AUMA Electric Actuators for Water Distribution and Wastewater Treatment

Drinking water abstraction and distribution, as well as sewage disposal and purification, are basic prerequisites for community infrastructure development. Security of supply is crucial for any modern water industry.

Piping of different lengths and nominal diameters must be automated with a multitude of valve types. From potable water production and distribution, to sewage treatment, to water treatment systems, AUMA actuators automate valves of any size and design. AUMA has been building electric actuators and valve gearboxes for over 50 years, and is one of the leading manufacturers in the water industry. AUMA is well implanted due to their broad product portfolio including multi-turn, part-turn, and linear actuators. In combination with high corrosion protection, they guarantee a long service life, low in maintenance.

For more information about AUMA electric actuators in water distribution and wastewater treatment, contact Instrument Specialties. Call them at 407-324-7800 or visit their site at https://isisales.com. 

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.

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.

Mining Operations Optimize Dewatering Processes

Effective water management is critical to both open-pit and sub-surface mining operations. Mine dewatering is an essential part of resource extraction, as it lowers the water table around the mine or quarry. Effectively managed dewatering processes typically employ continuous water level monitoring. Mine dewatering is usually undertaken for several reasons:

• To ensure stability of mine walls during and after excavation—In open-pit mines, a water table that is too high can destabilize mine walls, haulage roads, and slopes. Water pressure reduces the stability of mine walls and can lead to sliding and collapse of materials in the slope. In underground mines, the inflow of water must be controlled to prevent flooding; however, a balance must be maintained so that groundwater levels are not needlessly depleted.
• To optimize mine production and reduce operational costs—Effective dewatering operations create dry conditions so that low strength aquifer sequence materials (sands, gravel, and clays) can be safely excavated, reducing drilling and blasting costs. Additionally, wear and corrosion on equipment is minimized, and the possibility of pump burn out is reduced by accurately monitoring drawdown. Haulage costs for unsaturated excavated material is significantly less than for saturated materials, further reducing operational cost.

Read the complete document below, or download your PDF copy of "Mining Operations Optimize Dewatering Processes" here.

Mining Operations Optimize Dewatering Processes from Instrument Specialties, Inc.

Measuring Differential Flow in Industrial Process Control

Measuring differential flow

The differential flow meter is the most common device for measuring fluid flow through pipes. Flow rates and pressure differential of fluids, such as gases vapors and liquids, are explored using the orifice plate flow meter in the video below.

The differential flow meter, whether Venturi tube, flow nozzle, or orifice plate style, is an in line instrument that is installed between two pipe flanges.

The orifice plate flow meter is comprised the circular metal disc with a specific hole diameter that reduces the fluid flow in the pipe. Pressure taps are added on each side at the orifice plate to measure the pressure differential.

According to the Laws of Conservation of Energy, the fluid entering the pipe must equal the mass leaving the pipe during the same period of time. The velocity of the fluid leaving the orifice is greater than the velocity of the fluid entering the orifice. Applying Bernoulli's Principle, the increased fluid velocity results in a decrease in pressure.

As the fluid flow rate increases through the pipe, back pressure on the incoming side increases due to the restriction of flow created by the orifice plate.

The pressure of the fluid at the downstream side at the orifice plate is less than the incoming side due to the accelerated flow.

With a known differential pressure and velocity of the fluid, the volume metric flow rate can be determined. The flow rate “Q”, of a fluid through an orifice plate increases in proportion to the square root the pressure difference on each side multiplied by the K factor. For example if the differential pressure increases by 14 PSI with the K factor of one, the flow rate is increased by 3.74.

Understanding Hot Tapping: Insertion Flowmeter Example

Hot tapping insertion probe.

The ability to remove an insertion flowmeter probe is important for service and calibration. In many situations, it is not desirable to shut down the process and drain the pipe. In these cases, a method for removal known as "hot tapping" is preferred. Hot tapping (also known as pressure tapping) is a technique where a connection is made to an existing pipe or pressure vessel without disturbing flow or having to empty the pipe or vessel. This allows a pipe or tank to be in operation while maintenance or modifications are being done.

This video demonstrates the steps (and precautions) to remove a Seametrics flowmeter insertion probe from a live process (hot tap).  Insertion type flowmeters use a ball valve as the shut-off device and as isolation from the process media in the pipe. The video outlines the sequence of loosening the lock nut, raising the probe, then shutting off the valve before removal.

Additionally, here is a good document with more specific information on the insertion flow meter / hot tapping process:

Flow Meter Hot Tap Instructions from Instrument Specialties, Inc.

For more information on any flowmeter installation, contact:

Instrument Specialties Inc.
3885 St. Johns Parkway
Sanford, FL 32771
phone 407.324.7800
fax 407.324.1104

www.isisales.com

On the Bench. A Look Inside the Valtek Mark One Globe Control Valve

Glove Control Valve

The video below provides the viewer with a look inside the Valtek Mark One control valve and identifies its major components.

The Valtek® Mark One globe control valve is designed for liquid and gaseous services, and for permitting easy, fast and inexpensive maintenance.

The spring-cylinder actuated Mark One valve provides stiffness and maintains high positioning accuracy, repeatability, controlled high speed, and faithful response. The Mark One valve handles up to 150 psig supply air and has the thrust to shut off against much higher fluid pressures.

The Mark One valve is designed so the spring, supply air pressure and fluid pressure itself combine to produce exceptionally tight shutoff. A self-aligning seat ring further enhances the shutoff capability of the valve.

Thermal Mass Flow Meters

Thermal Mass Flow Meter
(courtesy of Brooks Instrument)

The basic operation of a thermal mass flow meters is to measure flow by introducing heat into the flow stream and measuring the heat dissipation between one or more temperature sensors.

Thermal mass flow meters are very popular for several reasons. They have no moving parts, have a fairly unobstructed flow path, are accurate over a wide range of flow rates, calculate mass flow rather than volume, measure flow in large or small piping systems, and do not need temperature or pressure compensation. While most thermal flow meters are used to measure flowing gas, some also measure flowing liquids.

Thermal mass flow meters are cost effective and accurate making it an excellent choice for a wide variety of gas flow applications.

Brooks SLA Thermal Mass Flow Meters from Instrument Specialties, Inc.

Basic Lesson on Flow Control Valves

For anyone interested in flow control basics, control valve basics, check valve basics and many other technical topics, videos are available on YouTube from the Columbia Gorge Community College. The teacher's name is Jim Pytel and he does an excellent job. Here's a video tutorial Flow Control Valve basics.