"This is my wish for you: peace of mind, prosperity through the year, happiness that multiplies, health for you and yours, fun around every corner, energy to chase your dreams, joy to fill your holidays!" D.M. Dellinger
Factory Automation Conveyor Selection Guide
For more than 35 years, Cincinnati based QC Conveyors has manufactured low profile, modular belt conveyors and conveyor systems. Their products are developed and tested with long-term reliability in mind and can deliver popular style conveyors in just 5 days.QC Conveyors has a convenient selection guide for choosing the correct conveying solution. You can download the Conveyor Selection Guide here.
For more information about conveyors used in factory automation, contact Process Technology by calling 801-264-1114 or by visiting their web site at https://process-tech.com.
High-Power, Mid-Range Laser Triangulation Sensor Detects Challenging Targets at Distances from 9.5 cm to 2 m
The Banner Q5X Laser Triangulation Sensor with background suppression is a Class 2 laser CMOS sensor with an IO-Link and multifunction input and output. This high-power, mid-range sensor detects challenging targets at distances from 9.5 cm to 2 meters.
The Q5X sensor solves the most difficult distance-based applications, even at acute angles. It includes a durable, cost-effective IP67 rated housing and optional metal protective brackets, making it perfect for difficult industrial and wet environments.
The normal sensor state is Run mode. From Run mode, users may change the switch point value and channel selection and perform the selected TEACH method.
The secondary sensor state is Setup mode. From Setup mode, users may select the TEACH mode, adjust all standard operating parameters, and perform a factory reset.
For more information, contact Process Technology, Inc. Call them at 801-264-1114 or visit their web site at https://process-tech.com.
Process Technology Salutes Our Veterans
Veterans Day is not just another holiday. It honors those Americans who fought for our freedom. By celebrating our Veterans, we continue to tell the story of how this country became the most powerful on Earth - through bravery, honor, truth, and determination.
Our Veterans are our neighbors, friends, family, and co-workers. They took an oath to defend the United States and our Constitution, from all enemies, foreign and domestic. We must never forget their bravery, service, and sacrifice.
Process Technology Inc. thanks our Veterans, past and present, for serving our country and protecting our freedom.
Imagine All Your Process Control Requirements from A Single Vendor
Process Technology is a proud Siemens Process Instrumentation partner providing the Mountain West, Front Range, and Southwest regions with sales, engineering, and application expertise. Siemens Process Instrumentation, along with a foundation of highly trained and experienced Process Technology people, provide optimum solutions to our customers' control problems.
Welcome Steve Pitkin to the PTI Team!
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Steve has over 30 years of managing civil engineering, distribution and manufacturer’s rep sales. He enjoys engaging with engineering groups and working closely with his customers to find solutions, uncover opportunities and build strong relationships.
He has a love for everything outdoors and isa bit of an adrenalin junkie. With these two guiding forces, Steve has already started exploring the great frontier of Montana and bringing PTI’s solutions to new and existing customers.
Create a Powerful Picking System with the Banner PTL110 Multifunction Pick-to-Light Indicator
The Banner PTL110 is a multifunctional pick-to-light indicator with flexible pick functionality that creates a powerful picking system. They are multifunctional indicators with options for touch button, optical sensor, and three-digit display, connected in series to create a powerful picking system. With fast response times and flexible installation options, PTL110 systems improve speed, productivity, and quality in picking, kitting and related applications.
For more information about Banner products, contact Process Technology, Inc.
801-264-1114
https://process-tech.com
The Red Lion Graphite: Taking HMIs to the Next Level
Red Lion’s rugged Graphite® operator panels are the industry's first HMI touchscreens to combine all-aluminum construction with an I/O module architecture. All of the Graphite HMI models offer drag-and-drop protocol conversion, data logging and web-based monitoring and control. With UL Class 1, Division 2, ABS, ATEX and IECEx approvals, Graphite HMIs enable customers to connect, monitor and control processes in harsh environments.
Available in eight different sizes ranging from 7 inch to 15 inch, Graphite HMIs feature sleek full-color touchscreens in a streamlined, compact footprint for easy installation. Rugged cast-aluminum construction supports outdoor and indoor display with wide operating temperatures and high shock/vibration tolerances that enable organizations to connect, monitor and control processes regardless of environment. Unify disparate devices by converting up to 20 industrial protocols simultaneously from a built-in library of over 300 supported drivers. In addition, select from a wide variety of module and expansion options to seamlessly extend capabilities and address varying requirements.
For more information, contact Process Technology, Inc.
801-264-1114
https://process-tech.com
Turck and PTI: Your Industry 4.0 Automation Partners
Industry 4.0 has arrived, and Smart factories and machinery are shaping the next industrial revolution. The user benefits derived from Smart products include higher availability, better quality assurance, and more efficient production, even in smaller batches. Process Technology, and our factory automation partner Turck, are ready to support you.
From RFID and IO-Link, to OPC-UA and Industrial Ethernet, we have the key technologies of the future, supporting you with reliable solutions for collecting, transmitting, and processing relevant production data.
Choose the path to a smart factory with Turck and Process Technology, Inc., your automation partners for Industry 4.0.
For more information, contact:
Process Technology, Inc.
801-264-1114
https://process-tech.com
The Siemens SITRANS Probe LU240 - The Future of Level Measurement
The Siemens SITRANS Probe LU240 ultrasonic level transmitter is ideal for level, volume, and volume flow measurements in a wide range of applications. It works with liquids, slurries, and bulk materials up to 40 feet (12 meters).
From liquid chemical inventory to monitoring small process vessels monitoring to level monitoring measurement in the environmental industry, this versatile device lets you get on with your day. Easy setup with its 4-button user interface or remote configuration with SIMATIC PDM will have you up and running in no time.
The Siemens SITRANS Probe LU240 is ideal for level monitoring in the water and wastewater industry, chemical storage vessels, and small bulk hoppers.
Key Features:
- Digital communications with HART 7
- Superior and Reliable Performance
- Adapts to Changing Conditions Like Wind, Snow and Temperature
- Resistant to Corrosion, Chemicals, and Extreme Shocks
- Low Energy Start-Up
- Active Self-Cleaning Face
- Process Intelligence
- Easy to Install and Quick Commissioning
For more infomration, contact Process Technology, Inc. by calling 801-264-1114 or visit https://process-tech.com.
Introduction to Siemens Belt Scale Systems
A belt conveyor is the most efficient and cost-effective method of transporting bulk materials. The challenge is how to accurately weigh the amount of material being transported over the conveyor. The answer is with a Siemens belt scale system.
A belt scale system consists of three main components: the belt scale; the speed sensor; and the integrator. Belt scales are seamlessly integrated into conveyors to continuously weigh the material load without process interruptions.
Siemens Milltronics conveyor belt scales combine simple, drop in installation, low maintenance (no moving parts) and repeatable accuracy for productive operations.
With their field-proven weighing electronics, load cells, conveyor belt scales, solids flowmeters, and weighfeeders, Siemens provides all the components required to install and operate an efficient, problem-free, and money-saving belt scale system.
For more infomration, contact Process Technology, Inc. by calling 801-264-1114 or visit https://process-tech.com.
Siemens Milltronics MSI Belt Scale
Siemens Milltronics MSI is a heavy-duty, high accuracy full frame single idler belt scale used for process and load-out control.
Milltronics MSI belt scale provides continuous in-line weighing on a variety of products in primary and secondary industries. It is proven in a wide range of tough applications from extraction (in mines, quarries and pits), to power generation, iron and steel, food processing and chemicals. The MSI is suitable for monitoring such diverse products as sand, flour, coal, or sugar.
The MSI’s patented use of parallelogram-style load cells results in fast reaction to vertical forces, ensuring instant response to product loading. This enables it to provide outstanding accuracy and repeatability even with uneven loading and fast belt speeds.
For more information, contact Process Technology, Inc. by calling 801-264-1114 or visit their web site at https://process-tech.com.
Ultrasonic Liquid Flow Meter With Thermal Energy/BTU Capability
The InnovaSonic® 207i is designed, built and calibrated by Sierra for non-intrusive liquid flow metering, and optimized for thermal energy / BTU measurement. The InnovaSonic 207i transit-time ultrasonic flow meter is the ideal turnkey solution for building and district metering, and submetering.The InnovaSonic® 207i Features:
- High accuracy transit-time ultrasonic technology
- Software apps for ease of installation & diagnostics
- Optimized for thermal energy/BTU measurement
- Clamp-on sensors, no pipe cutting, no shutdown
- Real-time liquid density compensation
- Upgrade meter firmware and software in the field
Advanced Differential Pressure Based Flow Metering Technology
McCrometer's V-Cone Flow Meter, an advanced dP meter, is used in many applications in power plants, paper mills, chemical and petrochemical plants, metals and mining, and food & beverage production. Where accuracy, low maintenance and cost are critical, the McCrometer V-Cone is the perfect solution.
McCrometer's V-Cone® Flow Meter is an advanced differential pressure instrument, which is ideal for use with liquid, steam or gas media in rugged conditions. Designed for mild to harsh operating environments, and for a wide variety of fluids, the V-Cone combines exceptional performance, low maintenance and long life for superior value. It consistently outperforms traditional DP devices and other flow technologies.
For more information, contact Process Technology by calling 801-264-1114 or by visiting their web site at https://process-tech.com.
US Power Grids, Oil and Gas Industries, and Risk of Hacking
A report released in June, from the security firm Dragos, describes a worrisome development by a hacker group named, “Xenotime” and at least two dangerous oil and gas intrusions and ongoing reconnaissance on United States power grids.
Multiple ICS (Industrial Control Sectors) sectors now face the XENOTIME threat; this means individual verticals – such as oil and gas, manufacturing, or electric – cannot ignore threats to other ICS entities because they are not specifically targeted.
The Dragos researchers have termed this threat proliferation as the world’s most dangerous cyberthreat since an event in 2017 where Xenotime had caused a serious operational outage at a crucial site in the Middle East.
The fact that concerns cybersecurity experts the most is that this hacking attack was a malware that chose to target the facility safety processes (SIS – safety instrumentation system).
For example, when temperatures in a reactor increase to an unsafe level, an SIS will automatically start a cooling process or immediately close a valve to prevent a safety accident. The SIS safety stems are both hardware and software that combine to protect facilities from life threatening accidents.
At this point, no one is sure who is behind Xenotime. Russia has been connected to one of the critical infrastructure attacks in the Ukraine. That attack was viewed to be the first hacker related power grid outage.
This is a “Cause for Concern” post that was published by Dragos on June 14, 2019.
“While none of the electric utility targeting events has resulted in a known, successful intrusion into victim organizations to date, the persistent attempts, and expansion in scope is cause for definite concern. XENOTIME has successfully compromised several oil and gas environments which demonstrates its ability to do so in other verticals. Specifically, XENOTIME remains one of only four threats (along with ELECTRUM, Sandworm, and the entities responsible for Stuxnet) to execute a deliberate disruptive or destructive attack.
XENOTIME is the only known entity to specifically target safety instrumented systems (SIS) for disruptive or destructive purposes. Electric utility environments are significantly different from oil and gas operations in several aspects, but electric operations still have safety and protection equipment that could be targeted with similar tradecraft. XENOTIME expressing consistent, direct interest in electric utility operations is a cause for deep concern given this adversary’s willingness to compromise process safety – and thus integrity – to fulfill its mission.
XENOTIME’s expansion to another industry vertical is emblematic of an increasingly hostile industrial threat landscape. Most observed XENOTIME activity focuses on initial information gathering and access operations necessary for follow-on ICS intrusion operations. As seen in long-running state-sponsored intrusions into US, UK, and other electric infrastructure, entities are increasingly interested in the fundamentals of ICS operations and displaying all the hallmarks associated with information and access acquisition necessary to conduct future attacks. While Dragos sees no evidence at this time indicating that XENOTIME (or any other activity group, such as ELECTRUM or ALLANITE) is capable of executing a prolonged disruptive or destructive event on electric utility operations, observed activity strongly signals adversary interest in meeting the prerequisites for doing so.”
The Siemens SITRANS P320 and SITRANS P420 with Unique Remote Safety Handling
The Siemens SITRANS P320/P420 pressure transmitters are digital pressure transmitters featuring extensive user-friendliness and high accuracy. The parameter assignment is performed using input but- tons or the HART interface.
The "Remote Safety Handling" function saves customers significant amounts of time and money, because the SIL function can be switched on and validated remotely via SIMATIC PDM. This eliminates travel times and on-site operation via the local display or keyboard.
For more information, contact Process Technology, Inc. by visiting https://process-tech.com or by calling 801-264-1114.
SX5-B Safety Laser Scanners from Banner Engineering
Compact and easy-to-deploy, SX5 Series safety laser scanners from Banner Engineering protect personnel, equipment, and mobile systems within a user-defined area. They continuously scan a 275° area to create a two-dimensional protected zone that must be crossed to reach the hazard.
For more information, contact Process Technology, Inc. by visiting https://process-tech.com or by calling 801-264-1114.
Process Instrument Calibration Services from Siemens
Measuring, positioning, recording, and controlling are important parameters in all industries processes. That’s why process instruments need to deliver the highest levels of precision and reliability.
Siemens, a world leader in engineering and process control instruments, provides off-site and on-site calibration services that keep your plant running at optimum efficiency.
OFF-SITE CALIBRATION SERVICES
Siemens offers factory calibration services for Pressure, Temperature and Flowmeters from both our own and other manufacturers.
ON-SITE CALIBRATION SERVICES
Siemens offers on-site calibrations for Pressure, Temperature and Belt scale of our own products as well as those of other manufacturers.
This video presents the viewer with explanations and concepts for the following:
- The Siemens Process Instrument Services overview.
- A description of field instrument technologies.
- What calibration means.
- Reasons for calibrating field devices.
- The importance of calibration and verification.
- What traceability means.
- Why accreditation is needed.
- The Siemens Factory Calibration process.
- The Siemens On-site Calibration process.
- What verification means.
- Reasons for verification.
- The Siemens On-site Verification process.
For more information, visit https://process-tech.com or call 801-264-1114.
Guided Wave Radar Level Measurement: What's it All About?
This white paper, courtesy of SIEMENS, is a look at the technology behind this popular application problem solver and what allows it to perform so well in tough conditions: heavy vapors, steam, changing physical and chemical conditions, and high temperatures and pressures.
For more information about guided wave radar level instrumentation, contact Process Technology, Inc. For immediate assistance call 801-264-1114, or visit https://process-tech.com.
The Hazards of NOT Using Softstarters on Your Beverage Line
This video demonstrates a key advantage of using a soft start system on a bottling line, in this case a dairy milk line. Consistent start-up regardless of belt load and reduced product damage risk (illustrated by this video) are obvious. Another important benefit is that couplings, belts and bearings are given additional protection against mechanical wear.
Softstarters from ABB increase the life of a motor by protecting the motor against electric stress. They do so by optimizing starting currents that put a great deal of stress on the motor with conventional start methods. Installation-friendly Softstarters from ABB can reduce your assembly and start time by being easy to use and easy to learn. A single Softstarter provides a compact and complete starting solution with everything you need in a single system, from the bypass contactor to the overload protection. In addition, ABB Softstarters can ultimately help increase productivity with many application-specific features.
For more information about ABB Softstarters, contact Process Technology, Inc. by calling 801-264-1114 or visit https://process-tech.com.
The Unique Challenges of Measuring Steam Usage for Colleges and Universities
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| ExactSteam™ V-Cone® Flowmeter |
Many schools want to accurately track, and then internally bill, for steam usage in each of their buildings as part of a wider effort to improve resource management. However, traditional steam metering technologies tend to be a less than optimal choice.
Most times, it’s necessary to place campus steam meters in the basements of buildings where there isn’t a lot of room for piping. That causes issues because flow meters typically require significant runs of straight pipe upstream and downstream of the meter to work correctly.
School administrators also encounter issues by trying to measure steam usage during the low-demand summer months. Common vortex meters, which contain a shedder bar mounted across the diameter of a pipe to measure flow, work well at higher flows. When it comes to low flows, however, they can stop working completely (i.e., low flow cutoff problems). Differential pressure (DP) flow meters coupled with the proper electronics, by comparison, can push the low flow cutoff value downward. However, most DP meters can’t get around the straight-run requirements.
McCrometer’s ExactSteam solution is designed to overcome those hurdles.
The ExactSteam V-Cone Flowmeter works well with short straight-pipe runs, so it addresses the lack of space issues faced by colleges and universities. It also measures steam across the entire range, performing better at lower flows.
The High Cost of Low Flow Cutoff
Steam system operators can pay a steep price for generating product that passes through a meter but fails to get measured. Also known as low flow cutoff, those losses are a function of the turndown ratio of flow meters. The ratio — defined as the maximum measurement capability of a device compared to its minimum — dictates how wide a flow spectrum can be measured. On campuses, this creates a major issue because demand for steam in the colder weather can be extremely high compared to off-peak times.
ExactSteam is a DP-style flow meter that can be adjusted for colleges during winter months. It contains McCrometer’s established V-cone flow meter combined with a newer electronics package to aid in the downward adjustment of the turndown ratio. A growing number of college campuses, especially larger schools, are seeing the benefits of ExactSteam and adopting the technology.
Some examples include:
Case Study #1 - An East Coast University Steam Operation
This school designed its system to measure from 84,000 lbs/hr to 8,400 lbs/hr, which accounted for a 10:1 turndown ratio and velocities of 420’/second to 42’/second. After the meter was installed, system operators determined their actual flow range was 20,000 lbs/hr to 1,000 lbs/hr (a 20:1 turndown ratio) and velocities were 100’/second to 5’/second.
Because flow rates were overstated, the university dropped below the low flow cutoff and wasn’t measuring at all during the off-season.
The solution: Purchase another meter with a larger cone that would produce more differential pressure at the correct flows. The school has since installed an ExactSteam V-Cone Flowmeter.
Case Study #2 – A University Hospital Using Both Condensate And Steam Meters
During the winter, the steam meters were always measuring more steam than the condensate meters. The difference was justified because the condensate meters were not capturing steam usage of the autoclaves. However, during the summer, the condensate meters were measuring more than the steam meters, which was impossible.
The steam meter was designed for flows from 14,000 lbs/hr to 1,400 lbs/hr. During the summer months the hospital flows frequently dropped below 1,400 lbs/hr, which was below the low flow cutoff. It was also determined that their highest flow during the summer was 5,000 lbs/hr. The hospital needed more turndown and a lower flow range.
The solution: The ExactSteam V-Cone Flowmeter was installed. It was designed for flows from 6,000 lbs/hr to 300 lbs/hr and was able to fit in the basement between two elbows.
Well Positioned For Campus Use
Key aspects of McCrometer’s ExactSteam solution include: a complete flow meter for steam metering, factory-configured for energy metering or mass flow; the ability to measure saturated (dry), superheated, and unsaturated (wet) steam; the V-Cone acts as its own flow conditioner by disrupting all centralized flow disturbances; signal stability allows it to measure a wider range of flow than other meters, minimizing pressure loss; and minimum installation requirements, so retrofitting and new installations are easier.
Because of the inherent conflicts, traditional steam metering technologies are not a good fit for many colleges and universities. However, there are solutions available to campus steam system operators to capture readings from most — if not all — of their steam production, even in less than ideal conditions.
For more information about measuring steam usage on campuses and universities, contact Process Technologies, Inc. by calling 801-264-1114 or by visiting their web site at https://process-tech.com.
Reprinted with permission from McCrometer.
The McCrometer FPI Mag® Full Profile Insertion Flow Meter
The FPI Mag® meets or exceeds exacting industry standards of 0.5% accuracy with 3rd party testing verification. The multi-electrode design and unique operating principle delivers accuracy unmatched by other insertion meters and rivals the performance of full-bore mag meters.
The insertion design of the FPI Mag® allows for easy, hot tap installation, which allows the meter to be installed without interrupting service, de-watering lines, cutting pipe, welding flanges, or inconveniencing customers.
801-264-1114
PTI Taps into Water Treatment Solutions
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| The Rural Water Association of Utah's Annual Conference |
Issues regarding how fresh water, a limited valuable resource in Utah's desert environment, will continue to be safe and accessible are the conference's focus. Concerns range from growth patterns to the lack of responsible water use by end users. Along with water suppliers, everyone needs to be proactive in "Slow the Flow" (and other water wise programs) and apply solutions to clean and maintain the existing water supply.
How is PTI helping?
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| PTI Sales Engineer Buddy Alford |
- Red Valve/ Tideflex Passive Mixing systems and supporting instrumentation.
- ABB VFDs.
- Richards Industries Low Flow valve systems for chemical injection.
- Red Lion automation solutions with HMls and process controllers.
For more information on the The Rural Water Association of Utah visit this link.
For more information on Process Technology, Inc. visit https://process-tech.com or call 801-264-1114.
About Process Technology, Inc.
Process Technology, Inc., located in Salt Lake City, Utah, has been solving process control and factory automation challenges since 1986. With branch offices located in Arizona and Colorado, we serve industrial B2B customers in Utah, Wyoming, Southern Idaho, Northern Nevada, Arizona, New Mexico, Colorado, and Montana.
Our people are highly qualified, experienced professionals who are experts in process control and factory automation. We all share a deep commitment and dedication to our customers and vendors.
Please contact Process Technology with any process or analytical instrument, industrial valve, or factory automation requirement you may have.
https://process-tech.com
801-264-1114
Red Valve Pinch Valves & Check Valves: Solving the Toughest Flow Applications
- Wastewater Treatment Plants - Sludge Handling, Grit Removal, Raw Sewage, Lime, Carbon Slurry
- Power Plants - FGD Systems, Scrubber Systems, Coal Handling
- Mining - Tailings, Flotation Control, Thickener Underflow Lines, Numerous Other Slurry Applications
- Chemical Processes - Corrosive and Abrasive Materials, Powders, Pellets
Process Technologies, Inc.
801-264-1114
https://process-tech.com
Solve Real Challenges with Smart Wireless Solutions: Banner Sure Cross
Wireless products from Banner connect remote assets with the people who manage them, enabling real-time monitoring and management of equipment and conditions in difficult-to-access locations or where wired solutions are impractical, ineffective or cost-prohibitive. Your network is where your data and processes live, so keeping that network safe and functioning is essential. The Sure Cross wireless system from Banner Engineering is built with security and stability in mind.
For more information, contact Process Technology, Inc.
https://process-tech.com
801-264-1114
Download the 2019 Process Technology Regional Line Cards
There's a new batch of Process Technology Regional Branch line cards for 2019. See below. Click on any line card link to download your copy:
Industry/Area Focus
Industry/Area Focus
Industry/Area Focus
Mountain West Region
- Utah
- Western Wyoming
- Southern Idaho
- North Eastern Nevada
Industry/Area Focus
- Mountain West General Line Card 2019
- Mountain West Factory Automation Line Card 2019
- Mountain West Mining Line Card 2019
- Mountain West Oil and Gas Line Card 2019
- Mountain West Water, Waste Water and Treatment Line Card 2019
Southwest Region
- Arizona
- New Mexico
- El Paso, TX Area
Industry/Area Focus
- Southwest General Line Card 2019
- Southwest Water, Waste Water and Treatment Line Card 2019
- Southwest Mining Line Card 2019
- New Mexico General Line Card 2019
- New Mexico Water, Waste Water and Treatment Line Card 2019
- New Mexico Mining Line Card 2019
- New Mexico Oil and Gas Line Card 2019
Front Range
- Colorado
- Eastern Wyoming
- Montana
Industry/Area Focus
SIEMENS Process Instrumentation
SIEMENS Process Instrumentation offers you innovative, single-source measurement solutions to increase plant efficiency and enhance product quality. Product to control flow, level, pressure and temperature measurement, a wide range of continuous weighing products, pneumatic valve positioners, process controllers, recorders, and process protection devices complete the package. SIEMENS intelligent instruments are also designed for seamless interplay with the larger world of industrial automation and control systems - enabling greater process transparency and smarter decisions for your business.
Contact Process Technology, Inc. for more information about SIEMENS Process Instrumentation.
https://process-tech.com
801-264-1114
Welcome to the Process Technology Blog
We hope you find it valuable and invite you to contact us with any question, application challenge or inquiry. Feel free to contact us at:
Process Technology, Inc.
4084 South 300 West
Salt Lake City, Utah 84107
Main: 801-264-1114
Fax: 801-264-1181
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