Piping Specialties and PSI Controls: New England’s Industrial Valve and Instrumentation Leader

Piping Specialties, Inc. (PSI), with offices in Portland, Maine, and Danvers, Massachusetts, has built a strong reputation across New England’s manufacturing industries. Since 1975, PSI has grown from a local valve supplier into a trusted partner delivering valves, instrumentation, and mechanical equipment to power plants, paper mills, biotech facilities, and industrial process customers across the region.

Company Overview

PSI operates through three divisions that allow it to serve customers comprehensively:

• Piping Specialties, Inc. supplies valves and mechanical specialties.
• PSI Controls Division focuses on automated valves, process instrumentation, and control systems.
• PSI Services Division offers field services, including valve automation, repair, calibration, and turnkey project support.

This structure enables PSI to deliver end-to-end solutions, encompassing design consultation, system assembly, delivery, and on-site service, ensuring customers receive reliable products and responsive technical support.

Core Products

PSI’s product lines include:

• Control Valves and Automated Valves for precise process control.
• Modular Seals, including Link-Seal systems for pipe penetrations.
• Metal Expansion Joints for thermal movement and vibration management.
• Instrumentation for Level, Pressure, Temperature, and Flow, enabling accurate process monitoring.

PSI partners with top-tier manufacturers to ensure customers receive reliable, engineered products that perform under demanding industrial conditions.

Industries Served

PSI supplies its products to a broad range of industries, including:

• Power Generation, supporting efficient plant operation and safety.
• Pulp and Paper, with reliable level and flow control systems.
• LNG, LPG, and Natural Gas, providing valves, regulators, and safety instrumentation.
• Gas Storage and Distribution, with complete control and measurement solutions.
• Pharmaceutical and Biotech, supporting precise, sanitary process needs.
• Food and Beverage, supplying sanitary valves and measurement devices for safe production.
• HVAC and Water/Wastewater Systems, including instrumentation and valves for critical infrastructure.

By focusing on these industries, PSI helps facilities across New England improve safety, efficiency, and process control reliability.

PSI Controls Division: Engineered Systems Expertise

The PSI Controls Division specializes in delivering automated valve packages, integrated control systems, and precision instrumentation. The division works closely with customers to design solutions that meet each facility’s specific requirements, whether it’s an automated valve assembly for a pharmaceutical plant or a comprehensive instrumentation package for a water treatment facility.

PSI Controls helps customers navigate product selection, system integration, and compliance requirements while providing factory-trained expertise to ensure projects are delivered efficiently and on time.

Why Customers Trust PSI

PSI has earned its reputation through:

• Deep Regional Presence, allowing rapid delivery and on-site support.
• Integrated Offerings, reducing the need to manage multiple vendors for valves, instrumentation, and mechanical equipment.
• Manufacturer Partnerships provide customers with access to leading product lines.
• Field Services, ensuring systems remain operational and optimized through calibration, maintenance, and emergency support.
• Expert Staff who guide customers from design to commissioning.

These advantages help customers maintain safe, compliant, and efficient operations.

Real-World Impact

PSI’s work in pulp and paper facilities helps mills maintain precise flow and level measurement under harsh process conditions, while power generation customers rely on PSI for valves and instrumentation that withstand high temperatures and pressures. Pharmaceutical and biotech manufacturers depend on PSI’s sanitary valves and precise instrumentation to maintain product quality and meet stringent industry standards.

Conclusion

Piping Specialties and its PSI Controls Division continue to play a critical role in New England’s industrial landscape. They deliver essential products, including control valves, automated valves, modular seals, metal expansion joints, and advanced instrumentation, while backing them with engineering expertise and on-site support.

Whether supporting a power plant, a biotech facility, or a wastewater treatment plant, PSI helps customers achieve safe, efficient, and reliable operations. With a commitment to quality products and responsive service, PSI remains the trusted partner for industrial valves, instrumentation, and mechanical equipment across New England’s manufacturing base.

Vaisala Liquid Measurements - Process Refractometers

In industries where precision and efficiency are paramount, Vaisala's Polaris™ process refractometers have emerged as indispensable tools for real-time liquid concentration measurement. These advanced instruments address critical challenges across various sectors, enhancing product quality, optimizing processes, and ensuring safety and security.

In the food and beverage industry, maintaining consistent product quality is essential. Traditional methods of measuring sugar content, such as manual sampling, can be time-consuming and prone to errors. Vaisala's refractometers provide inline, real-time measurements of Brix levels, enabling producers to monitor and control sugar concentrations accurately during processing. This capability not only ensures product consistency but also reduces waste and improves operational efficiency.

The chemical industry frequently handles aggressive substances, such as acids and solvents, where precise concentration measurements are essential for ensuring safety and effective process control. Vaisala's refractometers, such as the PR53W model, are designed to withstand harsh chemical environments, providing accurate, drift-free measurements. By delivering real-time data, these instruments help prevent over-concentration or dilution, which can lead to equipment corrosion or compromised product quality.

In pulp and paper manufacturing, monitoring the concentration of black liquor—a byproduct of the pulping process—is vital for energy recovery and environmental compliance. Vaisala's refractometers offer reliable measurements of black liquor solids content, enabling mills to optimize recovery boiler operations and reduce emissions. This real-time monitoring facilitates better control over the combustion process, enhancing energy efficiency and reducing operational costs.

The pharmaceutical and biotechnology sectors require stringent control over solution concentrations to ensure product efficacy and compliance with regulatory standards. Vaisala's refractometers provide precise measurements of active pharmaceutical ingredients (APIs) and other critical components during the production process. By integrating these instruments into their processes, manufacturers can achieve consistent product quality, minimize batch failures, and streamline validation procedures.

In the semiconductor industry, the purity and concentration of chemical solutions used in wafer processing are critical. Vaisala's refractometers enable real-time monitoring of these solutions, ensuring optimal conditions for etching and cleaning processes. Accurate concentration measurements help prevent defects in semiconductor devices, resulting in higher yields and lower manufacturing costs.

Vaisala's Polaris™ refractometers are not only versatile across industries but also feature robust designs suitable for various installation scenarios. Their compatibility with the Indigo 520 transmitter enables enhanced data logging, remote monitoring, and seamless integration into existing control systems. This modular approach ensures that the refractometers can be tailored to specific process requirements, providing flexibility and scalability.

Moreover, Vaisala offers comprehensive support services, including calibration, maintenance, and training, to ensure optimal performance of their refractometers throughout their lifecycle. This commitment to customer success underscores the company's dedication to delivering reliable measurement solutions that address the unique challenges of diverse industrial applications.

In summary, Vaisala's Polaris™ process refractometers effectively solve critical problems in various industries by providing accurate, real-time liquid concentration measurements. Their application leads to improved product quality, enhanced process efficiency, and increased safety, making them a valuable asset for any operation requiring precise liquid analysis.

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

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.