From Raw Materials to Finished Goods: The Pivotal Role of Process Weighing

Process weighing plays a pivotal role in industrial applications and manufacturing. It forms the backbone of many production processes, ensuring products adhere to specific quality and safety standards. In industries where precision is crucial, minor discrepancies in weight can significantly impact product quality, safety, and efficiency.

There are two main types of process weighing: continuous weighing and static weighing.

Continuous weighing tracks materials as they flow or move continuously through a system. This approach is common in bulk material handling applications, such as food and beverage or chemical industries, where raw materials flow non-stop through a production line. Continuous weighing ensures that materials remain consistent in quantity and quality throughout production.

On the other hand, static weighing pertains to weighing stationary items used when goods need to be checked or verified against a set weight or standard. For example, in packaging applications, static weighing can ensure that packages contain the correct amount of product before shipping to consumers.

Batching technology complements these weighing methods by ensuring that raw materials or products are grouped in specific, predetermined quantities. Batching provides the correct proportion of each component in industries where products are mixed from various ingredients, leading to consistent product quality. It's an integral process, particularly in the food and pharmaceutical industries, where accuracy and consistency can be a matter of health and safety.

Siemens industrial weighing systems stands out as an excellent choice for these technologies. They offer a combination of precision, durability, and advanced technology, making them ideal for a wide range of industrial applications. Siemens has a history of innovation and reliability, which means their weighing systems come with the assurance of high-quality engineering and robust performance. Their systems integrate seamlessly into existing production environments, and they offer versatile solutions tailored to meet each application's unique demands. Moreover, with the support of Siemens' global service network, businesses can rely on expert assistance and timely maintenance.

Process weighing in industrial applications is a critical process variable. It guarantees the quality, safety, and efficiency of products. And with the technological prowess of Siemens industrial weighing systems, industries can achieve the precision and reliability they need to excel in today's competitive market.

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

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.

IIoT Control Panel Solutions from Process Technologies

Increase the efficiency of operations while lowering costs with a wireless or connected control panel that can monitor compressors, generators, tank levels, pressure, temperature, and vibration. Analytical sensors and flow, level, and pressure sensors are all monitored safely and accurately. Plug n Play alternatives customized for your application are available. 

PTI creates high-quality electrical control panels in a short amount of time, using the most reliable and cutting-edge hardware available. PTI also provides software development services to accommodate our customers' increasing demands with turnkey solutions, in addition to solid panel design and fabrication capabilities. 

Using cutting-edge technology, Process Technologies can incorporate the Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT) into panel builds to give real-time dashboards and analytics, allowing customers to monitor system status and real-time data from anywhere in the world.

PTI sales engineers will meet with you on-site to discuss your requirements, evaluate, design, and execute a complete cost-effective solution kit to automate your process and factory automation application needs.

Contact PTI today to discuss you IIoT control panel requirements. Call 801-264-1114 or visit https://process-tech.com.

Improve Polyethylene Terephthalate (PET) Production with Siemens LR560 Level Transmitter

PET is an abbreviation for polyethylene terephthalate, which is the chemical term for polyester. 

PET is a transparent, robust, and lightweight plastic widely used in packaging foods and beverages, particularly convenience-sized soft drinks, juices, and water. PET is used to make almost all single-serving and 2-liter bottles of carbonated soft drinks and water sold in the United States. 

PET containers are produced in two stages, employing injection molding and blow molding machinery. 

THE CHALLENGE OF PET LEVEL APPLICATIONS 

Storage tank monitoring of crystalline PET plastic pellets used to make plastic soft drink bottles is essential. The crystalline pellets have a density ranging from 30 pounds per cubic foot to 56 pounds per cubic foot, and the storage tanks can be up to 60 feet tall. 

Level measurement is crucial for inventory control and sustaining material availability during production times. If the inventory is running low, production needs to know whether or not tanks will need to swap. 

Some plants measure levels with a plumb-bob, and some use ultrasonic level transmitters. The plumb bob cord becomes a mechanical inconvenience, and due to excessive dust levels, the ultrasonic level devices experience frequent echo loss. 

THE SOLUTION: SIEMENS LR560 LEVEL TRANSMITTERS 

The Siemens LR560 transmitter provides a continuous, consistent, and low-maintenance level measuring solution. The SITRANS LR560 unit's plug-and-play capability is appropriate for most solids level monitoring applications, even those requiring severe dust and high temperatures. Its one-of-a-kind design allows for safe and simple programming with the intrinsically safe handheld programmer without the need to open the instrument's lid. 

THE SITRANS LR560'S BENEFITS 

Savings in time 

• Significantly reduced maintenance. Because the SITRANS LR560 radar transmitter is non-contact, there is no risk of product contamination or extended delays when plumb-bob cables become entangled or break. 

Process dependability has increased. 

• Continuous level measurement provides a precise temporal indicator of how much is in the silo. When a plumb-bob wire becomes trapped at a certain distance, the accurate level data is lost. There is no level history before the last on-demand request from the instrument after the line is attached. 

Simpler to use 

• The SITRANS LR560 transmitter employs a quick start wizard and requires no more calibration or maintenance. 

UNIQUE PRODUCT FEATURES OF SITRANS LR560 

The local user interface facilitates setting and setup. Customers can save money by shifting the indicating component from unit to unit as needed because they only use the removable, local display during setup. The narrow, 4-degree beam angle allows for consistent depth penetration into the silo while ignoring possible silo wall interference. 

The SITRANS LR560 2-wire, 78 GHz FMCW radar level transmitter monitors solids in silos over a 100-meter (328-foot) range. Its plug-and-play performance is suited for most solids applications, including those with high temperatures up to +392oF and severe dust. Its one-of-a-kind design allows for safe and straightforward programming with the intrinsically safe handheld programmer without the need to open the instrument's lid. 

The SITRANS LR560 transmitter offers an optional graphical local display interface (LDI) that facilitates setup and operation by providing diagnostic support via an intuitive Quick Start Wizard and echo profile display. The QuickStart wizard makes it simple to get started, with only a few parameters needed for basic functioning. The SITRANS LR560 equipment monitors almost any solids material level up to 328 feet. 

Contact Process Technology, Inc. at 801-264-1114 or visit https://www.process-tech.com to discuss this or any other process instrument application.

The Mettler Toledo 6000TOCi Total Organic Carbon Analyzer

Total Organic Carbon (TOC) monitoring is critical for measuring and controlling organic contamination in pure and ultrapure waters. TOC monitoring is essential in the pharmaceuticals, microelectronics, and power generation sectors.

The 6000TOCi analyzer measures TOC levels in water systems quickly and continuously. 6000TOCi customers benefit from real-time data instead of batch systems that measure at intervals, guaranteeing that TOC excursions are never missed – even for a minute. 

Mettler Toledo Thornton's 6000TOCi is a continuous measuring TOC (total organic carbon) sensor. In pure and ultrapure fluids, the sensor gives continuous, real-time data. It employs superior UV oxidation technology with a speedy response time.

The 6000TOCi Total Organic Carbon sensor has a response time of less than one minute. It allows continuous monitoring, which is a significant advantage over batch measurement systems, which can take six minutes or longer to produce a picture of water quality.

The 6000TOCi's real-time measurement capability enables you to preserve detailed records of trending, history, and critical information to support your compliance documents. You may keep a complete sensor history record by using the USB ports for printer and data logging.

The 6000TOCi meets the TOC instrumentation criteria of all significant worldwide pharmacopeias, including USP, EP, JP, ChP, and IP.

The 6000TOCi's versatility allows it to be installed anywhere on a water system, with the option of displaying results at the place of measurement or in a more convenient location for operators.

For more information contact Process Technology, Inc.
801-264-1114
https://process-tech.com

Pinch Control Valves for Regulating Flow of Slurries, Abrasives, Fibrous and Corrosive Media

Red Valve Control Valves offer maximum durability with precise control and virtually no maintenance.  A heavy-duty pinch mechanism positions the sleeve for accurate control over a wide flow range. 

Red Valve Control Pinch Valves have no packing to maintain or seats to wear, no fugitive emissions and no need for expensive body alloys. Variable orifice and cone sleeves can be specified to further enhance control performance and match the exact CV level desired. True feedback positioning is accomplished through the direct linkage of the pneumatic positioner to the valve stem shaft, with no splitting of the positioner output. Red Valve Control Products are available with pneumatic, electro-pneumatic, or digital positioners to link up to all control systems.

For more information contact Process Technology, Inc.
801-264-1114
https://process-tech.com

New Product Alert - The LowFlow MK708MAX Control Valve

Designed for high-pressure gas applications, aerospace/fuel testing, refining/chem/petrochemical, and pilot plants the new MK708MAX is a valuable addition to the Richards Industrials LowFlow brand of precision globe-style control valves, providing entry into higher flow applications.

DOWNLOAD THE MK708MAX DATASHEET HERE

MK708MAX Product Highlights

• Capable of handling 1,000psi (69 bar) inlet pressures at 100°F (38°C) - the competition only goes up to 720psi (50bar)
• CVs ranging from 6.5-10 (5.6 - 8.65kv)
• Body Material Options- Bronze, Carbon Steel, and Stainless.
• Available in 1” (DN25)

For more information about the MK708MAX in Utah, Wyoming, Southern Idaho, Northern Nevada, Arizona, New Mexico, Colorado, or Montana call 801-264-1114  or visit https://process-tech.com.

Siemens SITRANS store IQ Smart Monitoring Apps

Siemens provides customers the ability to take process measurements and remotely track the operation and health of instrumentation, regardless of whether they have a SCADA, PLC, or DCS system. 

Siemens provides a wide range of process measurements and unprecedented monitoring of those products' health and efficiency by leveraging Siemens' flow, level, pressure, temperature, and weight measurement. In combination with Siemens Mindsphere, information can then be submitted to the cloud and used to provide real-time tracking of various properties, as well as real-time data retrieval from multiple remote locations for your user community, anywhere and at any time. 

CLICK HERE TO LEARN MORE ABOUT SIEMENS SITRANS STORE IQ SMART MONITORING

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

Steriflow FBCV Sanitary Control Valves - OR Version

The Steriflow FBCV O-Ring Series by Steriflow meets the rigid specifications for sanitary process control valves for customers who prefer an O-ring style stem seal. This valve series is suitable for various cosmetic, dairy, and food and beverage industries. Conforming to 3A guidelines, the FBCV is ideal for a wide range of flowing media in both the utility and process areas of sanitary systems.

In general, o-ring stem seals (what ASME BPE defines as sliding stem seals) for control valves on clean air and gas and liquid clean utility applications like USP Purified water and some CIP fluids. In contrast, diaphragm type control valves are on WFI (Water for Injection) systems for end of loop back pressure control, buffer dilution skids, and filtration skids for pressure and flow control and chromatography elution flow control.

The FBCV-OR's high rangeability, characterized trim, high capacities, superior temperature, and pressure ratings, and a selection of sealing methods make the sanitary control valve ideal for liquid, gas, and steam services. Whether the need is to control pressure, temperature, flow, pH, or another variable, the FBCV is the correct valve for your process.

DOWNLOAD THE FBCV-OR PRODUCT DATA SHEET HERE

PTI provides products used in various steam applications, including plant steam, filtered steam, clean steam, and pure steam. Products include back pressure regulators, pressure regulators, steam traps, check valves, butterfly valves, ball valves, and ancillary products.

PTI provides reliable and highly trusted sanitary and hygienic process products used by food, beverage, dairy, pharmaceutical, and life science industries.

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

Process Technology, Inc. Combines Partner Technology and Delivers Innovative Industrial Effluent Wastewater Measurement Solution

Due to the regulatory nature, readings are taken multiple times a day manually, and constant alarms require a technician's attention. Questionable flow data and an ultrasonic level sensor that would not read below 3 GPM did not collect accurate or consistent flow data over the flume. pH buffers and calibrations were up to date, but due to the device's questionable age and occasional data dropout, it did not meet the regulatory requirements.

This application aims to regulate pH and flow and improve wastewater monitoring data collection's accuracy and efficiency, stay in compliance and ensure instrument reliability with a cost-efficient solution, reducing downtime.

The Mettler Toledo M300 with an iSense 3250i pH probe provides the most reliable and accurate pH capabilities in the industry, along with added digital monitoring. Calibrations are done on the bench in a controlled environment. The sensor will tell the transmitter the approximate life of the sensor, reducing system downtime.

The Siemens LU 240 for ultrasonic level (over existing flume) calculates flow and is a very cost-effective way to gather accurate levels. A single device with a local display and a 4-20mA output covers all communication bases and accuracy requirements.

A Red Lion 10” Graphite HMI consolidates data gathering and calculates flow using the existing cellular, returning data to the control room. Data is logged in the HMI via SD Card, so if there is an interruption in the system control room, no data is lost.

PTI's industrial water and wastewater customers’ monitoring challenges are addressed by combining the technology from (3) leading instrument and technology manufacturers.

Siemens, Mettler-Toledo, and Red Lion devices are compatible with providing a cost-effective and accurate automated flow monitoring solution, mitigating the risk involved with regulatory applications.

DOWNLOAD A HARD COPY OF THIS CASE STUDY HERE

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

The SIEMENS SIPART PS100 Electro-pneumatic Positioner

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The SIEMENS SIPART PS100 electro-pneumatic positioners control the valve or damper position of pneumatic linear or part-turn actuators. The SIPART PS100 electro-pneumatic positioners modulate the valve according to the setpoint value. A hallmark of the SIPART PS100 is its low consumption of air. Thanks to the piezoelectric technology, compressed air is only required to move the valve. In the steady-state, consumption of air is negligible.

SIPART PS100 FEATURES:

• Fast commissioning at the push of a button.
• Simple operation via the display and four buttons.
• Display symbols according to NAMUR NE 107.
• Negligible air consumption in stationary operation.
• Setting the application profile based on predefined selection options, e.g., tight-closing valve, open/close valve, small valve.
• Fast response in end positions ensures short positioning times and tight valves.
• Insensitive to vibrations and steam hammer.
• Leakage compensation ensures a constant actual value and protects the actuator.
• Only one device version for linear and part-turn actuators.

SIPART PS100 INDUSTRIES:

• Power stations
• Paper and glass
• Water and wastewater
• Food and pharmaceuticals

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

Process Technology, Inc. Delivers Automated Perlite Silo Level Measurement Solution

Objective

To increase measurement accuracy and reduce the risk of injury by eliminating the twice daily need to climb to the top of 60’ silos to measure the level of perlite. 

Safely and accurately measuring the level of raw and processed perlite, a very dusty low dielectric mineral, is a daily requirement for our customer. With the assistance of our engineering team, the technology from (2) leading instrument and technology manufacturers were combined for a solution that can be applied at several perlite plants to address silo level monitoring challenges.

Challenge

Old and non-functioning cable fed level devices require an operator to take manual measurements twice a day from the top of (4) 60’ silos. This is a potentially dangerous measurement as the weather conditions could present a slip and fall, as well as the hazard and exposure to harsh elements. 

The measurement data needs to be logged twice a day for inventory purposes and a local display for filling or drawing material is necessary for the drivers and operators.

Approach

Siemens SITRANS LR560 Radar Level Transmitter is a “Rockstar” in dusty tough solids level applications. The LR560 2-wire, 78 GHz FMCW radar level transmitter continuously monitors solids in the silos to a range of 100 m (328 ft). With plug and play performance, it is ideal for perlite applications, including those with extreme dust and high temperatures to +200 ºC  (+392 ºF).

Red Lion 10” Graphite HMI with analog I/O card and terminal strip for incoming power has preprogrammed HMI scaled to match radar scaling for dependable data logging and communication capabilities.

A Red Lion module is preprogrammed to (4) Siemens transmitters to provide level measurement for each silo, along with accurate data logged and displayed for operators and drivers. 

Process Automation ROI

The largest gain in automating outdoor top of silo level measurements with reliable products is eliminating the need to climb to the top of the silos twice a day to retrieve a level measurement. This process allows for constant and accurate silo monitoring with a significant reduction in risk of injury and optimizes work time. 

Siemens and Red Lion devices are compatible to provide a cost-effective and accurate automated silo level measurement solution,  mitigating the risk involved with a twice daily task.

DOWNLOAD A HARD COPY OF THIS CASE STUDY HERE

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

COVID-19 Testing in School and University Wastewater Systems

Community spread of COVID-19 is challenging to control because symptoms can take up to two weeks to appear after contracting the virus. Making this even more challenging is the fact that many cases remain asymptomatic. As a complement to existing testing processes, communities, including universities, are searching for a more proactive approach to identifying early infection trends.

One of the most exciting advances in Wastewater-based epidemiology (WBE) is the recently demonstrated ability to identify and measure COVID-19 genetic material in untreated wastewater reliably. SARS-CoV-2, which is the virus that causes Covid-19 and is known to invade the gastrointestinal tract and is extracted in human sold waste.

The broad descriptions for various testing methodologies used to measure municipal water quality are "wastewater testing" or "wastewater quality indicators." These testing methods analyze wastewater's physical, chemical, and biological characteristics and now include testing for SARS-CoV-2. By sampling and testing wastewater samples, COVID-19 outbreaks are predictable well in advance.

To arrest Coronavirus's spread on campuses, schools and universities are turning to wastewater testing as a possible method for identifying and predicting outbreaks of Covid-19 in their facilities. Evidence is still preliminary, but it appears promising that this approach can allow schools to detect potential flareups weeks earlier than conventional population monitoring. Schools using wastewater-based epidemiology detection methods find COVID-19 more efficiently and less invasively compared to blanket individual student testing. The knowledge of increasing COVID-19 genetic material in untreated wastewater by schools and universities allows more precise deployment of mitigation initiatives and response plans, such as testing individuals, contact tracing, and quarantine.

HACH, a world-leader in water quality instrumentation and analysis, provides portable samplers that help researchers identify hot spots. The portable analyzer takes daily samples to determine the presence of SARS-CoV-2, assisting researchers in predicting COVID-19 outbreaks.

To learn more about testing wastewater for COVID-19, contact Process Technologies, Inc. Call them at 801-264-1114 or visit their website at https://process-tech.com.

Industrial IoT Panel Solution - Safely and Accurately Monitor Your Analytical, Flow, Level or Pressure Sensors

Process Technology, Inc. is pleased to introduce their Industrial IoT Panel Solution, a control panel series designed to improve operational efficiency and lower costs by monitoring compressors, generators, tank levels, pressure, temperature, and vibration on a wireless or wired panel.

The IoT Panel Solution provides Plug n Play control options customized for your application. PTI sales engineers discuss your requirements on-site, evaluate, design, and implement a complete cost-efficient solution kit to automate your process and factory automation application.

Wired Panel Components 

• Red Lion HMI 
• 10-amp power supply 
• Ethernet Switch 
  
• Universal input card 
• Programming 

Wireless Panel Components 

• Red Lion HMI
• 10-amp power supply
• Ethernet Switch
• Wireless Gateway plus two nodes 
• Programming 

Standard panel sizes: 

• 24" x24" x10" 
• 20" x20" x10"
• 13" x14" x9"

Options included: 

• I/O link
• Data tracking
• PLC
• Wireless communications
• Additional options available 

DOWNLOAD PDF HERE

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

Calibrating a Mettler Toledo InPro 3250 pH Sensor Connected to an M400

The Mettler Toledo Process Analytics InPro 3250 is a pre-pressurized liquid-electrolyte pH probe with temperature sensor. The InPro 3250 are designed for an extensive range of applications in the biotechnology, pharmaceutical and chemical process industries.

The Mettler Toledo M400 is a 4-wire transmitter with multi-parameter and ISM capabilities.

This video demonstrates the process of calibrating an analog InPro 3250 pH sensor connected to an M400 transmitter. 

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.