Educational information on process control, industrial instrumentation, valves, valve automation and control valves. For additional information visit IvesEquipment.com or call 877-768-1600
The Weather is Changing. Freeze Protect Your Facility Now!
Ensure frigid temperatures don’t slow you down.
An Advanced, Single Housing, All-In-One Gas Detection System
SensAlarm Plus is a complete, turn-key gas detection system preassembled in one housing. The system comes standard with strobe lights, horns, high-visibility four-digit LED display, and LCD display/interface. At the heart of the SensAlarm Plus is an advanced Intelligent Sensor platform with non-volatile memory for all critical application variables and sensor data. A non-intrusive user interface enables easy operator customization and a quick review of sensor life parameters, TWA (Time Weighted Average) alarms, calibration data, and other information with date and time recording.
The SensAlarm Plus sensor head is universal in that it accepts all Sensidyne Plus sensors. Monitoring in high, low, or adjacent locations is simplified by remote mounting the sensor head using a four-conductor cable. With a sensor connected, the automatic uploading of variables, alarm values, and sensor information dramatically simplifies installation and maintenance. Transportable calibration allows sensor calibration at the installation location or in a workshop, then hot-swapping the sensor in the field.
SensAlarm Plus is the ideal gas monitoring solution for many applications. Most laboratories, gas cylinder storage facilities, industrial work areas where gases are present, control room protection or other applications where users benefit from a packaged gas detection system are common areas that need SensAlarm Plus.
DOWNLOAD THE SENSALARM PLUS DATA SHEET FROM THIS IVES EQUIPMENT WEB PAGE
For more information about Sensidyne Fixed Gas Detection products, contact Ives Equipment. Call them at 877-768-1600 or visit their website at https://ivesequipment.com.
The MIcroMod 353 RetroPAK - An Alternative for Siemens 353 and Moore 352 Users
The 353 RetroPAK is the best choice on the market to update your controllers with the least disruption to your plant operation.
The Siemens 353 and Moore 352 controllers have been extremely popular, but they are no longer manufactured or supported. MicroMod has a cost-effective migration solution offering up-to-date technology that will be available for years to come. We understand the dilemmas faced by companies that need to ahead and be able to support their control systems without abandoning their control philosophy or incurring large up-front installation costs.
The 353 RetroPAK provides the same process control functions as the Moore 352 and Siemens 353 controllers. Factory templates (in the Siemens 353 FCO style) that can be loaded from the front keypad along with a function block library in Windows configuration software mean less time spent learning new programs and re-engineering your system. The RetroPAK suits the same panel cutout, has the same simple I / O add-on, and offers dual communication networks.
DOWNLOAD THE 353 RETROPAK BROCHURE HERE
For more information about the MicroMod 353 RetroPAK, contact Ives Equipment. Call them at (877) 768-1600 or visit their website at https://ivesequipment.com.
Lead-Free Valves from ASCO and Ives Equipment
Lead is extremely toxic. Tight US safety regulations affect manufacturers of products such as drinking water fountains, reverse osmosis systems, coffee machines. and commercial kitchen equipment. A lead-free system cannot contain soldering flux with greater than 0.2% lead content, or more than a weighted average of 0.25% lead in the wetted surfaces of pipes, pipe fittings, plumbing fittings, and fixtures. Under the law, lead free is a cumulative concept. In response, Ives Equipment and ASCO have coordinated to provide a range of valve choices that meet the new regulations, are NSF certified, and come in the industry’s broadest range of characteristics in terms of pipe size, pressure or temperature ratings, and flow coefficients.
For more information visit https://ivesequipment.com/leadfree.
Industrial Control Systems (ICS) Face New Ransomware Concern
Dragos is a company that provides industrial asset identification, threat detection, and response to help organizations stay ahead of adversaries. According to Dragos intelligence and threat reports, it appears that a segment of code called Snake or EKANS, first recognized in December, 2019, has been designed as ransomware to target Windows systems used in industrial control systems (ICS).
Ransomware is malicious software that will lock up data on a computer’s drive, then travel across the network and encrypt other data. The saboteurs will then demand payment in exchange for releasing the data. Whereas industrial control system machines are high-value targets (healthcare is the other high-value target) EKANS is unusual in that the malicious code uses targeted intelligence for control systems to first encrypt the root data (files are encrypted and renamed with random 5-character extension) and then ruin the software processes and hold the data hostage.
EKANS targeted companies and are sent a ransom note with the instruction to pay the ransom in cryptocurrency. There is an email address provided for contact/replies.
Manufacturing plants, power grids, and industrial concerns (such as oil refineries) are all targets of this malicious malware.
Another feature of the EKANS ransomware is it is programed to terminate sixty-four (64) various processes on computers – most of which are ICS specific. This suggests the possibility that the EKANS may also share features similar to the Megacortex ransomware, which first appeared in early 2019. Megacortex relies on a manual method of deployment rather than self propagation ransomware deployment.
It is still unknown whether the EKANS ransomware originated from state-sponsored hackers or via real cybercriminals trying to profit from industrial control system owners. It appears that it may be the latter, based on the most recent analysis of the nature of the ransomware – analysis by Dragos researchers.
It is wise to raise awareness with among everyone who touches your systems and it would be prudent to have someone within your organization (or a consultant) tasked with keeping data security protections current. In addition, it is crucial to have ICS organizations rethink their cybersecurity leadership philosophy. In many organizations, the evangelists for cybersecurity are not equipped to exert influence in the company. Cybersecurity is still treated as a back-office job, but it needs to be treated as priority by the organizational leaders.
Dragos adversary hunters recommend keeping ICS systems segmented from the rest of the network. In this way, if just one Window machine is infected, the virus can’t mobilize to the systems that control the infrastructure. In addition, standard practices such as backups, stored offline, and including the last known good configuration data will somewhat reduce the liability of slow recovery. Guardrails such as improved access and mechanisms for authentication will also help to reduce the risk of these increasingly troubling attacks on ICS systems.
More detailed information can be accessed here:
https://dragos.com/blog/industry-news/ekans-ransomware-and-ics-operations.
Article courtesy of:
Ives Equipment
www.ivesequipment.com
(877) 768-1600
Don't Risk Equipment or Safety: Freeze Protect Your Plant Now
Don't let this happen at your plant. |
Main Categories for Industrial Heat Tracing
- Industrial Pipe Tracing Cable
- Industrial Tank and Vessel Heating
- Industrial Snow Melting
- Industrial Roof Gutter Deicing
Responsible facility management includes protecting buildings and equipment against freeze damage. There are many items in any given manufacturing plant to protect, including piping systems, process instrumentation, holding tanks, transfer vessels, and valves. For each of these items, there's a good freeze protection solution to be applied. Here are some of the more common heat tracing products used in these applications.
Self-regulating Heat Tracing Cable
These self-regulating, cut-to-length cables are normally installed in commercial and light industrial applications, to maintain pipe temperature and/or prevent freezing. These heating cables are available in 120 and 240 voltages and are designed for use in ordinary or hazardous locations (with proper selections and application). Typical applications for this product are freeze protection and low watt density process temperature systems such as product pipelines, fire protection, process water and dust suppression systems.Constant Wattage Heat Tracing Cable
Constant wattage heater cable is ideal for use in maintaining fluid flow under low ambient conditions. The product is used for freeze protection and process temperature maintenance systems such as product pipelines, process water, dust suppression systems, lube oil and condensate return.MI (Mineral Insulated) Cable
MI Cable is a metal sheathed cable that uses a metallic conductor as the heating element. It is custom designed and fabricated for specific applications. MI Cable is a high performance, industrial grade heat tracing cable used for applications requiring high temperature exposure, immunity to stress corrosion, high maintain temperature, under tank heating (cryogenic tanks), high power output, constant power output over entire, rugged cable construction heater length, and extended heater life.It is critical to consider the specific application requirements for any heat tracing application. The following checklist always needs to be clearly understood:
- The mass and material of the item being traced
- Insulation availability - type and thickness
- Temperature to be maintained
- Minimum ambient temperature
- Minimum start-up temperature
- Available supply voltage
- The chemical environment - expose
- Maximum intermittent exposure temperature
- Electrical area classification
The Sensidyne SensAir CMB Poison Resistant Catalytic Bead Gas Detector
SensAir CMB, by leading gas detection equipment manufacturer Sensidyne, is an industrial grade, cost effective, fixed point gas detector with a highly poison resistant catalytic bead sensor.
The SensAir Gas Detector is a single-point device capable of detecting the presence of various gases. The detector detects gas in either ppm, %Volume or %LEL concentrations. The standard detector consists of a display board and a power supply board, housed in a heavy-duty enclosure, a sensor specifically designed to detect Oxygen, Toxic or Combustible gases, and optionally, a relay/communication board. A complete monitoring system consists of the detector and a separate read-out device & power supply capable of monitoring a 4-20 mA output and supplying 24 VDC power. There are versions of the detector for hazardous and non-hazardous areas.
SenseAir CMB Features
- Combustible, Toxic, and Oxygen Versions Available
- U.S./Canada/IECEx/ATEX Hazardous Area Approved
- Rugged, Industrial, Cost Effective Design Meets a Wide Range of Application and Project Requirements
- Robust, Fast Responding Sensors
- Bright LED Display Model or Lower Cost Blind Model
- Non-Intrusive Zero & Span Adjustments
- Easy Installation and Maintenance, Ideal for Retrofit or New Applications
- 3-wire Design with 4-20mA Output, Options for Modbus or BACnet—Both include 3 Additional Relays
- Horizontal or Vertical Installation
- Remote Combustible Sensor Option
- Field Replaceable Sensor
White Paper: Predicting Cavitation Damage in Control Valves
DOWNLOAD THE WHITE PAPER HERE
For more information on the application of control valves, contact Ives Equipment. Call (877) 768-1600 or visit https://ivesequipment.com.
The Samson 82.7 Rotary Plug Control Valve
The 82.7 control valve has several standard options such as temperature extensions, heating jacket, special packing designs, noise attenuation and cavitation prevention trim sets, etc. The Vetec 82.7 can be assembled with a pneumatic, electric, hydraulic, or electro-hydraulic actuator also offered by the SAMSON group to complete the control valve construction. These control valves are designed according to the modular assembly principle, can be equipped with SAMSON GROUP actuators and valve accessories such as positioners, limit switches, and solenoid valves.
For more information contact Ives Equipment. Call their main office at (877) 768-1600 of visit their web site at https://ivesequipment.com.
The Siemens Milltronics MSI Belt Scale
The Siemens Milltronics MSI is a high accuracy, full frame, heavy-duty single idler belt scale used for process and load-out control suitable for monitoring products as diverse as sand, flour, coal, or even sugar. The Siemens Milltronics MSI belt scale provides continuous in-line weighing on a variety of products in primary and secondary industries and is proven in a wide range of extremely tough applications in mines, quarries, pits, power generating stations, iron and steel foundries, food processing plants, and chemical production facilities.
The Siemens Milltronics MSI patented use of parallelogram-style load cells results in fast reaction to vertical forces, ensuring instant response to product loading. This enables it to provide outstanding accuracy and repeatability even with uneven loading and fast belt speeds.
For more information, contact Ives Equipment by calling (877) 768-1600 or visit https://ivesequipment.com.
The Alfa Laval Unique Mixproof CP-3 Valve
Offering all dairy, food and beverage processors optimum hygiene, reliable effectiveness and decreased ownership expenses. Not just a dairy valve, the Alfa Laval Unique CP-3 is a reduced vent mix-proof valve – designed to be configurable and to protect your product.
Food and beverage plants across the United States are now using this proven mix-proof technology to eliminate cross-contamination – while improving overall production safety, hygiene, and production.
Beverage:
The Unique mix-proof CP-3 can be configured to handle carbonated drinks or energy drinks based on sugar and syrup – perfect for syrup or recipe room manifolds. Cleaning plugs and seats during seat-lifting eliminates sugar or syrup build-up.
Cleaning time and eventually modifications in the recipe are quicker as only two seals are situated in the valve chamber – enabling quicker valve cleaning during seat lift with fewer seal spare parts needed, improving valve longevity.
Food:
The Unique mix-proof CP-3 also has a setup to handle the most viscous condiments such as ketchup and mayonnaise and can assist address complicated problems in food processing – such as keeping the texture and taste of soups or vegetable sauces.
While it can be hard for any viscous food application to clean mix-proof valves with narrow plug tolerances, the starches left behind pose the greatest cleaning challenge. The valve seat is built on the upper and lower seat plugs with throttling corners – which speeds up cleaning fluid to enhance CIP effectiveness and clean the most stubborn food residue with the absolute minimum quantity of CIP fluid resources being used.
For more information, contact:
Ives Equipment
https://ivesequipment.com
(877) 768-1600
Explosion-Proof Meters, Annunciators and Batch Controllers Built to Work in a Wide Range of Applications and Environments
The PD8-6000 is approved as a complete product by FM and CSA and also carriers IECEx approvals. Besides being suitable for hazardous areas, the number one feature that makes the PD8-6000 such a useful device is its built-in 24 VDC power supply to drive the transmitter as illustrated by the above diagram. This feature not only saves the cost of an external power supply, but also greatly simplifies wiring. In addition, there is a second 25 mA power supply provided with the 4-20 mA output option
Its superluminous LED digits make it easily readable in smoke, dust, fog, and, with the optional SunBright® display, even direct sunlight. It accepts a process current (4-20 mA) or process voltage (0-5V, 1-5V, etc.) signal and displays it on a dual-line, 6-digit SunBright® sunlight readable display.
The meter includes a 24 VDC power supply to drive the transmitter and can be equipped with up to four internal relays and a 4-20 mA output. The PD8-6000 can be programmed and operated without opening the housing by using the built-in SafeTouch® through-glass buttons or the RS485 serial communication port with free Modbus® protocol.
A fully loaded PD8-6000 meter has the following: four SPDT relays, 4-20 mA output, and two 24 VDC power supplies. The four relays can be used for alarm indication or process control applications such as pump alternation control. The 4-20 mA isolated output, Modbus RTU serial communications, and digital I/O options make the PD8-6000 an excellent addition to any hazardous area application.
For more information, contact Ives Equipment by calling 877-768-1600 or by visiting https://ivesequipment.com.
Reducing Material Waste in Flexible Pet (Polyethylene Terephthalate) Production
Polyester is very popular because it is a light, soft, flexible, low-maintenance material that keeps you warm. Making it this way poses diverse challenges to PET producers.
A chemical plant specializing in producing PET was looking for a solution to reduce the waste resulting from product variance. The factory produces 25,000 tons of polyester annually, which is then provided to other manufacturers to produce a vast range of end products.
The SITRANS FC430 monitors the glycol flow. |
These source materials are stored in stainless steel bins with a volume of 2649 ft3. Rotary feeders move the mate- rial from these bins to a batching vessel along with glycol to make the polyester paste. The batching vessel is agitated to ensure that the mixture is always consistent. Monitoring tank levels, precisely controlling the dosing, the efficient use of raw materials and ensuring a consistent mix are the key parameters
SIWAREX WP251 |
Don’t get mixed up during mixing
Each raw material bin is mounted on Siwarex WL280 ring torsion load cells to achieve optimum weighing accuracy. These load cells are connected to two Siwarex WP251 weighing modules, which are specifically designed for batching applications. The advantages of this solution are that the WL280 load cells feature a C3 class rating for accuracy as well as an IP68 rating for protection against dust and direct high-pressure cleaning – ideal for handling powder materials such as PTA. In connection with the Siwarex WP251, a customer-specific application was engineered with a resolution of up to +/- 4 million parts.
SITRANS TS500 |
How powder and liquid become PET
Pointek CLS200 |
Less material waste and reduced downtimes
SIPART PS2 |
Simplified diagram showing the customer’s process. |
Ives Equipment
877-768-1600
https://ivesequipment.com
Calibration Services for Process Instrumentation
Measuring, positioning, recording, and controlling are important parameters in all industries processes. That’s why process instruments need to deliver the highest levels of precision and reliability.
Today calibration measuring devices is an important production and competitive activity due to steadily increasing demands on reliability, availability and performance.
Off-site Calibration Services
Siemens offers factory calibration services for Pressure, Temperature and Flowmeters from both our own and other manufacturers.On-site Calibration Services
Siemens offers on-site calibrations for Pressure, Temperature and Belt scale of our own products as well as those of other manufacturers.This video presents the viewer with explanations and concepts for the following:
- The Siemens Process Instrument Services overview.
- A description of field instrument technologies.
- What calibration means.
- Reasons for calibrating field devices.
- The importance of calibration and verification.
- What traceability means.
- Why accreditation is needed.
- The Siemens Factory Calibration process.
- The Siemens On-site Calibration process.
- What verification means.
- Reasons for verification.
- The Siemens On-site Verification process.
For more information, contact Ives Equipment:
(877) 768-1600
https://ivesequipment.com
What Are Pneumatic Actuators?
Internal view of rack and pinion actuator (Flowserve Worcester) |
Diaphragm actuator (Samson) |
Scotch yoke actuator (Samson) |
What Is IIOT? Understanding Industrial IoT and the Technology Behind It
An amalgamation of various technologies such as big data, machine learning, automation, and sensor data, industrial IoT enables a connected enterprise by combing the information and operational department of the industry. Let’s take a more detailed look at IIoT and the technology behind it.
Understanding IoT
A sector that is rapidly progressing and accounts for a major share in the global IoT spending, IIoT provides manufacturers and industrialists with a significant opportunity to not only monitor but also automate many complex manufacturing/industrial processes. IIoT, a network of connected devices, enables systems to collect, track, disseminate, and analyze valuable new insights.With these insights, industrial companies can make smarter, faster business decisions. By changing how industries work, IIoT is transforming them. Additionally, businesses are getting desired outcomes by integrating IIoT with other technological solutions. This includes providing production data in real time to unveil additional plant capacity, stopping cyber-attacks through increased visibility or control over the industrial control systems, and allowing identification of corrosion within a refinery pipe through predictive analytics.
IIoT is driving incredible levels of efficiency, productivity, and performance by combining technology, industrial big data analytics, cyber security, and machine-to-machine (M2M) communication. And, this has helped bring transformative operational and financial benefits to companies in the healthcare, aviation, manufacturing, oil & gas and power & energy sectors.
The Future of IIOT
It is predicted that the industrial internet could be worth over $200 billion by 2030. This is the reasons many companies have invested heavily in the industrial internet. Example of this is the Industrial Internet Consortium—an association founded companies to accelerate the development, adoption, and widespread use of interconnected people, machines and devices and intelligent analytics.SIEMENS is helping drive the industrial transformation by leveraging the potential of the industrial internet. The company predicts that in the future, IIoT will account for a major share of the global economy and will impact both energy production and energy consumption. Today, industries are making all sorts of efforts to modernize systems and equipment to meet new regulations, keep up with increasing speed and volatility of the market and deal with disruptive technologies.
Significant improvements to efficiency, safety, and profitability have been experienced by businesses that have embraced IIoT and this trend is expected to continue in the future as IoT technologies are more widely adopted.
If you want to learn more about IIoT, contact Ives Equipment. The can be reached by visiting https://ivesequipment.com or by calling (877) 768-1600.
Heat Exchangers for Hygienic Use
Alfa Laval heat exchangers are designed for heating and cooling, pasteurization and utility duties, and are able to handle even viscous products. By combining Alfa Laval thermal technologies with their many years of industrial experience, Alfa Laval can also provide you with a wide range of tailored solutions.
Ives Equipment
https://ivesequipment.com
(877) 768-1600
White Paper: Breakthrough Solenoid Valve Technology for Upstream Oil and Gas Heating Equipment
within gas fuel trains in process heating system burners. These systems are widely used by oil and gas firms as well by as original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) that produce gas heating equipment or burner management systems (BMSs) and controls in upstream oil and gas pipelines and tanks.
In recent years, a new generation of solenoid valve technology has been changing the shutoff valve game. Their modern designs provide pipeline and tank heating systems with robust, durable performance; safety; and regulatory compliance — all while increasing efficiency and productivity.
Many operators in North America and beyond are moving away from using pneumatically operated shutoff valves on their pipelines and tank heaters. They’re replacing them instead with valves introduced within the last decade by a few manufacturers — all based on solenoid shutoff valve technologies. White paper courtesy of ASCO.
Reversing the Failure Mode of a SAMSON 3271/3277 Actuator from Fail Open to Fail Close
INSTRUCTIONS
WARNING: Actuators with preloaded springs are under tension. They can be identified by three long bolts protruding from the bottom of the actuator. These should be removed last, and installed first upon re-assembly.
- With the actuator removed from the valve, unscrew the nuts and bolts on the diaphragm case.
- Lift off the top diaphragm case.
- Remove the diaphragm plate assembly consisting of the diaphragm plate, diaphragm, and actuator stem from the actuator case.
- Remove the springs.
- Clamp the bottom section of the actuator stem into a vise using protective jaws, ensuring the actuator stem is not damaged.
- Remove the collar nut.
- Remove the diaphragm plate from the actuator stem, flip upside-down and place them back onto the actuator stem.
- Re-install the collar nut.
- If necessary, apply a suitable lubricant to the actuator stem.
- Install the diaphragm plate assembly together with the actuator stem pointing downward into the bottom diaphragm case.
- Place the springs onto the diaphragm plate, centering them in the intended recesses. The final actuator spring range will determine the appropriate springs to be installed.
- Place the top of the actuator case onto the assembly. Ensure that the air connections on the cases are correctly aligned with each other.
- Fasten the top and bottom diaphragm cases together using the nuts and bolts. Observe tightening torques.
The Type 3271 pneumatic rolling diaphragm actuator is designed for all industrial applications. This actuator is a linear motion device ideal for valve sizes ranging from the micro-flow valves to large 20"+ globe control valves.
The Type 3277 pneumatic rolling diaphragm actuator with an integrated accessory attachment area is designed for all industrial applications. This actuator is a linear motion device ideal for valve sizes ranging from the micro-flow valves to 4" globe control valves.
The thrust force of the actuator depends on the actuator area, pneumatic supply pressure, spring stiffness, distance traveled, initial compression of the spring, the number of springs internal to the actuator, etc.
The Type 3271 and Type 3277 Pneumatic Actuators contain a rolling diaphragm and internal springs and have the following special features:
- Low overall height
- Powerful thrust at high stroking speed
- Low friction
- Various bench ranges by varying the number of springs or
- their compression
- No special tools required to change the bench range or to
- reverse the direction of action (also version with handwheel)
- Permissible operating temperatures from –60 to +120 °C
Sensidyne: Flammable & Toxic Gas Detection for Pipeline & Gas Processing Plants
Download the Flammable & Toxic Gas Detection for Pipeline & Gas Processing Plants guide book at the Ives Equipment website here.
Ives Equipment
https://ivesequipment.com
(877) 768-1600