Setting Up and Calibrating the Drexelbrook MultiPoint II Level Switch


This video demonstrates how to calibrate and set the Drexelbrook MultiPoint II level switch.

The Drexelbrook Multipoint II level switch product offers three control points located anywhere along a single vertically inserted level sensing element. This level switch can be used to provide high level, high-high level, and low level control points. It also provides an adjustable differential feature for one of the control points for pump on/pump off control making it ideal for sump level control. It is designed to be intrinsically safe for Class I Groups A,B,C,D and Class II Groups E,F,G (Div. 1 and 2). The unit is mounted in FM approved explosion proof housing. The MultiPoint II has no moving parts and the need for maintenance is therefore eliminated. The Drexelbrook MultiPoint II is an economical solution for processes requiring multiple operating points.

For more information about level instrumentation, contact Piping Specialties, Inc. / PSI Controls by calling 800-223-1468 or visit their web site at https://psi-team.com.

Inline Process Refractometers in Beer Brewing

Inline Process Refractometers in Beer Brewing

Introduction

PR-43-AThe first step in the beer brewing process is the preparation of malt grains. The extract received fromthe processing of this raw material is called wort. The second step is fermentation by yeast. The last steps are conditioning and final filtration. After filtration, the beer is ready for bottling.

Instrumentation and Installation

Vaisala K-PATENTS® Sanitary Process Refractometer PR-43-A is used at many stages of the brewery process to determine in real-time and accurately the concentration of dissolved solids. The refractometer takes an optical measurement of the refractive index of a solution and its output can be calibrated in Plato, Brix, Balling, gravity or density, depending on the preference of the brewery.
The Sanitary Refractometer is available with 3-A Sanitary and EHEDG certifications and it withstands CIP/SIP cleaning and rinsing of the facilities.

1. Mash tank

Mashing is the process of mixing the crushed malt with very hot water. In this process, the malted grain breaks down to create enzymes, which become active when exposed to water at a specific temperature. These active enzymes convert the starches into sugars. The resultant sugary liquid is known as the wort. Mashing is a crucial step as it determines the final structure of the beer.
In the mashing stage, the refractometer is used to measure the concentration of the mash in water at the outlet pipe to maintain a consistent concentration. Automatic prism wash with steam or high-pressure hot water is recommended for this application.

2. Lauter Tun

Lauter tun is a vessel used to separate the extracted wort from the spent grain. The solids in the lauter tun are rinsed with water to separate the clear liquid wort from the solids. The liquid concentration gradually decreases during the rinsing.
At the lauter tun the refractometer’s output signal is used to detect the shut-off point for rinsing, thus preventing excessive use of water. Automatic prism wash with steam or high-pressure water is recommended for this application.

3. Wort Boiler (Brew Kettle)

In the wort boiler the wort is pasteurized, and its flavor is adjusted by the addition of hops (or other flavors such as ginger or molasses). The brew is boiled until a certain strength or gravity is achieved. This step is essential for the quality of the final beer.
The refractometer is installed directly on the wort boiler to measure the wort strength/gravity. It provides an instant feedback when the wort has reached its required strength. No by-pass arrangements are required. The purpose is to eliminate sampling, optimize the boiling time, and to improve beer consistency and quality. Automatic prism wash with steam or high-pressure water is recommended for this application.

4. Hot Wort from Boiler to Whirlpool

The refractometer is installed in the wort boiler outlet to monitor the quality of the wort. Before the wort goes on to the next stage, solids are removed from the liquid by using a whirlpool. All hops and other solids are forced to the center of the whirlpool. When the whirlpool is stopped, the solids settle at the bottom, forming a fairly solid central cone. The liquid can then be drained off.

5. Chilled Wort from Heat Exchanger

The wort is cooled down to the correct temperature for the yeast. The refractometer is used for quality control, by a way of measuring the cold wort before it enters the fermentation process. This is an alternative measurement to point 4.

6. Fermentation

Fermentation starts when the yeasts are added to the wort. The yeast converts the sugars and amino acids into alcohol and carbon dioxide. The fermenting reaction is slow, and its progress must be monitored to determine the end point.
The spent yeast settles at the bottom of the tank and is frequently removed. This process helps to clarify the beer.
In fermentation, The refractometer continuously detects the changes in refractive index because of the conversion of sugars into alcohol. This allows monitoring the conversion rate, the degree of fermentation and provides an indirect measurement of the alcohol volume (%) for determining the end point (see also application note Alcoholic Fermentation).

7. Filtering

After fermentation, the beer is let to rest, so that the suspended dead yeast settles at the bottom. This conditioning process helps the maturing of the beer. The refractometer provides a quality control measurement for the wort filtering output.

8. Packing and Interface Detection

Packing is typically done by filling the beer into bottles or aluminum cans via a filling machine. Some brewers may use the same filling line for different products. In this case a Clean-In-Place (CIP) operation is required between the filling of each product.

At the filling line, the refractometer instantly detects the product-to-product and product to-CIP cleaning interfaces in bottling. The refractometer output signal can be utilized for quality control monitoring, and to ensure correct product-to-bottle selection and a product quality within specification.

If the same filling station is used for different products, the refractometer can be used for automated monitoring and controlling of the CIP cleaning process, allowing products to be switched freely. This results in increased productivity, without compromising the end product’s quality and safety.

For more information about the use of process refractometers, contact Piping Specialties, Inc. / PSI Controls by calling 800-223-1468 or visit their web site at https://psi-team.com.

Reprinted with permission from Vaisala/K-Patents.


MOGAS Valve Selection Guide

For over 40 years MOGAS has designed and manufactured valves exclusively for the severe service market.  No leakage, limited maintenance and superior reliability make a MOGAS valve the easiest and most cost-effective valve to operate. Their portfolio of valve solutions lets you choose the design trim, materials, and coatings that provide your severe service application the best protection.

MOGAS is well-known in the power generation and process industries for solving critical problems that routinely plague these plants: leaking valves; seat erosion; blown packing; and the inability to isolate critical equipment.

Proudly made in the USA, each MOGAS valve carries an application-specific performance guarantee.



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

Products. Knowledge. Service. Reliability. Piping Specialties / PSI Controls


Piping Specialties / PSI Controls is a leading manufacturer's representative and distributor of industrial instrumentation and controls serving the Northeast including the states of  Maine, New Hampshire, Massachusetts, Vermont, Rhode Island, Connecticut and Upstate New York. Since 1975, the company's dedication to the industrial market has resulted in a broad offering of superior quality products for valves, piping systems and flow, level, pressure, and temperature instrumentation. Piping Specialties / PSI Controls is known for solving tough applications and providing exceptional customer service with a team of highly trained outside and inside personnel.

PSI's products have contributed to the success of all major industrial markets, including power generation, chemical processing, pulp and paper, oil and gas production, water and wastewater treatment, and nuclear power generation. For over 40 years, Piping Specialties / PSI Controls has continuously been there, providing support and service to their customers.

Why Use LINK-SEAL®?


LINK-SEAL


LINK-SEAL® is a modular elastomer sealing system that creates a permanent, hydrostatic seal for almost any cylindrical object as it traverses a barrier. The modular LINK-SEAL ® seals are the primary technique for sealing tubes of any size continuously through walls and ceilings. Indeed, any cylinder-shaped item can be secured against water, soil or backfill material rapidly, readily and permanently.

LINK-SEAL® FEATURE AND BENEFITS


    LINK-SEAL
  • Install in up to 75% less time compared to lead-oakum joints, hand-fitted flashings, mastics, or casing boots.
  • Rated at 20 psig (40ft of head), which exceeds the performance requirements of most applications.
  • Designed for use as a permanent seal. Seal elements are specially compounded to resist aging and attack from ozone, sunlight, water, and a wide range of chemicals.
  • Standard fasteners have a two-part zinc dichromate and proprietary corrosion inhibiting coating. Corrosion resistant 316 stainless steel available for maximum corrosion protection.
  • NSF 61 and Factory Mutual Fire Approved materials available. Also carry a wide variety of approvals from various Federal agencies, associations, code groups, laboratories, and organizations.
  • Manufactured in an ISO 9001certified facility.
  • 16 sizes, color-coded EPDM, Nitrile, and Silicone elastomers may be used with various hardware options to match performance characteristics with service conditions.

LINK-SEAL® SPECIFICATIONS

  • Pressure resistant to 20psig (40 ft of head)
  • Standard  — EPDM – rubber (black)
  • Oil Resistant — Nitrile rubber (green)
  • Temperature resistant — Silicone rubber (gray)
  • Low Durometer for fragile pipe — EPDM rubber (blue) Shore 40 ± 5
  • Hardware Options - S316 Stainless Steel and Zinc Dichromate Coated Steel (1470 hr salt spray tested) hardware

LINK-SEAL® APPLICATIONS

Mechanical Contractors - Interior Piping Systems, Manhole Pipe Entry Seals, Waste Treatment Plants, Cased Road Crossings, Thermal Storage Systems, Fire Protection Wall Penetrations, Cased Railroad Crossings, Electrical Isolation of Pipes, Precast Concrete Vault Seals, Insulated Pipe Seals, Dual Containment Seals, Marine Applications, Noise Dampening, Flexible Sign & Pole Supports, Electrical Isolation of Pipe Supports, Mining, Pulp & Paper, Decorative Fountains, Pool Contractors, Electrical Contractors, Waste & Water Treatment, Telecommunications, Valve Pits, Refrigeration Buildings, Guard Post Assemblies, Power Generation Dams, Offshore Oil Rigs, High Pressure Tank Guards, Underground Steel Tanks, Precast Concrete Manufacturers, Perimeter Berm Installations Around Tank Farms, Flow Restrictions in Sewer Maintenance, Fluid Overflow Devices, Noise and Sway Dampener, Through Deck Fire Breaks, Bridge Construction, Septic Tank Installations, Coal Preparation Plants, Tunneling Operations.

For more information on LINK-SEAL® modular wall seals, contact Piping Specialties, Inc. Call them at 800-223-1468 or visit their web site at https://psi-team.com.

A-T Controls / TRIAC Valves and Actuators from Piping Specialties, Inc.


A-T Controls, Inc. designs, develops and manufactures valves, actuators and valve control products. Founded in 1994, A-T Controls currently operates out of the primary facility in Cincinnati, Ohio and another in Stafford, Texas with several sales offices throughout North America. Their products are used in virtually every industry including: Oil & Gas, Refining, Petrochemical, Chemical Processing, Pulp & Paper, Mining, Transportation, Food and Beverage, Pharmaceuticals, Marine, HVAC, and Power.

AT CONTROLS / TRIAC PRODUCTS:
  • Ball Valves
  • Butterfly Valves
  • Rack & Pinion Pneumatic Actuators
  • Electric Actuators
  • Heavy Duty / Scotch Yoke Actuators
  • Floor Mounted Damper Drives
  • Gear Operators
  •  Limit Switches

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

Plugged Chute Detection for Granular Materials

Intellipoint RF Admittance Plugged Chute Detector
Detecting plugs in granular material conveying chutes is difficult due to the heavy, abrasive materials and dusty, coating nature of the environment. Many technologies used to detect material movement in chutes have considerable downside. For instance, regulatory requirements and source disposal problems make nuclear gauges an unappealing choice, insertion type sensors are quickly damaged by falling material, microwave sensors require two mounting windows to operate, and vibrating chute walls can damage electrical components.

A better alternative is the Drexelbrook Intellipoint RF Admittance Plugged Chute Detector. Its design allows for the reliable detection of a plugged chute, reducing costly downtime and material spill over.

The Drexelbrook plugged chute detector, also known as a blocked chute switch, reliably detects the presence or absence of bulk solids material flowing through chutes in an economical way without sacrificing flow speed. If process material stops flowing due to a plugged condition, the flush mounted capacitance sensing element will alarm, allowing further action to occur (alerting an operator, shutting down a conveyor belt, etc.). The Cote shield circuitry ignores even heavy coatings, and the flush mounted sensing element does not interfere with material flow. There are no moving parts to wear or jam, and thus, it requires virtually no maintenance. In fact, the Intellipoint Mean Time To Failure (MTTF) is calculated to more than 110 years!

There are no regulatory requirements with the adoption of the Intellipoint, and system electronics can be mounted remotely to eliminate vibration concerns. Due to the rugged sensor design this point level switch is ideal for coal, wood chips, ores and powders. This point level switch automatically recognizes and ignores coatings to prevent false alarms and, as it is flush mounted through a chute wall, nothing protrudes into the chute to interfere with or obstruct material flow.

Choosing the Intellipoint provides reliable detection of plugged chutes that will keep your plant running smoothly and virtually eliminates spills occurring due to plugged conditions.

Key Features
  • Curved and flat sensors are available
  • DPDT relay dry contacts at 5A, 120VAC
  • Less maintenance than other technologies; no moving parts to hang up or wear out
  • Uses Drexelbrook PML series electronics
  • Supply voltage: 19-250 VAC, 18-200 VDC, Auto-detecting without jumpers
For more information, contact Piping Specialties, Inc. by calling 800-223-1468 or by visiting https://psi-team.com.