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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Thermal Mass Flowmeters: Advancing Efficiency in Industrial Applications

Thermal mass flowmeters have become indispensable tools in various industries. They provide accurate and reliable measurements of gas flow rates. Their unique operating principles and performance characteristics make them suitable for applications ranging from boilers to wastewater aeration, oxidizers, and flares.

Understanding Thermal Mass Flowmeters

At the core of thermal mass flowmeter technology lies the principle of thermal dispersion. These devices measure the mass flow rate of gases by detecting temperature changes. Two temperature sensors are used: one heated and one unheated (reference). As gas flows over the heated sensor, it carries heat away, causing a temperature drop proportional to the mass flow rate. The flowmeter measures the energy required to maintain the temperature difference between the sensors, thereby calculating the mass flow directly without needing pressure or temperature compensation.

Performance and Advantages

Thermal mass flowmeters offer several advantages over other flow measurement technologies. They provide direct mass flow measurements, eliminating the errors associated with density fluctuations. Their wide turndown ratio allows for accurate readings over a vast range of flow rates, making them ideal for processes with variable demand. Additionally, they exhibit low-pressure drop and minimal intrusion into the flow, preserving system efficiency and reducing energy costs.

Common Applications

In boiler systems, thermal mass flowmeters monitor fuel gas and combustion air to optimize combustion efficiency, reduce emissions, and ensure safe operation. Accurate gas flow measurement enables precise control of the air-to-fuel ratio, leading to energy savings and compliance with environmental regulations.

Wastewater treatment facilities rely on thermal mass flowmeters for aeration control. By measuring the flow of air or oxygen injected into aeration basins, operators can maintain optimal dissolved oxygen levels, promoting efficient microbial activity for waste breakdown. This control reduces energy consumption and enhances treatment performance.

Oxidizers, used to destroy volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and hazardous air pollutants (HAPs), benefit from thermal mass flowmeters in monitoring and controlling the flow of process gases. Precise flow measurement ensures that oxidizers operate within design parameters, maximizing destruction efficiency and minimizing operational costs.

In flare gas systems, thermal mass flowmeters provide critical data for compliance and reporting. Accurate measurement of flare gas helps monitor emissions, detect leaks, and optimize flare performance. The ability to handle low flow rates and variable gas compositions makes thermal mass flowmeters particularly suitable for flare applications.

EPI Thermal Flowmeters: The FAT Probe Advantage

EPI offers advanced thermal flowmeter solutions that address common challenges in industrial applications. Their FAT probe stands out with its ability to perform accurately with as little as 5-7 pipe diameters of straight-run, about half the length required by typical thermal mass flowmeters with flow conditioners. This feature proves invaluable in retrofit projects or installations with limited straight-run piping, where space constraints often hinder the placement of conventional flowmeters.

The FAT probe's design provides engineers with greater flexibility in system layout and reduces installation costs. Its accuracy and reliability remain strong despite the reduced straight-run requirement, ensuring consistent performance in demanding environments. By choosing EPI's thermal flowmeters, engineers can enhance process control, improve efficiency, and achieve compliance with industry standards.

Thermal mass flowmeters are crucial in optimizing industrial processes by providing precise gas flow measurements. Their application in boilers, wastewater aeration, oxidizers, and flares demonstrates their versatility and effectiveness. EPI's innovative thermal flowmeters, notably the FAT probe, offer significant advantages in installations with space limitations. Engineers seeking efficient, reliable, and flexible flow measurement solutions will find EPI's products valuable to their systems.

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Enhancing Safety and Hydrogen Purity in Water Electrolysis with Advanced Gas and Moisture Analyzers

Download Panametrics' white paper titled "Ensuring Process Safety and Product Quality in Water Electrolysis Using Oxygen, Hydrogen, and Moisture Analyzers" to learn how advanced analyzers enhance safety and ensure hydrogen purity in water electrolysis processes.

As the global demand for clean energy intensifies, hydrogen emerges as a promising solution to reduce carbon emissions and transition toward a sustainable future. Water electrolysis, a critical method for producing green hydrogen, requires the highest levels of hydrogen purity. Contaminants can compromise the efficiency of hydrogen as a fuel and the safety of its production and utilization. Gas and moisture analyzers play an indispensable role in maintaining the integrity of water electrolysis processes, ensuring the highest levels of hydrogen purity, and enhancing safety.

Hydrogen's effectiveness as an energy carrier hinges on its purity. Impurities such as oxygen, nitrogen, and moisture can harm hydrogen fuel cells, industrial applications, and storage systems. For instance, oxygen contamination can lead to explosive mixtures, posing significant safety hazards. Moisture can cause corrosion in pipelines and storage tanks, while nitrogen can reduce the calorific value of hydrogen, affecting its performance. Therefore, monitoring and controlling these contaminants become essential for any hydrogen production facility aiming for excellence.

Several factors can introduce impurities into the hydrogen stream in water electrolysis. The water and electrolytes might contain dissolved gases or minerals that transfer into the hydrogen produced. Gas crossover, especially in proton exchange membrane (PEM) electrolyzers, can occur when hydrogen and oxygen permeate through the membrane, leading to cross-contamination. Also, system leaks can allow atmospheric gases to infiltrate the hydrogen stream. Addressing these challenges requires precise and continuous monitoring, where gas and moisture analyzers come into play.

Gas analyzers serve as the first line of defense by detecting and quantifying unwanted gases within the hydrogen stream. They provide real-time data on contaminants like oxygen and nitrogen, enabling operators to make immediate adjustments to the process. For example, if oxygen levels rise beyond acceptable limits, operators can investigate potential membrane failures or system leaks promptly. This proactive approach not only maintains hydrogen purity but also prevents hazardous situations that could arise from combustible gas mixtures, underscoring the preventive role of gas analyzers.

Moisture analyzers, on the other hand, focus on measuring the water vapor content in the hydrogen gas. They play a crucial role in preventing several operational issues. In fuel cells, high moisture levels can degrade the proton exchange membranes, reducing their efficiency and lifespan. Moisture can also freeze in cryogenic systems, causing blockages and equipment damage. By keeping moisture levels within specified parameters, moisture analyzers help prevent corrosion, maintain the performance of fuel cells, and ensure the smooth operation of storage and transportation systems, underscoring their role in preventing operational issues.

Integrating gas and moisture analyzers into water electrolysis setups enhances safety and efficiency. These instruments provide the data necessary to optimize the electrolysis process, such as adjusting the operating conditions to minimize gas crossover or improving the purity of input water and electrolytes. They also help facilities comply with industry standards and regulations regarding hydrogen purity, crucial for applications in sensitive sectors like aerospace, medical, and energy generation.

Moreover, the use of these analyzers contributes to long-term cost savings. Facilities can avoid costly repairs, downtime, and equipment replacements by preventing contamination-related issues. High-purity hydrogen also commands a premium in the market, offering a competitive advantage to producers who consistently deliver superior quality.

The commitment to producing pure hydrogen aligns with the broader environmental sustainability goals and technological advancement. As industries adopt hydrogen as a clean energy source, safety, reliability, and performance expectations continue to rise. Gas and moisture analyzers represent the technological advancements that make it possible to meet these expectations. They embody the precision and control required in modern industrial processes, ensuring the push toward a hydrogen economy is effective and safe.

Gas and moisture analyzers are critical components in the water electrolysis process for hydrogen production. They enable detecting and controlling impurities that can compromise hydrogen purity, safety, and efficiency. These instruments provide real-time monitoring and data analysis, allowing operators to maintain optimal conditions within the electrolysis system. As the world moves toward greater reliance on hydrogen as a clean energy source, the role of gas and moisture analyzers will become even more significant. Investing in high-quality analyzers is a technical necessity and a strategic move supporting achieving a sustainable and carbon-neutral future.

Discover how to enhance process safety and product quality in water electrolysis by utilizing advanced oxygen, hydrogen, and moisture analyzers. Panametrics in-depth white paper explores these analyzers' vital role in maintaining hydrogen purity and optimizing electrolysis processes. Unlock valuable insights and practical solutions to ensure your hydrogen production meets the highest standards. Download the white paper now at https://www.h2-view.com/white-paper/ensuring-process-safety-and-product-quality-in-water-electrolysis-using-oxygen-hydrogen-and-moisture-analyzers/2108903.article/#whitepaperform.

Red Lion Rolls Out High-Performance RTUs for Demanding Industrial Applications

Industrial Remote Terminal Units (RTUs) are critical components in industrial automation and control systems. These devices interface with field equipment, gather data, and transmit it to a central control system. RTUs typically operate in harsh industrial environments, monitoring and controlling machinery, processes, and other systems. They are often used in manufacturing plants to provide real-time data on system performance, enabling operators to make informed decisions that enhance efficiency, reduce downtime, and improve safety.

RTUs have input/output (I/O) interfaces to connect with sensors, actuators, and other devices. They collect data from these sources and communicate it to a supervisory control and data acquisition (SCADA) system or other central controllers via wired or wireless networks. In addition to data acquisition, RTUs can execute control commands, automate processes, and provide remote monitoring capabilities, making them essential for maintaining the smooth operation of industrial processes and ensuring that plants can operate continuously and efficiently, even in remote or hazardous environments.

Red Lion Controls introduced two new programmable Remote Terminal Units (RTUs), the VT-MIPM-138-D and VT-MIPM-248-D, specifically designed to excel in extreme industrial environments. These rugged industrial controllers come with onboard I/O and handle demanding process-oriented applications such as water and wastewater treatment, oil and gas production, and other advanced automation systems.

These RTUs offer robust, standalone control for even the most challenging industrial processes. They feature automatic datalogging, timestamping, and logging capabilities for trends, alarms, and event sequences, providing operators with comprehensive visibility into their operations. Red Lion Workbench’s IEC 61131 programming environment allows extensive programming and troubleshooting, while ISaGRAF support ensures backward compatibility. The units also boast an open system design, supporting Ethernet TCP, Modbus, and Linux.

Ideal for use in water, wastewater, and oil and gas processing facilities, the VT RTUs are pre-certified and allow operators to scale from 1 to over 1000 stations quickly. They feature multi-user connectivity through 10/100 Ethernet ports, RS232 and RS485 interfaces, and up to four communication ports. The onboard I/O includes a mix of digital inputs, digital outputs, analog inputs, and analog outputs. Advanced communication capabilities, such as reporting on exceptions, store and forward, and peer-to-peer networking, further enhance their utility.

Designed for hazardous environments, these controllers are rated for operating temperatures ranging from -40°C to 70°C and carry UL Class I, Division 2, CE, and ABS Type certifications.

For more information about these Red Lion Controls RTUs in Utah, Western Wyoming, Idaho, Northern Nevada, Arizona, New Mexico, Colorado, Eastern Wyoming, and Montana contact Process Technology, Inc.

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Mining Slurry Valve Application: Optimizing Efficiency, Reliability, and Service Life

Abrasion is one of the most challenging issues for valves when used in mining industry slurries. Slurries often contain abrasive particles, such as sand, gravel, and rock fragments, which can cause significant wear and tear on valve components. Over time, this abrasion can lead to valve failures, leaks, and reduced performance, resulting in costly downtime and maintenance.

To manage the challenge of abrasion, valve manufacturers employ several strategies:

Material selection: Valve components exposed to abrasive slurries are constructed from highly wear-resistant materials, such as hardened alloys, ceramics, or elastomers. These materials can withstand the constant bombardment of abrasive particles and maintain their integrity over extended periods.

Coating and surface treatments: Valve surfaces can be coated with hard-wearing materials, such as tungsten carbide or chrome, to increase their resistance to abrasion. These coatings provide an extra layer of protection and can significantly extend the valve's service life.

Design modifications: Valve designs can be optimized to minimize the impact of abrasive slurries. For example, some valves feature streamlined flow paths that reduce turbulence and minimize the contact between the slurry and valve components. Other designs incorporate replaceable wear parts, such as sleeves or liners, which can be easily replaced when worn without replacing the entire valve.

Proper sizing and selection: It is crucial to select the right valve size and type for the specific slurry application. Oversized valves can increase turbulence and accelerate wear, while undersized valves can cause high-pressure drops and reduced performance. Valve experts can help mining companies select the most suitable valve for their specific slurry application, considering particle size, concentration, and flow rate.

Regular maintenance and monitoring: Implementing a regular maintenance and monitoring program can help detect and address abrasion issues before they lead to valve failures. Regular maintenance may include periodic inspections, cleaning, and replacement of worn components and monitoring of valve performance indicators, such as pressure drop or leakage rates.

Elastomer pinch valves, like those manufactured by Red Valve, are an excellent choice for mining slurry applications due to several key advantages they offer:

Abrasion resistance: Pinch valves feature a resilient elastomer sleeve that can withstand the abrasive nature of slurries. The elastomer material, such as natural rubber or neoprene, can absorb the impact of abrasive particles and resist wear, ensuring a long service life even in challenging mining conditions.

Full-bore design: Pinch valves have a full-bore design, meaning that when fully open, the valve's internal diameter matches the pipeline's diameter. This design minimizes flow restrictions, reduces turbulence, and lowers the risk of clogging or material buildup, which is particularly important in slurry applications.

Gentle handling of materials: The elastomer sleeve in pinch valves gently compresses the slurry, minimizing the shear forces and particle degradation that can occur with other valve types. This gentle handling helps maintain the slurry's consistency and reduces the risk of valve damage caused by sharp or oversized particles.

Simple design and easy maintenance: Pinch valves have a simple yet effective design with few moving parts. This simplicity makes them easy to install, operate, and maintain. The elastomer sleeve is the only component that comes in contact with the slurry, and it is easy to replace when worn without removing the valve body from the pipeline.

Tight sealing: When closed, the elastomer sleeve provides a tight, 360-degree seal, preventing leaks and ensuring reliable shut-off. This tight sealing is crucial in mining applications, where leaks can lead to material loss, environmental concerns, and safety hazards.

Versatility: Pinch valves can handle various slurry consistencies, from thin, watery mixtures to thick, paste-like materials. They can also operate in multiple flow control modes, including on/off, throttling, and even non-slam check valves, providing flexibility in mining process control.

Corrosion resistance: The elastomer sleeve in pinch valves resists abrasion and provides excellent corrosion resistance. This is particularly important in mining applications, where slurries may contain corrosive chemicals or have extreme pH levels that can damage other valve types.

Red Valve, a leading manufacturer of pinch valves, offers a range of valves designed explicitly for mining slurry applications. Their valves withstand the most challenging mining conditions, providing reliable performance and long service life. By choosing elastomer pinch valves from reputable manufacturers like Red Valve, mining operations can benefit from improved process efficiency, reduced maintenance costs, and increased overall system reliability.

And as always, collaboration between mining companies and local valve experts is essential to develop and implement the most effective solutions for each application.

Process Technology, Inc.
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Duckbill Check Valves

Duckbill check valves allow flow in only one direction through a pipe or tube while preventing any backflow in the opposite direction. When fluid pressure is applied from the upstream side, the duckbill flexes open to allow flow. But if pressure comes from the downstream side, the duckbill flaps seal shut to block reverse flow.

Typical applications for duckbill check valves include:

• Preventing sewer and septic tank backflow
• Inline pump protection
• Sprinkler and irrigation systems
• Drainage and flood control

Duckbill valves' simple, passive operation offers reliable backflow prevention without needing manual intervention, a power source, or maintenance. The elastomeric duckbill is the only moving part. Its flexing action allows it to seal around solids, making it resistant to clogging compared to other check valve designs with hinge mechanisms that can jam.

Duckbill valves find wide use across industrial, municipal, and commercial sectors due to their simple and reliable operation, compact size, and low cost compared to mechanical check valves. Some of the most common applications include:

• Wastewater and stormwater management: Duckbill valves are extensively used in sewer lines, septic systems, and stormwater outfalls to prevent backflow of contaminated water during heavy rains or floods. They are less prone to clogging than flap valves.
• Irrigation and agriculture: In sprinkler systems and agricultural pipelines, duckbill valves maintain consistent flow direction and prevent pump prime loss. They also inhibit dirt, rodents, or other foreign materials from entering pipes.
• Marine and aquatic systems: Duckbill valves are used in boat bilge pump discharge lines, live fish holding tanks, and pond aeration systems. Their unobtrusive profile minimizes flow restrictions.
• Industrial processes: In chemical processing, printing, and manufacturing operations, duckbill valves control gases and liquids, vent tanks and pipelines, and isolate pressure gauges and instruments.

Compared to traditional swing check valves or spring-loaded poppet valves, duckbill valves offer several advantages:

1. No mechanical hinge or spring to fail or wear out, giving them superior reliability and service life.
2. Low cracking pressure and high flow rate due to streamlined design.
3. Tight sealing even around suspended solids and minimal leakage.
4. A simple one-piece elastomer duckbill is inexpensive to manufacture and easy to replace.
5. Various elastomer choices to suit corrosive chemicals, high temperatures, or food grade needs.

Duckbill check valves' versatility, dependability, and low maintenance requirements make them a popular choice across diverse industries for providing economical, trouble-free backflow prevention and fluid control. While not suited for every application, they offer an elegant solution in many common fluid handling scenarios. 

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What Are Temperature Control Valves and Temperature Regulators?

Temperature control valves and temperature regulators, often known as TCVs, actively maintain the temperature of a process. They achieve this by regulating the pressure or flow of thermal fluid in various components such as compressors, tank jackets, and heating coils. These devices are essential in processes requiring stable temperatures unaffected by fluctuations in the surrounding environment.

Temperature regulators fall into two main categories: self-actuated and externally actuated. Self-actuated temperature regulators operate independently without the need for an external power source. They use a thermally sensitive material that expands and contracts in response to temperature changes. This expansion and contraction drive the actuator, adjusting the valve's position and altering the flow path of the thermal fluid toward the heating element. This mechanical actuation provides precise temperature control, particularly suitable for applications where the setpoint remains constant and does not require frequent adjustments. Additionally, self-actuated temperature regulators offer a cost-effective solution for effective temperature management. These regulators are also known as self-operated temperature regulators.

Externally actuated temperature control valves often play a critical role in complex control systems, integrating an external temperature sensor and a Proportional-Integral-Derivative (PID) controller. These valves necessitate an external power source for operation. In a typical setup, the operator sets a desired temperature on the PID controller, continuously receiving feedback from the temperature sensor monitoring the process. The PID controller then compares the set temperature with the actual process temperature reported by the sensor. Based on this comparison, it sends an electronic or pneumatic signal to the temperature control valve, instructing it to adjust its position. This adjustment ensures the maintenance of the process temperature at the set point. This type of valve is beneficial in applications requiring frequent adjustments of temperature set points for automation purposes.

How Does the Jordan Valve Mark 80 Series Temperature Regulator Function?

The Jordan Valve Mark 80 Series Temperature Regulator operates independently, eliminating the need for an external power source or costly additional instruments. This self-sufficiency is due to its unique design: the actuator connects to a sensing bulb via a capillary system containing a volatile fluid. When this fluid heats up, it vaporizes, creating pressure within the system. This pressure acts on the diaphragm, prompting the valve to open (in reverse-acting models) or close (in direct-acting models). The Mark 80 Series, featuring a seal welded actuator (SWA), results from extensive research, ensuring the most accurate temperature control. When paired with Jordan Valve's sliding gate valve technology, the Mark 80 regulator achieves superior control. For added versatility, it allows field adjustments of the set point and can accommodate different temperature ranges without removing the valve from its installation.

The Jordan Valve Temperature Regulator Series also presents various self-operated regulator configurations to cater to higher flows, fail-open or fail-close settings, tracing lines, and pilot operations.

Process Technology, Inc.
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From Quality Control to Regulatory Compliance: The Power of Process Analytics

In industry, the significance of process analytics is paramount. Various industries, from water treatment and chemical processing to food and beverage production and pharmaceutical manufacturing, rely on it. For these operations, the intricate dance of monitoring and controlling complex process parameters is not just desirable – it's indispensable. The stakes? Optimal process conditions, impeccable product quality, and adherence to environmental and safety regulations.

Core Process Parameters

pH: 

A system's measure of acidity or alkalinity plays a pivotal role in many industrial processes. For instance, in water treatment, the correct pH ensures the effectiveness of disinfectants and prevents corrosion or scaling in pipes.

Oxidation-Reduction Potential (ORP): 

This parameter measures the ability of a solution to either gain or lose electrons. In water treatment and chemical processing, it aids in understanding the disinfecting power of solutions.

Dissolved and Gaseous Oxygen: 

Oxygen levels are crucial in various industries. For example, specific oxygen levels are essential in food and beverage production to prevent spoilage and ensure freshness. Meanwhile, sufficient oxygen levels are necessary for microbial degradation of pollutants in wastewater treatment.

Dissolved CO2: 

In beverage industries for example, the concentration of dissolved CO2 is a significant factor in determining the carbonation level in drinks.

Ozone: 

Often used as a potent disinfectant in water treatment, monitoring ozone levels is vital to ensure adequate disinfection without creating harmful byproducts.

Conductivity: 

This measures a solution's ability to conduct electricity, often indicating the amount of dissolved salts or impurities. In processes like desalination, monitoring conductivity to determine water purity is crucial.

Turbidity: 

This refers to the cloudiness or haziness of a fluid. In industries like water treatment, turbidity is a tell-tale sign of the number of particles present, affecting the efficacy of disinfection.

The Need for Accurate Measurement and Regulation

Process analytics isn't merely about knowing the numbers. It's about understanding these numbers and making informed decisions based on them. Here's why:

Maintaining Optimal Process Conditions: 

The right conditions are paramount whether brewing the perfect beer or producing a life-saving drug. Even slight deviations can lead to suboptimal outcomes or render a batch useless.

Ensuring Product Quality: 

Consistency is vital. For instance, nobody wants a flat soda one day and overly fizzy the next. Accurate process analytics ensures every product meets the required standards every time.

Regulatory Compliance: 

Failing to meet established standards can have serious consequences, especially in sectors like pharmaceuticals or food production. Not only can it lead to hefty fines, but it can also endanger consumers' lives.

Process analytics is more than just a set of numbers. It's the backbone of numerous industries, ensuring that processes run smoothly and products meet standards and meeting regulations. As industrial operations evolve, so will the tools and techniques of process analytics, always striving for perfection in every drop, bite, or pill.

Process Tech, Inc.

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