Whereas superheated steam offers an excellent source of energy for mechanical power generation, in most cases, steam at greatly reduced temperatures, near saturation, proves a more desirable commodity especially for most heat-transfer applications. Precise temperature control is required to enhance … Read more
Category: Process Plants Instrumentation
We cover real requirements for actual process plants as well as some of the techniques employed as solutions to control them.
Control Valve Selection Guide
Valves are manual or automatic fluid controlling elements in a piping system; in other words, valves isolate, switch, and control fluid flow in piping systems. They are constructed to withstand specific range of temperature, pressure, corrosion, and mechanical stress. Valves … Read more
Volume Booster: Function, Operation & Application
Function of a Volume Booster
A volume booster is a device that amplifies or boosts the volume of air supplied to the actuator, that is, it takes an input signal and produces an output of a large volume flow of … Read more
Electro-Pneumatic Valve Positioners: Function & Features
Valve positioners are motion-control devices that are made in such a way to actively compare valve stem position against the control signal, adjusting the actuator diaphragm or piston till the correct stem position is achieved, that is, in a nutshell … Read more
Instrument Grounding: General Guidelines
Specific attention must be paid to instrument grounding, especially where field instruments are connected to a computer or microprocessor based control system. Where cable screens are used, ground continuity of screens must be maintained throughout the installation with the … Read more
Selecting a Pressure Reducing Regulator: Key Parameters to Consider
A pressure reducing regulator is used in many industrial applications. In this article, we look at key parameters that must be established to help you make the appropriate selection of a pressure reducing regulator for your application.
Valve Positioners: Function & Types
Basic Features of a Positioner
Pneumatically operated valves depend on a positioner to take an input signal from the process controller and convert it to valve travel. In other words, a positioner is a motion control device made to actively … Read more
Directional Control Valves: Function & Principle of Operation
Directional control valves are used to regulate the flow rate of hydraulic fluid; they are also utilized in pneumatic systems for flow control. Directional control valve works by regulating the movement of the piston in the cylinder. It admits pressurized … Read more
Instrument Manifolds: Function & Types
An instrument manifold also referred to as a valve manifold includes manual valves to isolate and equalize pressure from the process to the transmitter (in this case the DP transmitter) or to isolate a gauge or absolute pressure transmitter for … Read more
Pneumatic System Components: Types & Functions
A pneumatic system utilizes air pressure to create mechanical motion. A basic pneumatic system consists of an intake filter that traps dirt before it enters the system, an air compressor that provides a source of compressed air, a dryer that … Read more