Zero Emission, Emergency Shutdown Valve Actuators

Operators face problems and challenges with API emergency shutdown valves in remote locations where conventional energy sources are unavailable for automation. It is critical for the pipeline's safe operation that such valves can shut down the line when anomalies in the pressure of the gas passing through the pipe occur.

Valves usually are left open. If the line pressure drops or spikes, the system would use stored pressurized hydraulic fluid to close the valve as an emergency shutdown. These old antiquated systems presented several issues that made these highly critical valves inefficient. The main problem was that the system would not hold the valves open for more than two to three days due to internal leakage of the hydraulic system. These actuators would start to drift and prematurely close the valve, requiring the operators to physically go to these remote locations every two days to recharge the system and fully open the valve again. These valves mustn't suddenly close during regular operation and disrupt the flow throughout these midstream pipeline distribution networks.

Cowan Dynamics worked with an operator to review the requirements and recommend a superior design. 

Here is a list of the challenges. 

• This application presents a lack of conventional energy sources due to these valves' remote location. 
• High torque and high thrust requirements make other power sources, such as solar power, unviable. 
• The agricultural setting mandated a zero fugitive emissive solution. 
• The operators required a drop-in retrofit, adding an extra layer of complexity to the challenge as these valves were underground and not readily accessible. 

Cowan developed a solution named the ZE-ESD module. The solution consisted of a hydraulic accumulator, a 3000 psi rated actuator from Cowan's series MLA specially designed hydraulic manifold complete with a reservoir, a leakage compensating small accumulator, and a hand pump that serves as a power source to pressurize the accumulator and actuate the valve. The hydraulic circuit design significantly reduces pressure drops in the system due to thermal expansion or leakage throughout hydraulic components. 

Cowan's ZE-ESD system proved a great success. The unique design of the hydraulic circuit far exceeded the original seven-day target. After 12 days of testing, the system only experienced a drop in the main pressure of three percent. After a month of installing the system, the customer advised that the valve needed recharging just once.

Another issue is environmental compliance. Environmental agencies establish stringent emission standards, often imposing heavy fines on those in violation. A large part of these fugitive emissions stems from gas-powered actuators' exhaust. As a result of these economic and environmental implications, Cowan Dynamics and Energy West Controls are committed to helping operators tighten their grip on fugitive emissions. Engineered to comply with API and ISO standards, Cowan's industry-leading range of zero-emission hydraulic modules for quarter-turn and linear valves are certified for maximum compliance with minimum environmental impact.

For more information, contact:

Energy West, Inc.
1955 West Industrial Circle
Salt Lake City, Utah 84104
Phone: 801-262-4477
Fax: 801-261-0862
Web: https://energy-west.com

Thank You Veterans

Detailed Instructions for Setting Position Limits on the Limitorque L120 Electric Actuator

This instructional video aims to safely illustrate how to set position limits on the Limitorque L120 electric actuator using the correct procedure. Explore the video to understand the right language for equipment, comprehend the wiring diagram about the limit switch contact development, and discover how to evaluate the limit switch's position.

The Flowserve Limitorque L120 electric actuator serves various environmental applications in the power, oil & gas, and water industries.

For more information, contact:

Energy West Controls

https://energy-west.com

800-533-4477

Industrial Ball and Butterfly Valves

A ball valve is a quarter-turn rotation valve that uses a ball-shaped disk to stop or start flow through the valve. When the ball valve opens, the ball rotates so that the ball's port is in line with the valve body inlet and outlet. If the valve is closed, the ball turns so that the port is perpendicular to the flow openings of the valve body, and the flow stops.

A butterfly valve is a quarter-turn rotational motion valve that stops, regulates, and starts the flow using  a disk. The disk is always in the passageway, but because it is relatively less thick, it offers little resistance to flow. The butterfly valve offers many advantages, including 90-degree rotation for fully open and fully closed and good control capabilities to control the flowing media in a process. 

Both types of valves are used widely in industry and are available in a broad spectrum of materials, depending on their application. Each style valve has unique advantages when applied, and it is always a good idea to discuss your application with a valve expert.

A-T Controls is an industry innovator in the conception, production, and distribution of manually operated and automated ball and butterfly valves for a wide variety of business sectors around the world. A-T Controls is well-known for its extensive inventory and highly experienced staff, which enable them to provide the customer solutions needed to fulfill most valve and actuator requirements at a competitive price and offer the quickest turnaround time in the industry. 

A-T Controls Full Product Line Includes:

• High Performance Butterfly Valves
• Resilient Seated Butterfly Valves
• Trunnion Mounted Ball Valves
• Pig Valve Dual Valve
• Isolation Valve Assemblies
• Cryogenic Ball Valves
• Lined Ball Valves
• Tank Bottom Valves
• Electric Actuators
• Spring Return Electric Actuators
• Fail Safe Electric Actuators
• Heavy Duty Actuators
• Pneumatic Scotch Yoke Actuators
• Pneumatic Rack & Pinion Actuators
• 180º Pneumatic Actuators
• Stainless Steel Pneumatic Actuators
• Declutchable Gear Operators
• Gear Operators
• Limit Switches
• Solenoids
• Positioners

For more information, contact:

Energy West Controls

https://energy-west.com

800-533-4477

Dependable and Accurate Flow Measurement with Armstrong VERIS Verabar®

Averaging Pitot Tubes are self-averaging flow meters that measure gas, liquid, and vapor flow in pipes and ducts using differential pressure. They are simple and provide long-term pitot tube accuracy and low operating costs. 

The Armstrong VERIS Verabar®  one-piece solid design and bullet form provide clog-free and accurate flow monitoring. The accuracy of Verabar®  averaging pitot sensors is unchanged with time and does not need frequent inspections. When a fluid impacts the sensor, it creates a high-pressure zone in front of the sensor. As fluid accelerates around the sensor, a low-pressure area develops to the sides and rear of the sensor. Multiple strategically positioned sensing ports are in these high and low-pressure zones, providing a measurable averaged differential pressure.

Verabar®  utilizes a leak-proof design, complete with a robust one-piece sensor. Other manufacturers employ a three-piece sensor arrangement with no mechanism to seal the tubes. As a result, temperature, pressure, vibration, and even manufacturing differences might create leakage between the chambers, resulting in considerable undetected accuracy loss. Not the case with Verabar®.

VERIS Verabar® introduces a novel design with built-in valves in the instrument's head. This improved design simplifies installation and maintenance by minimizing the number of connections while lowering connecting hardware costs.

The VERIS Verabar®  flow sensors with differential pressure transmitters provide the market's most dependable and accurate DP flow measuring system.

VERIS Verabar® Benefits

• Superior Signal Stability and Greater Resistance to Clogging
• Long-Term Accuracy You Can Trust
• Data to Back  Up Accuracy Claims
• Quality Assurance

Energy West Controls

https://energy-west.com

800-533-4477

Fully Lined Valves Specially Designed for Use in Ultra Pure and Corrosive Industrial Environments

A lined valve's wetted surfaces are composed of a polymeric substance, most often a fluorocarbon. The medium does not come into touch with any of the metal components in a fully lined valve. Every surface of the valve's wet components has been coated with PFA to prevent chemical corrosion and extend the valve's service life. Pinholes, cracks, swelling, and locally uneven thickness that may occur in injection molded PFA lining, as well as any potential issues with exfoliation, stress cracking, or fluid permeability, are eliminated.

Fully PFA-lined butterfly valves from Acris® provide bidirectional zero leakage shutdown in corrosive and ultra clean industrial applications. Acris PFA-coated butterfly valves provide unrivaled corrosion, permeation, and microbiological contamination protection for optimal purity and durability with little maintenance. Acris completely PFA lined valves are designed for bidirectional zero leakage shutdown and are the high-performance option for essential applications.

Acris PFA-lined ball valves provide unrivaled resistance to corrosion, permeation, and microbiological contamination. As a result, these valves offer optimum purity and dependability while requiring only minimum maintenance. Acris completely PFA-lined ball valves are the high-performance option for applications that need a leak-free shut down in both directions. These valves were designed specifically for this purpose. Both full port and regular port designs are accessible to customers.

A Powerful Combination of Products and Experience to Assist with Energy Efficiency and Decarbonization

Net-zero has emerged as a common goal as the fight against climate change gathers pace, and the globe pushes toward decarbonization. Many facilities desire a practical, ready-to-implement solution since they are unclear on how to proceed. There is a systematic approach to decarbonization, but what works for one facility could not for another. Energy West Controls experts are available to help you decide what is best for you. 

Energy West Controls offers products that help its customers optimize energy utilization and lower emissions in industries such as:

• Power Generation
• Metals
• Paper
• Food and Beverage
• Pharmaceutical
• Chemical
• Institutional Facilities (Universities, Government, Hospitals, Military)
• Agribusiness

Along with Armstrong's steam and hot water products, the Sage^® IIoT platform, and Everactive's battery-free technology, Energy West Controls delivers the human experience and expertise necessary for a brand-new energy monitoring and management approach for these industries. This method reduces energy consumption in a facility by replacing outdated thermal systems with more energy-efficient equipment. 

Energy West's arsenal is strong. Armstrong's thermal utility solutions include products and services for managing steam and hot water systems, such as steam traps, water heaters, control valves, heat pumps, monitoring equipment, and software. The Sage^® platform enables you to enhance equipment dependability, efficiency, and safety, elevating utility system management to a new level. As a sustainable means to halt waste, the Everactive Steam Trap Monitoring (STM) solution enables maintenance teams to fix trap problems as they arise and thereby increase the effectiveness of the steam system and lower energy consumption. These advanced products and tools allow manufacturing and utility companies greater efficiency while significantly reducing CO2 emissions and energy costs. 

Energy West Controls, Armstrong International, and Everactive are an effective team for identifying energy waste and recapturing it for other applications, in line with the worldwide movement toward sustainability and energy efficiency. We enhance your manufacturing process and performance, lower environmental emissions, boost safety, and assist you in achieving your net-zero carbon target by combining our skills and technology. 

The technology and tools available from Energy West Controls, Armstrong International, and Everactive will help you create a decarbonization road map specific to your facility and industry. Call us right now for further details.

Energy West Controls

https://energy-west.com

800-533-4477

Honoring the Fallen on Memorial Day

 

The Jerguson Magnicator II Magnetic Level Gage for Liquids and Gases

The Jerguson Magnicator II offers reliable level measurement and optimal performance life. The patented float provides the strongest magnetic field of any magnetic level indicator on the market, ensuring reliable and repeatable operation.

Using a patented float that offers the strongest magnetic field of any magnetic level indicator and an indicator fully isolated from the process, the Jerguson Magnicator II offers reliable level measurement and optimal performance life.

Magnicator level indicators can be used in a variety of applications including acid tanks, sumps, oil production, boiler feedwater heaters, sodium hydroxide, drip legs, steam or hydrocarbon condensate, interface applications (oil/water), separators, propane, slurry tanks, benzene, and natural gas.

• Where code allows, they are an ideal alternative to sight glasses, providing visibility, reduced maintenance, and eliminating the leak paths associated with sealing glass.
• Floats feature patented annular ring magnets for strength and smooth autogenous welds that do not interfere with float motion.
• Standard Schedule 40 chamber construction rated 2200 PSI at 100°F; Schedule 80 and Schedule 160 chambers available for higher pressures.
• Complies with ASME B31.1 and ASME B31.3 standards.
• Shock- and vibration-resistant stainless steel flag indicators have their own ceramic magnets plus dual rotation points.
• Now available with 1.5" (38.1mm) Wide Flag stainless steel indicator, for extreme shock- and vibration-resistance.
• Optional Flash-proof model available for use with boiling fluids and flashing vapors.
• NightStar LED illuminators for 24-hour visibility.

Energy West Controls

https://energy-west.com

800-533-4477

SlurryFlo Control Valves for Abrasive and Erosive Slurries

Designed to solve severe flow control problems at the Canadian Oil Sands, the SlurryFlo control valve withstands some of the harshest process conditions, using patented technology that provides the ultimate wear resistance, performance, and durability.

Modulating the flow of slurry can be challenging. The continuous erosion often results in damaged valves and piping; and the costs associated with replacement valves, lost production and labor can be significant.

Compared to traditional ‘line of site’ slurry valves (ball valves, butterfly valves, and pinch valves), the SlurryFlo control valve delivers a quantum leap in service life and reduces the overall cost of ownership for your most demanding applications.

Because of the patented design, exposure to erosive flow only occurs to the trim components. Once they eventually wear out, these parts can easily be field replaced.

SlurryFlo control valves excel in abrasive applications throughout the mining industry or any other process where valve performance and life expectancy are critical.

Energy West Controls

https://energy-west.com

800-533-4477

Industrial Electric Valve Actuators

An electric actuator is a device that uses electricity to open, close, or modulate a valve. While most of the fundamental concepts used in electric actuators have been around since the 1930s, decades of incremental advancement have significantly increased their capabilities while decreasing their cost. These developments have reached a tipping point in recent years, making electric actuators the preferable option for many applications. 

Electric valve actuation offer measurable benefits: 

• Electricity is generally inexpensive, easy to handle, and readily accessible at most industrial facilities. 
• Electric actuators often have a cheaper capital cost per equivalent torque/thrust output unit. 
• They are also better for the environment and safer to use. 
• Electric actuators may provide greater positioning precision for control or modulating valve duties and advanced process monitoring, data recording, and information feedback. 
• Electric actuators include all necessary control functions, resulting in fewer capital costs. 
• By providing distributed control, the electric actuator's historically high wire cost is reduced - through efficient and uncomplicated control logic wiring integrated into client SCADA or DCS systems. 
• As torque and thrust needs grow, electric actuators weigh less and have smaller footprints than pneumatic actuators. 
• Electronic actuators may provide very high output thrust and torque values when combined with external gears. 

There are also certain drawbacks to electric valve actuation to consider: 

• With few exceptions, electric actuators cannot guarantee a fail-safe stroke. Nonetheless, they will "fail in place". Fail-safe stroke refers to an actuator's capacity to move a valve to a predetermined safe position when power is lost. 
• Electric actuators are more complex than other types of actuators. Electronic technology also demands constant upgrading to keep up with component changes and advancements. 
• Electric actuators are less cost-effective than pneumatic and hydraulic actuators and have operating speed limitations beyond a specified size/torque range. 
• Electric actuators need more stringent certifications and design characteristics to be safe for use in hazardous areas where explosive process material may be present.

Energy West Controls will assist you in specifying and applying the best electric actuator for your process flow requirement. Visit https://energy-west.com or call 800-533-4477 to discuss your applications.

Shannon Global Energy Solutions Insulation Jackets and Blankets from Energy West Controls

Shannon Global Energy Solutions designs and produces reusable blanket insulation and shields for industrial companies, power plants, colleges, hospitals, oil and gas sites, and government buildings. 

Engineered to reduce insulating maintenance, increase efficiency, and improve the surrounding work environment. 

Custom-fit using CAD/CNC technologies for equipment coverage. Various blanket patterns may withstand temperatures up to 1500°F (815°C). Their perfect fit method ensures a reusable system. 

Many products are application-specific products/solutions to fit a particular need. Shannon's established design parameters are ASTM/ISO, and UL tested for quality and performance. Each blanket specification will provide unparalleled thermal, acoustic, and safety performance for 15-year service life.

Energy West Controls

https://energy-west.com

800-533-4477

Energy West Controls Announces New Partnership with Armstrong International in Montana

Salt Lake City, March 17, 2022 – Energy West Controls (EWC) and Armstrong International announce a new partnership to service Montana.

Energy West Controls (EWC) announces representation of Armstrong International, world-leading manufacturer of steam, condensate, and hot water control products in Montana. For over 40 years, EWC‘s expertise has identified and solved the toughest steam challenges for industry in the Rocky Mountain region.

“The EWC team is excited to expand our offering of rugged, hardworking products, state-of-the-art technology, custom-engineered systems and services,” says EWC VP of Operations Justin Rich. “We are ready to help you improve efficiency and reduce energy consumption and emissions in Montana.”

EWC has an established team of Sales Engineers, Applications Engineers and Customer Support Specialists. Along with technical industry expertise, customer service is the highlight of entrusting Energy West Controls with your steam, air and hot water business. Residing in Montana, Sales Manager Jaimie Garvin states, “With the addition of Armstrong products in Montana, we have an opportunity to integrate and support engineered steam solutions to solve automation challenges in every market segment.” 

The EWC sales and support of Armstrong products, specializing in steam traps, The Brain and condensate manifold assemblies will give customers in Montana cost efficient, innovative solutions in the refinery, hospital, pharmaceutical and sanitary industries. The factory trained Sales and Support team, the “Experts at the Heart of Industry” will configure, quote and order Armstrong products with reliability and outstanding customer service.

About Energy West Controls (EWC)

Founded by Randy Drown in 1981, EWC (Energy West Controls) has successfully been in business for over 40 years. We are experts in energy services, process valves & automation, fluid sealing and boiler level instruments. With branch offices located in Utah and Colorado, serving industrial B2B customers in Utah, Wyoming, Idaho, Northern Nevada, Arizona, New Mexico, Colorado and Montana.

The EWC Team are factory trained, experienced professionals that are experts in steam and process valves. The “EWC People” have a deep commitment and dedication to customers and vendors.

Download a copy in PDF

Energy West, Inc.
1955 West Industrial Circle
Salt Lake City, Utah 84104
Phone: 801-262-4477
Fax: 801-261-0862
Web: https://energy-west.com

Get to Know Energy West Controls

Welcome to Energy West Controls. EWC has successfully been in business for over 4 decades. We are experts in energy services, process valves & automation, fluid sealing, and boiler level instruments. EWC supports customers across 7 states in the Rocky Mountains, providing solutions to their energy and steam requirements in industries such as hospitality, food and beverage, engineering firms, contractors, mining, refinery, chemical; power generation, and government facilities.

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 employees to excel personally and professionally. We commit to positively striving for growth as we work to dominate the markets we do business.

Products:

• Steam, Air & Hot Water Specialties
• Process Valves & Automation
• Sealing Products

Services:

• Engineering: Application, Production Design, Specification Review & Systems Assessments
• Steam Seminars: Your Facility, EWC Training Facility (Live Steam Board) or Factory Site, 
• Training: Expansion Joints, Pumps, Pump Packing and Mechanical Seals

Energy West, Inc.
1955 West Industrial Circle
Salt Lake City, Utah 84104
Phone: 801-262-4477
Fax: 801-261-0862
Web: https://energy-west.com

For Industrial Steam Systems, Condensate Draining Is a Must

Abstracted from a technical article from Armstrong International

In a steam system, condensate is a byproduct of heat transfer. It accumulates in the distribution system as a result of unavoidable radiation. It also forms in heating and process equipment due to the desired heat transfer from the steam to the heated substance. The hot condensate must be removed immediately after the vapor has condensed and released its valuable latent heat. Although the available heat in a pound of condensate is negligible compared to a pound of steam, condensate hot water should be returned to the boiler.

Condensate at the bottom of steam lines can cause one kind of water hammer. As it passes over this condensate at speeds of up to 100 miles per hour, steam creates "waves" (Fig. 1). If enough condensate forms, high-speed steam propels it forward, forming a dangerous slug that grows in size as it picks up liquid in front of it. Pipe fittings, regulating valves, tees, elbows, and blind flanges can all be destroyed as the slug changes direction. High-velocity water may erode fittings by chipping away at metal surfaces, in addition to causing damage from this "battering ram."

The necessity of draining the heat transfer unit. 

When steam comes into contact with condensate that has been cooled below the steam temperature, it can cause thermal shock, another type of water hammer. Steam has a much larger volume than condensate, and when it suddenly collapses, it can send shock waves throughout the system. Water hammer of this type can damage equipment and indicates that condensate is not being drained from the system. 

Condensate in the heat transfer unit obviously takes up space, reducing the physical size and capacity of the equipment. Prompt condensate removal keeps the equipment full of steam (Fig. 2). As steam condenses, it leaves a water film on the inside of the heat exchanger. Non-condensable gases do not flow away due to gravity. Instead, they build up as a thin film on the heat exchanger's surface, along with dirt and scale. All of these are potential heat transfer barriers (Fig. 3).

The requirement to remove air and CO2. 

During equipment startup and boiler feedwater, the air is always present. Dissolved carbonates in feedwater may also emit carbon dioxide gas. The gases are pushed to the walls of the heat exchangers by the steam velocity, where they may obstruct heat transfer. These gases must be removed along with the condensate; otherwise, the condensate drainage problem is exacerbated.

For more information on any aspect of industrial and commercial steam or hot water systems in the Rocky Mountain Region, contact Energy West Controls. Call 801-262-4477 or visit Energy-West.com.

Welcome to the Energy-West Controls Blog

Energy West Controls is an industry leader in process instrumentation and industrial automation control systems. Our comprehensive approach includes this blog, which serves as a resource for our customers,  existing and prospective, in learning about and effectively applying process control and factory automation systems. 

We hope you find it helpful, and we encourage you to get in touch with us if you have any questions, application challenges, or other inquiries. Please feel free to contact us at the following address:

Energy West Controls, Inc.

1955 West Industrial Circle

Salt Lake City, Utah 84104

Phone: 801-262-4477

Fax: 801-261-0862

Email: sales@energy-west.com