Allied Instrumentation Expands Its Territory with Global Safety Equipment Manufacturer, MSA Safety Inc.

DAVENPORT, IA – MAY 16, 2022 – Allied Instrumentation was awarded a larger footprint with MSA Safety Inc. (MSA), expanding into the North-Central Midwest. Allied Instrumentation is a fast-growing process instrumentation solutions company representing best-in-class brands, and serving the Refining and Specialty Chemicals, Food and Beverage, Power, Natural Gas, and Biofuel Industries to name a few.

MSA is a global leader in the development, manufacture, and supply of safety products that protect people and facility infrastructures. Allied Instrumentation will represent the full MSA product line, including flame and gas detectors and IIoT gateways. The new territory includes the Upper Peninsula of Michigan, Minnesota, North Dakota, South Dakota, and Wisconsin.

“This is a very exciting time for Allied Instrumentation. Our team members have an unmatched level of process industry expertise, and we are gratified to have partners like MSA who recognize that and are enthusiastic about growing with us”, said Kevin Scheibler, President of Allied Instrumentation. “Our goal from day one has been to provide our customers with world-class expertise, products, and services. Our partnership with MSA will allow us to accomplish that mission and better serve our customers in the Northern Midwest.” 

Allied Instrumentation is the parent company of Great Lakes Process Controls, JMI Instrument Co., Power Specialties, and Promac. Allied Instrumentation is also authorized to distribute MSA products in Kansas, Western Kentucky, Illinois, Iowa, Missouri, and Nebraska. 

Allied Instrumentation Capabilities Include:

• Procurement of process instrumentation including transmitters, flowmeters, heat-trace solutions, gas and flame detection, and wireless I/O devices
• Assistance with sizing and selection, and custom solutions
• Installation, calibration, and programming services
• Field commissioning service
• OEM and Manufacturing

Allied Instrumentation brings together a legacy of excellence that will better serve the needs of manufacturers and processing plants in the US.

For more information contact marketing@alliedinst.com.

Basics of Coriolis Mass Flowmeters

At its most basic description, a Coriolis mass flowmeter is a U-shaped tube that vibrates or deflects as fluid flows through it. This type of mass flow meter is based on angular momentum conservation as it applies to the Coriolis acceleration of a fluid. The tangential force felt when walking radially outward on a rotating platform is known as Coriolis acceleration. The force occurs when one's position with the center of rotation changes. 

Principle of Operation  of Coriolis Mass Flowmeters

Fluid enters the U-shaped tube is forced to move vertically in response to the vibrating tube. The fluid flowing into the meter resists the force by pushing down on the tube when the tube moves upward. The fluid flowing out of the meter, having been forced upward, resists, reducing its vertical motion by pushing up on the tube — the tube twists due to the two opposing forces acting on it. The twist is proportional to the mass rate of fluid flowing through the tube. 

Operation and Major Components Coriolis Mass Flowmeters

A mass flow meter includes a vibrating U-shaped tube that generates and measures Coriolis acceleration. In place of the previously described rotational motion, the inlet and outlet of the tube remain fixed. In contrast, the tube is vibrated sinusoidally about an axis formed between the inlet and outlet, typically by a magnetic device located in the bend. Most devices use magnetic sensors on each side of the flow tube to measure the velocities, which change as the tube twists. 

Coriolis mass flowmeters apply to liquid applications such as harsh chemicals, low to medium viscosity, foods, slurries, and blending systems. Gas applications are somewhat limited because the density of low-pressure gases is usually too low to operate the flow meter accurately. 

For more information about Coriolis mass flow meters, contact Power Specialties by visiting https://powerspecialties.com or by calling (816) 353-6550.

Great Lakes Process Controls, Inc. Joins Recent Acquisitions by Allied Valve, Inc. to Expand its World-Class Process Instrumentation and Service Solutions Company

DAVENPORT, IA – FEBRUARY 22, 2022 – Allied Valve has expanded its array of brands you know and service you can trust with its latest acquisition, Great Lakes Process Controls, Inc. Great Lakes, along with JMI Instrument Company, Power Specialties, Inc., and PROMAC, Inc., have merged together to form Allied Instrumentation. 

The four companies have been merged to form Allied Instrumentation, which will cover thirteen states in the Midwest, employ 65 people, and generate over $60 million in revenue. Allied Instrumentation is led by newly appointed President, Kevin Scheibler. The company will represent best-in-class products from manufacturers including Yokogawa, MSA/General Monitors, nVent Raychem, FLEXIM and TASI Group. In addition, Allied Valve and Allied Instrumentation will employ an impressive team of more than 100 certified service technicians.

With the new acquisitions, Allied Instrumentation will have product representation in Kansas, Kentucky, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota, Ohio, South Dakota and Wisconsin.

“This is a strategy we continue to implement,” said Barry Shoulders, CEO of Allied Valve, Inc., in announcing the move. “With these acquisitions we have consolidated four smaller firms into a larger network covering 13 states to better serve our customers and provide them with a greater array of brands and world-class product expertise.”

Each of the companies acquired will offer a distinct and valuable facet to the newly merged formation of Allied Instrumentation.

Allied Instrumentation Capabilities Include:

• Procurement of process instrumentation including transmitters, flowmeters, heat-trace solutions, gas and flame detection, and wireless I/O devices, to name a few
• Assistance with sizing and selection, and custom solutions
• Installation and calibration services
• Programming assistance
• Field commissioning service

Allied Valve, Inc. Adds Power Specialties, Inc., PROMAC, Inc., and JMI Instrument Company to Create a World-Class Process Instrumentation and Service Solutions Company

DAVENPORT, IA – JANUARY 18, 2022 – Allied Valve has expanded its array of brands you know and service you can trust with the acquisitions of Power Specialties, Inc., PROMAC, Inc., and JMI Instrument Company. The three companies will be merged to form Allied Instrumentation, which will cover seven states in the Midwest, employ 50 people, and generate over $50 million in revenue. Allied Instrumentation will be led by newly appointed President, Kevin Scheibler. The company will represent best-in-class products from manufacturers including Yokogawa, MSA/General Monitors, nVent Raychem, AMETEK Drexelbrook, FLEXIM and TASI Group. In addition, Allied Valve and Allied Instrumentation will employ an impressive team of more than 100 certified service technicians.

With the new acquisitions, Allied Instrumentation will have product representation in Illinois, Indiana, Kansas, Missouri, Nebraska, Iowa, and Wisconsin.

“This is part of a strategy we have been working on for a while,” said Barry Shoulders, CEO of Allied Valve, Inc., in announcing the move. “With this acquisition we are able to consolidate smaller firms into a larger network to better serve our customers and provide them with a greater array of brands and world-class product expertise.”

Each of the companies acquired will offer a distinct and valuable facet to the newly merged formation of Allied Instrumentation.

Allied Instrumentation Capabilities Include:

• Procurement of process instrumentation including transmitters, flowmeters, heat-trace solutions, gas and flame detection, and wireless I/O devices, to name a few
• Assistance with sizing and selection, and custom solutions
• Installation and calibration services
• Programming assistance
• Field commissioning service

Primary Industries include:

• Refining and Specialty Chemicals
• Food and Beverage
• Power
• Natural Gas/LPG/LNG Storage and Distribution
• Steel
• Pharmaceutical
• Ethanol/Biofuels
• OEM and Manufacturing

The new partnership brings together a legacy of excellence that will better serve the needs of manufacturers and processing plants in the US.

Happy Holidays from Power Specialties

A Brief Comparison of Thermal Mass Flowmeters and Other Flow Technologies Used in Industry

Engineers and facility managers looking for an air or gas flow measurement solution have a plethora of technological options. 

This video will help you understand differences in technology for industrial gas flow measuring applications.

For more information about Fox Thermal Instruments in the Kansas, Iowa, Nebraska and Missouri, contact Power Specialties.

(816) 353-6550
https://powerspecialties.com

Thanking Our Veterans

Power Specialties Carries an Extensive Range of Products Engineered for Process Control Applications in Every Sector of the Industrial Market

Power Specialties, founded in 1967, was based on the principle that customer service is of the utmost importance. Our Sales Engineers have received extensive training in the application and selection of instrumentation and control products. Power Specialties offers a diverse range of industrial control products, instrumentation, and equipment to a wide range of industries, including ethanol/biofuel, agricultural and specialty chemical, power, pharmaceutical, manufacturing, and oil and gas production. Flow, level, pressure, temperature, analytical instrumentation, recorders, data acquisition, annunciators, loop controllers, steam jet vacuum systems, process weighing, and instrument communications are among the products available.

https://powerspecialties.com
(816) 353-6550

The Schubert & Salzer Ball Sector Valve for Abrasive and Slurry Service

The Schubert & Salzer Ball Sector Valve performs well in harsh environments such as slurries, dry media, fluids with suspended solids, and liquids containing fibers. It is the best choice for precise control in various process industries such as mining, pulp and paper, and the chemical industry. 

The ball sector valve employs a hemispherical shell called the ball sector, securely held in place in the valve body by two large bearing stems. 

Ball sector valves perform admirably in demanding applications compared to other types of valves. When conventional butterfly and ball segment valves are closed, the critical sealing components of the valve suffer the most wear. Because of the unique design of the ball sector, the seals are less prone to wear through the reduced exposed area, preventing exposure to high flow velocities; thus, the service life of ball sector valves extends significantly. The shaft is sealed and protected from media particles by a self-adjusting PTFE packing with an integrated spring element. Compared to other valve technologies, this innovative seal design, combined with various materials and finishes for the ball sector and valve seat, significantly extends the valve's life. As a result, it is ideal for abrasive, high viscosity, or fiber-containing media. 

The valve is used for control tasks because of the modified equal-percentage operating characteristic (difference pressure increases as the valve closes) and the outstanding rangeability of 300:1. The unique connection on the valve body ensures that the differential pressure on the valve has little effect on the actuating torque. 

Other technologies, such as a segmented ball or rotary globe valves, use an eccentric shaft, which causes the ball or plug to lift from the valve seat as the valve opens. As a result, sealing areas are subjected to permanent wear right away. Particulate can get stuck between the seal ring and the ball/plug. The ball sector valve has centric and robust trunnions that keep the ball sector in constant contact with the valve seat, preventing media contamination. The permanent actuation torque is unaffected by changes in differential pressure.

For more information on Schubert & Salzer products in Kansas, Missouri, Nebraska and Iowa, contact Power Specialties, Inc. Call (816) 353-6550 or visit https://powerspecialties.com.

Load Cells Used for Weighing Applications in Industrial Control

Physical science principles are integrated with technology and engineering to build devices critical to modern high speed, high accuracy system operation in industrial process monitoring and control. 

A load cell measures things ranging in size from very small to extremely large and is an essential component of weighing materials and equipment. Their usefulness applies to many process weighing applications across various industries.

In essence, a load cell is a force measurement device that acts as a transducer, transforming force into a unit of quantifiable electrical output in a predictable manner. While there are many different types of load cells, the strain gauge-based cell is the most used in many industries. These strain gauge cells typically have an accuracy range of 0.03 percent to 0.25 percent. Pneumatically based load cells are appropriate for circumstances demanding intrinsic safety and optimal hygiene. There are also hydraulic load cells that run without the requirement for a power supply for regions without a power grid.  These load cells operate on the same principle: a force acts on the cell, which then computes as a value. The value is processed to get an indicator of weight in engineering units. 

The deformation principle applies to strain gauge cells, where highly minute amounts of deformation, directly related to the stress or strain applied to the cell, are produced as an electrical signal with a value proportional to the load applied to the cell. The operating concept enables the creation of devices capable of providing accurate, precise measurements of a wide range of industrial products. 

Load cells' advantages include their endurance, accuracy, and flexibility to a wide range of applications, all of which contribute to their utility in a wide range of industries and applications. 

Learn more about load cells or process weighing applications from Power Specialties. Contact them at https://powerspecialties.com or (816) 353-6550 for more information.

Yokogawa Instrumentation Services

A measurement instrument isn't a one-time purchase. It is a long-term life cycle investment. Yokogawa knows they are often operating critical processes, processes where safety is paramount. That is why Yokogawa offers high-quality life cycle services to keep Yokogawa's instruments in top condition. Yokogawa goes above and beyond to make customer satisfaction. They offer these services at Yokogawa's manufacturing facility in Newnan, Georgia, where highly trained technicians perform a complete assessment, calibrate repair, clean upgrade, and produce a comprehensive service record. 

Yokogawa's full service includes calibration, repairs, cleaning, upgrades, and comprehensive service records. Even on competitor models! White glove inspection process and repair, from simple touchups to sandblasting and repainting, are part of the Yokogawa difference.

Yokogawa's full instrumentation services includes:

• Calibration and Certification 
• Installation / Loop Check / Startup 
• Preventative and Corrective Maintenance Services 
• Emergency Repair 
• Programming and Troubleshooting 
• Factory Repair / Flow Testing

Additional Yokogawa Instrument Services

• On-site Calibration and Certification (All Manufacturers' Equipment)
• Emergency Repair, Programming, and Troubleshooting
• Preventative and Corrective Maintenance Services

For more information in Iowa, Nebraska, Kansas and Missouri contact Power Specialties. Call (816) 353-6550 or visit https://powerspecialties.com.

This Memorial Day please take a moment to honor those that served our nation and are no longer with us.

Thermal Flow Meters with Superior Technology

PowerPro™ Sensor

Used in Fox Thermal Models FT2A and FT3, the Fox Thermal PowerPro™ Sensor operates at a higher power level than other competitive thermal technologies, providing better response time and wider turndown. Compared to a typical Differential Pressure(DP) type flowmeter (see inset), thePowerPro™ sensor offers better low flow or low-end sensitivity. The PowerPro™ sensor also provides exceptional accuracy at high velocities - up to 60,000 SFPM air.

DDC-Sensor™ Technology

The Fox Thermal DDC-Sensor™ is a new state-of-the-art sensor technology used in the FT1, FT4A, and FT4X flow meters. The DDC-Sensor™ is a Direct Digitally Controlled sensor that is interfaced directly with the microprocessor for more accuracy, speed, and programmability. Like thePowerPro™ Sensor, the DDC-Sensor™accurately responds to changes in process variables (gas flow rate, pressure, and temperature), which are used by the microprocessor to determine mass flow rate, totalized flow, and temperature.

Constant Temperature Differential 

Fox Thermal flow meters use a constant temperature differential (ΔT) technology to measure air and gases' mass flow rate. The thermal mass flow sensor consists of two Resistance Temperature Detectors (RTDs). The sensor elements are constructed of a reference-grade platinum wire around ceramic mandrels inserted into a stainless steel or Hastelloy tubes.

The reference RTD measures the gas temperature. The heated element is kept at a constant temperature, and the instrument electronics measure the gas flow's cooling effect. The electrical power required to maintain a constant temperature differential is directly proportional to the process gas's mass flow rate. The microprocessor then linearizes this data to deliver a 4-20mA output signal.

For more information in Nebraska, Iowa, Missouri, and Kansas contact Power Specialties, Inc. Call them at (816) 353-6550 or visit their website at https://powerspecialties.com.

Level, Distance and Position Measurement of Solids and Liquids Up to 164ft (50m) - The Hawk OptioLaser L100

The Hawk Measurement Systems OptioLaser L100 is a non-contact laser sensor that measures the distance between solid and liquid surfaces, slurries, and muddy water. From a metal plate on the side of an overhead crane to the top of material contained in a silo, solid surfaces may be anything. Use the OptioLaser for both distance or level measurement through an easy-to-use menu system, and its high precision, long-range, and quick update rate make it an ideal sensor for a wide range of applications.

OptioLaser L100 Features:

• Non-contact measurements with laser technology
• 303 stainless steel housing
• Measurement range up to 50m (164ft)
• Continuous measurement with a resolution of 10mm
• NAMUR compliant 4-20mA output
• Two normally open relay outputs
• Easy configuration via USB

OptioLaser L100 Applications:

• Shaft
• Bypass
• Basin
• Stilling Well
• Sewage Plant
• Other
• Tank or Vessel

OptioLaser L100 Specifications:

• Accuracy: <0.1% of full range at 20ºC (68ºF)
• Maximum Range: up to 50m (164ft)
• Operating Temp: -20ºC to 60ºC (-4ºF to 140ºF)
• Resolution: 10mm (0.39in)

For more information in Nebraska, Iowa, Missouri, and Kansas contact Power Specialties, Inc. Call them at (816) 353-6550 or visit their website at https://powerspecialties.com.

Valves for the Food and Beverage Industry

Valve selection in food and beverage processing is essential for maintaining quality and consistency. Does the application require the valve to contact the product directly, or is it indirectly influencing the process? Does the valve require special cleaning procedures or located away from areas where contamination is a concern?

Food and beverage industry valves are used in a wide range of applications to regulate steam, hot water, refrigerants,  CIP cleaning media, or gases required for temperature control during sterilization, autoclaving, carbonation, or pasteurization of different products. They are also found in fermentation, smoking, cleaning, drying processes, freshwater supply, brine, or wastewater.

Schubert and Salzer manufacturers a wide range of valves used in food and beverage processing. Their products include:

• Sliding-Gate Control Valves
• Aseptic Right Angle Valves
• Pinch Valves
• Shut off Valves

DOWNLOAD THE SCHUBERT & SALZER FOOD AND BEVERAGE INDUSTRY PRODUCT BROCHURE HERE

For more information about Schubert & Salzer in Kansas, Missouri, Iowa, and Nebraska, contact Power Specialties, Inc., call them at (816) 353-6550, or visit their website https://powerspecialties.com.

Probe Type Tunable Diode Laser Spectrometer TDLS8100

Yokogawa’s new TDLS8100 continues to house all of the industry’s leading features from the TDLS8000 but now only requiring a single-flange installation. An in-situ measurement with a probe removes sample extraction and conditioning requirements and is ideal for various aggressive process conditions.

Built upon Yokogawa’s second generation of TDLS analyzers, the platform still retains its improved reliability, ease of installation, and reduced maintenance requirements. Still, it now does so with a lower total installed cost for O2, CO/CH4, and NH3 measurements.

Power Specialties, Inc.
https://powerspecialties.com
(816) 353-6550

BLH Tank Mount Series

BLH Nobel introduced its new Tank Mount Series of weighing equipment for process weighing applications.  The new series includes three different fully standardized weigh modules with off-the-shelf availability in capacities up to 200 tons and various suitable junction boxes and instruments.  It is an integrated solution for accurate and repeatable weighing of materials for multiple applications such as large silos, vessels, small ingredient storage bins, and clean-in-place batching processes.

Tank Mount Series Markets: 

• Chemical
• Food and Beverage
• Pharmaceutical
• Pulp and Paper

Known for its customizable, high-accuracy, smart weighing solutions, BLH Nobel is an established leader in process weighing.  The Tank Mount Series provides end-users as well as system integrators and OEMs a cost-competitive solution, consisting of two low and one high capacity range weigh modules with mV/V output:

With capacities up to 5 ton/tonnes, the metric TankMount weigh module and its imperial counterpart EconoMount weigh module are both well suited for general industrial applications that require retrofitting on existing structures or converting hoppers into a scale.  The weigh modules are rated IP 67 or better as a standard, with ATEX, FM, NEMA4, OIML, and NTEP, Class III, and IIIL certified versions available as an option.

With the KDH5 weigh module, the Tank Mount Series covers larger capacity needs up to 200 tons at accuracy levels of 0.075% of Rated Output.  Its compact and robust mechanical design features an integrated tilt guard for easy installation.  The weigh module is ideal for heavy silo weighing applications or weighbridges and offered as ATEX, IECEx, or FM approved versions at no additional cost.  Higher capacities and EN 1090 compliant versions are also available.

BLH Nobel offers various suitable junction boxes and instruments to provide complete weighing solutions in a one-stop-shop.  For example, the WIN5 weigh indicator is well suited for simple applications, which can benefit from its stainless steel enclosure, the high-contrast 6-digit LED display, and the operating pushbuttons are supporting tare weight zero settings of empty vessels.  The G5 DIN Rail Mount satisfies advanced process weighing and control instrument needs.  It is available as a DIN Rail version with an integrated display and functional keypad, easy navigation, and control directly at the production facility.  The G5 instrument family's modular hardware supports a wide variety of communication options via Ethernet, RS485, USB, Fieldbus, and analog output - for full flexibility.

Power Specialties, Inc.
https://powerspecialties.com
(816) 353-6550

Airflow Control in Industrial Drying and Coating Processes

In drying and coating processes in the chemical, petrochemical, mining, pharmaceutical, and food and beverage markets, millions of dollars are continuously lost in the operation of fluidized beds, rotary drums, flash dryers, kilns, and similar processes. Because of improper air flow and product feed rates, these devices' failure causes quality problems, causing downtime and loss of both goods and profits. When operating this equipment, it's vital to control airflow.

Challenges in Industrial Drying and Coating

1) Improving Production Efficiency and Quality

Precise control of airflow and air temperature is essential to maintain high product quality, reduce waste, and increase uptime. Any off-specification product must be recycled or wasted. This process is too costly. The performance of many processes would benefit from measuring the mass flow of process air.  Also, limited flow meter turndown often constrains operational flexibility - primarily when requirements cover a wide range of operating conditions.  

2) Dealing with Limited Straight Pipe Runs

Airflow meters incorporated into process equipment are often inaccurate due to the short upstream and downstream straight pipe run.  The installation of a good straight run can quickly become problematic in tight quarters, so other solutions are needed.

3) Reducing Plugging and Coating

Most process equipment designs do not include relatively dirty exhaust flow measurements, even though they can provide significant operational benefits. They are often not included because exhaust flow meters can become coated and plugged when particulates are present — reducing flow meter accuracy.

How can vital processes and equipment that need to work within tight tolerances over a broad operating range be supported with continuous air mass flow at a controlled air temperature?

Products from Air Monitor solve these issues by enhancing the reliability of your airflow meters by improving their accuracy over a wide range of flow rates, thus improving the process's efficiency, improving the product's consistency, and increasing production rates to reduce fuel spending.

For more information, contact Power Specialties. Call them at (816) 353-6550 or visit their website at https://powerspecialties.com. 

Happy Holidays from Power Specialties

Happy Thanksgiving from Power Specialties