Plugged Chute Detection Technology: The Superiority of RF Admittance

The operation of industrial processes is a delicate balance of efficiency, safety, and maintenance. A crucial part of maintaining this balance is ensuring the smooth operation of material handling systems, which often employ chutes to transport bulk materials. One common complication these systems face is the problem of chute blockages or plugging, a critical issue that can lead to costly downtime, equipment damage, and potential safety hazards.

Plugged chute detection technologies mitigate these challenges, offering early detection and warning of chute blockages. However, the effectiveness of these technologies varies, and understanding their characteristics is essential for making an informed decision.

Overview of Plugged Chute Detection Technologies

Plugged chute detection technologies fall into three broadly classified groups, mechanical, acoustic, and electromagnetic methods.

Mechanical systems, such as tilt switches and paddle wheel indicators, are simple and inexpensive but prone to mechanical failure and false alarms due to vibration or material buildup. They also require regular maintenance to function effectively.

Acoustic detectors, on the other hand, utilize microphones to listen for changes in the acoustic signature of material flow. While this can be an effective method, it is sensitive to environmental noise and requires sophisticated signal processing to distinguish between normal and blocked flow.

Electromagnetic methods include capacitive probes, microwave radar, and RF Admittance. These offer non-contact detection and are less prone to false alarms and mechanical failures—however, the material's properties, environmental conditions, and installation setup affect their performance and application.

RF Admittance: The Optimal Choice

After an extensive review of these technologies, RF Admittance emerges as the overall best selection for plugged chute detection for several reasons:

Reliability

RF Admittance technology uses a probe to measure changes in the dielectric constant (a property of materials that affects their response to an electric field) between the sensor and the chute wall. When the chute is clear, the admittance (the measure of how easily a circuit or device allows an electric current to pass) between the probe and chute wall will be at one level, and when the chute is blocked, the admittance will change significantly. This reliable detection method leads to fewer false alarms than mechanical and acoustic systems.

Resistance to Material Buildup

One of the significant advantages of RF Admittance technology is its resistance to material buildup on the probe. The technology uses a driven shield construction that ensures only the material near the active sensor affects the reading. This feature helps to eliminate the risk of false alarms due to material buildup, a common issue in other technologies.

Versatility

RF Admittance technology works with various materials, regardless of their conductive or non-conductive properties, making it a versatile solution in different industries handling multiple types of bulk materials.

The Drexelbrook Solution

The Drexelbrook Plugged Chute Detector consistently identifies whether material is flowing through chutes. If the material ceases to flow due to a blockage, an alarm from the flush-mounted capacitance sensing element will be triggered, prompting further necessary actions such as notifying an operator or shutting down a conveyor belt.

The Drexelbrook detector, also known as a blocked chute switch, reliably tracks the presence or absence of bulk solids material in chutes without compromising flow speed. This cost-effective device ensures the continuous flow of materials.

Its robust sensor design makes this point-level switch optimal for handling materials such as coal, wood chips, ores, and powders. Since it is flush mounted through a chute wall, there is no protrusion into the chute to hinder or obstruct material flow.

The point-level switch can automatically identify and disregard coatings, thus preventing false alarms. It features a universal power supply that auto-detects and adjusts to the input power source.

Unlike similar technologies, the point-level switch for detecting plugged chutes permits remote electronics installation at a convenient or safer location.

The dependable detection of plugged chutes ensures smooth plant operations and significantly reduces the chance of spills due to blockages.

Key Features:

• Availability of both curved and flat sensors
• DPDT relay dry contacts rated at 5A, 120VAC
• Requires less maintenance compared to other technologies; devoid of any moving parts that could potentially hang up or wear out
• Utilizes Drexelbrook PML series electronics
• Auto-detecting supply voltage range: 19-250 VAC, 18-200 VDC, without the need for jumpers

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

Delivering Process Control Excellence in New England: The Piping Specialties/PSI Controls Advantage

Piping Specialties, Inc. / PSI Controls is a highly regarded process equipment Rep and Distributor with offices in Portland, Maine, and Danvers, Massachusetts. The products they specify, apply, and sell, including process control instrumentation, industrial valves, actuators, and engineered piping products, are vital for the process control industries of New England. 

About Piping Specialties/PSI Controls Territory

New England comprises six states: Connecticut, Rhode Island, Massachusetts, Vermont, New Hampshire, Upstate New York, and Maine. The primary process industries in these states include:

1. Manufacturing: Manufacturing is a significant sector in New England, including the manufacturing of machinery, electronic products, biomedical and pharmaceutical products, plastics, and rubber products.
2. Food Processing: New England is known for its dairy, seafood, and specialty foods. Dairy processing is significant in Vermont, while seafood processing is prevalent in coastal states like Massachusetts and Maine. There is also a strong presence of craft breweries, wineries, and distilleries.
3. Biotechnology and Pharmaceuticals: The biotechnology and pharmaceutical industries are prominent in this region, particularly in Massachusetts, home to many biotech and pharmaceutical companies.
4. Microelectronics and Computer Hardware: States like Massachusetts and Connecticut have a strong microelectronics and computer hardware sector, including the manufacturing of semiconductors.
5. Chemicals: The chemical industry, including specialty chemicals, industrial gases, and coatings, is also prevalent in this region.
6. Energy: While not a traditional "process" industry, the energy sector, including renewable energy technologies, nuclear energy, and conventional power generation, is also significant in New England.

PSI's mission is to ensure the smooth operation of these vital sectors by offering the highest quality products backed by their expert services. 

Outstanding Pre and Post Sales Engineering Support

PSI Sales Engineers bring tremendous value to their customer in New England in several crucial ways:

1. Technical Expertise: PSI sales professionals know about instrumentation, valves, and other process control equipment. They can help customers understand the benefits and functionalities of different products, enabling them to make informed purchasing decisions that best meet their requirements.
2. Customer Needs Analysis: PSI Sales Engineers are skilled at understanding and interpreting customer needs. They can suggest suitable products or tailor-made solutions that will meet a customer's specific needs, ensuring optimal performance and return on investment.
3. Customer Education: PSI sales people are pivotal in training customers on adequately using and maintaining equipment, enhancing customer satisfaction and loyalty. This education ensures that the instruments and valves operate at peak efficiency and can prolong their life cycle and minimize downtime.
4. Troubleshooting and Support: PSI Sales Engineers often provide technical support, helping to solve any problems customers may encounter with the equipment. Their ability to troubleshoot issues quickly can significantly impact customer satisfaction and retention.

Call Piping Specialties/PSI Controls with Your Next Instrumentation, Valve, or Engineered Piping Requirement

PSI takes pride in their deep industry knowledge, technical expertise, and customer-centric approach, enabling them to tailor their offerings to match our customers' needs. PSI strives to continuously provide reliable, efficient, and safe solutions, reinforcing their commitment to their customers and the broader industry.

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

The Emerson TESCOM™ Anderson Greenwood H2 Series for Hydrogen Applications and Fuel Stations

Hydrogen Fuel Stations are specialized refueling infrastructure that provides hydrogen gas for fuel cell vehicles (FCVs). These stations store and dispense hydrogen in a compressed or liquefied form, which is then used by FCVs to generate electricity through a chemical reaction with oxygen in a fuel cell stack, thus powering the vehicle.

There has been increasing interest and investment in hydrogen fuel stations and fuel cell technology across the country, driven by the goals of reducing emissions, increasing energy security, and diversifying the energy mix. Federal and state governments, private companies, and research institutions have collaborated to support developing and deploying hydrogen fuel stations and related technologies.

To boost the growth of hydrogen fuel stations, the US Department of Energy (DOE) initiated the H2@Scale initiative to advance hydrogen production, storage, distribution, and utilization technologies. This program seeks to lower hydrogen costs, increase its output from various sources (including renewables), and facilitate its adoption in multiple sectors, such as transportation, industry, and power generation.

Emerson's TESCOM™ Anderson Greenwood Instrumentation Valves H2 Series are high-pressure gas applications valves for hydrogen fueling stations and function as isolation valves. 

The H2 Valve Series employs stem seal technology, enabling consistent pressure containment and low operating torque, making it well-suited for hydrogen fuel dispensing systems. By offering a reliable, low-maintenance solution, the H2 Valve Series allows manufacturers and integrators of hydrogen fueling stations to reduce operational service expenses and potential leakage. 

The H2 Series complies with the ISO 19880.3 standard for 700 bar H70 Station Rating in hydrogen fuel station applications. Its compact, lightweight, and ergonomic design enhances installation and operational processes.

LEARN MORE AND DOWNLOAD THE H2 SERIES VALVE CUTSHEET HERE

For more information, contact:

Piping Specialties, Inc.

https://psi-team.com

800-223-1468

Level Measurement in the Food Processing Industry

Level sensors and controls are crucial in industrial food processing and production facilities to ensure quality and consistency. These devices monitor and regulate the level of liquids, solids, or granular materials in containers, vessels, or silos. Here are some of the most common types of level sensors and controls used in the industry:

1. Capacitive level sensors: These sensors detect changes in capacitance caused by the presence or absence of material (liquid or solid) in a container. They measure liquids, powders, or granular materials levels in various applications, including food and beverages.
2. Ultrasonic level sensors: Ultrasonic sensors use sound waves to measure the distance between the sensor and the material's surface. These sensors are non-contact and used for measuring levels of liquids or solids in tanks or silos and provide the food industry with accuracy and reliability.
3. Radar level sensors: Similar to ultrasonic sensors, radar level sensors use radio waves to measure the distance between the sensor and the material's surface. They are also non-contact and suitable for liquid and solid materials. Radar sensors are particularly useful in challenging environments with dust, vapor, or foam, making them ideal for food processing applications.
4. Hydrostatic pressure level sensors: These sensors measure the pressure exerted by the liquid column on the sensor at a specific depth. The pressure re-calibrates to a level measurement. They are primarily used for measuring liquid levels in tanks and have broad use in the food and beverage industry.
5. Float level sensors: Float sensors use a floating device to detect the liquid level in a container. The float's vertical or tilting movement triggers a mechanical or electrical signal indicating the liquid level. Food processing plants often use them for simple and cost-effective level measurements.
6. Vibrating or tuning fork level sensors: These sensors use a vibrating probe or tuning fork that changes its vibration frequency when it comes into contact with a material. They can detect the presence or absence of material and provide point-level detection of liquids, powders, or granular materials.
7. Optical level sensors: Optical sensors use infrared or visible light to detect the presence or absence of a material at a specific level. They are suitable for various materials, including liquids, powders, and solids, in food processing applications where minimum contact with the material is essential.

The choice of level sensor and control system depends on factors like the process material, the required accuracy, the process conditions, and the specific application within the food processing facility. Each technology has advantages and limitations, so careful consideration is needed to select the most suitable option for each application.

For more information, contact:

Piping Specialties, Inc.

https://psi-team.com

800-223-1468

Process Refractometers - The Vaisala Polaris™ Product Family

Industrial refractometers are essential in process automation as they help ensure product quality and consistency, reduce waste, and increase productivity. Refractometers measure a substance's refractive index, which measures how much light is bent as it passes through a sample. This measurement can provide valuable information about the composition and concentration of a solution, which is critical in many industrial processes.

In the food and beverage industry, refractometers measure the sugar content of juices, jams, and other products. This measurement helps ensure that the products are consistent in taste and texture and meet regulatory requirements. In the pharmaceutical industry, refractometers measure the concentration of active ingredients in medications, which is critical for ensuring the effectiveness and safety of the product. In pulp and paper production, process refractometers measure the concentration of dissolved solids in different stages of the production process, such as in the pulping process, bleaching process, or paper coating process. Process refractometers are used in semiconductor manufacturing to measure the concentration of chemical solutions used in various functions, such as cleaning, etching, and chemical mechanical planarization. Finally, process refractometers are commonly used in chemical production to measure the concentration of dissolved solids, such as salts, acids, and other chemicals, in various stages of the production process. 

By automating the process of measuring refractive index, industrial refractometers can provide accurate and reliable measurements in real-time without the need for manual testing, helping to reduce errors and improve process efficiency, as well as reduce labor costs associated with manual testing. In addition, automated refractometers can be integrated into larger process control systems, allowing for continuous monitoring and control of critical process parameters.

Vaisala specializes in developing and manufacturing environmental and industrial measurement equipment and systems. Their new Vaisala Polaris™ Product Family optimizes manufacturing processes, enhances productivity, and saves resources, energy, and time in various industries and hundreds of applications.

Vaisala Polaris™ utilizes an optical measurement principle that eliminates the need for regular maintenance when combined with zero moving parts, making their product an efficient and reliable solution for businesses needing continuous, uninterrupted measurement readings. Additionally, Polaris™ works seamlessly out of the box with Vaisala's Indigo520 transmitters, allowing for an easy setup process. To further ensure accuracy, Vaisala has developed a library of over 500 concentration models that allow for precise measurements of various dissolved solids, catering to the unique needs of their clients.

Vaisala Polaris™ boasts unparalleled accuracy, with no chance of drift due to the absence of particles, bubbles, or color influencing the readings. Additionally, Polaris™ product has long-term stability, and the measurement principle involves no moving parts, ensuring years, and even decades, of precise and stable measurement. As an added benefit, Vaisala provides an Engineer to Order service for more significant opportunities, allowing for the customization of their product to fit the specific needs of their clients.

Overall, industrial refractometers play a critical role in process automation, helping to ensure product quality and consistency, improve efficiency and productivity, and reduce waste and costs. As automation technology advances, refractometers and other process monitoring instruments will likely become even more important in industrial settings. Vaisala Polaris™ is an advanced technology that provides superior performance and is ideal for your application. For more information about Vaisala Polaris™ in New England, contact Piping Specialties / PSI Controls. Call them at 800-223-1468 or visit https://psi-team.com.

Trunnion Mount Valves

Trunnion mount valves are a type of industrial valve used to control the flow of fluids, such as liquids, gases, and slurries, in high-pressure systems. The term "trunnion mount" refers to how the valve mounts on a trunnion, a cylindrical projection that serves as a pivot point for the valve.

The valve body is typically made of metal, such as cast iron, steel, or stainless steel, and may be lined with materials such as PTFE or rubber to improve corrosion resistance and reduce wear. The valve stem, the part of the valve that rotates to open and close the valve, is also usually made of high-strength metal.

One of the most common uses of trunnion mount valves is in oil and gas production and transportation. These valves are often used in pipelines to control the flow of crude oil, natural gas, and other hydrocarbons. They are also commonly used in chemical plants, power plants, and other industrial facilities to control the flow of fluids in high-pressure systems.

Due to the need for tight shutoff and precise flow control, trunnion mount valves are typically used in high-pressure systems operating at 600 psi or higher pressures. They are also designed to handle high-pressure differential applications and are operated manually, pneumatically, or electrically.

Habonim designs and manufactures high-pressure ball valves and valve automation packages specially built for safety, endurance, and reliability to cover gases and fluids control up to 1,000 bar (15,000psi). 

The Habonim valve series is for harsh conditions in oil & gas and petrochemical industries, for underground and above-ground installation. Its robust design can withstand heavy loads from large sizes, high pressures, and dynamic temperature cycles. 

The trunnion valve series is certified to API 6D (Habonim monogram #6D-1278) with a valve wall thickness that is in full compliance with ANSI B16.34. The trunnion valve line withstands the maximum differential pressure rating specified by the American National Standards Institute (ANSI). The product range offers a range of end connectors, providing design flexibility and customized to meet each customer's specific needs and preferences.

For more information, contact:

Piping Specialties, Inc.

https://psi-team.com

800-223-1468

Protective Coating Options for the Series 3R Rack and Pinion Actuators

The standard coating option for the Series 3R rack and pinion actuator is a hard anodized coating. The body is coated inside and out with epoxy-coated end caps. The carbon steel pinions are zinc plated, and all the fasteners are stainless steel. This standard coating is suitable for most general and industrial applications.

Electroless nickel plating is another actuator coating option. This coating applies externally and internally. Electroless nickel coating provides excellent corrosion resistance for acid mines or caustic wash downs with sodium or potassium hydroxide.

Another coating option is PTFE infusion, which is also applied internally. This coating is excellent in seawater applications as it can withstand an ASTM B117 salt fog spray test. PTFE infusion is also ideal for caustic washdowns with sodium or potassium hydroxide.

A marine epoxy coating option for the actuator body may also be added to other items, such as valves and gearboxes. This coating is an excellent preventer of corrosion in marine service environments and is available in custom paint colors to meet your specifications.

Another option is not a coating, but instead, the series S2 all stainless steel rack and pinion actuator. This actuator has an electro-polished finish and is an excellent economical solution to harsh chemical environments. It is ideal for the chemical-resistant requirements of the pharmaceutical, food and beverage, pulp and paper, and petrochemical industries. Series S2 actuators can be coupled directly to stainless steel valves and accessories to create a complete stainless steel automated package.

For more information about the best coating application for your rack and pinion actuator, contact Piping Specialties.

Piping Specialties / PSI Controls

https://psi-team.com

800-223-1468

SIL Level Switch Is Specifically Designed for Floating Roof Tanks

One of the most difficult and critical applications is measuring the high alarm or potential overfill condition on a floating roof tank containing liquid petroleum products such as crude oil or refined products such as fuel. It normally is comprised of a cylindrical steel tank equipped with an internal or external floating roof, that floats on the surface of the stored liquid. Floating roof tank systems are especially beneficial in eliminating the evaporative losses of the liquids. As opposed to a fixed roof tank there is no vapor space in the tank. This helps to reduce risk in highly explosive vapor environments. This is an extremely high cost of failure application, and one in which only the safest and most trusted products are accepted.

Safe operation of the tank farm relies on critical real time continuous level measurements of the liquids in the tank, as well as detecting when a high level condition exists. Products used in this application are typically required to meet the API 2350 Overfill Protection Standards, as well as SIL Safety Integrity Level performance standards to IEC 61508.

The challenges to reliably detect a high level condition on a floating roof tank are long sensor length requirements, and the variability of what is being measured. The floating roof may be dry in which case you need to detect the position of the physical metal roof. Or there may be a few inches of rain water or petroleum liquids on the roof. Measuring instruments need to determine very accurately, usually within a few millimeters, when the position of the floating roof has reached

The Drexelbrook SIL IntelliPoint capacitance probe level switch is specifically designed for Floating Roof Tanks (internal and external roofs) with a flexible brass level sensing probe. The level probe sensing element is field adjustable for lengths up to 15' (4.6 m). Electronics are designed to meet API 2350 Overfill Protection.

This level measurement system is specifically designed for spill prevention in floating roof tanks (internal and external roofs) using the IntelliPoint level switch with a flexible level sensing element for ease of installation (model 700-0005-595).

This level measurement system meets API 2350 regulations. It is ideal for use in safety related systems with requirements for functional safety for SIL2 in accordance to IEC61508-2, ed2, 2010 (Exida).

To prevent false alarms this level measurement system automatically recognizes and ignores coatings and is supplied with continuous self-test monitors circuits and sensing elements to detect faults.

A dual compartment housing separates the customer wiring from the sensing element and operating circuits. The encapsulated power supply/terminal block design eliminates the possibility of damage caused by moisture in the conduit.

The Floating Roof Tanks system comes with field adjustable lengths from 1' to 15' (0.3 to 4.6 m).

The system is based on our Manual Certify principle which allows the entire system to be manually tested without removing the sensor from the tank. The Manual Certify test checks that the Auto Verify circuits are operating and confirms the probe and cables are properly connected. Furthermore, the Manual Certify feature allows the electronics to sense changes in the probe that simulate contact with the media or floating roof. This provides the user with a method to ensure working performance without having to climb the tank.

No calibration or setpoint adjustments are required.

Key Features

• Loop or Line Powered
• Wetted Parts: 316SS 3/4" NPT Mounting, 3/16" FEP insulated flexible and adjustable cable, non-sparking brass sensor.
• Automatic and local or remote manual test functions ensure proper system operation.
• One system fits most floating roof tank applications, reducing field spans
• Adjustable insertion lengths up to 15' (4,6m)
• Excellent trip point accuracy over a wide range of medias and tank roof

Piping Specialties / PSI Controls

https://psi-team.com

800-223-1468

The COMPACT Quarter-turn Rack and Pinion Pneumatic Actuator

The Habonim COMPACT actuator is a quarter-turn rack and pinion pneumatic actuator that doubles the torque of conventional pneumatic actuators. Habonim's patented four piston design, which generates torque around a centrally located piston, is responsible for superior performance, translating to double the power for the same size actuator or half the size for the same power. 

The COMPACT has four small cylinders, one on each of the cube's four sides. The smaller pinion and minimized travel distance of the pistons in the COMPACT require less air pressure to produce the same torque output as a larger double piston actuator. As a result, there's a reduction in emergency shutdown response, air consumption during operation, and maintenance.  Habonim's unique quarter-turn COMPACT actuators have the superior performance of twice the torque per size, much longer cycling before any care, high opening and closing speed, and exceptional durability in the most demanding industrial environments. 

STANDARD ACTUATOR FEATURES

NAMUR & ISO interface

A wide range of accessories such as solenoids, positioners, and limit switches are available for direct mounting to the COMPACT actuator, and any accessory with ISO 5211 and VDI/VDE 3845 (NAMUR) will mount to the actuator. 

NAMUR VDI/VDE 3845

This standard specifies various accessories with VDI/VDE interfaces, such as limit switches, pucks, indicators, and positioners, with simple mounting onto the actuator top face. 

NAMUR solenoid mounting

One of the four actuator covers available includes a pad for solenoid mounting per the NAMUR international standard. Any solenoid that conforms to the NAMUR interface can be directly mounted to the actuators, simplifying solenoid installation and eliminating the need for additional piping. Because the pressurized air supply is available at the port entrance, it also allows for quick actuation response. 

ISO 5211

The actuator bottom flange conforms to the ISO 5211 international standard and includes a star-shaped female drive to accommodate a wide range of valve output shafts. The valve can be attached to the actuator with a bracket or mounted directly onto the actuator using one of the ISO hole patterns.

COMPACT actuators are part of control packages in various industries and providing superior performance in the cycle times, size, weight, compressed-air consumption, and reliability in high cyclic applications. 

For more information in New England, contact:

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

Providing New England Industrial Companies Outstanding Value, Support & Service for Valves and Process Instrumentation

Piping Specialties / PSI Controls is a leading industrial instrumentation and controls manufacturer's agent and distributor serving New England, including Maine, New Hampshire, Massachusetts, Vermont, Rhode Island, Connecticut, and Upstate New York. The company's commitment to the industrial market since 1975 has resulted in a wide range of high-quality valves, piping systems, and flow, level, strain, and temperature instrumentation. With a team of highly trained outside and inside staff, Piping Specialties / PSI Controls solves demanding applications and delivers excellent customer service. 

All major industrial markets, including power generation, chemical manufacturing, pulp and paper, oil and gas extraction, water and wastewater treatment, and nuclear power generation, have benefited from PSI's products. Piping Specialties / PSI Controls has been there with their customers for over 40 years, offering superior support and service.

Piping Specialties / PSI Controls

https://psi-team.com

800-223-1468