Siemens Process Instrumentation can help you improve plant efficiency and product quality by providing innovative, single-source measurement solutions. Siemens intelligent instruments work in harmony with the larger world of industrial automation and control systems, allowing for more process transparency and better business decisions. Profit from Siemens' expertise: a global full-service automation provider with service available 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.
For more information about Siemens Process Instruments, contact Ives Equipment by calling (877) 768-1600 or visit https://www.ivesequipment.com.Educational information on process control, industrial instrumentation, valves, valve automation and control valves. For additional information visit IvesEquipment.com or call 877-768-1600
Fixed Gas Detection Factory Service from Sensidyne and Ives Equipment
Fixed gas detectors are commonly found in large industrial facilities where explosive or noxious fumes, vapors or liquids exist. Fixed gas detectors are used to identify significant leaks and provide an early warning of leaking from a specific system. Relays and adjustable alarm point settings are used to configure fixed gas detection systems. Fixed gas detectors respond swiftly to atmospheric threats thanks to these settings. Opening and closing ventilation and exhaust fans, triggering visual and audio alerts, and closing valves are just a few of the functions they can do.
Industrial safety professionals understand how critical it is to keep essential safety instruments calibrated and serviced. Infrequent sensor calibration reduces the accuracy of gas detection readings and may result in the failure to detect gas leaks, resulting in an unprotected zone.
And now might be a good time to perform some preventative maintenance.
SITRANS LR560 Long-Range FMCW Radar Level Transmitter Improves Production, Inventory Control, and Costs at PET Container Plant
In the southeastern United States, a corporation manufactures and provides beverage containers for many bottling facilities. The company manufactures a wide range of polyethylene terephthalate (PET) bottles in various sizes for both carbonated soft drinks and water. PET bottles are manufactured in two steps using injection molding and blow-molding equipment.
The Level Application Challenge
The customer requires monitoring crystalline PET plastic pellets used to produce plastic soft drink bottles in storage tanks. The density of the crystalline pellets ranges from 30 pounds per cubic foot to 56 pounds per cubic foot, and the tanks can be up to 60 feet tall.
Level measurement for inventory control and maintaining material availability during production periods is critical. If the inventory is running low, production needs to know if they will need to swap tanks.
The customer had previously used a plumb-bob for level measurements and had tested ultrasonic level measurement tools from a different vendor. The plumb bob cord had become a mechanical annoyance, and the customer had encountered frequent echo loss using the ultrasonic level devices due to high dust levels.
The Level Transmitter Solution
The customer installed a trial unit of the Siemens SITRANS LR560 radar level transmitter, as the local Siemens salesperson suggested. The LR560 transmitter offers a continuous, consistent, and low-maintenance solution for level measuring. The SITRANS LR560 unit's plug-and-play functionality is suited for most solids level monitoring applications, including those involving severe dust and high temperatures.
Its one-of-a-kind design enables safe and straightforward programming with the intrinsically safe handheld programmer without opening the instrument's lid.
The Results
After a year-long trial, the customer ordered an additional nine instruments for their storage silos.
Benefits of the SITRANS LR560
- Time savings
- No maintenance is required. Because the SITRANS LR560 radar transmitter is a non-contacting instrument, eliminating the risk of product contamination as well as extended delays when plumb-bob cables get caught or broken.
- Improved process reliability
- Continuous level measurement is an accurate time indicator of how much is in the silo. A plumb-bob cable getting stuck at a certain distance can lead to misinterpretation of the actual level. After the line gets attached, there is no level history before the last request on-demand from the instrument.
- Easier to use
- The SITRANS LR560 transmitter uses a quick start wizard, and no further tuning or maintenance is required.
SITRANS LR560 Unique Product Features:
The local user interface allows for ease of configuration and setup. Since the customer only uses the removable, local display during setup, the customer can save money by moving the indicating component from unit to unit as needed. The narrow, 4-degree beam angle enables reliable depth penetration into the silo and ignores potential silo wall interference.
The SITRANS LR560 2-wire, 78 GHz FMCW radar level transmitter monitors solids in silos to a range of 100 meters or 328 feet. Its plug-and-play performance is ideal for most solids applications, including those with extreme dust and high temperatures to +392ºF. Its unique design provides safe and simple programming using the intrinsically safe handheld programmer without opening the instrument's lid.
The SITRANS LR560 transmitter includes an optional graphical local display interface (LDI) that improves setup and operation using an intuitive Quick Start Wizard and echo profile display for diagnostic support. The startup is easy using the QuickStart wizard with a few parameters required for essential operation. The SITRANS LR560 instrument measures virtually any solids material level up to a range of 328 feet.
To discuss this, or any process instrument application, contact Ives Equipment by calling (877) 768-1600 or visit https://www.ivesequipment.com.
The UE 12 Series - SIL 2, 316 SS, Pressure, Differential Pressure & Temperature Switches
The United Electric 12 Series hazardous location switches are excellent for use in demanding settings where space is limited. In most models, a snap-action Belleville spring assembly offers vibration resistance and extended switch life. In addition, the 316 stainless steel shell and hermetically sealed switch provide rugged environmental protection.
UE 12 SERIES FEATURES
- UL, cUL, ATEX and IECEx approved for Div. 1 or Zone 1 hazardous locations; CE compliant
- Dual seal compliant to ANSI/ISA 12.27.01 & NEC 501.17
- Many models compliant to NACE MR0175.
- Snap-acting Belleville spring for long life, vibration resistance and stability
- Optional Hastelloy and Monel sensor material for corrosive media
- Mounting bracket available for retrofit applications
- 72" leadwires
- 3-year warranty
For more information, contact Ives Equipment.
877-768-1600
https://ivesequipment.com
Remote Monitoring and Maintenance Through Digitalization - Siemens SITRANS store IQ Smart Monitoring Apps
Valve Positioners for Every Process Control Application
The Role of Valve Positioners
As a control valve accessory and the interface between the control system and valves, the valve positioner plays a vital role in ensuring reliability and optimal performance in your process control loops. Using a valve positioning device, you can adjust the valves' opening to allow for varying flow rates, from entirely on or off to anywhere in between.
Valve positioners move a valve in the right direction by increasing or reducing the actuator's air load pressure. The position of the valve stem or shaft corresponds to the setpoint from the control system.
On linear control valves, positioners mount to the pneumatic actuator's yolk or top framework. Rotary control valves mount to the end of the shaft. For either set-up, the positioner is attached mechanically to the valve stem or valve shaft, allowing the valve position to respond to the controller's demands.
Valve Positioners from Siemens
SIEMENS offers you a broad choice of positioners to ensure an ideal fit for every application. Visit this link to view a summary of their positioner offerings.
For more information, contact Ives Equipment.
877-768-1600
https://ivesequipment.com
How Often Should You Calibrate Your Toxic/Flammable Gas Detector?
When we think of gas detector calibration and how often it must be performed, it is dependent on many variables. First and foremost is determining if a gas sensor is out of calibration.
The best way to establish this is through a “bump” or functional test using a certified standard gas mixture of known concentration. If the device is functioning properly and still measuring gas within tolerance, calibration is unnecessary. Bump testing should be performed as regular maintenance on any gas detector. With the frequency depending on the sensor technology, manufacturer recommendations, specific company standard operating procedures and environment.
The two most common sensor types are NDIR and Electrochemical.
NDIR sensors tend not to drift and are calibrated prior to shipment. They require a bump testing frequency of 6 months or less to ensure performance is consistent. Calibration is only necessary if bump testing indicates the sensor is out of specification. Electrochemical sensors tend to drift over time and require bump testing every 3 to 6 months. Calibration is recommended annually or if bump testing indicates an out of spec sensor.
Due to the technology of electrochemical sensors, they will deplete over time and more rapidly if exposed to the target gas. They can also be poisoned if exposed to certain gases. If this is a risk, then bump testing more frequently is prudent. Calibration frequency can also be dependent on gas detector relevance. If it is a portable device, then it is pragmatic to bench calibrate before utilizing it in the field. If an area is planned to have significant traffic or work, then calibration should be performed for this event.
The sensor technology industry is constantly evolving, and with that newer sensors are assuring longer periods between calibration, or potentially no need to calibrate at all.
Using newly developed materials and software, sensors may last thousands of cycles without any performance decay, even if exposed to extreme environments or chemicals. The future is markedly promising.
Remember, the most important reason to calibrate your Vanguard Gas Detector is to provide accurate gas concentration readings in order that it could prevent illness, injury or death to personnel in the area. Your Vanguard may be exposed to extreme environments such as high or low temperatures, high or low humidity, or even harsh chemicals that may require more frequent calibration. With proper maintenance, your Vanguard can provide the safety your team deserves.
For more information about fixed toxic and flammable gas detection systems contact Ives Equipment. Call them at (877) 768-1600 or visit their website at https://ivesequipment.com.
The Weather is Changing. Freeze Protect Your Facility Now!
Ensure frigid temperatures don’t slow you down.
Nelson Electric Heat Trace.
LEARN MORE HERE
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.
Whatever You Need Weighed and Measured - Crushed Stone, Ore, Cement, Coal, Food, Chemicals - We Can Help.
What do you need weighed and measured? Crushed stone? We can do that. Ore? That too. Cement? Coal? Food? Chemicals? No problem.
With SIEMENS field-proven SIWAREX weighing electronics, SIWAREX load cells, conveyor belt scales, solids flow meters and weighfeeders, SIEMENS weighs your world - with first-class solutions that help you accomplish almost any weighing task.
SIEMENS delivers over 50 years of experience in the weighing technology for continuous or static weighing and batching applications to optimize your process costs and quality.
- Process weighing and gravimetric level measurement
- Dosing/Filling/Bagging scale
- Continuous Weighing
- Force/Torque measurement
SIWAREX weighing electronics for SIMATIC
- Seamless integrated weighing electronics for SIMATIC automation systems.
Stand-alone Weighing Electronics
- SIWAREX weighing terminals and Siemens Milltronics integrators for stand-alone applications.
SIWAREX Load Cells
- A wide selection of different designs, rounded off by mounting units to protect the against overloads or transverse loads.
Belt Scales
- Systems for belt weighing featuring simple mounting and low maintenance, complemented by our high-resolution speed sensors.
Weighfeeders
- Intelligent systems that continuously measure the load on the belt and the belt's velocity, from which they calculate the current delivery rate.
Solids flow Meters
- Low-maintenance solids flow meters for every application requiring continuous measurement of free-flowing bulk materials, powders, or granulates.
The SIEMENS SIPART PS100 Electropneumatic Positioner
The SIEMENS SIPART PS100 electropneumatic positioners are used to control the valve or damper position of pneumatic linear or part-turn actuators. The SIPART PS100 electropneumatic positioners control the valve according to the setpoint value. A hallmark of the SIPART PS100 is its own extremely low consumption of air. Thanks to the piezoelectric technology, compressed air is only required to move the valve. In the controlled 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
For more information contact Ives Equipment. Call Ives 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.
SIEMENS Process Analytics Products from Ives Equipment
SIEMENS Process Analytics Products from Ives Equipment
SIEMENS Analytical Products and Solutions is a leading provider of process analyzers and process analysis systems. They offer innovative analysis technologies, customized system engineering, sound knowledge of their applications, and professional support. Ives Equipment and SIEMENS Analytical Products and Solutions is your fully qualified and preferred partner for efficient solutions that integrate process analyzers in automation systems in the process industry.
SIEMENS Analytical Products Include:
- Process Gas Chromatograph - MAXUM
- Process Gas Analyzers - Series 6
- Multicomponent Gas Analyzer - ULTRAMAT 23
- UV Absorption NO, NO2, SO2 and H2S Measurement - SIPROCESS UV600
- Chemiluminescence (CLD) Measurement of NO or NOx in Gas Measurement - NOXMAT 700
- Laser Spectroscopy - LDS 6
- Laser Spectroscopy - SITRANS SL
- Continuous Emissions Monitoring System - (CEMS)
Hydrostatic Level Measurement Settings for SITRANS P320/420
SIEMENS SITRANS P320/P420 pressure transmitters are digital pressure transmitters featuring extensive user-friendliness and high accuracy. SITRANS P hydrostatic level technology can handle extreme conditions and is widely used in the environmental, chemical and petrochemical industries. SITRANS P pressure/differential pressure transmitters are extremely resistant to chemical and mechanical loads as well as commonly occurring electromagnetic interference.
SITRANS P320/420 is the first pressure transmitter on the market to feature remote safety handling. The instruments’ remote safety handling via SIMATIC PDM saves time during SIL commissioning: rather than manually programming each individual device across a facility, operators can access transmitters from the control room. This reduces the commissioning time in applications requiring functional safety. Both pressure transmitters have an increased proof test interval over other devices on the market with testing periods of up to fifteen years rather than every two. This lowers maintenance costs significantly.
For more information, 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

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
Monitor and Control Your Energy Efficiency in More Ways with the Siemens SITRANS FEC920 Energy Meter
Let's face it - monitoring and controlling your building’s energy efficiency is more important than ever. Siemen's diverse portfolio of flow and temperature meters combined with the versatile SITRANS FEC920 Thermal Energy Meter provides you the real-time data you need to verify your equipment’s operational efficiency and more effectively manage your energy usage. The SITRANS FEC920 Thermal Energy Meter is the perfect solution for taking back control of your energy costs.
The FEC920 Thermal Energy Meter can be incorporated into nearly any flow system at use in your building. For new applications, Siemens can design a reliable and cost-effective energy monitoring solution with our extensive line of flow and temperature sensors.
For more information, download the SITRANS FEC920 Thermal Energy Meter brochure from this Ives Equipment web page.
For more immediate assistance, call Ives Equipment at 877-768-1600 or visit their web site at https://ivesequipment.com.
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.