Precision in Motion: How Smart Positioners Drive Modern Plant Performance

Industrial processes rely on tight, repeatable valve control, and electro‑pneumatic smart positioners now sit at the heart of that mission. A smart positioner receives a 4‑20 mA or digital command from the control system, compares that signal with live stem or shaft feedback, and modulates air to the actuator until the valve reaches the requested position. Integrated microprocessors execute this closed‑loop routine in a few milliseconds, which lets the positioner correct friction, supply‑pressure swings, and process disturbances before those issues disturb the loop. Because the device continually confirms where the valve sits rather than where it should, operators gain true position certainty and tighter process variability.

The electronics that drive this precision also unlock diagnostics. Embedded memory tracks travel counts, cycle time, pressure differential, and deviation statistics so maintenance teams can spot packing wear or air leaks early instead of reacting to a stuck valve later. Configuration tools built on HART, Foundation Fieldbus, or similar protocols let technicians commission, tune, or interrogate the instrument from the safety of the control room rather than climbing scaffolding with a handheld calibrator. That combination of self‑diagnosis and remote access sharply lowers mean time to repair while trimming the person-hours once devoted to periodic stroke checks.

Chemical plants illustrate the value. They meter acids, bases, and solvents that challenge elastomers and trims; when temperature spikes or polymer fouling changes valve friction, the smart positioner compensates instantly, so the recipe stays on spec. Pulp and paper mills use large rotary control valves to throttle steam, white liquor, and bleaching chemicals. Heavy stock concentration and high differential pressures can create stiction. Still, a modern positioner’s high‑gain air relay and adaptive PID tuning keep the digesters stable and the sheet basis weight flat. Food and beverage processors lean on sanitary diaphragm and butterfly valves. Smart positioners speed Clean‑in‑Place cycles because their fast response clears lines quickly, and their stainless or polymer housings tolerate caustic wash‑downs. Water and wastewater utilities use them on filter backwash and disinfection skids, where the instruments’ low air consumption shrinks compressor power while continuous valve signature tests satisfy regulatory documentation.

Westlock Controls designed its K20 Smart Positioner to deliver those benefits easily. The front‑mounted LCD presents plain‑language menus, and a technician can complete auto‑calibration in less than one minute, even on large rotary actuators. The device includes optional HART 7, which means engineers can pull trend data or trigger calibration from any compliant asset‑management suite without cracking the enclosure. A non‑contact Hall‑effect sensor replaces gears and potentiometers, so wear never drifts to zero, and vibration never loosens a linkage. Standard 4‑20 mA position feedback comes built‑in, eliminating an external transmitter and the extra tubing and terminations that often leak or corrode. Users can order embedded limit switches to satisfy permissive logic or proof‑test routines without bolt‑on boxes. At the same time, NAMUR mounting speeds installation on quarter‑turn actuators found throughout water plants and CIP skids. Intrinsically safe and non‑incendive approvals extend the same features into solvent recovery units and Class I areas in chemical and pulp facilities. Rugged resin, low‑copper aluminum, and 316 SS housings let specifiers match the environment, whether the positioner faces salt spray at a coastal desalination plant or caustic liquor in a bleach tower. 

In short, electro‑pneumatic smart positioners translate digital intent into precise mechanical motion while furnishing the insight and resilience that today’s plants demand. Westlock’s K20 embodies that role: it couples rapid, foolproof commissioning with diagnostics and feedback that sharpen control and slash downtime, all wrapped in a sensor architecture that refuses to drift. Plants that deploy it gain tighter loops, faster startups, and lower lifecycle costs—benefits that resonate from batch reactors to aeration basins and every valve stroke in between.

Piping Specialties / PSI Controls
https://psi-team.com
800-223-1468

Protect Critical Processes with the REOTEMP Dual Mode Thermometer

The REOTEMP Dual Mode Thermometer (DMT) offers a convenient and efficient way to monitor temperature locally and remotely in a single, compact unit. Reotemp designed the DMT with two independent sensors in one thermowell, eliminating the need for separate instruments and simplifying calibration tasks. Operators can rely on the bimetal thermometer to see an immediate, on-site reading while gathering data from a built-in thermocouple or RTD for remote monitoring. This dual-sensor approach boosts reliability and reduces overall equipment costs since you do not have to install and maintain multiple temperature devices.

Each sensor in the Dual Mode Thermometer is NIST-traceable, which helps you confirm accuracy and adhere to strict quality standards. Reotemp encapsulates the sensors in a robust, stainless steel housing to protect them from harsh industrial conditions, and an optional liquid fill further shields the internal components from vibration and shock. The hermetically sealed bimetal thermometer includes a dampened helix that ensures smooth pointer movement, so you get an easy-to-read indication without erratic jumps. Because the DMT fits a standard thermowell, you can integrate it seamlessly into existing setups. This approach preserves your process integrity and allows quick instrument swaps when needed.

The DMT’s built-in thermocouple or RTD sensor transmits data to process controls, data loggers, or other remote systems. Depending on your operating range and accuracy requirements, you can select a thermocouple type (K, J, E, or T) or an RTD element (typically Pt100). Temperatures up to 1000°F are possible with certain thermocouples, while RTD versions measure up to 900°F. Reotemp also offers a 4-20mA transmitter output to tie the Dual Mode Thermometer into your plant’s control loops without extra converters.

Installation remains straightforward because you only insert one instrument into your existing thermowell instead of running separate lines for local and remote measurement. That design saves time during setup and prevents unnecessary process openings. For additional environmental protection, you can fill the thermometer with silicone, especially if you expect heavy vibration or washdowns. Reotemp’s rigorous testing ensures each Dual Mode Thermometer performs consistently, from -100°F applications to extremely high-temperature processes.

Users appreciate how this device streamlines calibration checks. You compare the local dial reading with the remote data to validate both signals at once, shortening maintenance windows and cutting the risk of measurement drift. The DMT’s versatile design serves industries such as food and beverage, petrochemical, energy, and pharmaceuticals, where accuracy and reliability are critical for quality control and safety. The REOTEMP Dual Mode Thermometer delivers a practical, high-performance solution for professionals who want complete temperature oversight in a single, durable package.

Piping Specialties, Inc. (PSI Controls), headquartered in Portland, Maine, distributes the REOTEMP Dual Mode Thermometer throughout the New England States. Their knowledgeable team guides customers in selecting the ideal configuration for each application, ensuring reliable temperature monitoring solutions that keep processes running smoothly.

Piping Specialties / PSI Controls
https://psi-team.com
800-223-1468

Piping Specialties, Inc. - Your Source for Valves, Instrumentation, and Mechanical Specialty Products

Piping Specialties, Inc. (PSI) in Portland, Maine, has been a trusted partner for industries that rely on precise process control and fluid handling for over three decades. Since 1985, PSI has aligned with manufacturers known for their quality and innovation, building a reputation for responsive customer care throughout the Northeast. 

A Broad Portfolio of Valves, Instrumentation, and Mechanical Solutions

PSI supplies advanced process control instrumentation and diverse valves designed to optimize performance in commercial, industrial, and institutional environments. From control valves that regulate flow with pinpoint accuracy to safety valves that protect critical systems, PSI ensures that every component meets stringent quality and performance standards.

Their mechanical specialty products address various fluid-handling needs, including expansion joints, modular seals, and water heating systems. These robust solutions help facilities maintain proper temperature, pressure, and flow rates for applications in compressed air, hot water, and other fluid processes. PSI’s monitoring and measurement instruments give clients greater visibility into their operations, allowing them to pinpoint inefficiencies and keep systems running reliably.

Comprehensive Services for Tailored Results

PSI extends beyond product sales by offering a full spectrum of engineering, design, and support services. Their skilled engineers and technicians collaborate with customers on everything from upgrading existing fluid networks to developing new systems from scratch. Every project emphasizes efficiency, sustainability, and long-term cost-effectiveness.

Once designs are in place, PSI assists with troubleshooting and start-up to ensure smooth implementation. Technicians conduct on-site assessments to spot potential bottlenecks, leaks, or control issues and propose corrective strategies that safeguard performance. 

PSI also invests in client education by providing training sessions and workshops. These practical, hands-on learning experiences empower facility teams to confidently operate, maintain, and optimize equipment. PSI’s support continues long after the sale, whether in person or online, reflecting a commitment to building enduring partnerships.

Serving the Northeast and Beyond

PSI is based in Portland, Maine, with an office in Danvers, MA. Its reach extends throughout the Northeast, including New Hampshire, Vermont, Massachusetts, Rhode Island, and upstate New York. Varying climates and regulatory demands across these regions mean facilities have unique requirements, and PSI meets those needs with adaptable product lines and personalized service.

Why PSI Stands Out

Piping Specialties, Inc. distinguishes itself by coupling premium equipment with unrivaled technical expertise in an industry where many distributors carry similar products. Clients benefit from solutions that balance safety, durability, and efficiency—backed by knowledgeable support every step of the way.

On-site training programs and professional development demonstrate PSI’s commitment to nurturing long-term relationships and continuous improvement.

When you require dependable valves, state-of-the-art instrumentation, or mechanical specialty products—along with the experience and guidance to keep them running at peak efficiency—look to Piping Specialties, Inc. Their long track record, broad offerings, and dedicated service have earned them a loyal following throughout the Northeast and beyond. By choosing PSI, you equip your facility with lasting performance, safety, and peace of mind solutions.

Piping Specialties / PSI Controls
https://psi-team.com
800-223-1468

ASCO Valve and Piping Specialties Unite to Serve New England

ASCO Valve has announced a new partnership with Piping Specialties, naming it a distributor for the New England region. This collaboration unites ASCO Valve's commitment to manufacturing innovative fluid automation solutions with Piping Specialties' exceptional track record in technical expertise and customer service. By awarding this distribution agreement to Piping Specialties, ASCO Valve underscores its dedication to delivering superior products, expert guidance, and dependable support to customers in the Northeast.

Since its inception, ASCO Valve has developed one of the industry's most extensive product lines of solenoid valves, pneumatic products, and fluid control solutions. Customers worldwide rely on ASCO's technology to optimize system performance, improve reliability, and enhance productivity. ASCO Valve's mission revolves around creating an environment that merges leading-edge engineering, rigorous testing, and comprehensive customer support, enabling businesses to flourish. The company achieves these goals by combining years of manufacturing experience with an unyielding commitment to innovation and quality.

Piping Specialties shares these values, a key factor in its selection as ASCO Valve's New England distributor. The company's long-standing reputation for exceptional service and in-depth technical knowledge aligns closely with ASCO Valve's emphasis on maintaining high standards and ensuring customer satisfaction. Piping Specialties has consistently shown its ability to provide hands-on expertise in various industrial applications, helping customers reduce downtime, refine their system designs, and gain long-term benefits from carefully chosen fluid automation solutions.

ASCO Valve's decision to appoint Piping Specialties also stems from consistent feedback from customers valuing comprehensive support. Piping Specialties has a history guiding businesses through every implementation phase, from initial design to post-installation maintenance. By fostering strong relationships with local engineering teams and end users, Piping Specialties creates a seamless experience for stakeholders. This steadfast dedication to excellence complements ASCO Valve's commitment to delivering swift, reliable solutions and establishes a solid foundation for a successful, enduring partnership.

Through this distributor appointment, customers in New England will enjoy a streamlined ordering process and quicker access to essential products and services. Piping Specialties will address regional clients' complex challenges, offer a wealth of expertise, and connect customers with the right solutions—often before issues arise. From large-scale industrial operations to emerging start-ups, businesses throughout the region can now depend on Piping Specialties and ASCO Valve for advanced fluid automation products and responsive guidance.

ASCO Valve plans to strengthen its relationship with Piping Specialties and expand the benefits of this partnership for its growing customer base in New England. By combining ASCO Valve's industry-leading product lines with Piping Specialties' technical proficiency and exemplary service, both companies aim to elevate fluid automation standards across the Northeast. Their shared commitment to excellence empowers local companies to build and maintain systems that boost efficiency, reduce costs, and pave the way for sustained growth.

Piping Specialties / PSI Controls
https://psi-team.com
800-223-1468

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year from Piping Specialties/PSI Controls

As we celebrate another holiday season here in New England, we want to extend our warmest wishes to our valued customers, dedicated vendors, and outstanding employees. The past year has been marked by strong partnerships, innovative solutions, and collaborative successes that would not have been possible without each of you.

To our customers: Thank you for your continued trust in our products and services. Your challenges inspire us to excel, and your feedback helps us grow stronger. We remain committed to providing you with the highest quality piping and control solutions as we enter 2025.

To our vendors: Your reliability and partnership have been instrumental in helping us maintain our high service standards. We appreciate your flexibility and dedication throughout the year.

To our employees: Your expertise, dedication, and team spirit are the foundation of our success. Thank you for your unwavering commitment to excellence and for making PSI Controls a leader in our industry.

As the snow blankets New England and we prepare to welcome 2025, we look forward to continuing our journey together. May your holiday season be filled with joy, and may the New Year bring prosperity, good health, and exciting new opportunities.

Secure and Reliable: Link-Seal® Modular Seals

Efficient and reliable sealing solutions play a crucial role in the success of any mechanical project involving pipe penetrations. Whether it's a water treatment facility, a commercial building, or an industrial plant, ensuring that pipes passing through walls, floors, or ceilings properly seal against water, gas, and contaminants is essential. Link-Seal® modular seals have emerged as a premier choice for mechanical contractors and engineers seeking dependable sealing solutions that save time and reduce costs.

Link-Seal® modular seals offer a flexible and robust method for sealing the annular space between pipes and walls or casings. Comprising interlocking rubber links and pressure plates, these seals create a hydrostatic seal that can withstand significant pressure from water, gas, and other substances. The design accommodates various pipe sizes and materials, making it a versatile option for multiple applications.

Mechanical contractors appreciate the ease of installation that Link-Seal® modular seals provide. The modular design allows for quick assembly around the pipe, eliminating the need for cumbersome and time-consuming methods like hand-packing with sealants or welding. By tightening the bolts on the pressure plates, the rubber links expand to fill the gap between the pipe and the wall opening, creating a tight and secure seal. This efficient installation process reduces labor costs and minimizes downtime on the job site.

Engineers value the reliability and durability that Link-Seal® modular seals bring to their projects. The seals handle pipe movement caused by thermal expansion, vibration, and settlement without compromising their integrity. This flexibility ensures long-term performance and reduces maintenance requirements. Additionally, the seals are resistant to various chemicals and environmental conditions, making them suitable for use in harsh industrial environments.

The applications of Link-Seal® modular seals extend across numerous industries. Plumbing and HVAC systems prevent leaks and protect against water damage by sealing pipes that penetrate building envelopes. In fire protection systems, they help maintain the integrity of fire-rated walls by sealing around pipes and conduits, preventing the spread of fire and smoke. Wastewater treatment plants utilize them to prevent infiltration and exfiltration in piping systems, ensuring environmental compliance and system efficiency.

Choosing Link-Seal® modular seals contributes to overall project success by enhancing safety, reducing costs, and improving system performance. Their adaptability means they can be customized to fit virtually any pipe size and type, including steel, ductile iron, PVC, and concrete pipes. This versatility simplifies inventory management for contractors and ensures that the right sealing solution is always available when needed.

For those in New England seeking a reliable source for Link-Seal® modular seals, Piping Specialties of Portland, ME, stands as the authorized distributor. Their expertise in sealing solutions ensures that mechanical contractors and engineers receive the support and products they need for their specific applications. To assist with proper sizing and selection, Piping Specialties offers an online Link-Seal® sizing calculator available at https://www.psi-team.com/linkseal. This tool simplifies the process of determining the correct seal configuration, further streamlining project planning and execution.

By integrating Link-Seal® modular seals into their projects, mechanical contractors and engineers can achieve superior sealing performance, enhance the longevity of their systems, and deliver more excellent value to their clients. The combination of innovative design, ease of installation, and proven reliability makes Link-Seal® indispensable in modern mechanical engineering and construction.

Piping Specialties / PSI Controls
https://psi-team.com
800-223-1468

Embracing Human Expertise in the Digital Age: The Crucial Role of Sales Engineers in Process Control

In today's digital landscape, where internet search engines and artificial intelligence offer quick answers at our fingertips, one might question the necessity of traditional sales engineers in the process control industry. However, despite the rise of technology, industrial valve, instrumentation, and process control sales engineers remain indispensable in the sales cycle. Their expertise, personalized approach, and hands-on experience provide value that technology alone cannot replicate when specifying, applying, and supporting process control equipment.

Process control environments are complex and highly specialized. Each industrial application presents unique challenges, requiring solutions tailored to specific operational parameters and compliance requirements. While online resources can supply general information, they lack the depth and context necessary for making critical decisions. Sales engineers bring knowledge from working directly with diverse systems and applications. They understand the nuances of different industries, whether the corrosive conditions in chemical processing or the stringent hygiene standards in pharmaceuticals.

When specifying equipment, sales engineers assess the immediate needs and long-term implications of a choice. They consider factors such as compatibility with existing systems, potential scalability, and the total cost of ownership. For instance, selecting a valve isn't merely about matching size and pressure ratings; it involves evaluating material suitability, response times, and how the valve will interact with the control system. Such comprehensive evaluations ensure that the equipment will perform optimally throughout its lifecycle.

In the application phase, sales engineers are pivotal in integrating new equipment into existing processes. They offer on-site support, collaborating with engineering teams to fine-tune configurations and optimize performance. Their hands-on involvement minimizes the risk of errors that could lead to costly downtime or safety hazards. Moreover, they provide training and knowledge transfer, empowering operators to manage the equipment effectively. This level of engagement fosters a partnership that extends beyond a simple transaction, building trust and reliability.

Supporting process control equipment doesn't end after installation. Operational demands evolve, regulations change, and technological advancements emerge. Sales engineers stay abreast of these developments, offering proactive solutions to keep systems up-to-date and compliant. They alert customers to potential issues before they escalate and recommend upgrades that enhance efficiency or reduce costs. This ongoing support is vital in industries where even minor disruptions can have significant financial and safety implications.

The human element that sales engineers contribute is irreplaceable. They listen to customer concerns, ask probing questions, and provide insights that algorithms cannot generate. Their ability to interpret non-verbal cues and adapt to the dynamics of interpersonal communication enables them to address unarticulated needs and alleviate apprehensions. This emotional intelligence is crucial for reaching satisfactory outcomes in negotiations and problem-solving scenarios.

Artificial intelligence and internet searches offer information but lack the capacity for critical thinking and contextual understanding that sales engineers possess. Technology can assist with data analysis and automate routine tasks but cannot replicate the creativity and judgment required to solve complex, real-world problems. Sales engineers synthesize information from various sources, draw on their experiences, and apply reasoning to develop innovative solutions tailored to each customer's situation.

Furthermore, the ethical considerations in process control applications demand accountability and responsibility only a dedicated professional can provide. Sales engineers adhere to industry standards and best practices, ensuring that recommendations prioritize safety, efficiency, and regulatory compliance. Their reputation and career depend on the quality and integrity of their work, motivating them to maintain high standards that foster trust within the industry.

While technology continues to advance and reshape many aspects of business, the role of the industrial valve, instrumentation, and process control sales engineer remains as vital as ever. Their expertise bridges the gap between generic information and practical application, providing customized solutions that address the intricate challenges of modern industries. By combining technical knowledge with personalized service and ethical responsibility, sales engineers offer value that machines cannot replicate. Embracing their role ensures that businesses keep pace with technological advancements and achieve sustainable success through informed decision-making and reliable support.

Piping Specialties / PSI Controls
https://psi-team.com
800-223-1468