Conval Clampseal Valve Seat Reassembly Instructions

Valve seat reassembly instructions for Conval Clampseal valve.

Conval Clampseal® Valves are much easier to renew than anything else on the market. This video is seventh and final video in a series demonstrating how to service Clampseal valves.

https://psi-team.com
800-223-1468

What is a Magnetic Level Gauge?

Magnetic Level Gauge (Penberthy)

Magnetic level gauges, also known as magnetic level indicators, are routinely used to provide a display of liquid level in tanks and other vessels. Their popularity stems from their high visibility from distances and non-invasive design which reduces the possibility of points and the risks of fugitive emissions.

"Mag Gauge" construction is fairly simple. A magnetic float, designed for the specific gravity of the material being measured, rides inside a vertical pipe on top of the process media. A gauge with magnetically coupled visual indicator is fastened to the pipe. As the media inside the pipe rises and falls, the visual indicator moves in the same fashion.

Magnetic level gauges are often employed in tandem with magnetostrictive, guided wave radar, or other measurement means to provide a reliable local display of liquid level, as well as an electrical signal that can be transmitted to recording instrumentation or controllers.

Magnetic level gauges features:

• Continuous level measurement
• Operable without electric power
• Direct visual tank fluid level indication, regardless of tank shape or profile.
• Wide range of operating temperature and pressure
• Breakage resistant construction
• Range of construction materials available to accommodate corrosive media
• Measuring indicators, switches, and transmitters mounted externally, without contacting the medium being measured.
• Low maintenance operation.
• Readable level indication from greater distance than glass sight gauges.
• Applicable to large fluid level ranges with a single instrument.

Magnetic level indicators are used widely in liquid level measurement and should be considered as a candidate for fulfilling those applications where the magnetic level gauge features fulfill the project requirements. There are many options available to customize the level indicator for each specific application. Share your application challenges with a product specialist, combining your process knowledge with their product application expertise to develop an effective solution.

Piping Specialties and PSI Controls

Piping Specialties was founded in 1975 with the mission of providing specialty valves and mechanical products and unsurpassed customer service to industrial users throughout the Northeast. Over the years our company has experienced steady, sustainable growth in both our customer base and product offerings. With offices in Danvers, MA and Portland, ME, we are geographically well-positioned to serve all of the Northeast.

PSI delivers our products and services through our 3 operating divisions:

• Piping Specialties: valves and mechanical specialties.
• PSI Controls: automated valves and process instrumentation & controls.
• PSI Services: valve automation, valve and instrument repair, calibration, and turnkey installation and field services.

Conval Clampseal Valve Seat Blueing/Lapping Instructions

Conval Clampseal^® Valves are much easier to renew than anything else on the market. This video is sixth in a series demonstrating how to service Clampseal valves.

https://psi-team.com
800-223-1468

Conval Clampseal Valve Seat Refacing/Resurfacing Instructions

Valve Seat Refacing/Resurfacing instructions for Conval Clampseal valve.

Conval Clampseal® Valves are much easier to renew than anything else on the market. This video is fifth in a series demonstrating how to service Clampseal valves.

https://psi-team.com
800-223-1468

Increased Cycle Count Improves Operational Efficiency in Slurry Ore Mining Operations

Challenge

Long distance slurry pipelines for moving mineral concentrates over various elevations and long distances is often more economical than trucking or rail due to topography constraints and environmental concerns. To capitalize on these investments, the pipe sizes are maximized. Therefore, large-bore dependable valves are vital to the success of the slurry pipelines.

Under the same process conditions,
the competitor’s valve
underperformed and required
frequent maintenance due to erosion.

Three months after the main choke and choke loop press letdown stations were commissioned at a large copper-gold-molybdenum mining operation, ongoing repairs were required for all eight competitor valves. Valves in this position were expected to perform for at least 180 cycles without repair. These failures and leakage problems were caused by the valves’ integral seat design, which form a gap between the ball and seat allowing particles to enter the sealing area in the reverse pressure. This problem cost this customer an average of $800,000 to $1M per year in maintenance repairs.

Solution

Even with MOGAS’ 40-year history of successfully engineering large valves for the slurry transport market, MOGAS proposed to lease a test valve to be placed alongside a series of competitor valves.
In January 2013, a 36-inch, ASME 300 Class model CST-1 valve was installed in the  first loop of the control station. In this model’s proven bi-directional seat design, the seat maintains 100% contact with the ball in both normal and reverse pressures. This prevents build-up behind the downstream seat and ensures evacuation of solids around upstream seat during cycling.

Results

After one year the MOGAS
valve performed 818 successful
cycles—over four times the
cycle count required in this application.

One year later during decommission, the MOGAS valve was inspected. It had performed 818 cycles; far more than the 180 cycle count required in this application. The MOGAS valve was then removed and installed outside the loop, in the main choke station replacing the competitor valve, where it further performed 215 cycles for the next two years.

After three years of continuous operation, the MOGAS valve had successfully performed 1033 cycles. On inspection, the ball and seat were in good repair, so only the gasket and packing box were replaced and the valve was put back in to service.

Download the PDF of this case study from the PSI website here.

For more information, contact Piping Specialties, Inc. by calling 800-223-1468 or visit https://psi-team.com.

Reprinted with permission from MOGAS.

The Important Role of Valve Actuators

Actuator being positioned on large ball valve.
(Piping Specialties)

Valves are essential to modern industry. The prevalence of valves in engineering, process control, and manufacturing across the world is astounding, and each valve application requires it's own performance standard. Product safety, quality, and consistency is dependent on the proper selection of valves, whether ball, butterfly, gate or globe. Along with proper selection of the valve type, selecting the proper valve operator is critical for controlling the process, assuring quality, and protecting equipment and personnel.

Actuators are powered mechanisms that position valves between open and closed states; the actuators are controllable either by manual operators, or as part of an automated system where the actuator responds to a remote control signal. The valve actuator is as important to the valve, as the valve is to the industry in which it functions.

Thanks to actuators, multiple valves can be controlled in a process system in a coordinated fashion; imagine if, in a large industrial environment, engineers had to physically adjust every valve via a hand wheel or lever! It is completely impractical from a logistical and economic perspective. Actuators enable automation to be applied to valve operation throughout the facility.

Valve actuators serve as the interface between the control intelligence and the physical movement of the valve. The most obvious advantage of valve automation is risk mitigation, where, as long as the system is functioning correctly, critical calamities in either environmental conditions or to a facility can be pre-empted and quickly prevented.

Rack and pinion actuators.
(Flo-Tite)

Regardless of its power source, be it electricity, hydraulic fluid, air pressure, or other, all valve actuators share a singular purpose; to produce linear or rotary motion under the command of a control source. Depending on the design and settings of the actuator, valves can be closed, fully open, or somewhere in-between. Modern actuation technology allows for remote indication and control of valve position, as well as other diagnostic and operational information.

Pneumatic actuators utilize air pressure as the motive force which changes the position of a valve. Hydraulic actuators depend on non-compressible liquids under pressure to provide the motive force. Electric actuators, either motor driven or solenoid operated, rely on electric power to change valve position.

As automation continues to advance throughout every industry, manual valve operation makes less and less sense. Component integration, lower cost and universally accepted valve communications systems are becoming the norm. Simple, seldomly operated, basic valves are now outfitted with inexpensive automation packages that allow them to be monitored as part of the entire process control system.

Automated valves ready for shipment.

Thanks to their versatility, reliability, and technological advances, valve actuators provide safe and repeatable operation in critical processes all over the world.  Just as industries are the backbones of societies, valves are key building blocks to industrial processes, with actuators ensuring both safe and precise operation.

For information on valve automation, contact Piping Specialties by calling 800-223-1468 or by visting https://psi-team.com.

Conval Clampseal Valve Chamber REPACKING Instructions

Bonnet Chamber REPACKING instructions for Conval Clampseal valve.

Conval Clampseal® Valves are much easier to renew than anything else on the market. This video is fourth in a series demonstrating how to service Clampseal valves.

https://psi-team.com
800-223-1468

Conval Clampseal Valve Chamber Unpacking Instructions

Bonnet chamber unpacking instructions for Conval Clampseal valve.

Conval Clampseal® Valves are much easier to renew than anything else on the market. This video is third in a series demonstrating how to service Clampseal valves.

https://psi-team.com
800-223-1468

Industrial Process Refractometers

Process refractometer
(K-Patents)

The ultimate focus of industrial refractometry is to describe the percentage of certain compounds in a final product. Refractometry, a combination of physics, materials, and chemistry, is the process which measures the composition of known substances by means of calculating their respective refractive indexes (RI). RIs are evaluated via a refractometer, a device which measures the curve, or refraction, resulting when the wavelength of light moves from the air into and through a tested substance. The unitless number given by the refractometer, usually between 1.3000 and 1.7000, is the RI. The composition of substances is then determined when the RI is compared to a standard curve specific to the material of the substance.

Common examples of industrial refractometry uses are measuring the salinity of water to determine drinkability; calculating the dissolved solids in liquor processing in pulp and paper production;  figuring beverages’ ratios of sugar content; and understanding the hydrocarbon content of motor fuels. Regarding pulp and paper, refractometry scrutinizes content of compounds in black and green liquor processing. Regarding food, refractometry has the ability to measure the glucose in fruit during the fermentation process. Because of this, those in food services know when fruit is at peak ripeness and, in turn, also understand the most advantageous point in the fruit’s “lifetime” to put it on the market.


Equipment manufacturers have developed numerous refractometer configurations tailored to specific use and application. Each has a set of features making it the proper choice for its intended application. Product specialists can be invaluable sources of information and assistance to potential refractometer users seeking to match the best equipment to their application or process.

Don't Overlook the Importance of Scheduled Calibration for Your Plant's Process Instrumentation

Calibration is an essential part of keeping process measurement instrumentation delivering reliable and actionable information. All instruments utilized in process control are dependent on variables which translate from input to output. Calibration ensures the instrument is properly detecting and processing the input so that the output accurately represents a process condition. Typically, calibration involves the technician simulating an environmental condition and applying it to the measurement instrument. An input with a known quantity is introduced to the instrument, at which point the technician observes how the instrument responds, comparing instrument output to the known input signal.

Even if instruments are designed to withstand harsh physical conditions and last for long periods of time, routine calibration as defined by manufacturer, industry, and operator standards is necessary to periodically validate measurement performance. Information provided by measurement instruments is used for process control and decision making, so a difference between an instruments output signal and the actual process condition can impact process output or facility overall performance and safety.

In all cases, the operation of a measurement instrument should be referenced, or traceable, to a universally recognized and verified measurement standard. Maintaining the reference path between a field instrument and a recognized physical standard requires careful attention to detail and uncompromising adherence to procedure.

Instrument ranging is where a certain range of simulated input conditions are applied to an instrument and verifying that the relationship between input and output stays within a specified tolerance across the entire range of input values. Calibration and ranging differ in that calibration focuses more on whether or not the instrument is sensing the input variable accurately, whereas ranging focuses more on the instruments input and output. The difference is important to note because re-ranging and re-calibration are distinct procedures.

In order to calibrate an instrument correctly, a reference point is necessary. In some cases, the reference point can be produced by a portable instrument, allowing in-place calibration of a transmitter or sensor. In other cases, precisely manufactured or engineered standards exist that can be used for bench calibration. Documentation of each operation, verifying that proper procedure was followed and calibration values recorded, should be maintained on file for inspection.

As measurement instruments age, they are more susceptible to declination in stability. Any time maintenance is performed, calibration should be a required step since the calibration parameters are sourced from pre-set calibration data which allows for all the instruments in a system to function as a process control unit.

Typical calibration timetables vary depending on specifics related to equipment and use. Generally, calibration is performed at predetermined time intervals, with notable changes in instrument performance also being a reliable indicator for when an instrument may need a tune-up. A typical type of recalibration regarding the use of analog and smart instruments is the zero and span adjustment, where the zero and span values define the instruments specific range. Accuracy at specific input value points may also be included, if deemed significant.

The management of calibration and maintenance operations for process measurement instrumentation is a significant factor in facility and process operation. It can be performed with properly trained and equipped in-house personnel, or with the engagement of subcontractors. Calibration operations can be a significant cost center, with benefits accruing from increases in efficiency gained through the use of better calibration instrumentation that reduces task time.

Conval Clampseal Valve Inspection Instructions

Inspection of the Conval Clampseal valve.

Conval Clampseal® Valves are much easier to renew than anything else on the market. This video is second of a series demonstrating how to service Clampseal valves.

https://psi-team.com
800-223-1468

Conval Clampseal Valve Disassembly Instructions

Conval Clampseal® Valves are much easier to renew than anything else on the market. This video is one of a series demonstrating how to service Clampseal valves.

https://psi-team.com
800-223-1468

Understanding How Control Valves Work

Understanding industrial control valve design and operation is very important if you work as a process engineer, a plant maintenance person, or if you design process control loops.

Control valves are used extensively in power plants, pulp and paper mills, chemical manufacturing, petro-chemical processing, HVAC and steam distribution systems.

There are many types, manufacturers, body styles, and specialized features, but the they all share some basics operating principles. The video below explains components, operation, and fundamentals.


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

Top 3 Reasons to Specify the Conval Clampseal Gate and Globe Valves

1. Superior Rugged Construction - Conval valves are designed and built for extreme longevity. Features such as electroless nickel plated finish, complete material traceability of all wetted parts and yoke, instantly establish the quality of the Clampseal® Valve. The Clampseal® also has a pressure actuated backseat which provides maximum valve integrity by ensuring a positive internal stop for the valve stem and disc assembly. The actuated backseat extends packing life by securely isolating the packing from the pressure when the valve is fully open. Valves built forty years ago are still in service today.
2. In-Line Renewability - When inspection or servicing is required, Conval's in-line renewable valves do not need to be cut out (as do most other welded-in valves). The result is the shortest downtime and lowest life-cycle costs in the industry. A complete service, including a reground seat, new packing or stem replacement can often be accomplished in less than thirty minutes.
3. Renewal vs. Replacement - Renewing Clampseal® valves cost as little as 10% of the cost of replacing it. Renewing the packing is less than 4% of the cost of materials to replace a globe valve. In addition to the savings listed above, there are intangible savings from shorter shutdown time, which is considerable given that the cost of plant shutdown often exceeds the cost of equipment.

For more information on Conval gate and globe valves, contact Piping Specialties, Inc. by calling 800-223-1468 or visit https://www.psi-team.com.

Link-Seal Modular Seals, Century-Line Sleeves, Cell-Cast Disks Engineering Manual & Buyers Guide

Link-Seal Modular Seals, Century-Line Sleeves, Cell-Cast Disks Engineering Manual & Buyers Guide from Piping Specialties, Inc and PSI Controls

Basics of Process Temperature Sensors: RTDs and Thermocouples

Industrial thermocouples (Marsh Bellofram TCP)

Proper temperature sensor selection is key to getting useful and accurate data for maintaining control of a process. There are two main types of temperature sensors employed for industrial applications, thermocouple and resistance temperature detector (RTD). Each has its own set of features that might make it an advantageous choice for a particular application.

Thermocouples consist of a junction formed with dissimilar metal conductors. The contact point of the conductors generates a small voltage that is related to the temperature of the junction. There are a number of metals used for the conductors, with different combinations used to produce an array of temperature ranges and accuracy. A defining characteristic of thermocouples is the need to use extension wire of the same type as the junction wires, in order to assure proper function and accuracy.

Here are some generalized thermocouple characteristics.

• Various conductor combinations can provide a wide range of operable temperatures (-200°C to +2300°C).
• Sensor accuracy can deteriorate over time.
• Sensors are comparatively less expensive than RTD.
• Stability of sensor output is not as good as RTD.
• Sensor response is fast due to low mass.
• Assemblies are generally rugged and not prone to damage from vibration and moderate mechanical shock.
• Sensor tip is the measuring point.
• Reference junction is required for correct measurement.
• No external power is required.
• Matching extension wire is needed.
• Sensor design allows for small diameter assemblies. 

Industrial RTDs
(Marsh Bellofram TCP)

RTD sensors are comprised of very fine wire from a range of specialty types, coiled within a protective probe. Temperature measurement is accomplished by measuring the resistance in the coil. The resistance will correspond to a known temperature. 

Some generalized RTD attributes:

• Sensor provides good measurement accuracy, superior to thermocouple.
• Operating temperature range (-200° to +850°C) is less than that of thermocouple.
• Sensor exhibits long term stability.
• Response to process change can be slow.
• Excitation current source is required for operation.
• Copper extension wire can be used to connect sensor to instruments.
• Sensors can exhibit a degree of self-heating error.
• Resistance coil makes assemblies less rugged than thermocouples.
• Cost is comparatively higher.

Each industrial process control application will present its own set of challenges regarding vibration, temperature range, required response time, accuracy, and more. Share your process temperature measurement requirements and challenges with a process control instrumentation specialist, combining your process knowledge with their product application expertise to develop the most effective solution.

What Are High Performance Butterfly Valves (HPBV)?

High Performance Butterfly Valve
(Pratt Industrial)

Industrial process control applications can present stringent and challenging performance requirements for the physical equipment and components that comprise the process chain. The valves employed in fluid based operations need to be resistant to the impact of extreme fluid conditions, requiring careful design and selection consideration to assure proper performance and safety levels are maintained in a predictable way.

Industrial butterfly valves intended for extreme applications are generally referred to as high performance valves (HPBV). While there are plenty of published and accepted standards for industrial valves, one does not exist to precisely define what constitutes a high performance valve.

So, how do you know when to focus valve selection activities on high performance butterfly valves, as opposed to those rated for general purpose? There are a number of basic criteria that might point you in that direction:

• Extreme media or environmental temperature or pressure
• High pressure drop operation that may cause cavitation
• Rapid or extreme changes to inlet pressure
• Certain types or amounts of solids contained in the fluid
• Corrosive media

Certainly, any of these criteria might be found in an application serviceable by a general purpose valve, but their presence should be an indicator that a closer assessment of the fluid conditions and commensurate valve requirements is in order. The key element for a process stakeholder is to recognize when conditions are contemplated that can exceed the capabilities of a general purpose valve, leading to premature failure in control performance or catastrophic failure that produces an unsafe condition. Once the possibility of an extreme or challenging condition is identified, a careful analysis of the range of operating conditions will reveal the valve performance requirements.

There are numerous manufacturers of high performance butterfly valves. Pratt Industrial manufactures high-quality resilient-seated, high performance, and triple offset butterfly valves. Construction materials include carbon steel and stainless steel. Their TE Series triple offset valve offers premium, zero-leakage seating capability even in severe service applications.

You can always get more information and discuss your special requirements with a valve specialist. They have application experience and access to technical resources that can help with selecting the right valve components to meet your severe service and high performance applications.

What Are Industrial Ball Valves?

Internal view of a ball valve
(MOGAS)

Ball valves are defined by their body style, the five major styles being: Uni-body; 3-piece; split-body; top-entry; and welded body. They are further defined by the machined hole in their ball (also known as the port); the categories being "standard port" or "full port".

On a full port valve, the port is the same size as the pipeline, resulting in a better flow profile and no restriction or pressure drop. A full ported ball valve, with better flow coefficients, comes at a higher price. In many application they are necessary because a reduction in diameter, or the resulting change in flow, can be detrimental.

The reduction in a standard port valve is one pipe size smaller than the pipe connected to the valve, resulting in restricted flow and increased velocity through the valve.

2-piece and unibody ball valves (Flo-Tite)

Standard port and full port valves are not usually recommended for throttling service due the a very
non-linear flow characteristic. Characterizing the port with a special shaped orifice can improve the valve linearity and provide good control. V-port ball valves incorporate a machined "V" in the seat around the outlet side of the valve. The "V" provides a more controllable flow pattern and is desirable when ball valves are used as control valves.

A cavity filled ball valve is used in applications where cleanliness or sanitary conditions exist. Any voids, gaps or spaces between the ball, seat and stem that allow bacteria or contaminates to accumulate are filled.  The proper cavity filler material is selected consistent with the process media, application and level of cleanliness required. Cavity fillers eliminate the spaces and voids where contaminants accumulate and provides easy "flushing" (cleaning) of the valve.

In a trunnion mounted ball valve, the valve stem is mechanically attached to the ball. Trunnion mounted valves are mostly used in applications on large diameter gas and oil pipelines and at high pressures.

Most ball valves however, are designed with a “floating ball” and not held mechanically in place by a trunnion. This allows the ball to be "pushed" slightly downstream and seal itself better against the seat. One advantage to this design is that a valve using a floating ball, and fitted with metal seats, can be used for "fire-safe" applications. This means that if the valve is subject to high temperatures, such as those presented in a fire, the "soft" part of the seat will melt away, and allow the ball to secure itself against the metal seat, and thus not allow material to pass and potentially feed the fire.

For best service life and optimum safety, please review your application with a qualified ball valve applications consultant prior to specifying an industrial ball valve.

Understanding Rack & Pinion Pneumatic Valve Actuators

Internal view of rack and pinion actuator (UniTorq)

Rack & Pinion actuators are designed for operating quarter-turn valves such as butterfly, plug, and ball valves or for actuating industrial or commercial dampers.

The rotational movement of a rack and pinion actuator is accomplished via linear motion and two gears. A circular gear, referred to a “pinion” engages the teeth of a linear gear “bar” referred to as the “rack”.

In a pneumatic actuator, pistons are attached to the rack. As air or spring power is applied the to piston, the rack is “pushed” inward or “pulled” outward. This dual direction linear movement is transferred to the rotary pinion gear providing bi-directional rotation.

Rack and Pinion Animation

Pneumatic actuators have cylinders with pistons and springs that provide the linear movement. When one side of the piston is pressurized with air, gas or oil, the pinion bearing turns in one direction. When the air, gas or oil from the pressure side is vented, a spring (spring-return actuators) may be used to rotate the pinion gear in the opposite direction. A “double acting” actuator does not use springs, instead using the air, gas or oil supply on the opposing side of the piston to turn the pinion gear in the opposite direction.

Pneumatic pneumatic rack and pinion actuators are compact and save space. They are reliable, durable and provide a good life cycle. Mechanical wear of the heads and seals are their primary disadvantage.

Most actuators are designed for 100-degree travel with clockwise and counterclockwise travel adjustment for open and closed positions. World standard ISO mounting pad are commonly available to provide ease and flexibility in direct valve installation.

Rack and Pinion Actuator (UniTorq)

NAMUR mounting dimensions on actuator pneumatic port connections and on actuator accessory holes and drive shaft are also common design features to make adding pilot valves and accessories more convenient.

Feel free to contact Piping Specialties, Inc. at www.psi-team.com or 800-223-1468 with any questions you may have about valve actuation.