Smart Control for Steam Boiler Water Level

Maintaining proper water level in a boiler is necessary for safe and efficient operation. Historically, boiler level measurement and control were accomplished with mechanical means. Today, sensor technology, electronics, and software bring improved accuracy and a host of other useful features to the water level control system.

Clark-Reliance, a globally recognized leader in level indication and control, separation and filtration for steam systems, has developed a smart boiler level indication system to enhance boiler operation. The video included below provides an illustrative overview of the system, how it works and the benefits it will bring to a new or retrofit installation.

Share your combustion and steam challenges with experienced specialists, and combine your site and project knowledge with their expertise to deliver an effective solution.

Detecting Free Fatty Acids, Polar Material, Peroxide and Dirt in Edible Oil and Fat Applications

Detection of FFA, TPM, POV, moisture or dirt
with the new Krohne analyzer

Instantaneous detection of FFA, TPM, POV moisture or dirt in edible oil and fat application is now possible with the use of a new inline continuous analyzer from the manufacturer Krohne. The OPTIQUAD-EOF 4050 W "peeks" inside the process through an optical window placed in a standard measuring section. Four standard 4-20 mA control outputs are provided for process control. Additionally,  the measurement of anisidine value (AV) and iodine value (IV) are possible (application dependent). 

Detection of these variables have traditionally been done using conventional laboratory methods. The new inline analyzer reduces the need for sampling and the associated transport and handling which raise the probability of errors and increases cost.

The optical spectroscopy analyzing method allows for a wide range of use in edible oil applications, such as oil extraction, oil refinement and frying processes up to oil recycling, as well as fat processing. For example, the continuous inline measurement of FFA content in frying oil helps to minimize the addition of fresh oil: the FFA value can be kept below a defined limit while allowing to maintain a high level of quality. 

The spectroscopic analysis system consists of the analyzer unit and the operating unit, both rated IP65/NEMA4X. The operating unit is an industrial PC with touch screen display. It uses up to four measuring methods (transmission, scattering, fluorescence and refraction) with up to 12 wavelengths from ultraviolet to infrared. The underlying calibration is calculated automatically from reference data specific to the application.

For more information about this or any Krohne product, contact:

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

www.isisales.com

Magnetic Level Gauge Innovativation Solves a Potential Problem and Provides Accurate Indication Under Adverse Conditions

Magnetic Level Gauge
Courtesy Jerguson / Clark Reliance

We, as engineers, industrial process operators and stakeholders, recognize the necessity and value of a continuous stream of accurate and timely information about our processes. Our experience has also taught us that the environment and activities surrounding our installations can have a significant impact upon our ability to continually gather accurate process measurements. Some of our concerns include:

• Weather - An element whose impact cannot be understated....or easily predicted.
• Physical Contact - Equipment and measurement devices must be protected from damaging impact.
• Security - Vandalism, cyber invasion, and other external threats are possible

Our responsibility, as operators of machines and handlers of materials that can produce hazardous or life threatening conditions in the case of failure or error, is to foresee every reasonably probable event that could adversely impact the safe and proper operation of our industrial processes.
One manufacturer has developed an innovative solution to a potential problem in the application of magnetic level controls.

The short video below outlines the source of the potential failure and the way in which the product design change successfully overcomes a potentially adverse impact on process measurement. Invest less than three minutes of your time to watch the video and build your application knowledge by learning from the experience of others. Do not hesitate to contact a product application specialist for more detail, or to discuss your process measurement needs.

New Signal Conditioning Modules Offer Bluetooth® Configuration and High Density Installation

High density I/O signal conditioner module
Courtesy Acromag

Acromag, a globally recognized manufacturer of signal conditioning modules and related equipment, announced a new product release earlier this month. The microBlox™ line of signal conditioners provides a wide array of useful features, broad range of I/O signal compatibility, and a very compact high density footprint.

Here is an excerpt from the Acromag newsletter from June 6, 2016.

A full line of microBlox™ isolated signal conditioning modules are now available from Acromag. Offering over 175 models, microBlox uB modules can safely interface a wide variety of voltage, current, temperature, frequency, and other field signals with a ±5V or 0-5V DC output to host measurement & control systems. Users can select modules with fixed ranges or wireless configuration via Bluetooth® wireless technology on an Android™ or iOS® mobile device. Acromag’s free AgilityTM app for smartphones and tablets simplifies setting custom I/O ranges and optional alarm functions. The app can also display input signal values and create sharable trend charts. uB modules snap securely into compact backpanels (no screws) in any mix with 4, 8 or 16-channel capacities. With 1500Vac peak (350Vdc continuous) channel-to-channel and field-to-host isolation, the hot-swappable modules are ideal to front-end data acquisition systems or Acromag remote I/O for communication to Ethernet, Modbus, or Profibus networks. High performance is assured with up to 0.05% accuracy and 130dB noise rejection. Prices start at just $90 per module. 

“Advanced microcontroller and wireless technologies enable microBlox modules to bring greater flexibility and signal processing capabilities into such a small, economical package.” stated Robert Greenfield, Acromag’s marketing & sales director.
The microBlox module’s small size (1.11" x 1.65" x 0.4") and channel-by-channel scalability is ideal for embedded or portable applications such as test stands, defense systems, and process control applications. Well-suited for use in harsh industrial environments, the over-molded modules resist shock, dirt, and moisture with dependable operation from -40 to 85°C. Hazardous location UL/cUL Class 1 Div 2 and ATEX Zone 2 approvals are also available.
Accessories include a selection of backpanels with slots to insert 4, 8, or 16 modules. Fuse clips hold the modules securely without screws for easy insertion/removal. The backpanels support surface or DIN rail mounting and include CJC for use with temperature input modules. Blue LEDs indicate modules that are ready for Bluetooth wireless technology communication. Connections are provided for a 5V power source or a 10-32Vdc supply when used with the plug-in 5V power module. A DB25 header facilitates a single cable connection to interface all uB I/O signals directly to the host data acquisition system.

A consolidated catalog describing the new microBlox™ signal conditioners is included below. Share your signal conditioning and I/O challenges with a a product specialist. Combining your process knowledge with their product application expertise will produce the best solutions.

High Density I/O Modules for Industrial Process Control from Instrument Specialties, Inc.

Refractometer for Juice Concentrate

Fruit juice concentration line

Reprinted with permission from K-Patents

Introduction

Fruit juice concentration requires the partial removal of water content so that all the solid components such as fruit sugars, minerals and vitamins are left in a more concentrated solution. The purpose of concentration is to ensure longer storage life and easier transportation.

Chemical curve

Application

Typical end products: Fruit and vegetable juice concentrate (apple, orange, grapefruit, pineapple, tomato, passion fruit, mango, carrot, grape, cherry, cranberry, guava, pomegranate etc.)

After juice extraction, screening and centrifugal purification, the juice goes to a primary tank. At this stage, the juice concentration is inconsistent, varying from 9 to 12 Brix. The concentration depends on various factors such as fruit quality and annual rainfall. The juice is then fed to the evaporation plant.

For fruit juice concentration, a three-stage falling film evaporation plant is commonly used. The evaporators have a constant boiling rate. In the evaporation process, the concentration value is typically increased from 10 to 65 Brix.

Installation

The K-Patents Sanitary Refractometer PR-23-AC is mounted on the evaporator outlet. It provides a signal to a controller regulating the Brix value by varying the evaporator inlet flow.

If the Brix value increases, the valve allows a product flow rate increase through evaporators. This brings the Brix value back to the set-point. Typical measurement range is 30-80 Brix.

Solution

K-Patents Sanitary Compact Refractometer PR-23-AC for small pipe line sizes of 2.5 inch and smaller.  

K-Patents Sanitary
Compact Refractometer
PR-23-AC

• The PR-23-AC sensor is installed in the pipe bend. It is angle mounted on the outer corner of the pipe bend directly, or by a flow cell using a 3A Sanitary clamp or Varivent® connection.
• Measurement range: Refractive Index (nD) 1.3200 – 1.5300, corresponding to 0-100 Brix. 

Process Control: Switch, Transmitter, or Hybrid? What to Choose.

Switch, transmitter, or hybrid?
What to choose.

For decades, process instrumentation specifiers have faced the decision whether to use a mechanical switch or a continuous transmitter for a given application. Either type of instrument can be used to effectively control industrial processes and protect equipment and personnel -- and each has associated pros and cons. Application specifics typically drive decision-making, dictating which approach is most effective from performance, cost and lifecycle support perspectives.

The white paper below, courtesy of SOR, Inc., provides a guideline for choosing between switches, transmitters, or hybrids.

Pressure Switch, Pressure Transmitter, or Hybrid? What to Choose. from Instrument Specialties, Inc.

Carbon Dioxide Monitoring in Breweries

Hazardous Gas Detection in Brewing

The brewing industry worldwide produces close to $300 billion in revenue, comprising multinational companies as well as many micro- breweries. Brewing processes generate carbon dioxide and can create environments that may be hazardous to operators working throughout these facilities.

Application

Carbon dioxide is present in fermentation and carbonation processes as well as within other brewing facility processing and bottling areas. Carbon dioxide is considered to be a heavier-than-air gas, with current TWA of only 5,000 ppm. Current IDLH (Immediately Dangerous to Life and Health) is 40,000 ppm, or 4% by volume.

Solution

Infrared gas monitors from MSA permanent instruments recently enabled a global brewer to achieve the best solution for their application. MSA provided a sample draw system using a standard MSA Ultima® XIR Infrared Sensor with range of 0-5% by volume. System design had to meet this facility's instrumentation standard as well as provide necessary outputs and contacts to properly integrate with each facility’s existing communications network. Audible and visual alarms are part of the NEMA 4X system required to function within these very wet areas; a special end-of-line lter was also developed. These systems must operate 24/7 with very low maintenance requirements, resulting in overall low cost of ownership.

Implementation

MSA, working with the brewer, jointly developed the product and program that was introduced to all key instrumentation and electrical technicians as they upgraded each facility. MSA provided not only site start-up, but also site-specific operator training to transition to this new design as transparently as possible. With a nationwide network of eld service personnel, MSA supports these systems in a timely manner, at reasonably low customer cost.

For more information about hazardous gas detection, contact:

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

www.isisales.com