• SCT AutoAdjust – It’s All About the Perfect Fit
• Wednesday, June 19, 2024
• 3 – 4 PM (CEST)

Register here

SCT AutoAdjust features high-precision hydraulic stator clamping that automatically adjusts at the touch of a button for consistent pumping performance and increased productivity. This innovative technology, accessible from control rooms or directly at the point of use via the SEEPEX Pump Monitor, ensures maximum performance and reliability while prioritizing operational safety. With its versatility, SCT AutoAdjust proves indispensable for critical applications across industries and media types.

Since its launch, SCT AutoAdjust has garnered attention for its innovative design and potential cost-saving benefits. Tobias Blumenhofer and Tobias Mänz, Global Product Managers SCT AutoAdjust, will lead the webinar and provide insight into how this intelligent pumping concept can streamline operations and reduce operating costs.

The post Save Time and Costs with SEEPEX: Webinar on SCT AutoAdjust – Revolutionizing Pump Efficiency appeared first on Fluid Handling Pro.

The SYGEF ECTFE piping system from GF Piping Systems has been developed to handle extreme chemical applications under high pressure and high temperatures. The excellent material resistance offers long-term safety in applications with highly concentrated chemicals such as sulphuric acid and hydrogen peroxide as well as other bases and oxidizing agents. Users benefit from a fast installation, long system life, and lower operating costs. GF Piping Systems ensures the reliability of ECTFE systems through the use of advanced infrared welding technology.

For applications involving hazardous media, the Swiss company will focus on the double containment piping system CONTAIN-IT Plus. Its compact and lightweight plastic components are corrosion-free and can be adapted to the needs of a specific application. As CONTAIN-IT Plus was developed according to the DVS 2210-2 guideline, the connection of the inner pipe can be verified before closing the outer pipe which increases the overall safety of the system.

When it comes to safety, reliability, and efficiency, process automation plays a major role. GF Piping Systems will therefore also display process automation solutions at ACHEMA 2024. The company offers a wide range of valves and actuation options, from pneumatic to digitally connected smart devices. Measurement and control technology allows customers to not only monitor and control their water treatment installations, but also to optimize processes and efficiency.

Joost Geginat, President of GF Piping Systems, is looking forward to visiting the ACHEMA 2024 and emphasizes the importance of this leading trade fair: “To meet the challenges of the modern chemical process industry, companies need innovative technologies to improve operational safety and overcome environmental problems. With our complete solutions, we enable our customers to operate their plants efficiently and secure a high water quality, in accordance with the specific requirements for applications such as water treatment or dosing and filling processes.”

The post GF Piping Systems at ACHEMA 2024: Solutions For High Eater Quality And Process Safety in the Chemical Industry appeared first on Fluid Handling Pro.

Based on flow rates and projections, its cartridge filtration has seen more than 350 billion liters of water filtered by UK water companies in the past year, ensuring a safe, clean and consistent supply to tens of millions of homes and businesses.

In recent weeks, the 39-year-old firm has highlighted how its ‘quick and able’ manufacturing of process filtration equipment can support customers’ sustainability, compliance and savings on capital expenditure.

In the days after the Devon parasite outbreak, a series of inquiries came in and engineers turned round two confirmed orders for skid rentals in the south of England including one they readied for emergency collection on a Sunday evening. A third order is awaiting confirmation.  

At the same time, a rental skid that had been in use and returned for refurbishment was purchased by a water company for permanent deployment.

As well as highlighting the benefits of good quality filtration to the water industry in the UK, experts from Amazon Filters reiterated the message to global customers when they exhibited at IFAT Munich, the world’s largest trade fair for environmental technologies.

On their stand was a specially-shipped ‘plug-and-play’ skid containing three housing vessels and 40 filter cartridges.

It became a major talking point for visitors to the exhibition booth keen to discuss potential applications in times of flood, drought and other emergencies and supply disruptions.

Since the show, held in mid-May, Amazon Filters has received multiple inquiries for cartridge filtration solutions from water companies in Germany and Austria which it is now following up.

Head of Marketing David Ridealgh, who was on the IFAT stand, said: “We’ve seen a marked rise in inquiries and orders since we reiterated our message to water companies here in the UK and elsewhere that we have a range of critical filtration solutions to support them that can go straight into action on site.”

Among products commonly used by water companies is Amazon Filters’ absolute-rated depth filter SupaSpun II.

This is officially approved for use in the UK public water supply under the Drinking Water Inspectorate’s Regulation 31. 

A sustainable polypropylene version of SupaSpun II has just been released and in March, after extensive testing, it gained KTW DVGW certification for safety in the gas and water sectors under German regulations by the standards body DVGW.  

The various product improvements and certifications comply fully with the recasting of the EU Water Directive (DWD) 98/83/EC and its new rules on cartridge filtration.

The directive revised down the previous indicator level of turbidity at the tap from <1NTU to <0.3NTU, something Amazon Filters had already achieved.

The post Process Filter Manufacturer Sees ‘Marked Rise’ in Water Industry Orders appeared first on Fluid Handling Pro.

Small Valves, Big Impact

Given that power plants can comprise hundreds of these components, flow control is a critical starting point for any plant manager looking to increase efficiency and uptime. These valves operate in a highly hazardous environment, handling high pressures, temperatures and erosive risks during daily operation. As such, resilience is expected as standard.

Yet as hardy as they are designed to be, both wear and tear and maintenance and replacement works are built into day-to-day plant operations. However, at a time when process costs are rising, any factor that increases the rate of deterioration must be identified and addressed. Most prominent among these is the issue of wet steam.

Otherwise known as flashing condensate, wet steam occurs when saturated steam and condensate water molecules combine. This is often the result of insufficient plant drain arrangements, incorrect bypass operation, improper valve calibration or inadequate pre-warming processes. Regardless of its origin, the effect of wet steam remains the same – the erosion of trim components used in critical service applications, hampering productivity.

Domino Effects

Flashing condensate can damage the component’s plug and seat sealing surfaces. This ensuing erosion is a significant cause of steam leakage. In turn, this sees rising downstream temperatures, with spray water valves operating at lower openings and water valve trims becoming eroded. Downstream pipe cracking occurs as a result.

Alongside physical damage, the consequences of steam leakage can include a loss of operator control – a potentially catastrophic situation in power plants reliant on unchanging conditions during production. Similarly, flashing condensate may lead to excessive noise and vibration that can increase energy loss and heat rate, further driving up consumption.

The shift of sustainability from a preference to a priority further underlines the impact of wet steam erosion across power plants. With some nations now obligated by law to hit net zero emissions within a certain timeframe, the issue of damaged valves, magnified at scale, may have an outsized effect on carbon footprints if not addressed quickly.

Taking Remedial Action

Remedial action for damaged components has often involved removing the valve’s cover and replacing its internal parts. Yet this puts the plant back at square one if underlying processing issues are not addressed. This fix is also expensive, as key plant machinery may have to be taken offline for repairs and maintenance.

The ensuing lost productivity and cost of replacing parts may actually be more expensive than keeping the initial, inefficient valve operational. Indeed, repeated at scale over an entire facility, single incidents like these can add up to significantly impacting the company’s bottom line. Accounting for the fact that major works to address these site problems – including adding drains to existing pipework – are also often ruled out due to costs and logistics concerns, more innovative strategies are required.

Minimising Sealing Surface Contact

One effective way of doing so is to ensure that any condensate has minimal contact with sealing surfaces. It is this thinking that led to the development of IMI Critical Engineering’s (IMI) EroSolve Wet Steam, which upgrades the valve’s plug-stem assembly, cage and seat ring. The solution’s use of specially engineered sealing surfaces and erosion-resistant hard-facing materials allows it to minimise the impact of wet steam droplets while enhancing trim life.

Crucially, this technology can be easily implemented in any make of control valve. While EroSolve Wet Steam’s wide-ranging applicability is a key strength – it can be implemented without changing the component’s body, bonnet or actuator – it is still highly recommended that facility managers work with suppliers to most effectively deploy the solution within the plant environment.

In fact, considering the increasing pressure on industry to do more with less, stakeholders should be leveraging supply chain expertise more than ever. Conversely, suppliers must be able to provide increasing levels of support, training and development to help unfamiliar maintenance and repair teams develop a deeper understanding of critical components, including valves.

For example, by deploying technical experts on-site such as IMI’s Valve Doctors to analyse ongoing operations, a more granular, tailored approach to maintenance can be established. Ultimately, more effective troubleshooting can result in greater insight into how to alleviate issues such as condensate flashing.

Simple Solutions to Complex Problems

Most traditional solutions to the problems posed by wet steam do not provide any added long lasting benefits, as erosion will remain a constant, cyclical concern if the true cause is not properly addressed. Additionally, fully replacing valves within a demanding production environment poses its own problems, with the downtime required often proving more expensive than the hardware itself.

The difficulties and costs posed by this strategy make inaction too risky for most to consider. Welding the valves inline also creates similar problems, as there are substantial additional costs incurred through the engineering, scheduling, cutting and re-welding process, as well as during post-weld inspection. However, replacing the trim with an innovative solution, such as EroSolve Wet Steam can delay degradation and extend valve lifetimes in conditions where erosive wet steam is common.

For more information on EroSolve Wet Steam, click here.

The post Managing Wet Steam to Maximise Plant Uptime appeared first on Fluid Handling Pro.

The proven design of the Capanivo^® has been significantly improved.  As a result, the CN 7120 point level sensor from UWT meets the standards of the EHEDG (European Hygienic Engineering & Design Group). This approval authorises the sensor for use in hygiene-relevant applications such as pharmaceuticals, the food industry and other sectors that demand the highest standards of cleanliness and safety in their processes. The CN7 can be used as a full, demand or empty detector in containers, pipes or bypasses as well as for leakage detection in all liquids.

Ensuring hygiene standards

The EHEDG specifies basic requirements for manufacturers of food and pharmaceuticals to ensure clean and contamination-free design of equipment and production facilities. This includes protection against contamination by dirt, chemical substances, viruses, foreign bodies and toxins. This is achieved with UWT sensors through the use of food-safe materials, as well as the integration of high-quality surfaces and gap-free designs of the sensor arms that come into contact with the product. The EHEDG conformity of the UWT level sensors offers additional safety in industries that require sensitive production environments. This EHEDG version of the Capanivo^® level indicator opens up possibilities for optimising processes while taking the highest hygiene standards into account.

Insight into EHEDG-certified revision

With the redesign of the Capanivo^®, a further version of the capacitive point level indicator is now available. The EHEDG version differs fundamentally from the standard version.  

In order to comply with the EHEDG guidelines, the contour of the process connection and the flush-to-wall weld-in socket, both made of stainless steel, were optimised.

The probe is made of the high-performance plastic PEEK, which is ideal for food processing, production and biotechnological applications due to its chemical stability and thermal safety. The material is also ideal for CIP (clean-in-place) and SIP (sterilisation-in-place) cleaning and sterilisation processes up to 150°C / 302°F.  

EHEDG certification guarantees compliance with the strictest hygiene regulations, a decisive factor in ensuring consistent product quality and safety.

Versatile mounting options for a wide range of applications

The CN 7 capacitive sensor is characterised by its compact design with 1/2″ process connection, which makes it ideal for use in small containers and pipes Its versatility is highlighted by the different installation options: it can be installed vertically as a full detector, horizontally as a demand detector, or from below as an empty detector.  This flexibility allows the sensor to be used in a variety of installation environments, including tanks, pipes in both horizontal and vertical orientations, as well as in bypass configurations, supporting precise measurements across a wide range of applications.

Explosion protection

The Capanivo^® is not only known for its hygienic design, but also for its safety in potentially explosive atmospheres. With approvals such as ATEX, IEC-Ex, INMETRO and UKEX, the sensor can be used globally in environments that must fulfil strict safety requirements. These certifications guarantee that it functions reliably and safely even under the most difficult conditions.

Communication and process efficiency

Another outstanding feature of the CN 7 is the IO-Link signal output, a globally standardised technology that enables simple and efficient communication between the sensor and higher-level control systems.

The potted electronics within the sensor probe protect against shocks and environmental influences, thereby improving measurement accuracy and extending the detector’s lifespan. Additionally, the sensitivity can be adjusted via a potentiometer directly on the sensor. This capability for seamless integration into modern automation systems facilitates process monitoring and control, enhances operational efficiency, and reduces maintenance costs.

The integrated “Tip Sensitivity” also guarantees that the sensor reacts highly sensitively to the smallest changes, while the “Active Shield” actively protects the sensor from interference, which ensures a high level of functional reliability even with products that could cause caking or adhesions on the probe.

Game changer in the field of capacitive point level measurement

Overall, the capacitive level sensor of the Capanivo^® series from UWT is an outstanding solution for companies that require reliable, safe and hygienic level monitoring in their production facilities. The combination of advanced technology, comprehensive approvals and certifications as well as versatile application possibilities makes the CN 7120 a valuable tool in the modern process industry.

The post UWT’s Capacitive Level Sensor for the Highest Hygiene Level appeared first on Fluid Handling Pro.

“The fact that the system hydraulics need to be capable of tackling a whole range of different fibrous elements in waste water represents an enormous challenge to pump and agitator manufacturers,” explained Pascal Merz, Design Engineer at HOMA Pumpenfabrik GmbH. This is partly because peripheral velocity is very low in the region of a propeller’s rotational axis, so dead flow zones often develop there. Unlike at the tips of the rotors, where the flow velocity is high, stringy solid matter tends to collect towards the centre of submersible motor agitators, forming strands that can cause clogging. Once fibrous elements get caught up in the propeller, they prevent it from turning and have a significant negative effect on the performance of the system. At worst, they can cause the unit to fail altogether. For this reason, HOMA has expanded its agitator range and, in developing a new system, has paid particular attention to the ability of the hydraulics to withstand solids that fail to disintegrate. The new HRS submersible motor agitator, with its large propeller hub, manages to prevent any solids from reaching the rotor blades, effectively preventing clogging. “Thanks to the large propeller hub, no fibrous elements are able to get into areas where the flow velocity is too low. This effectively prevents interruption of operations and the consequent need to clean the clogged material off the propeller,” stated Mr Merz.

The propeller was designed with the aid of a computer. “This made it possible to conduct a large number of trials and detailed analysis of the results in the shortest possible time,” Mr Merz continued. “This approach helped us to target, analyse and improve the weak points in the propeller.” Once the data had been analysed, HOMA therefore designed its eight- and twelve-pole systems to include investment cast propellers, which allow particularly good flow optimisation of the blades. In combination with the optimised agitation properties of the powerful motor, this produced excellent performance in terms of both thrust and mixing power. “As direct drive, high speed motors, our HRS agitators achieve a thrust of between 125 N and 3000 N at propeller sizes ranging from 230 mm to 700 mm, depending on the motor series,” said Mr Merz.

Versatile usage profile thanks to an especially robust design

In addition, the HRS agitators stand out from other models on the market due to their exceptionally compact and robust engineering. Mr Merz explained: “Previously, systems have often been subject to wear because of abrasive elements in the waste water. The shaft seal with two mechanical seals (back to back) made from corrosion-resistant SiC/SiC – combined with two additional radial shaft sealing rings which run on the carbon coated propeller hub – guarantee the best possible protection against the ingress of media and solids,” he concluded.

The unit thus ensures trouble-free operation even in the most difficult conditions and is especially suitable for smaller basin geometry containing a high proportion of solids. This means that the system can be used not only for applications such as the homogenisation of sludge, flushing out deposits and ice removal, but also for fish farming and in cooling basins. The models in the (C)HRS series, which will be launched at the same time as the HRS range, can even be used in chemically aggressive media. What sets these products apart from the HRS models is the presence of additional FPM seals and a stainless steel casing – on the HRS versions, the casing is made from grey cast iron.

Straightforward installation

Conventional submersible motor agitators are often difficult to set up because the stationary devices available on the market often lack the necessary flexibility where installation is concerned. HRS systems, however, have a modular design, by means of which they can be adapted to square tubes with a nominal size of 60, 80 or 100 mm, depending on the requirements. “This means that our customers can install the units flexibly and individually, in whatever they consider the best position,” Mr Merz added. “Alternatively, our in-house customer service team at HOMA can carry out the installation.” On request, the company also offers technical training for its clients. Furthermore, the modular design of the units makes dismantling easier as well. The new HOMA models can be readily dismantled with regular tools, to the benefit not only of the fitters and service staff, but also of customers. “After all, a quick dismantling process saves time,” commented Mr Merz.

The post Robust Stainless Steel Construction Ensures Flawless Operation appeared first on Fluid Handling Pro.

In the process industry, pumping demands are particularly high. The pump must be able to withstand high temperatures and pressures as well as corrosive and abrasive attacks by the pumped media. Multiphase mixtures in particular – i.e. liquids with solids and gases – push standard pumps to their limits. Click here for more information about the reactor pumps of EGGER.

Egger has been active in this industrial environment since 1947. Our engineers have the technical expertise to provide you with customized advice. With our manufacturing program for single-stage centrifugal pumps optimized for multiphase mixtures, we offer you a portfolio of pumps that:

• can work without clogging
• transport sensitive solids very gently
• are highly wear-resistant
• help optimise your filtration results
• circulate loop reactors with up to 25% gas by volume at 300°C and 100 bar system pressure
• dispose of your wastewater pits or slop tanks very reliably.
• For further information on Egger solutions in the chemical industry, please click here

The Egger exhibition team is looking forward to your visit.

The post EGGER to Exhibit at ACHEMA 2024 in Frankfurt, Germany appeared first on Fluid Handling Pro.

The new CIP package is a highly versatile and easy-to-maintain clean-in-place solution, designed with mobility and hygiene at the forefront of its design. Fully customizable with options ranging from manual to automatic, the system can be adapted to include an integrated control unit via a panel-mounted touchscreen HMI and PLC. With remote monitoring and ongoing technical support available if required, the system can be programmed to record historic data, accessible on site by an operator, or remotely by one of Axium’s own engineers.

Developed with decades of hands-on experience across multiple process applications, Axium’s new Mobile CIP System offers an advanced alternative for sanitary maintenance.

The post Established Knowledge Drives Success In Challenging Cleaning Environments appeared first on Fluid Handling Pro.

“The enhanced features of the Generation IV will make our DFplus valves market leaders not only in terms of dynamics and flow. They now also offer the easiest way to enter Industry 4.0 without high investments and without changing the machine control strategy”, says Frank Henschke, Product Manager Proportional Valves at Parker’s Industrial Systems Division Europe.

There are more innovations that provide added value. One of these new features is an integrated near-field communication (NFC) chip that allows users to obtain all status information in the field or in service situations – even when the valve is not actively powered. A 360° LED at the top of the electronics box ensures that the basic status data is immediately visible in the application by different colors or flashing frequencies. Parker’s ProPxD parameterizing software has been fundamentally revised along with an improved oscilloscope function, permitting adjustment to the application-specific parameters quickly and easily.

The new electronics are perfectly complemented by the mechanical characteristics of the DFplus^®valves. The unique VCD with its highest resolution integrated linear variable differential transformer (LVDT) provides elevated force drive without the need of strong active return springs, resulting in real servo valve performance. Together with the high robustness, which has been proven by vibration tests with up to 60 g and 10 billion endurance test cycles, the valves have already demonstrated their suitability for numerous demanding applications.

With the innovations of DFplus Generation IV, Parker is ideally positioned for working with engineers facing the challenges of the future in industrial hydraulics, in particular the increasing digitalization of processes. The valves are also suitable as a 1:1 replacement for DFplus Generation III valves in existing applications.

The post Parker introduces DFplus®Generation IV Proportional Valves For Demanding Industrial Applications appeared first on Fluid Handling Pro.

A visit to the plant revealed the company was using an I-to-P transducer, steam valve, RTD (resistance temperature sensor), and PID (proportional-integral-derivative) loop to control the temperature. The issue arose out of a regular failure of the I-to-P transducer. 

While the failing I-to-P is what caught the customer’s attention, the complicated, expensive and inefficient control valve setup isn’t necessary to control the temperature of saturated steam. The temperature of saturated steam is directly related to its pressure. It’s a predictable and repeatable relationship.

The I-to-P was ultimately replaced with a Proportion Air QB1X, a product better able to withstand standard industrial air. I-to-Ps require instrument air, which is filtered to less than 5 microns and is moisture- and lube-free. A Burling Valve BD4 dome-loaded pressure reducing regulator took the place of the steam valve. This assembly was installed and subsequently performed extremely well, saving the customer time and money.

Benefits of Using the QB and Saturated Steam Regulator

There are many benefits to using a Proportion-Air saturated steam regulator system, especially when compared to the operation of traditional steam valves. 

Achieving and maintaining the correct temperature quickly is a priority for many applications. Since the manufacturer did not require the ultra-high accuracy of the QB2X, which can achieve ±0.5% of full-scale accuracy with external pressure feedback, a QB1X was used. QB1X on a steam regulator has +/4% accuracy. Regardless of whether the QB1X or QB2X was selected, the control loop did not have to work as hard, because the saturated steam regulator could compensate for changes in flow while maintaining pressure on its own, without the assistance of sophisticated electronic controls. An on-board analog comparator through the electronic pilot means no PID tuning is required.

Contrast that with a steam valve, which has no direct connection to pressure downstream and cannot connect for downstream changes without a PID loop closing the loop around pressure (or temperature). The temperature is also less accurate, because the link between flow and temperature is not directly related. The PID will constantly overshoot and undershoot setpoint, trying to compensate for pressure/temperature changes downstream. With a saturated steam regulator assembly, temperature is achieved more quickly and remains accurate and stable. 

Maintenance is also an issue in any facility. The Burling Valve regulator offers easy in-line repairs and maintenance. The reduces the downtime necessary when a regulator needs work.

The post Full Steam Ahead – Faster and More Accurately appeared first on Fluid Handling Pro.