I/P Transducers - How They Work and What You Need to Know

I/P Transducer
ControlAir

Converting from one signal type to another is a common challenge in process control. When the application calls for conversion from an electrical signal, current or voltage, to a pneumatic signal (pressure), this calls for an I/P transducer.

The I/P transducer is an electro pneumatic device that converts current or voltage input signal to a linearly proportional output pressure. These transducers are available in a wide array of configurations to accommodate almost any industrial setting or application.

The  I/P transducer pictured is a force balance device. A coil is suspended in a magnetic field by a flexure. As the input signal current flows through the coil, the resulting magnetic force causes axial movement of the coil and flexure. The flexure movement toward a nozzle creates back pressure which acts as a pilot pressure to an integral booster relay. Input signal changes produce proportional output pressure changes. A diagram in the white paper provided below provides accompanying detail.

Applying the I/P transducer is a straight forward operation, involving matching the device input and output signal capabilities with those of the application. The white paper included below provides further detail on how these devices operate and how to properly apply them. Also, included are recommendations for mounting, calibrating, and a host of other useful information items.

Share your process measurement and control challenges with instrumentation specialists, combining your process expertise with their product knowledge to produce effective solutions.

Ins and Outs of I/P Transducers from Hile Controls of Alabama, Inc.

Hile Launches Redesigned Website

Home page of Hile Controls new website

Hile Controls of Alabama, premier distributor of industrial process measurement and control equipment and instruments throughout Alabama, Mississippi, and the Florida Panhandle, has a redesigned website that is live now. The new site provides simple and rapid access to Hile's represented lines and products, as well as the company's social media outlets, all organized in an intuitive and useful fashion to save users time in their search for solutions. The site is mobile friendly to provide a positive user experience on any desktop, smart phone, tablet, or laptop.

Visit the new site and see the products and capabilities of Hile Controls of Alabama.

Rapid navigation is a hallmark of the new Hile site

Instructional Video - Product Features and Using Handheld Combustion Analyzer

Handheld Combustion Analyzer
Enerac

Combustion analysis provides insight into the efficiency of a common industrial process by measuring the concentrations of certain components of exhaust or flue gas. Whether you are testing the efficiency of an engine or a boiler, the process is essentially the same.

Enerac™ has been a provider of handheld electronic combustion analyzers for many years, incorporating continuous innovation and improvement into successive models.The company's Model 500 is a moderately priced and simple to use portable combustion efficiency emissions analyzer that is suitable for a wide range of applications.

The video below demonstrates how the unit is applied, as well as providing some tips on best practices for using the instrument. Get more detail on the Enerac™ handheld electronic combustion analyzers and share your combustion efficiency measurement requirements and challenges with product application specialists. Combining your process and task knowledge with their product application expertise will produce useful solutions.

Pneumatic Power Positioners

Pneumatic Power Positioner
Rosemount Analytical

Pneumatic positioners are used throughout every facet of industry to control dampers, louvers, valves, and other mechanical equipment requiring movement as part of its operation. The simple design of these devices makes them a suitable choice for rugged applications and those requiring dependable performance.

There are two basic types of pneumatic power positioners, thrust and torque. The thrust type has a powered arm with linear motion driven in both directions by air pressure and a piston. Torque type units utilize a similar drive mechanism, but have additional mechanical linkages that convert the piston thrust into rotational movement of a powered arm. The positioners generally consist of a pilot valve assembly, calibration spring, piston, and necessary mechanical linkages.

Here's how it works.

There are two air connections to the postioner, control air and power air. The power air provides force on the piston, control air regulates power air. Increasing control air pressure on the pilot valve assembly causes the pilot valve to direct power air pressure to the drive mechanism (the piston) and change its position. A spring provides feedback force to the pilot valve assembly, resulting in a blockage of the control air signal when the mechanism reaches a predictable position. For any given control signal pressure, the piston will be positioned at a known distance from its fully retracted stance. Overall, the position of the piston is proportional to the control signal pressure. The pilot valve assembly can direct power air to either the bottom or top of the piston, providing powered movement in both directions.

The device provides accurate and rapid positioning across its entire range of motion, with connected dampers or other equipment driven in a similar manner. There is also an on-off version that employs solenoid valves and electric control signals. This version, while not requiring the control air pressure signal, provides only fully extended or fully retracted positions.

Though small in size, this thrust type positioner can handle weight loads up to 175 pounds (79 kg). Larger, more powerful, units are available, along with a host of options, to accommodate a broad array of industrial processes and commercial applications. Power positioners that convert the thrust of the piston into rotational motion are also common.

An overview and description of the Rosemount Analytical pneumatic power positioners is provided below. Share your mechanical positioning challenges and requirements with application specialists. Combining your process knowledge with their product expertise will yield the best solutions.

Rosemount Analytical Hagan Pneumatic Power Positioners from Hile Controls of Alabama, Inc.