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.

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

Excela™ Electronic Switch Increases Efficiency in Industrial Plants

Excela™ is the first switch of its kind. D designed to provide plant operators with an affordable way to upgrade to electronic performance, Excela™ has only two wires and retrofits quickly into existing mechanical switch infrastructure. This innovative, high-quality electronic pressure and temperature switch provide everything operators require for improved performance at an affordable price.

DOWNLOAD THE EXCELA™ BROCHURE HERE

Excela™ is particularly relevant for industrial plant upgrades because of the ease of maintenance and low costs associated with electronic switches installed in the existing two-wire mechanical switch infrastructure. Upgrades to ruggedly reliable, cutting-edge technology are simple, quick, and inexpensive. Unlike other options, which require reprogramming set points or other adjustments, making the transition difficult and costly, electronic switches provide an easy alternative.

The United Electric Excela™ provides:

• Two wire design allows for easy integration and lower initial costs.
• Simple programming and precision settings for better operational control and performance.
• LED display and red/green indicator lights provide visual status of operational performance.
• Rugged, solid state design delivers reliable performance, low maintenance, and lower cost of ownership.

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

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 

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.

Remote Monitoring and Maintenance Through Digitalization - Siemens SITRANS store IQ Smart Monitoring Apps

Siemens offers to our customers the ability to take process measurements, and to remotely monitor the activity and health of instrumentation, whether you have a SCADA, PLC or DCS system, or not. 

By utilizing Siemens’ ability to offer unparalleled flow, level, pressure, temperature, and weight measurement we can provide a broad range of process measurements and offer unequaled monitoring of the health and performance of those products. In conjunction with Siemens Mindsphere, information can then be uploaded to the cloud and used to provide you with real time monitoring of multiple assets, retrieving real time data from multiple remote sites for your user group, anywhere and anytime.

LEARN MORE ABOUT SIEMENS SITRANS STORE IQ SMART MONITORING HERE

https://www.ivesequipment.com/sitrans-store-iq

Ives Equipment

877-768-1600

https://ivesequipment.com

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?

Reprinted with permission from the United Electric Controls Blog.

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.

With over 65 years of experience, let us be your trusted and reliable source for staying operational during those harsh winter months.

As winter weather is settling in, the need to protect vital equipment is essential. With lower temperatures and brutal winds, exterior equipment is in danger of freezing which lengthens or completely halts the production process. Now is the time to assess your heat trace requirements.

Nelson Heat Trace products by Emerson incorporate traditional heat trace design philosophies with innovative installation, control, and monitoring technologies. Our solutions are perfect for keeping metal pipes or other exposed equipment working at the right temperature. With unpredictable weather conditions, it is critical to keep your equipment running; we offer total environmental coverage, no matter the elements.

LEARN MORE HERE

For more information about Emerson Nelson Heat Trace Products, contact Ives Equipment. Call them at (877) 768-1600 or visit https://ivesequipment.com/freezeprotect.

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.

DOWNLOAD THE SIEMENS DYNAMIC AND STATIC WEIGHING INSTRUMENTATION CATALOG HERE

For more information about SIEMENS process instrumentation products, contact Ives Equipment. Call them at (877) 768-1600 or visit them at https://ivesequipment.com.

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.

DOWNLOAD THE SIEMENS PROCESS ANALYTICS BROCHURE HERE

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)

For more information, contact Ives Equipment.

877-768-1600

https://ivesequipment.com

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.

DOWNLOAD THE P320/420 DATASHEET HERE

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