Mastering Industrial Efficiency: The Synergy of Ives Equipment and Siemens in Process Weighing

Process weighing is essential in manufacturing and industrial applications. It ensures that products meet specific quality and safety standards. Even slight weight variations can significantly influence the product's quality, safety, and effectiveness in industries where accuracy is critical.

There are two primary methods of process weighing: continuous and static.

Continuous weighing monitors materials as they continuously flow through a system. This method is prevalent in industries that handle bulk materials, such as the food, beverage, or chemical sectors, where raw materials consistently move through production lines. Continuous weighing ensures consistency in the quantity and quality of materials throughout production.

In contrast, static weighing focuses on weighing stationary items and is used when products need validation against a particular weight or standard. For instance, in packaging, static weighing ensures that packages have the correct product quantity before being sent to customers.

Batching technology ensures that products or raw materials are grouped into specific, predetermined amounts in tandem with these weighing techniques. Batching provides the right mix of components in sectors where various ingredients form a product, resulting in uniform product quality. This process is especially vital in the food and pharmaceutical sectors, where precision and consistency are crucial for health and safety.

Siemens industrial weighing systems are a top pick for these technologies. Their systems blend accuracy, durability, and cutting-edge technology, making them suitable for diverse industrial uses. Siemens boasts a legacy of innovative solutions and dependability, ensuring their weighing systems deliver superior engineering and sturdy performance. Their equipment smoothly integrates with current production setups and offers adaptable solutions to cater to the specific needs of each application. Plus, with Siemens' extensive global service network, businesses can expect prompt expert support and maintenance.

In summary, process weighing is a determining factor in the industrial realm, assuring product quality, safety, and efficiency. Leveraging the technological strengths of Siemens industrial weighing systems, industries can achieve the meticulousness and dependability necessary to thrive in the competitive marketplace.

610-768-1600
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Siemens's Clamp-on Flow: The Benchmark in Installation Ease

Clamp-on ultrasonic flowmeters are among the most cost-effective and accurate technologies for measuring volumetric flow and are preferred in flow measurement for several reasons:

• Non-Intrusive Measurement: Unlike other flowmeters, clamp-on ultrasonic devices are installed on the exterior of the pipe. This means there's no need to cut into the pipe or halt the process for installation, leading to minimal disruption.
• Low Maintenance: Since they are externally mounted and don’t have any moving parts, these flowmeters typically require less maintenance compared to their intrusive counterparts.
• Flexibility: These flowmeters can be used for various pipe sizes and materials. Their design allows for adjustments, making them suitable for a wide range of applications.
• Cost-Effective: Installation is generally quicker and easier than intrusive meters, reducing labor costs. Plus, there's no need to purchase additional fittings or shut down the system for installation.
• Safe Measurement: Because they don't come into direct contact with the liquid or gas being measured, there's a reduced risk of contamination or leakage. This is particularly beneficial when dealing with hazardous or corrosive substances.
• Wide Range of Applications: They can measure the flow of liquids, gases, and steam, making them versatile for different industries and applications.
• No Pressure Drop: Since they are non-intrusive, there's no added resistance or obstruction in the flow, ensuring that the system operates at its optimal efficiency.
• Ability to Measure Dirty Liquids: Some ultrasonic flowmeters can measure flows even when the liquid has some impurities or particles, which might be challenging for other meter types.

Even though clamp-on flowmeters come with a low cost of ownership and advanced features, they aren't as popular as other established flow measurement systems. Many customers view clamp-on meters as challenging to install and operate. However, Siemens has taken proactive steps to make the installation straightforward.

Siemens designed the SITRANS FS230 to enhance the user experience, especially for those new to clamp-on technology. This enhanced usability stems from the transmitter's advanced Human Machine Interface (HMI). This onboard system provides a complete set of help texts that explain menu items and guide users during the setup.

The HMI actively guides the end-user throughout the installation, offering assistance at every phase, ensuring even beginners achieve professional results.

What distinguishes the Siemens Clamp-on flow from competitors is its user-friendliness, leading to more satisfied customers.

For more information about Siemens clamp-on flow measurement in the Mid-Atlantic states, contact Ives Equipment.

610-768-1600
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Plant Efficiency: Innovative Process Instrumentation Solutions by Siemens

In process instrumentation, Siemens has set a new benchmark by introducing cutting-edge control solutions. Leveraging top-tier technology, Siemens has engineered an array of innovative measurement systems that have the potential to redefine operational norms within manufacturing plants.

The primary objective of these solutions is to enhance plant efficiency, accomplished through process optimization techniques that minimize the potential for wastage and eliminate bottlenecks that could hamper operational speed. These advanced measurement systems significantly improve plant productivity and effectiveness by improving the overall process flow.

For more information about Siemens process instruments in the Mid-Atlantic states, contact Ives Equipment.

610-768-1600

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Embracing the Future: The Transition from Siemens MFA 4p to the Feature-Rich SITRANS WM300 MFA

For many years, the Siemens MFA 4p has set the benchmark for motion sensing in numerous industrial plants. It's a highly sensitive single set-point motion sensor system primarily used for detecting changes in the motion and speed of rotating, reciprocating, or conveying equipment. It uses the Doppler effect to detect movement by bouncing a microwave signal off a moving object. The system then analyzes the reflected signal to determine if the device is moving at an appropriate speed. Its long history includes applications in various industries, including mining, chemical, and bulk material handling. It's excellent in detecting equipment malfunctions early, enabling proactive maintenance and preventing costly equipment damage or downtime.

In 2021, Siemens introduced the more advanced WM300 MFA. Despite being approximately 1/4 the size of the MFA 4p, the WM300 MFA boasts significantly greater capabilities. It can serve not only as a motion failure alarm, similar to the MFA 4p, but can also function as a non-contacting tachometer. The following key features set the WM300 apart:

Key WM300 MFA Features:

• Its dual channel design enables the monitoring of two applications using a single electronic system.
• Unlike the MFA 4p, which requires two separate configurations for slow speed and standard speed, the WM300 MFA has the ability to accommodate both in the same unit.
• Optionally, it can provide an analog output, offering a signal proportional to the rotation speed of the machine.
• When used with the remote amplifier, it's compatible with all existing MSP probes.
• The WM300 MFA is designed to be space-efficient, with its size being approximately 1/4 that of the MFA 4p.

Given the rapid advancements in motion-sensing technology and the demand for more precise, reliable, and efficient operations, it is an opportune moment to consider a significant upgrade for your plant. The time may be ripe to embrace the future by transitioning from the Siemens MFA 4p, a long-standing benchmark in the industry, to the more advanced, feature-rich WM300 MFA. This strategic shift could drastically enhance your plant's operational performance and offer increased versatility, making your systems more robust and ready to meet the dynamic challenges of the modern industrial landscape.

Ives Equipment

610-768-1600

https://ivesequipment.com

Meeting the Highest Standards: SITRANS FS230's New FM Class I Division 1 and Equivalent Certifications

The SITRANS FS230 clamp-on industrial ultrasonic flow measurement system now boasts FM (Factory Mutual) Class I Division 1 and equivalent certifications. These enhanced approvals equip the FS230 to tackle the most demanding hazardous liquid or gas flow applications while maintaining top-notch performance and user-friendly operation.

The system features a "Digital Sensor Link" (DSL) as an external communication module for the SITRANS FST030 transmitter, specifically designed for hazardous applications. The DSL processes analog signals from the transducers, promptly converting the measured values into digital flow data. This information is then sent to the transmitter for processing. As a result, the system produces a robust, hazardous area-approved signal that is virtually impervious to interference, even in cable runs of up to 500 feet.

In nearly any hazardous environment where process flow must be measured without disrupting the pipe or the medium, the FS230 clamp-on ultrasonic flow meter presents an ideal solution.

Factory Mutual (FM) is an independent, third-party certification organization that tests and approves various products and equipment to ensure their safety and reliability in industrial and commercial settings. FM Global, the parent company, is a world-renowned insurance company specializing in property risk management and loss prevention.

In terms of hazardous area classification, Class 1, Division 1 (C1D1) refers to an environment where flammable gases, vapors, or liquids exist under normal operating conditions or may frequently exist due to maintenance, repair, or leakage. This classification is critical for industries like oil and gas, petrochemical, and chemical processing, where a spark or heat source could lead to an explosion or fire.

FM approval for C1D1 hazardous areas signifies that the equipment, devices, or products have undergone rigorous testing and meet stringent safety standards for use in these highly hazardous environments. This approval is critical because it helps to:

1. Ensure the safety of employees working in these areas.
2. Prevent catastrophic accidents or disasters due to equipment failure or malfunction.
3. Minimize the likelihood of costly downtime, property damage, or loss of production.
4. Provide a high level of confidence in the performance and reliability of the equipment.
5. Demonstrate compliance with relevant industry standards and regulatory requirements.

In summary, FM approval for Class 1, Division 1 hazardous areas is crucial to maintaining a safe working environment, protecting valuable assets, and ensuring compliance with industry standards and regulations.

Ives Equipment

610-768-1600

https://ivesequipment.com

Interface Detection in Differentiated Liquid Pipe Flow with Clamp-on Ultrasonic Meter

Interface detection in differentiated liquid pipe flow refers to identifying and monitoring the boundary between two immiscible fluids (liquids that do not mix) flowing through a pipe in process control applications. In industries such as oil and gas, petrochemicals, and wastewater treatment, it is common to have a line transporting two or more immiscible liquids, often referred to as a multiphase flow. Efficient and accurate interface detection is crucial for optimizing separation processes, minimizing product contamination, and preventing damage to equipment.

Ultrasonic sensors transmit high-frequency sound waves through the fluid and measure the time it takes for the waves to reflect the interface. By analyzing the received signals, the sensors can determine the position of the interface within the pipe.

In process control, interface detection is often combined with other control strategies, such as flow rate control or temperature control, to ensure the efficient and safe operation of the process. Accurate interface detection allows for better process optimization, reduces the risk of equipment damage due to improper fluid handling, and improves overall product quality.

The Siemens SITRANS FS230 clamp-on ultrasonic interface detector is an exceptional option for applications that necessitate the detection of differentiated liquid pipe flow. It achieves this by computing the sonic velocity and pressure while adjusting for temperature variations. This direct measurement approach for interface detection leads to significant savings in equipment utilization and slop oil treatment.

The FS230 interface detector can provide oil companies with highly accurate and dependable flow and interface information for a broad range of applications, such as:

• Detecting gasoline interfaces
• Identifying multi-product interfaces
• Determining product types
• Managing automatic batching control
• Detecting entrained water and gas presence in all products

Ives Equipment

610-768-1600

https://ivesequipment.com

Sanitary and Hygienic Tubing, Fittings, Valves, and Pumps

Sanitary and hygienic tubes, fittings, valves, and pumps are used in a variety of industries, such as food and beverage, pharmaceuticals, and biotechnology, to convey materials and fluids in a safe and clean manner. These types of equipment are designed to meet strict standards for cleanliness and sanitation, which helps to prevent contamination and maintain the purity of the products being transported.

One of the key advantages of using sanitary and hygienic equipment is that it is designed to minimize the potential for bacterial growth. This is achieved through the use of materials that are resistant to corrosion and easy to clean, such as stainless steel and other high-grade alloys. The surfaces of these components are typically smooth and polished, which reduces the ability of bacteria to adhere to them and makes it easier to remove any contaminants that may be present.

Another important factor that contributes to the safety and purity of products conveyed through sanitary and hygienic equipment is the use of high-quality seals and gaskets. These components are designed to prevent the leakage of fluids and minimize the potential for cross-contamination between different products. They also help to maintain the integrity of the system by preventing the ingress of dust, dirt, and other contaminants.

Valves used in the sanitary and hygienic applications are designed to be easily disassembled and cleaned, some of them even can be cleaned in place (CIP). This makes it much easier to maintain the system and keep it in a sanitary condition. Pumps also have a similar design feature like the valves. The design of the pumps is critical in maintaining the purity of the products being transported. They are typically constructed with high-grade materials and feature smooth, polished surfaces that are easy to clean.

In summary, the use of sanitary and hygienic equipment provides a number of advantages when it comes to maintaining the purity and safety of products. The equipment is designed to minimize the potential for contamination, through the use of materials that are resistant to corrosion and easy to clean, high-quality seals and gaskets, and design that enable easy cleaning. All of these factors contribute to a safer and more efficient system that can help to ensure the quality and purity of the products being conveyed.

Ives Equipment

610-768-1600

https://ivesequipment.com

Low Cost Toxic, O2 and Combustible Fixed-point Gas Detection

Fixed-point gas detection systems detect and alarm for various toxic, combustible, and oxygen-deficient gases. The application of fixed-point gas detectors occurs in many industrial and commercial applications, such as refining, chemical processing plants, petrochemical plants, oil refineries, steel mills, and other heavy manufacturing facilities. Fixed-point detectors are used in many applications to detect the presence of a given gas in the atmosphere and to generate an alarm signal when that level is significant enough.

SensAir is a fixed-point gas detector system of industrial quality and affordability used for various industrial and commercial applications, including ambient gas monitoring for safety applications. Models are available for detecting hazardous gas, combustible gas, and oxygen shortage.

Ives Equipment Sales Engineers will assist you in specifying and applying the proper fixed-point gas detection system for your requirements. 

Ives Equipment

610-768-1600

https://ivesequipment.com

Advanced Level Instrumentation for Any Application

The term industrial level measurement refers to essential measurements taken at an industrial site, manufacturing plant, processing facility, or large building requiring monitoring the level of fluids in tanks, silos, bins, pipes, or other vessels. Many industrial level transmitter and switch technologies are available depending on what kind of industry or manufacturing process is measured. 

Industrial level measurement is crucial because it helps maintain and improve a product's quality efficiently and safely, with fewer environmental concerns.

For example, to maintain a product's quality, the measurement determines the weight or volume of ingredients or whether or not a particular production process produces an acceptable level of defect-free products. Level measurement provides continuous improvement by using feedback from transmitters and switches to make changes in production processes and equipment. Industrial level measurement is crucial because it helps to maintain and improve the quality of the product. Level measurement applies to many industries, including manufacturing, agriculture, and food production.

Industrial level measurement is essential for ensuring the safety of people working in plants, factories, and other industrial settings. 

Industrial level measurement systems monitor and control industrial processes to ensure they run smoothly and safely. Level transmitters and switches are commonplace at companies that produce chemicals, pharmaceuticals, and other substances that need special attention and care. Overfilling or underfilling could affect the health and welfare of workers and communities.

Industrial level measurement is essential for protecting the environment from spills and leaks of hazardous material. 

Many times the detection of a leak of hazardous material at an industrial plant cannot be done by a human being with the naked eye. Industrial level measurement is necessary to detect the possibility of dangerous environmental materials escaping into the surrounding area, ensuring that they do not seep into water sources and contaminate them.

Siemens level switches and transmitters are arguably the most advanced on the market, improving product quality, plant safety, and environmental protection. 

The Siemens approach of capacitance technology creates an appropriate level measurement method for state-of-the-art processes. These three unique features in Siemens technology support this:

1. Inverse frequency shift applies to all Siemens capacitance instruments - a small level change creates a significant difference in frequency, providing better resolution.
2. Active Shield for the high-end switches and continuous transmitters - Ignores process connection interference, thereby significantly improving the ability to detect the presence or absence of materials with very low dielectric constants.
3. Sensitive Tip applied to Siemens standard point level switches - sensor Tip does not see the build-up at the process connection.

Additional features are included in level controllers like the SITRANS LT500 HydroRanger with features that improve processes, ensure safety and help the environment.

• Wall cling reduction: Extends maintenance intervals and prevents detection of false level readings (caused by the fat ring) that can lead to messy spills.
• Pump run-on: Runs pumps beyond their "off' setpoint for a short period to reduce sediment accumulation.
• Pump exercise: Runs pumps if they have been inactive for some time.
• Time to spill: Calculates the remaining time while filling/emptying before reaching an overspill/empty condition (set the time according to the application's critical condition).
• Pump interlock: Removes a pump from rotation (by digital input). If a pump fails to start, the event is stamped and logged.
• Pumped volume: Calculated by rate estimation or pump cycle.
• Pump energy savings: Five peak periods supported.

For more information on Siemens level instrumentation, contact Ives Equipment. Call 610-768-1600 or visit https://ivesequipment.com.

Siemens SITRANS P Pressure Instrumentation from Ives Equipment

SITRANS P from Siemens is a complete range of measurement instruments for measuring relative pressure, differential pressure and absolute pressure. In addition  to high measuring accuracy and ruggedness, the modular system features  superb operating convenience and functionality as well as a perfect safety concept.

Ives Equipment

610-768-1600

https://ivesequipment.com

Automation and Control Solutions for Hydrogen Production and Alternative Energy

One of the most important ways to reduce CO2 emissions in the chemical, oil, gas, paper, energy and transportation sectors is to generate and use green hydrogen from renewable sources. Electrolysis can convert electricity generated from wind, hydropower, or solar energy into hydrogen, which can then be stored in tanks, transported, and used whenever and wherever needed. Hydrogen's use is ubiquitous -  in CO2-neutral transportation, such as fuel cell vehicles, the chemical industry, steel manufacturing, and power plants. 

Process control is a primary and centralized function that responds to changes in operational consistency and load demand. Online monitoring and remote sensing advances, particularly for open-loop operations, are operated by controls and automation to develop actionable information for closed-loop control functions. In these situations, innovative automation solutions, such as those specified and implemented by Ives Equipment with flexible and integrated control technology, are required. 

With a focus on technical and economic feasibility for producing alternative energy and hydrogen fuels, Ives Equipment automation expertise provides exceptional control system experience that saves time and money and improves safety.

Ives Equipment

610-768-1600

https://ivesequipment.com

Nelson Heat Trace Design Suite by Emerson: Online Software Used to Develop Bills of Materials and Detailed Design Documents

Nelson Heat Trace Design Suite is an interactive website that enhances client productivity by simplifying and speeding up the specification of Nelson's products. Thanks to this solution, customers may use Nelson heating cables to swiftly create and install a broad range of systems. It is a web-based utility accessible 24 hours a day, seven days a week from any Internet-connected desktop or mobile device and used to develop bills of materials and detailed heat trace designs.

Nelson Design Suite began with Nelson Heat Trace Designer and has since expanded to include commercial applications such as Nelson Snow Melt, Roof and Gutter Deicing, Floor Warming, Frost Heave, and Hot Water Maintenance. 

An individual user or a workgroup submits project information and the data for ongoing and finished projects. The data are readily shared, minimizing needless duplication of labor. Importing project information from customer-generated spreadsheets and database files is also available, resulting in a more straightforward design process. 

Nelson Design Suite runs from Emerson's secure network, and access to the password-protected site requires email verification.

Ives Equipment will collaborate with customers to design their systems or provide onsite training on how to use the program and offer engineered isometric installation drawings.

Ives Equipment.
610-768-1600
https://ivesequipment.com

Control Performance Analytics (CPA) by Siemens - Efficient Plant Optimization Using Automated Control Loop Analysis

As industrial process applications grow in complexity, production management goals for process safety, flexibility, and product quality become ever-more ambitious. More transparency is needed to detect the potential for optimization and process fine-tuning.

In process industries, control performance is vital for reaching production targets. The single control loop is the initial core for each process application. Studies show that about half of all control loops are not well-tuned, whether due to non-optimum parameters, manual operation, oscillating controlled systems, or mechanical issues with the control valves.

In addition, process engineers in large-scale process plants are typically in charge of hundreds of control loops. Evaluating control performance across various process states in correlation with alarms requires a lot of time and expertise. Detecting possible areas for optimization and tuning control loops is not a one-time job due to continual process changes and wear and tear on equipment.

CPA is a cloud-based managed service that enhances process data transparency and control loop optimization. Collection and analysis of plant-wide information give the customer complete control over data. Identification of control loop states comes from automatic KPI (key performance indicators) calculation, capable of identifying setpoint tracking, steady-state problems, and even static or sliding friction in-process valves. The application also allows automated analysis of new parameter sets to test the control loops without impeding plant operations.

LEARN MORE ABOUT SIEMENS CPA HERE

For more information, contact Ives Equipment. Call 610-768-1600 or visit https://ivesequipment.com.

The Siemens SITRANS LT500 Continuous Level Measurement Controller

Siemens introduces the SITRANS LT500 level, flow, and pump controllers for radar and ultrasonic transmitters, as well as any other two-wire 4-20 mA device. These instruments provide the accuracy and dependability required by a wide range of applications, from simple level control to complex pumping routines. SITRANS LT500 is an appealing option for your controller applications, with up to 2 measuring points, six control or alarm relays, two discrete inputs, three analog outputs, and communications options. 

Learn more about the SITRANS LT500 and download the datasheet here.

Ives Equipment.
610-768-1600
https://ivesequipment.com

SensAlarm FLEX All-in-1 Universal Fixed Point Gas Detection System

Turn-Key Solution for Wide Range of Critical Safety Applications

SensAlarm FLEX is a complete gas detection system in a single enclosure. The system includes built-in LED strobes, a horn, and a highly visible 7" color LCD screen. SensAlarm FLEX is built around an advanced Intelligent Sensor platform that includes non-volatile memory for all key application variables and sensor data. A non-intrusive user interface allows for operational customization as well as access to sensor life parameters, TWA alarms, calibration data, and other data with date and time recording.

SensAlarm Plus is the ideal gas monitoring solution for labs, gas cylinder storage, industrial work areas, control room protection, or other applications where users benefit from a packaged gas detection system that works with all SensAlert Plus sensors.

All Sensidyne Plus Series sensors are supported by the SensAlarm FLEX sensor interfaces. Remote mounting the sensor up to 100 feet away simplifies monitoring in high, low, or adjacent locations. When a sensor is plugged in, the automatic uploading of variables, alarm values, and sensor information greatly simplifies installation and maintenance. Transportable calibration enables sensor calibration at the point of installation or in a workshop, followed by sensor hot-swapping in the field.

For more information contact Ives Equipment.
610-768-1600
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100% Hygienic Tank Cleaning Coverage & Water and Chemical Savings with Alfa Laval PlusClean® Nozzle

In the food, dairy beverage farmer, and personal care industries, sufficient tank cleaning can challenge certain products. It's not just about the tank walls. Internals like agitators connections and coils can create shadow areas with a high risk of product contamination. Solving this has meant techniques like spray balls, retractable cleaning devices, or the fill and dump method. These consume time, significant cleaning media, and energy, and they compromise hygienic safety.

Alfa Laval PlusClean® makes this challenge a thing of the past. This new cleaning nozzle ensures 100% cleaning coverage, even in shadow areas. Installed flush with the tank wall it, doesn't interfere with other internals in the tank and can even be used in tanks with components close to the walls.

Activated during cleaning-in-place, PlusClean® reduces water and chemical consumption by up to 80 percent and delivers a spray pattern optimized to cover shadow areas. It thereby guarantees 100 cleaning coverage regardless of your specific tank design, while a revolutionary built-in adjustment function makes installation and operation effective and easy.

PlusClean® is available with a pneumatic driven option combined with alpha level think top for intelligent control. It also comes in an ultra-pure version with the comprehensive Alfa Laval Q-doc documentation package.

With 100 cleaning coverage, the alpha level PlusClean® cleaning nozzle eliminates risk while reducing water and cleaning media consumption. It's easy to install, simple to use, and delivers rapid payback time.

For more information, contact:

Ives Equipment

https://ivesequipment.com

(877) 768-1600 

Protect Your Process Equipment and Your Production Uptime with Heat Tracing Products from Ives Equipment

Allow us to be your trusted and dependable source for staying operating during the severe winter months, based on our decades of experience in industrial and commercial freeze protection. 

As winter weather begins to set in, it is critical to take precautionary measures to preserve essential equipment. Because of the lower temperatures and strong winds, outdoor gear is at risk of freezing, which can cause the production process to prolong or halt. It is now necessary to evaluate your heat trace requirements. Keep the water flowing at low ambient temperatures with industrial pipe tracing. Use Nelson snow melting systems to prevent snow and ice accumulation on driveways, sidewalks, loading ramps, and other paved surfaces. Finally, don't forget about the roof and gutter de-icing products, which prevent the formation of ice dams on roofs, gutters, and downspouts anywhere.

Emerson's Nelson Heat Trace solutions combine conventional heat trace design ideas with cutting-edge installation, control, and monitoring technology to create a more efficient and reliable system. Our solutions are ideal for ensuring that metal pipes or other exposed equipment operate at the appropriate temperature. It is vital to maintain your equipment operational in the face of unpredictable weather circumstances; we provide complete environmental covering, no matter what the weather throws at you.

Ives Equipment
610-768-1600
https://ivesequipment.com

Lead-Free Solenoid Valves

Lead is a highly poisonous substance. Manufacturers of drinking water fountains, reverse osmosis systems, coffee makers, and commercial kitchen equipment are affected by strict US safety standards. Soldering flux having a lead content of more than 0.2 percent, or a weighted average of 0.25 percent lead in the wetted surfaces of pipes, pipe fittings, plumbing fittings, and fixtures, cannot be used in a lead-free system. Lead-free is a cumulative term under the law. 

As a result, Ives Equipment and ASCO offer various lead-free valve options that comply with the new rules, are NSF certified, and are available in the industry's most comprehensive range of pipe sizes, pressure or temperature ratings, and flow coefficients. 

Customers can meet the safety regulations for components of purifying water systems by using reliable, readily available NSF-certified fluid control products and solutions.  ASCO offers the broadest selection of pipe size, pressure or temperature ratings, and flow coefficients in the market, all of which meet the new rules. 

LEAD-FREE BRASS SOLENOID VALVES

ASCO offers lead-free brass construction in their general service solenoid valves with the same proven performance, reliability, and quick availability as their brass solenoid valve equivalents. 

PLASTIC AND COMPOSITE SOLENOID VALVES

Solenoid valves made of composites or plastics have the benefit of being lead-free from the outset. They come in a variety of pipe diameters and shapes, including those used in drinking water systems. For residential and commercial drinking water services, these valves are presently possibly the most popular option. ASCO offers a comprehensive selection of NSF-certified composite valves to fulfill the needs of the industry. 

STAINLESS STEEL VALVES

Stainless steel, another lead-free option, provides compliance in a durable metal body. This material's valves have the most extensive range of properties in categories, including pipe size, pressure or temperature ratings, and flow coefficient in the industry (Cv).

For more information, contact Ives Equipment.
877-768-1600
https://ivesequipment.com

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. 

To learn more about Sensidyne's Fixed Gas Detection Factory Service contact Ives Equipment. Call them at (877) 768-1600 or visit them at https://ivesequipment.com.

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.