How the Tideflex Mixing System Keeps Potable Water Tanks Clean and Compliant

The Tideflex Mixing System (TMS) by Red Valve offers a simple yet highly effective solution for improving water quality in potable water storage tanks. Unlike mechanical mixers that require electricity and regular maintenance, the TMS uses the natural energy of a tank’s fill and draw cycles to keep water thoroughly mixed, making it a passive system that requires virtually no upkeep.

Thousands of installations—from small 2,000-gallon tanks to massive 20-million-gallon reservoirs—prove how well this system works across all types of tanks, including standpipes, elevated tanks, and irregularly shaped reservoirs. Water utilities and engineers trust the TMS because it addresses common problems like thermal stratification, dead zones, and short-circuiting that often occur in storage tanks.

Here’s how it works: The TMS design includes Tideflex® inlet nozzles and Waterflex® outlet valves that create strong, controlled flow paths inside the tank. These nozzles and valves are NSF 61 certified for drinking water safety. Separating the inlet and outlet through a single manifold pipe ensures that fresh water moves throughout the entire tank, not just part of it. This movement blends water completely, preventing pockets of stagnation and maintaining consistent water quality.

Tideflex engineers customize each system using computational fluid dynamics (CFD) and scale models. They also perform a Mixing Analysis to determine, based on real-world usage, how much tank turnover is needed to achieve complete mixing. For existing tanks, they can reverse engineer the system to match how the tank is currently operated, ensuring performance even in retrofits.

This level of engineering attention matters because improper mixing can lead to serious water quality issues. The TMS helps prevent the formation of disinfection byproducts (DBPs), reduces the risk of nitrification in chloraminated systems, maintains disinfectant residuals, stabilizes pH and dissolved oxygen levels, and even reduces the chance of ice formation in cold climates.

The need for reliable water quality management grows as regulations like the Stage 2 Disinfectants and Disinfection Byproduct Rule evolve. The Tideflex Mixing System meets this need without adding complexity or long-term maintenance costs. And because it’s been validated through modeling and utility operators sampling real-world water parameters—such as temperature, residual chlorine, pH, and bacterial counts—its effectiveness is more than just theoretical.

Whether in a new tank or an aging one already in service, the TMS installs easily and lasts for decades. The Tideflex Mixing System delivers a straightforward, proven answer in a world where consistent water quality is non-negotiable.

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Cutting-Edge Oxygen Sensing: Transforming Process Control Across Key Markets

Industrial oxygen analyzers play a critical role in modern process control by providing continuous, precise measurements of oxygen concentration in gas streams. Engineers integrate these instruments directly into control loops to optimize combustion efficiency, ensure safety, and maintain product quality. In combustion control applications, an accurate oxygen signal lets operators adjust fuel-to-air ratios in real-time, reducing excess oxygen that wastes energy and minimizing oxygen deficiency that produces harmful by-products such as carbon monoxide and nitrogen oxides. Beyond combustion, oxygen analyzers support the inerting and blanketing of storage tanks, where maintaining low oxygen levels prevents spontaneous ignition and protects product integrity.

Companies deploy industrial oxygen analyzers across various industries, from chemical processing and power generation to food and beverage packaging. Analyzers monitor reactor feed gases in the chemical sector to optimize reaction kinetics and maximize yield. Refiners rely on oxygen measurements in flare gas recovery systems to comply with emissions regulations while capturing valuable hydrocarbons. Biogas and landfill gas operators use trace oxygen analyzers to gauge feedstock quality for downstream combustion or upgrading facilities. Meanwhile, the pulp and paper industry measures oxygen in bleaching processes to balance chemical consumption against fiber brightness goals. These applications demonstrate how oxygen analysis underpins process safety, environmental compliance, and cost control.

The largest markets for industrial oxygen analyzers include oil and gas, chemical processing, metals and mining, and pharmaceuticals. In oil and gas, companies install analyzers at wellheads, pipelines, and processing plants to monitor oxygen in natural gas streams, preventing corrosion and ensuring accurate custody transfer. Chemical producers account for a significant share of analyzer demand, where precise oxygen control drives reaction efficiency in reactors and separators. The metals and mining sector uses high-purity oxygen in steelmaking and non-ferrous metal refining, necessitating analyzers that handle high temperatures and abrasive atmospheres. Pharmaceuticals represent a fast-growing segment, leveraging oxygen analyzers to validate sterile environments and control oxidative processes in active ingredient synthesis.

Amid this competitive landscape, the Panametrics (Baker Hughes) XMO2pro oxygen analyzer stands out as the ultimate solution for harsh environments and oil and gas applications. Panametrics engineered the XMO2pro around a thermoparamagnetic sensor cell that resists contamination better than traditional electrochemical sensors. The dual-chamber design directs sample flow through a rugged lower chamber, shielding the measurement cell while some of the gas diffuses into the upper chamber for analysis. A powerful magnet draws oxygen molecules toward matched thermistors, creating a “magnetic wind” that distorts a Wheatstone bridge and generates a signal directly proportional to oxygen concentration.

XMO2pro delivers percent-level measurements across a broad range of 0.01% to 100% oxygen, with an accuracy of ±1% of span and repeatability of ±0.2% of span. With its fast-response option, the analyzer achieves typical response times under 15 seconds and maintains zero stability within ±1%. Operators appreciate its long-term reliability since the sensor contains no moving parts and requires no consumables. Panametrics certified the XMO2pro to SIL 2 standards by design, giving safety engineers confidence in its performance under fault conditions.

Furthermore, the XMO2pro fits seamlessly into modern control architectures. It provides two isolated 4–20 mA outputs with fully programmable zero and span settings and a Modbus RS232/RS485 port for digital communications. Panametrics offers a suite of sample systems to deliver representative gas to the analyzer at optimal temperature and pressure, eliminating complex conditioning in most installations. The compact, explosion-proof enclosure mounts directly at the measurement point, shortening response times and reducing installation costs. Baker Hughes equips the XMO2pro with a high-contrast display and magnetic keypad, enabling operators to quickly configure ranges and compensation algorithms, even in noisy or hazardous environments.

In rigorous oil and gas service, where ambient temperatures swing from Arctic chills to desert heat and where dust, moisture, and corrosive gases pose constant threats, the XMO2pro excels. Its IP66/IP67 weatherproof rating and optional stainless steel housing withstand severe conditions, while its automatic background gas and atmospheric pressure compensation ensures consistent accuracy without manual recalibration. By combining proven thermoparamagnetic technology with Baker Hughes’s global support network, Panametrics empowers operators to drive efficiency, protect assets, and meet stringent environmental standards. For process control teams seeking a robust, high-precision oxygen analyzer that thrives in the world’s toughest plants, the XMO2pro represents the unmistakable choice.

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Oxygen Flow Made Simple by EPI Thermal Mass Meters

Eldridge Products Inc. (EPI) designs thermal mass flow meters that deliver reliable and precise oxygen measurements in various industrial applications. Many processes demand accurate oxygen flow data because even a slight deviation from optimal levels can affect combustion efficiency, degrade wastewater treatment outcomes, or compromise the consistency of industrial gas delivery. EPI addresses these critical demands by developing thermal mass flow meters that respond quickly to changes in flow and handle the unique challenges posed by oxygen’s physical and chemical properties.

Oxygen’s low density and high reactivity often create issues for traditional flow measurement methods. Some meters fail to read low flows accurately, and others require long straight-run sections to stabilize velocity profiles. EPI reduces these complications by incorporating Flow Averaging Tube (FAT) technology, which ensures consistent velocity sampling across the entire cross-section of the pipe. Operators gain stable, repeatable measurements even when space constraints limit the availability of long straight runs. This advantage proves especially valuable in facilities that must retrofit existing infrastructure or fit meters into tight layouts.

EPI’s thermal mass flow meters use a heating element and temperature sensors that interact with the moving gas stream. Their direct mass flow measurement principle captures the mass of oxygen flowing through the pipe rather than inferring mass from volume and temperature data. This approach eliminates additional pressure or temperature compensation, making installation and maintenance more straightforward. Operators who rely on these meters notice high turndown ratios, allowing the instrument to measure very low and very high flows with minimal compromise on accuracy. This versatility becomes essential in applications like combustion control, where oxygen demand can fluctuate drastically during startup, steady-state operation, and shutdown phases.

Wastewater treatment plants also benefit from this robust turndown capability because aeration requirements shift over time, and the process does not always follow a uniform flow profile. EPI’s meters adjust to these dynamic conditions and provide precise data that helps operators fine-tune aeration rates. When plants achieve this level of control, they save energy by avoiding excessive oxygen injection while meeting strict effluent quality standards. Over-aeration leads to wasted energy and higher costs, so tighter oxygen monitoring pays off economically and environmentally.

Medical and pharmaceutical processes depend on clean, accurately measured oxygen delivery, and EPI’s thermal mass flow meters adapt well to those scenarios. The stable sensor design measures gas flow without imposing a significant pressure drop, which helps maintain system integrity and product quality. Because thermal mass flow meters require little routine calibration, operators spend less time performing maintenance tasks that disrupt critical procedures. Minimizing downtime takes priority in any high-stakes environment, and the reliability of EPI’s instruments supports that goal.

Operators who install EPI’s thermal mass flow meters often report simpler setups and lower total cost of ownership. The sensors feature robust construction that resists corrosion and does not rely on moving parts that would degrade in corrosive environments. The intuitive user interface allows quick adjustments when flow patterns change, and remote monitoring options offer immediate visibility into real-time gas consumption. These features contribute to smoother overall operation and heightened confidence in the accuracy of oxygen flow measurements.

EPI recognizes the importance of maintaining stable processes in industries that work with oxygen, and it consistently refines its thermal mass flow meters to meet evolving demands. By leveraging FAT technology, achieving high turndown ratios, and offering minimal straight-run requirements, EPI flow meters help facilities capture accurate flow data, optimize oxygen usage, and ensure safe, reliable operation. This commitment to innovation and practical design underlines EPI’s reputation as a trustworthy partner for organizations that rely on precise oxygen flow measurement.

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Powering Safety and Innovation in Industrial Process Environments

Process Technology, Inc. in Salt Lake City, UT, delivers various products and solutions for industrial process control and automation. The company partners with industry-leading manufacturers to provide instrumentation, measurement devices, and integrated control systems that help customers optimize their operations in the Southwest, Frontier Range, and Mountain West regions. Engineers, technicians, and plant managers rely on Process Technology, Inc. for robust solutions that improve safety, increase efficiency, and reduce downtime.

Flow measurement devices represent a core offering in the company’s product portfolio. These meters help users accurately track liquids, gases, and slurries. In many industries—such as water treatment, mining, and chemical processing—precise flow data prevents material waste and ensures regulatory compliance. Process Technology, Inc. supplies ultrasonic, magnetic, Coriolis, and vortex flow meters, among other technologies, to meet different application needs.

The company also offers level measurement solutions for tanks, silos, and other vessels. Accurate level readings are critical in industries that store solids or liquids in bulk. Process Technology, Inc. helps operators maintain efficient inventory management and avoid overflows or supply shortages by equipping facilities with radar, guided wave radar, capacitance, or ultrasonic level transmitters.

Process Technology, Inc.'s pressure and temperature instrumentation covers both routine and extreme environments. Oil and gas, food and beverage, and power generation operators rely on these sensors to ensure equipment remains within safe operating limits. Process Technology, Inc. stocks a variety of gauges, transmitters, and switches that provide real-time insights into process conditions.

Industrial facilities often need advanced gas detection and analytical equipment to maintain compliance and protect workers. Process Technology, Inc. supplies analyzers that detect hazardous gases, measure emissions, and monitor gas purity. Their solutions deliver crucial information for petrochemical refineries, mining sites, and wastewater plants, where personnel rely on accurate data to make rapid decisions.

The company's automation experts provide system integration and engineering support for programmable logic controllers (PLCs), distributed control systems (DCS), and supervisory control and data acquisition (SCADA) platforms. They consult on new builds and retrofits, assisting clients through each project phase. Customers benefit from customized control panels, software programming, and turnkey installations tailored to specific application requirements.

Process Technology, Inc. staff emphasize training and ongoing technical support to help end users operate their equipment safely and effectively. The company’s experts share best practices and technical insights through regular blog articles and online resources addressing process optimization, calibration procedures, and emerging automation trends.

Process Technology, Inc. serves various industries across the Southwest, Frontier Range, and Mountain West territories. Customers count on the company’s deep application knowledge, fast response times, and dedication to reliable service. Process Technology, Inc. remains a trusted partner for facilities that need innovative ways to manage complex industrial processes by offering proven instrumentation, comprehensive automation solutions, and hands-on engineering support.

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Gas Detection in the Modern Industrial Environment

Technicians who measure harmful gases in ambient air face significant challenges and must remain vigilant to ensure a safe industrial setting. Both oxygen deficiency and enrichment create serious hazards, while toxic substances such as hydrogen sulfide, chlorine, and ammonia endanger workers and compromise valuable equipment. A reliable sensor and monitoring system mitigates these risks by automating gas detection and providing reassurance in demanding industrial environments.

Engineers design gas detectors to track specific gases in particular areas, selecting sensing technologies based on the target gas. Electrochemical cells excel at detecting toxic gases, while catalytic bead sensors specifically detect combustible gases. Infrared components provide non-destructive detection of hydrocarbons and other gases that absorb specific wavelengths. Maintenance personnel install these detectors in locations with high probability of gas leaks, such as areas with frequent chemical handling, storage tanks, or pipelines. This placement strategy reflects a proactive approach that emphasizes worker safety and prevents catastrophic accidents from undetected leaks.

Accuracy demands rigorous calibration processes when using gas detection equipment. Technicians perform both zero calibration with clean air to establish baseline readings and span calibration with target gases to verify sensor accuracy at specific concentrations. Regular bump testing confirms proper alarm function and sensor response. These calibration procedures reveal potential sensor degradation and alert operators to emerging issues before sensors lose effectiveness. Networked monitoring systems enhance safety by collecting continuous data and relaying that information to control rooms, with redundant systems ensuring no interruption in critical applications. Building management systems integrate this gas monitoring data to automate ventilation and emergency responses. Operators analyze trends, spot irregularities, and intervene quickly to protect personnel and infrastructure.

Safety protocols encompass more than hardware installation and maintenance. Comprehensive training programs teach employees how detectors operate and how to interpret alarm signals. Organizations document all training, mandate regular refresher courses, and clearly define emergency roles and responsibilities. Technicians learn specific response procedures for different alarm levels, including when to evacuate, when to initiate emergency shutdowns, and how to coordinate with emergency responders. These actions dramatically reduce the probability of explosions, chemical burns, respiratory complications, and other severe injuries from uncontrolled gas exposure.

Gas detection serves a critical role across diverse industries including oil and gas, nuclear power, mining, construction, medical facilities, and food processing. Each sector encounters unique challenges since gas hazards vary according to specific processes. An oil refinery might combat hydrogen sulfide leaks, while a food processing plant handles ammonia in refrigeration systems. Despite these differences, every industry benefits from comprehensive gas detection strategies that combine accurate sensors, dependable alarm systems, and skilled staff members who follow well-established safety practices.

Reliable gas detection equipment creates a safer environment by identifying hazardous conditions before they become dangerous. Workers gain confidence when they know advanced sensors and diligent monitoring keep them informed about otherwise invisible threats. This confidence fosters a culture of responsibility, where teams recognize that active prevention measures protect both employees and the broader industrial infrastructure.

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