The Energy West Controls Blog
Experts in Energy Services, Process Valves & Automation, Fluid Sealing and Boiler Level Instruments Energy West Controls is a customer focused and employee driven organization. Our goal is to provide our customers with the best possible service while empowering our people to excel personally and professionally. We commit to positively strive for growth as we work to dominate the markets where we do business. Energy-west.com | 801-262-4477.
Energy West Controls and Armstrong International: Delivering Hot Water Solutions for the Rocky Mountain Region
Prismatic Reflex Gauges: A Clear Advantage for Steam and Boiler Level Monitoring
In high-pressure steam systems and industrial process equipment, accurately monitoring the water level inside a boiler or pressure vessel is not just a best practice—it's a safety requirement. One of the most trusted tools for this purpose is the prismatic (Reflex) water level gauge. This optical gauge provides a clear, direct visual indication of liquid levels in steam applications. These gauges have been widely adopted across industries due to their reliability, simplicity, and durability. Among the top manufacturers in this space, Clark-Reliance has earned global recognition for its leadership in designing and producing prismatic Reflex gauges that meet the rigorous demands of modern industrial facilities.
A prismatic or Reflex water level gauge works on a straightforward but ingenious optical principle. It incorporates a specially designed glass with precisely engineered prismatic grooves on the side that faces the liquid chamber. These grooves reflect or absorb light depending on what lies behind them—steam or water. When water is present, it absorbs light, causing the viewed area to appear dark or black. When steam fills the space behind the grooves, it reflects light and makes the section appear silvery or white. This contrast allows operators to immediately and accurately assess the water level inside a boiler, even from a distance or under less-than-ideal lighting conditions.
This clarity of indication is particularly valuable in critical systems such as power plants, refineries, chemical processing units, and industrial steam generators. In these environments, a failure to maintain the correct water level can result in equipment damage, costly downtime, or even catastrophic failure. Prismatic Reflex gauges provide operators with the confidence to monitor and manage these systems with precision. Their ability to deliver an unambiguous visual indication, without the need for electronic sensors or external lighting, gives them an edge in environments where simplicity and reliability are paramount.
Beyond their superior visibility, prismatic Reflex water level gauges also offer long-term value due to their low maintenance requirements. With no moving parts and minimal mechanical complexity, they prove to be cost-effective over time. They also withstand the high temperatures and pressures commonly found in boiler systems, making them a go-to choice for engineers and plant managers seeking durability and peace of mind.
Clark-Reliance, through its respected Jerguson® brand, has been at the forefront of prismatic Reflex gauge design for decades. Their gauges comply with the ASME Boiler and Pressure Vessel Code and are trusted by facilities around the world for both new installations and retrofit applications. The company's commitment to manufacturing excellence and product innovation has positioned it as a global leader in boiler water level indication technology. From petrochemical plants in North America to energy production facilities overseas, Clark-Reliance Reflex gauges serve as the trusted eyes into pressurized systems.
In the Rocky Mountain region, facilities looking for sales, service, and expert support for Clark-Reliance products turn to Energy West Controls, based in Salt Lake City, Utah. As the authorized representative for Clark-Reliance, Energy West Controls provides deep technical expertise and regional accessibility. Their team helps ensure that each installation meets the precise needs of the application, offering field support and guidance from selection through commissioning.
When it comes to boiler safety and operational efficiency, prismatic Reflex water level gauges remain one of the most effective and dependable tools available. With Clark-Reliance's engineering leadership and Energy West Controls' regional support, industries in the Rocky Mountains and beyond continue to benefit from a level of visibility and confidence that only Reflex technology can provide.
Why the QMax MakoFin Is the Right Answer for Polymer and Rubber Modified Asphalt Heating Challenges
Suppose you've worked with polymer modified asphalt (PMA) or rubber modified asphalt (RMA). In that case, you already know the struggle: extreme viscosity, unpredictable flow behavior, and an ongoing battle with coking and material build-up inside your heating coils. These high-performance binders offer undeniable road performance benefits, but the equipment headaches can be relentless—especially when conventional heat transfer designs fall short.
That's where QMax Industries' MakoFin comes in. Explicitly designed for high-viscosity fluids like PMA and RMA, the MakoFin introduces a more innovative finned-tube geometry that addresses the root of the problem—not just the symptoms.
The Problem with Traditional Coil Designs
Traditional internal heating coils often rely on circular or helical geometries, which were designed decades ago for more forgiving materials. While these work reasonably well for unmodified asphalt, they struggle when it comes to handling PMA and RMA. These blends tend to settle, stratify, and coke, especially in low-flow zones. Over time, this results in uneven heat distribution, localized overheating, and the dreaded build-up that chokes flow, reduces efficiency and triggers unplanned shutdowns.
Even the best flow control strategies can't fully compensate for a coil design that unintentionally creates "cold zones" or stagnant film layers where material degradation occurs.
What Makes the MakoFin Different?
QMax didn't just tweak an old design—they engineered the MakoFin from the ground up to solve the specific heat transfer problems found in modified asphalt tanks.
The MakoFin features a proprietary fin geometry that maximizes surface area while encouraging turbulent flow across the entire heated surface. Unlike traditional coils that can create isolated heat pockets, the MakoFin promotes an even distribution of thermal energy, allowing heat to move efficiently through the high-viscosity fluid.
By pushing more consistent flow over the entire heating surface, MakoFin reduces film temperatures and eliminates the risk of localized overheating—two major contributors to coking and polymer breakdown.
This results in:
- Improved product integrity
- Reduced maintenance frequency
- Fewer shutdowns
- Longer equipment life
Built for Harsh Conditions
PMA and RMA aren't just thick—they're also chemically aggressive, especially at elevated temperatures. QMax constructs the MakoFin using high-quality carbon or stainless steel, depending on the application, and designs each coil layout to achieve maximum thermal efficiency with a minimal footprint. Every MakoFin system integrates seamlessly into existing tank infrastructure, minimizing downtime during retrofit installations.
Because QMax designed the MakoFin with durability in mind, facilities benefit from better system uptime and lower operational costs. Over months and years, those savings add up—especially in 24/7 operations where any downtime means lost revenue.
Patent-Pending, Field-Proven
Although the MakoFin remains "patent pending," its performance already speaks volumes. Customers across the asphalt industry have reported significant reductions in coking, faster tank heat-up times, and noticeably cleaner coil surfaces during maintenance cycles. Engineers no longer need to accept high-viscosity problems as unavoidable. With MakoFin, QMax offers a solution that solves the root problem—by keeping fluid moving and heat evenly spread.
Final Thoughts
The asphalt industry has evolved. Materials have become more complex, and performance standards have risen. But for too long, internal tank heating technology lagged. The QMax MakoFin changes that.
If you're tired of dealing with build-up, inconsistent heating, or unplanned downtime in your PMA or RMA tanks, it's time to take a closer look at a heat transfer solution engineered specifically for the challenge. The MakoFin doesn't just manage heat—it manages your peace of mind.
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Salt Lake City, Utah 84104
Phone: 801-262-4477
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Mining Without Interruption: How Check Valves Keep Operations Running
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Salt Lake City, Utah 84104
Phone: 801-262-4477
Fax: 801-261-0862
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Precise Process Control through Segmented V Port Ball Valves
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Phone: 801-262-4477
Fax: 801-261-0862
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Around-the-Clock Steam Trap Insights Powered by SteamEye®
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Salt Lake City, Utah 84104
Phone: 801-262-4477
Fax: 801-261-0862
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Innovative Solutions for Steam Management and Valve Control from Energy West Controls
1955 West Industrial Circle
Salt Lake City, Utah 84104
Phone: 801-262-4477
Fax: 801-261-0862
Web: https://energy-west.com
Energy West Controls: Bringing Delta T's Thermal Innovation to Mountain States Industry
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Season's Greetings and Happy New Year from Energy West Controls
The Advantages of Thermoplastic Valves in Industrial and Laboratory Settings
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Phone: 801-262-4477
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Dezurik and Energy West Controls Partner to Enhance Industrial Solutions in The Rocky Mountain Region
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Salt Lake City, Utah 84104
Phone: 801-262-4477
Fax: 801-261-0862
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Industrial Butterfly Valves: Navigating the Differences Between Lug and Wafer Styles
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Phone: 801-262-4477
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Industrial Mixing, Agitation, Blending, Heating, and Aeration: The Role of In-Line/In-Tank Eductors
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