Siemens Level Instrumentation

Industrial automation implements control systems, sensors, and computers, making processes safer and more productive while also improving the quality and speed of production. All kinds of manufacturing utilize industrial automation, from small-batch production to mass production. 

You will find industrial level control and measurement systems in many industries, including food and beverage, oil and gas, power generation, semiconductor manufacturing, pharmaceuticals, and petrochemical industries. Industrial level measurement is commonplace at an industrial site, manufacturing plant, processing facility, or large buildings where the material level in tanks, silos, bins, pipes, or other vessels needs monitoring. The application of different level transmitters and switches depends on the industry or manufacturing process. Level measurement keeps a product's quality high by determining the weight or volume of ingredients and making changes to the production process based on the instruments feedback, providing continuous improvement. 

Measurement at the industrial level is essential for ensuring that people working in plants, factories, and other industrial settings are safe. Industrial level measurement systems watch and control industrial processes to ensure they run smoothly and safely. Companies that make chemicals, pharmaceuticals, and hydrocarbons (products that need special care and attention because of their hazardous nature) use level transmitters and switches as part of their safety system, protecting the health and safety of workers and communities. Additionally, industrial level measurement is vital for protecting the environment from dangerous materials leaking or spilling. A person usually can't tell if a hazardous material leaks at an industrial plant just by looking. Accurate level measuring assists in determining if dangerous materials escape into the surrounding area, ensuring they don't contaminate the environment or water sources and make them unsafe.

Siemens, a world leader in process control instrumentation and automation, manufactures a full line of level switches and transmitters that are arguably the most advanced on the market. Siemens level instruments improve product quality and plant safety and assist in protecting the environment and our natural resources.

Process Technology, Inc.

https://process-tech.com

801-264-1114

Honoring All Who Served

Vibration Analysis and Wireless Vibration Solutions from Banner

Introduction: What is Vibration Analysis?

Vibration analysis studies vibration's frequency, amplitude, and damping in mechanical structures to detect and diagnose faults in machinery and industrial equipment. Vibration analysis aims to identify the source of a potential or existing problem and provide a solution to fix it.

What are the Different Types of Industrial Vibrations?

Industrial vibrations are a common occurrence in many industries. They cause damage to equipment, structures, and even people if not controlled. It's critical to understand different industrial vibrations and how to manage them and minimize their effect on people and equipment.

The different types of industrial vibrations are:

• Shock Vibration - This is when an object is suddenly moved or released, causing it to move rapidly back and forth.
• Random Vibration - An object moves randomly with no pattern or specific frequency.
• Steady State Vibration - Steady-state vibration occurs when an object moves at a constant rate with no change in amplitude or frequency.
• Random Excitation - This vibration occurs when something vibrates because it has been disturbed by some external force such as noise or wind.
• Resonance

The Banner QM30VT Series sensor has a low-profile design and rigid metal construction that reduces resonant interference and increases surface contact, enabling exceptional levels of accuracy in measuring RMS velocity and temperature. They can detect even slight increases in machine vibration and temperature for early identification of potential problems.

The QM30VT continuously monitors machine health and run time and detects unexpected failures such as early bearing failure, unbalance, misalignment, etc. The QM30VT2 works in various machines to identify and predict failures in rotating components. Paired with a Sure Cross wireless radio, the QM30VT2 becomes the ultimate predictive maintenance tool for wireless vibration and temperature monitoring.

For more information about Banner products in Utah, Western Wyoming, Idaho, Northern Nevada, Colorado, Eastern Wyoming, and Montana contact Process Technology, Inc. Call 801-264-1114 or visit https://process-tech.com.

Industrial IoT Control Panel Design

Introduction: What is IIoT and Why is it Important?

IIoT (Industrial Internet of Things) is the network of physical devices, sensors, vehicles, buildings, and other items in an  industrial realm—embedded with electronics, software, sensors, actuators, and connectivity that enables these objects to collect and exchange data. Process control IIoT applications used for measuring and monitoring flow, pressure, temperature, vibration and level are found in manufacturing, supply chain management, and smart factories.

Wireless Networking for Connected Devices

A wireless network is a system that allows devices to communicate with each other without the use of a wired connection. Wireless networks are becoming increasingly popular as they are easy to set up, cost-effective, and provide high performance and security for data transmission. They also offer mobility and versatility for users who need to access their data from multiple locations.

Control Panel Design for IIoT Systems

The control panel is the physical interface between the operator and the industrial automation system. It provides local control and monitoring of the process.  Wireless industrial control panels are replacing wired panels in many industries because of the benefits to users and companies:

Industrial IoT Control Panel Solutions:

• Solve issues with costs and difficulties in traditional hard-wiring.
• Quickly and locally identify process conditions and alert, alarm, or correct outputs to normalize the process.
• Efficiently deploy various instruments and controls to interact with the process.
• Provide easy-to-understand displays showing in-depth information.
• Provide real-time information to corporate information systems.
• Are easy to install anywhere, even in remote locations with no power supply.
• Are more flexible with their use and have applications in many industry types.

Discuss Your IoT Control Application with Process Technology, Inc.

Process Technology, Inc. Industrial IoT control panel solutions improve operational efficiency and lower costs. They safely and accurately monitor your analytical, flow, level, pressure, level, or vibration for compressors, generators, conveyors, tanks, and pipelines on a wireless or wired panel and offer options customized for your application.

PTI sales engineers will discuss your requirements on-site and evaluate your precise needs. Factory engineers and service technicians provide design, manufacturing, and implementation for a complete, cost-efficient solution package to automate your process and factory automation needs.

Contact Process Technology for more information. Call them at 801-264-1114 or visit them at https://process-tech.com.

SITRANS P Pressure Instrumentation by Siemens

Siemens SITRANS P is a comprehensive line of measurement instruments for assessing absolute, differential, and relative pressure. Along with excellent operational ease and practicality, high measurement precision, and robustness, the modular system performs as a perfect safety concept.

Process Technology, Inc.

https://process-tech.com

801-264-1114

Process Refractometers for Petrochemicals and Oil & Gas Refining

Vaisala K PATENTS® Process Refractometers provide precise in-line measurements of refractive index, concentration, and density that enhance oil and gas refining and petrochemical processes such as sulfuric acid alkylation, amine gas treatment, gas dehydration, and lubricating oil manufacturing. 

Measurement Theory 

Critical angle measurement is the measuring method. The refractometer has three primary parts: a light source, a prism, and an image detector. 

The light source sends light rays at different angles to the prism and process interface. Rays with a steep angle are partly reflected to the image detector and partially refracted to the process. Rays with a low angle reflect totally to the detector. The angle from which the total reflection starts is called the critical angle. 

The CCD camera detects bright and dark fields, which correspond to partially and fully reflected light. The critical angle, a function of the refractive index that corresponds with the concentration of the solution, determines where the boundary between the brilliant and dark region is. 

An internal temperature sensor measures the temperature T during the liquid contact process. The sensor transforms the temperature T and refractive index nD into concentration units. Refractometers made by Vaisala K-PATENTS may display data on various scales, including Brix, liquid density, and concentration by weight. The diagnostics software guarantees the accuracy of the measurement.

Process Technology, Inc.

https://process-tech.com

801-264-1114

The Equilibar® Flow Control Valve

The Equilibar® control valve is a precision back pressure regulator configured to control flow in a control loop with an electronic controller and a flow meter. 

Over a broad range of flow rates, Equilibar® control valves enable accurate flow control for gases, liquids, and mixed-phase fluids. The unique dome-loaded multiple orifice design adapts swiftly to changes in upstream and downstream process disturbances to maintain the setpoint.

The Equilibar® control valve functions differently than typical regulators and valves. The control valves are dome-loaded, and pilot operated, which means that gas is supplied to the dome (top) of the valve via a pilot controller to set the process setpoint. In the dome, a direct sealing diaphragm covers a field of orifices and adjusts its position allowing flow through the orifices while maintaining the desired setpoint. 

The Equilibar® flow control valve links to an electronic pilot pressure controller and a flow meter in a control loop. (See Fig.A.) To control flow, a proportional-integral-derivative (PID) controller monitors input from a flow transmitter (FT) and adjusts the pilot pressure. The electronic signal from the PID converts into a pressure signal for the pilot controller by an electro-pneumatic transducer (E/P). Increasing the pilot pressure reduces flow, and decreasing the pilot pressure increases flow. The system performs best when the supply pressure is stable.

Equilibar® valves may be an ideal closed-loop flow control option under challenging situations where typical flow control techniques fail. Equilibar® valves increase performance in a wide range of demanding applications such as:

• Flow coefficient (Cv) ranges wider than conventional valves (>100:1)
• Extremely low DP and extremely high DP
• Two-phase, phase-change, and supercritical states
• Continuous flow chemistry
• Sanitary applications

For more information about Equilibar® products in Utah, Western Wyoming, Idaho, Northern Nevada, Arizona, New Mexico, Colorado, Eastern Wyoming, and Montana, contact Process Technology, Inc.

Process Technology, Inc.

https://process-tech.com

801-264-1114

Honoring the Fallen on Memorial Day

 

Tutorial for Setting the Siemens SITRANS P320/P420 for Level Measurement Applications

When used to determine fluid levels, pressure transmitters work on the following principle: the pressure at the bottom of a liquid body is proportionate to the height of the fluid above it. The transmitter measures the hydrostatic head pressure to get the fluid level measurement.

SIEMENS SITRANS P320/P420 pressure transmitters are digital pressure transmitters known for user-friendliness. SITRANS P hydrostatic level technology is suitable for use in harsh environments in the environmental, chemical, and petrochemical sectors. SITRANS P pressure/differential pressure transmitters are highly resistant to chemical and mechanical stresses and common electromagnetic interference. 

SITRANS P320/420 is the first pressure transmitter with remote safety handling. The remote safety management of the instruments through SIMATIC PDM saves time during SIL commissioning since operators may access transmitters from the control room rather than physically configuring each device across a facility. In situations needing functional safety, this decreases commissioning time. Both pressure transmitters feature a longer proof test interval than comparable devices on the market, with testing periods lasting up to fifteen years instead of every two, drastically reducing maintenance expenses.

Process Technology, Inc.

https://process-tech.com

801-264-1114

Control Performance Analytics - CPA

Control Performance Analytics - CPA

As the complexity of industrial process applications grows, so do production management requirements for process safety, adaptability, and product quality. More openness is required to recognize the possibility for process improvement and fine-tuning.

Control performance is critical in process industries for meeting production objectives. Each process application begins with a single control loop. According to studies, around 50% of all control loops are not well-tuned, whether owing to non-optimal settings, manual operation, oscillating controlled systems, or mechanical faults with control valves.

Furthermore, process engineers are generally in charge of hundreds of control loops in large-scale process facilities. Evaluating control performance across several process stages for alarms takes a significant amount of effort and knowledge. Due to continuous process changes and equipment wear and tear, detecting potential areas for improvement and modifying control loops is not a one-time activity.

Automated Control Loop Analysis for Efficient Plant Optimization

CPA is a cloud-based managed service that improves the transparency of process data and the optimization of control loops. The collection and analysis of plant-wide data provide the client with comprehensive product control. Automatic KPI (key performance indicators) computation identifies control loop states, which can recognize setpoint tracking, steady-state difficulties, and even static or sliding friction in-process valves. The tool also enables automated testing of new parameter sets to test control loops without interfering with plant operations.

CPA - What Is It?

CPA takes data from SIMATIC PCS 7 or any other process control system, for example, in CSV format, and sends it to Siemens' cloud-based IoT operating system, such as MindSphere, through a secure connection. CPA creates reports and recommendations for the customer's support teams or Siemens' process consulting specialists to analyze based on the data. Finally, optimization ideas help to enhance the process.

Benefits of Control Loop Optimization Through CPA

• Increased product quality due to lower fluctuation in process variables
• Maximized equipment lifetime due to reduced variability in actors
• Improved set points raise throughput by going closer to the limits
• Resource savings thanks to improved set point tracking behavior (e.g., energy, raw material)
• Reduced manual mode of control loops allows overlaying control optimizations such as Advanced Process Control
• Fewer alarms and fewer operator interactions reduce operators‘ workload

Siemens CPA User Advantages

• PLANT-WIDE TRANSPARENCY
• Includes hierarchical plant overview, from management view to single control details for Siemens SIMATIC PCS 7 and other DCS.

• IMPROVED PLANT ASSET PERFORMANCE
• Identification of optimization potential as a result of correlating process data automatically with possible asset problems.

• FAST SETUP
• Intuitive interface enabling customer to use the application without extensive training.

• AUTOMATIC STATE DETECTION AND KPI CALCULATIONS
• Messaging behavior, service factor, steady state accuracy, set point tracking and static friction probability for various control states.

• COST BENEFITS
• Long-term process optimization and flexible managed service approach – pay only when you use the application.

• OPEN, CLOUD-BASED IOT OPERATING SYSTEM
• CPA is part of Siemen's Asset and Process Performance Suite for industrial applications and advanced analytics.

Contact Process Technology for all your Siemens Process Control products. Call them at 801-264-1114 or visit them at https://process-tech.com.

Compact Portable Samplers: The Foundation for Your COVID-19 Wastewater Surveillance Program

An effective COVID wastewater monitoring program relies on representative samples. 

Water samplers are critical components in developing and deploying a community-based underground sewage surveillance program for COVID-19 outbreak detection, including best practices for wastewater sampling, lab analysis, and the immediate delivery of actionable information to local public health officials and administrators.

Wastewater testing refers to numerous water quality procedures examining wastewater's physical, chemical, and biological qualities. 

Officials in certain areas are analyzing wastewater to see whether it contains Covid-19. The test looks for ribonucleic acid (RNA), Covid-19's genetic material, in feces found in sewage and wastewater. 

SARS-CoV-2 causes Covid-19. According to studies, people with SARS-CoV-2 start spilling the virus in their feces shortly after infection. The virus's DNA enters the huge wastewater collecting network. The viral content of a community's wastewater may reflect the prevalence of Covid-19. Modern sampling and analysis methods can identify and quantify it up to a week before people test positive in clinics. Individual testing, contract tracking, and quarantine are possible mitigation and reaction methods. It also enables population sampling and monitoring of large-scale public health initiatives. 

Analysis of viral concentrations in particular institutions such as nursing homes and college dormitories and neighborhoods or whole communities may help restrict the spread and avert additional harm. 

The CDC created the NWSS in September 2020 in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. The CDC's National Watershed Surveillance System (NWSS) coordinates and increases the nation's ability to monitor SARS-CoV-2. 

There may be a way to identify the new Coronavirus in low quantities in wastewater. Many states, including Colorado, Ohio, New York, and Wyoming, have successful Covid-19 wastewater testing programs. Universities and municipalities use this method to identify community hotspots. Multiple success stories have proven early identification and control using dorm wastewater monitoring and individual COVID testing. These universities were among the first to use COVID patterns in wastewater to reduce community spread inside dormitories and across campus. 

Representative samples facilitate COVID wastewater monitoring. For COVID-19 epidemic identification, water samplers are essential for wastewater collection, lab analysis, and quick distribution of actionable information to local public health authorities and administrators. These data disclose the population numbers in a specific geographic region to estimate the virus's prevalence and quantity in wastewater. Combine Hach® small portable samplers with laboratory testing for automated composite wastewater sample collection that may help avoid outbreaks.

VISIT THIS PAGE ON THE PTI WEBSITE FOR MORE INFORMATION ON THIS SUBJECT.

Process Technology, Inc.

https://process-tech.com

801-264-1114

A Superior Method of Measuring Dissolved Oxygen in Pure Water Systems at Power Plants

Approximately half of all unexpected shutdowns in power plants happen because of water cycle chemistry difficulties, which result in expensive repairs and unrecoverable lowered operating income. Dissolved oxygen, or DO, is one of the most critical metrics to monitor to increase the efficiency of power plant water systems. DO induces corrosion in iron and copper-containing components. These particles' transport and deposits may potentially hasten deterioration and destroy vital industrial equipment. 

DO is monitored at numerous points across a water system. DO is traditionally detected using polarographic sensors, which employ a gas permeable membrane to separate the sample from the electrochemical cell within. Polarographic sensors may need monthly electrolyte and membrane changes depending on the working conditions. Because of the required polarization, the sensor cannot generate valuable results for many hours after service. They are also affected by dissolved hydrogen and are sensitive to sample flow rate. 

The Mettler Toledo Thornton online pure water optical DO sensor, unlike typical DO sensors, does not need polarization. It analyzes data quickly and accurately by using optical technologies. It responds to measurements six times quicker than polarographic sensors. Because the optical DO sensor does not require an electrolyte or a membrane, it is not sensitive to flow and is not vulnerable to particle and dissolved hydrogen interference. There is no internal body to repair, and servicing is only necessary once a year to quickly change the one-piece Optocap sensing element, decreasing operating costs and downtime for facilities. 

The Mettler Toledo Thornton pure water optical DO sensor measures dissolved oxygen content in power plant pure water systems quickly, accurately, and with low maintenance.

Process Technology, Inc.

https://process-tech.com

801-264-1114

PTI Salespeople Dan Taylor & Daniel Gibbs at Siemens Process Automation Training

Process Technology, Inc. salespeople Dan Taylor & Daniel Gibbs at Siemens Process Automation training explain PTI vertical markets and territory in this video.

Process Technology, Inc.

801-264-1114

https://process-tech.com

The TriGas X5000 Integrated Gas Detection Solution

Methane, hydrogen, sulfide, ammonia, carbon dioxide, carbon monoxide, chlorine, ozone, and other poisonous and explosive gases are produced and used in wastewater and potable water treatment facilities. Furthermore, the increased concentration of toxic chemicals and less oxygen in enclosed spaces make these environments particularly risky for employees.

NFPA 820 specifies rules for protecting wastewater treatment plants and their associated collecting systems against fire and explosive risks. New installations, extensions, and upgrades to existing facilities are all subject to the regulations. Owners utilize the requirements in a risk assessment to determine whether portions of a treatment plant are in danger of fire or other loss. Many sites require combustible gas detection, mainly for methane (CH4). Monitoring hydrogen sulfide (H2S) and oxygen (O2) is also common. The installation of a methane gas detecting station near the roof of a structure is typical. Oxygen and hydrogen sulfide detection stations offer safety in the breathing zone for personnel protection. NFPA 820 mandates alarm signaling for flammable gas detectors and ventilation.

These municipal water and wastewater customers’ monitoring safety challenges are addressed with technology from MSA.

The MSA TriGas X5000 Monitoring System is an integrated gas detection solution that assists plant operators in meeting NFPA 820 requirements. The system monitors combustible gases, hydrogen sulfide, and oxygen levels, with onboard alarming and a communication interface to plant and remote control stations. 

The MSA TriGas X5000 Monitoring System assists you in complying with:

• NFPA 820: Standard for Fire Protection in Wastewater Treatment and Collection Facilities
• NFPA 497: Recommended Practice for the Classification of Flammable Liquids, Gases, or Vapors and of Hazardous (Classified) Locations for Electrical Installations in Chemical Process Areas 
• NFPA 70®: National Electric Code® when standard practice dictates separation of electronics from sources of gas leaks. 

The TriGas X5000 Monitoring System is specifically designed for optimum performance in high-moisture environments and typically monitors for oxygen, hydrogen sulfide, and combustible gases (methane or petroleum vapors). This sampling system can also be outfitted with the necessary options to meet the wastewater industry's NFPA 820 section 1.8 standards.

The TriGas X5000 Monitoring System builds on the successful Ultima X TriGas design. The system includes combustibles, H2S and O2 gas monitors, sample pump and end-line filter, power supply, and alarming system with buzzer and strobe light.

TriGas X5000 Components:

• Ultima X5000 sensors for O2, H2S and IR LEL combustible gas
• Designed for high-moisture environments
• NEMA 4X Stainless Steel or Fiberglass Enclosure
• SM5000 Sample Pump
• Red Strobe
• Buzzer
• Hydrophobic End-of-Line Filter
• Inlet/Outlet Flashback Arrestors

Get more information about the TriGas X5000 from this page on the Process Technology website.

Process Technology, Inc.

801-264-1114

https://process-tech.com

Continuous Total Organic Carbon Measurement For Ultrapure and Pure Water Systems

Real-time Measurement for Full Visibility of TOC Excursions

The Mettler Toledo 6000TOCi is an ISM-capable continuous measurement Total Organic Carbon sensor designed to measure the concentration of organic substances in pure and ultra-pure water applications. 

Total Organic Carbon monitoring is essential for determining and controlling organic pollution in pure and ultrapure waters. This technology is used in the pharmaceutical, microelectronic, and power generation industries. 

The 6000TOCi sensor is a continuous-flowing, continuous-measurement instrument that detects any TOC change, no matter how long it lasts. The continuous design also enables quick detection, detecting differences 60 seconds after the sample enters the sensor. The sensor uses advanced UV oxidation technology with fast response times to provide continuous, real-time measurements in pure and ultrapure waters. 

To provide continuous, real-time TOC determination, the 6000TOCi sensor measures conductivity before and after oxidation of organic material with ultraviolet light. 

Because of the 6000TOCi's versatility, it can be installed anywhere on a water system, with results displayed at the point of measurement or in a more convenient location for operators. 

The response time of the METTLER TOLEDO Thornton 6000TOCi Total Organic Carbon sensor is less than one minute. It offers continuous monitoring, which is a significant advantage over batch measurement systems, which take six minutes or more to provide only a snapshot of water quality. 

The M800 Transmitter is a multiparameter, multi-channel instrument with a large color touchscreen display that displays measurement and setup data for the 6000TOCi sensor. Up to four 6000TOCi sensors can be controlled and monitored by the M800. When used together, the 6000TOCi sensor and M800 transmitter form a TOC measurement system with design flexibility for full integration into water systems. The separate components allow for close positioning of the sensor to the sample point for the quickest response while also allowing the transmitter to be integrated into the local control system.

Contact Process Technology for all your Mettler Toledo Process Analytics products. Call them at 801-264-1114 or visit them at https://process-tech.com.