ethernet with protocols that provide determinism and real-time control in an industrial setting. Factors such as high reliability, robust communication, and device exchange during running operation are crucial. Industrial Ethernet utilizes specific protocols in combination with Ethernet to accomplish improved determinism. These protocols are already widely available and for which integration into the DCS is straightforward. PROFINET®, EtherNet/IP®, EtherCAT®, and Modbus TCP/IP, are some of the most common.
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| Industrial Ethernet Topology with Electric Actuators |
EtherNet/IP® is an industrial network protocol that adapts to the Ethernet standard to the Common Industrial Protocol. EtherNet/IP® is one of the USA's leading industrial protocols and is commonly used in a variety of sectors including factory, hybrid and process control.
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| Electric Actuators using Industrial Ethernet in a water treatment plant (AUMA) |
Ethernet/IP® is the third Industrial Ethernet standard that AUMA supports, in addition to PROFINET® and Modbus TCP/IP.
Ethernet/IP® offers superior connectivity and enhanced network flexibility. With bandwidths up to 100 Mbit/s, AUMA actuators with Ethernet/IP provide reliable and rapid exchange of both cyclic process data and acyclic diagnostic data from the actuators.
Industrial Ethernet has many technical advantages:
Industrial Ethernet has many technical advantages:
- Transmission of real-time and IT data via a common medium
- Virtually unlimited number of participants and network expansion
- Flexible topologies which can easily be scaled and expanded
- Quick transmission even of extremely large data volumes
- Integration of web servers and IoT interfaces such as OPC UA within the device
- Simple access to field level device data without proprietary gateways
- Reliable in operation, no complex termination, simple maintenance
- Future proof
For more information, contact Instrument Specialties by visiting http://isi.group or by calling 407-324-7800.
US Power Grids, Oil and Gas Industries, and Risk of Hacking
A report released in June, from the security firm Dragos, describes a worrisome development by a hacker group named, “Xenotime” and at least two dangerous oil and gas intrusions and ongoing reconnaissance on United States power grids.
Multiple ICS (Industrial Control Sectors) sectors now face the XENOTIME threat; this means individual verticals – such as oil and gas, manufacturing, or electric – cannot ignore threats to other ICS entities because they are not specifically targeted.
The Dragos researchers have termed this threat proliferation as the world’s most dangerous cyberthreat since an event in 2017 where Xenotime had caused a serious operational outage at a crucial site in the Middle East.
The fact that concerns cybersecurity experts the most is that this hacking attack was a malware that chose to target the facility safety processes (SIS – safety instrumentation system).
For example, when temperatures in a reactor increase to an unsafe level, an SIS will automatically start a cooling process or immediately close a valve to prevent a safety accident. The SIS safety stems are both hardware and software that combine to protect facilities from life threatening accidents.
At this point, no one is sure who is behind Xenotime. Russia has been connected to one of the critical infrastructure attacks in the Ukraine. That attack was viewed to be the first hacker related power grid outage.
This is a “Cause for Concern” post that was published by Dragos on June 14, 2019.
“While none of the electric utility targeting events has resulted in a known, successful intrusion into victim organizations to date, the persistent attempts, and expansion in scope is cause for definite concern. XENOTIME has successfully compromised several oil and gas environments which demonstrates its ability to do so in other verticals. Specifically, XENOTIME remains one of only four threats (along with ELECTRUM, Sandworm, and the entities responsible for Stuxnet) to execute a deliberate disruptive or destructive attack.
XENOTIME is the only known entity to specifically target safety instrumented systems (SIS) for disruptive or destructive purposes. Electric utility environments are significantly different from oil and gas operations in several aspects, but electric operations still have safety and protection equipment that could be targeted with similar tradecraft. XENOTIME expressing consistent, direct interest in electric utility operations is a cause for deep concern given this adversary’s willingness to compromise process safety – and thus integrity – to fulfill its mission.
XENOTIME’s expansion to another industry vertical is emblematic of an increasingly hostile industrial threat landscape. Most observed XENOTIME activity focuses on initial information gathering and access operations necessary for follow-on ICS intrusion operations. As seen in long-running state-sponsored intrusions into US, UK, and other electric infrastructure, entities are increasingly interested in the fundamentals of ICS operations and displaying all the hallmarks associated with information and access acquisition necessary to conduct future attacks. While Dragos sees no evidence at this time indicating that XENOTIME (or any other activity group, such as ELECTRUM or ALLANITE) is capable of executing a prolonged disruptive or destructive event on electric utility operations, observed activity strongly signals adversary interest in meeting the prerequisites for doing so.”
Measuring Fluctuating Temperature Water Level Using Density
A thermal power plant needed to measure the liquid level in a water storage tank, but due to mounting restrictions and space limitations, they are unable to use traditional liquid level sensing products.
Another approach for indirectly measuring level of water in a storage tank is by using a differential pressure transmitter to measure pressure, and then calculating liquid level through calculating the density. However, the density of water changes with temperature; when temperature increases the water expands in volume and vice versa. This causes the water level to rise without varying the amount of pressure being applied to the transmitter’s sensors. If only a pressure measuring device is used, the system will lack the temperature data required for correctly adjusting the density calculations. Temperature compensation is needed to accurately determine the level of water within the process.
SOLUTION
An SOR 815DT Smart Differential Transmitter combined with an SOR 1400 Series Temperature Transmitter Assembly gave the plant personnel all the necessary information they required to calculate the density, and therefore, indirectly measure the water level. With the SOR 815DT’s compact design, it was able to be installed into confined areas where other instruments would be too large.
Both transmitters constantly measure the temperature and pressure and the process data is relayed to a digital control system. The temperature transmitter data is used to compensate the level readings accordingly. The combination of transmitters provides the digital control system with the process parameters needed for precisely calculating the density and thus, it is able to accurately determine the water level within the storage tank.
For more information regarding any level, pressure, temperature, or flow requirement, contact Instrument Specialties, Inc. by calling 407-324-7800 or visiting http://isi.group.
Instrument Specialties: Providing Services that Drive Safety, Reliability and Performance
With engineering, design, and support resources available in Florida and the Caribbean, Instrument Specialties delivers value-added solutions that improve operations and increase profitability for our customers in the energy, municipal water, wastewater treatment, gas & oil, chemical, mining, agricultural, food service, pharmaceutical, and aerospace industries.
Instrument Specialties offers our customers a group of services designed to provide outstanding value and cost savings throughout your equipment's life span. By integrating access to best-in-breed equipment manufacturers, decades of application experience, and state-of-the-art tools, Instrument Specialties helps customers:
- Improve plant and personnel safety
- Optimize asset uptime and performance
- Lower total cost of operation and maintenance
- Increase equipment reliability
PARTS, REPAIRS, UPGRADES AND FIELD SERVICES
Instrument Specialties mobile service personnel and advanced diagnostic technologies, along with the unparalleled expertise of their technicians, is equipped to address virtually any process equipment service requirement, regardless of the manufacturer.Repair and Upgrades — Instrument Specialties repairs and/or upgrades equipment, providing new life to existing process instrumentation, valves, and control systems.
Replacement Parts and Components — Using its broad network of manufacturer's service facilities, and our own local stocking centers, Instrument Specialties provides timely delivery of quality parts that keep your operations running smoothly and profitably .
Field Service Personnel — From maintenance to management, highly qualified Instrument Specialties project managers, engineers and technicians will assist you in keeping your plant running smoothly .
ENGINEERING AND TECHNICAL SERVICES
Technical Analysis — Instrument Specialties can perform system audits to identify operational issues that may be constraining output or elevating operating costs, and then recommended laser-focused solutions.
Reliability and Efficiency Services — Instrument Specialties lends their decades of hands-on experience to offer practical solutions that improve the performance, efficiency, and reliability of your process control equipment - all while lowering your total cost of ownership.
Loop Design, Integration and Engineering Support — Instrument Specialties engineers engage with our customers, providing on-site support for grassroots project planning, system design, or project management requirements.
ASSET MANAGEMENT AND OPTIMIZATION
Instrument Specialties continues to invest in its capabilities and technologies to help our customers realize more payback from their plant assets.
Equipment Life Cycle Optimization — Through a combination of on-site assessments and technology, ISI experts help customers benchmark operational performance, define key metrics, and implement precise solutions to achieve long-term operational goals.
Intelligent Product Solutions — By employing an array of sophisticated products, services, and software that collects, examines and understands data, Instrument Specialties helps customers use predictive analytics to take action and improve asset reliability and reduce downtime.
EDUCATION AND TRAINING
Instrument Specialties offers a wide range of innovative training programs to help plant operators, managers, reliability specialists, engineers and maintenance staff further develop their understanding of critical equipment and processes.
Training at ISI — At our state-of-the-art facility in Sanford, Florida, highly trained instructors provide hands-on training and instruction in the principles of process control, instrumentation maintenance, control valve operation, and equipment reliability.
Customer On-site Training — Instrument Specialties will design, develop, and deliver training programs tailored specifically around the people, equipment and processes at a customer’s facility.
Instrument Specialties, Inc.
http://isi.group
407-324-7800
Instrument Specialties, Inc.
http://isi.group
407-324-7800
Electric Actuators for the Water and Wastewater Industry
Drinking water abstraction and distribution, as well as sewage disposal and purification are basic prerequisites for infrastructure development. Security of supply is crucial for modern water industry. The need for automated valves in water and wastewater treatment are abundant, and there are many applications where electric actuators assist with the solution for the most demanding problems.Common Water Facilities Requiring Electric Actuators:
- Sewage treatment plants
- Water treatment plants
- Drinking water distribution
- Sewage disposal
- Seawater desalination
Handy Hazardous Area Classification Guide
The electrical classification term "Hazardous Location" refers to areas where flammable gases, vapors, liquids, combustible dusts, ignitable fibers or flyings are present in the atmosphere in sufficient volume to cause an explosion of fire.Electrical equipment placed in hazardous locations must be carefully selected and applied in accordance with national and international "HazLoc" (sometimes referred to as explosion-proof) standards. These standards evaluate the threat of explosion based on quantitative and qualitative criteria such as material phase, specific gas of liquid, and likelihood of exposure.
SOR, a world leading manufacturer of process control instrumentation, offers a handy quick reference page on their website. For your convenience, we are including a link below to the PDF version on the Instrument Specialties website for download.
This guide is just for reference. Consultation with a qualified applications specialist prior to the selection or installation of any hazardous area product is strongly suggested.
For more information, contact Instrument Specialties, Inc. by calling 407-324-7800 or by visiting http://isi.group
AUMA Authorized Service, Repair and Maintenance in Florida
Instrument Specialties, Inc. is the exclusive Auma Electric Actuator Municipal Sales and Service Representative in Florida. We look forward to being your partner for the installation, commissioning, training, maintenance, overhaul or repair of your AUMA actuators.
Aside from sales, Instrument Specialties offers a broad scope of after-sales services for AUMA actuators including, consulting, assembly, spare parts, inspection, maintenance, modernization, onsite mounting, optimization and personnel training.
Advantages of Partnering with Instrument Specialties for all your AUMA Service:
- One partner for all AUMA service requirements.
- Local, prompt availability.
- OEM guaranteed spare parts.
- Service by fully trained and AUMA qualified technicians.
- Thorough record keeping.
Crispin Valve: Air Valves, Butterfly Valves, Check Valves, and Plug Valves
Crispin Valve manufactures air valves, butterfly valves, check valves, and plug valves primarily for the municipal water industries. Other markets where Crispin valves are used: mining, energy and chemical processing companies.
For more information about Crispin Valve, contact:
Instrument Specialties, Inc.
407-324-7800
KROHNE SMARTPAT Process Analytics Sensors
The KROHNE SMARTPAT is a series of digital 2-wire loop powered sensors with integrated transmitter technology. Using a VP cable, any SMARTPAT sensor can be connected directly to the process control system via 4-20 mA / HART 7 interface, which provides a large advantages in both handling and costs of a measuring point. Available in pH, ORP, Conductivity, Total Suspended Solids, Oxygen, Disinfectant, and Turbidity. Additional transmitters on site are no longer necessary. All SMARTPAT sensors can be configured and calibrated offline via PACTware FDT/DTM, on site with a HART handheld, or an optional loop powered operating unit.
Instrument Specialties, Inc.
http://isi.group
407-324-7800
SUPERIOR Water Solutions Gas Chlorinators
The vacuum-operated, solution feed type SUPERIOR Gas Chlorinator can be either mounted directly on a chlorine cylinder valve, or wall mounted. Chlorine flow rate is manually adjusted. The design is such that a number of automatic flow rate control devices can be easily added. Modern modular design makes it easy and cost-effective to expand or upgrade the system.
Download the complete SUPERIOR Gas Chlorinator brochure.
For more information, contact Instrument Specialties, Inc. by calling 407-324-7800 or visiting their website at http://isi.group.
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