Process Instrument Block and Bleed Valves

A process control instrument is a device that measures and controls various parameters of a process, such as temperature, pressure, flow rate, level, and pH. These instruments monitor and regulate the process to ensure it operates efficiently, safely, and within specified parameters.

A process instrumentation block and bleed valve (also known as a block valve) is used in the process control industry to isolate a process instrument from a process line for maintenance, calibration, or replacement purposes.

The block and bleed valve consists of a single valve body that has two separate sealing mechanisms - the block valve and the bleed valve. The block valve stops fluid or gas flow in the process line and isolates the instrument from the process media. The bleed valve releases any trapped pressure or fluid between the block valve and the instrument, ensuring that the instrument can be removed or replaced safely.

Manufacturers use different materials to make process instrument block and bleed valves, depending on their intended application and the process conditions they need to endure. Common materials for the valve body include stainless steel, carbon steel, brass, and exotic alloys such as Hastelloy or Monel. The choice of material for the valve body depends on factors such as the type of process media, temperature, pressure, and corrosion resistance requirements. The valve trim, which includes the internal components such as the valve seat, stem, and disc, can be made from materials such as stainless steel, ceramic, and polymers, depending on the process conditions and media. In addition, the seals and gaskets used in the valve are materials such as Viton, PTFE, or other materials compatible with the process media and the environmental conditions. The choice of materials for a process instrument block and bleed valve is critical to ensure the valve performs reliably and safely in the specific process conditions.

In summary, block and bleed valves provide a function which ensures the safety and reliability of the process control system. These valves apply in chemical, petrochemical, oil and gas, and other industrial applications where process safety is critical.

Hex Valve is a valve manufacturer in Cincinnati, Ohio, that specializes in producing instrument valves, manifolds, and gauge valves for the oil, gas, chemical, and petrochemical industries. With over 50 years of experience, Hex Valve has earned a reputation for producing high-quality, reliable valves that meet the demanding requirements of these industries. The company is committed to providing excellent customer service, quick delivery times, and innovative solutions to help its customers optimize their processes and improve their operations.

For more information, contact:

Hile Controls, Inc.

https://hilecontrolsinc.com

800.536.0269

Single-Point Insertion Aeration Air Flow Meters for Monitoring Aeration Air Flow in Water and Wastewater Treatment Facilities

Aeration is the process of introducing air into water or wastewater, typically done by forcing air through a diffuser, which breaks the air into tiny bubbles that mix with the water or wastewater. The purpose of aeration is to add oxygen to the water or wastewater, which is necessary for the growth of microorganisms used to treat the water or wastewater.

Oxygenation is the process of adding oxygen to water or wastewater through aeration and other methods, such as using oxygen-releasing chemicals. Oxygenation is essential in water and wastewater treatment because it allows microorganisms to grow and break down pollutants in the water or wastewater.

Aeration and oxygenation are critical processes in water and wastewater treatment. They remove nitrogen and phosphorus, which can cause harmful algal blooms and eutrophication. Additionally, oxygenation can help reduce harmful bacteria, such as E. coli, in the water or wastewater.

Single-point flow meters monitor airflow in aeration systems in water and wastewater treatment facilities. They are inserted into a pipe or duct and measure the flow of air through the pipe or duct. They typically use one of two measurement techniques: a hot wire anemometer, which measures the cooling effect of the moving air on a heated wire, or a pitot tube, which measures the pressure difference between the moving air and the static air. The flow rate of the air is then calculated and displayed on a digital readout or transmitted to a control system for monitoring and adjusting the aeration system. These meters are commonly used in water and wastewater treatment facilities to ensure proper aeration and oxygenation of the water or wastewater, which is critical for the effective treatment of the water or wastewater.

Efficient wastewater treatment demands accurate and rapid control of aeration air flow to regulate dissolved oxygen levels in the basin. Conventional control strategies generate fluctuating DO measurements, necessitating higher DO setpoints. This results in increased wear of expensive hardware and energy losses. To achieve tighter control, a quicker and more silent measurement signal for the aeration air is necessary.

The Kurz 410FTB monitors aeration air flow in water and wastewater treatment facilities. Its response time to velocity changes and low noise signal allows for the highest control of dissolved oxygen (DO), resulting in significant improvements in energy efficiency by improving DO control in aeration basins.

Hile Controls, Inc.

https://hilecontrolsinc.com

800.536.0269

Guided Wave Radar Level Transmitters

A guided wave radar transmitter is a type of radar level instrument used for measuring the level of liquids, powders, and other granular materials in a storage tank or process vessel. It is called a "guided wave" radar because it uses a probe or antenna to transmit and receive microwave signals that travel along a guided path, such as a coaxial cable or a metal rod, to the surface of the material being measured.

In industrial process control, a guided wave radar transmitter is typically used to continuously monitor the level of a material in a tank or vessel and provide feedback to the process control system. This information is used to regulate the flow of material into and out of the vessel, maintain a desired level, or trigger an alarm if the level exceeds a predetermined limit.

Guided wave radar transmitters are known for their reliability, accuracy, and ability to operate in harsh environments. They are commonly used in a wide range of industries, including oil and gas, chemical, pharmaceutical, food and beverage, and power generation.

Guided wave radar level transmitters are suitable for use in a wide range of industrial manufacturing sectors, including:

• Oil and gas: Guided wave radar transmitters are commonly used in the oil and gas industry to measure the level of liquids and solids in storage tanks, process vessels, and pipelines.
• Chemical: In the chemical industry, guided wave radar transmitters are used to measure the level of corrosive liquids and hazardous materials in storage tanks and process vessels.
• Pharmaceutical: Guided wave radar transmitters are often used in the pharmaceutical industry to measure the level of liquids, powders, and granular materials in tanks, vessels, and hoppers.
• Food and beverage: These transmitters are used in the food and beverage industry to measure the level of liquids, powders, and granular materials in tanks, vessels, and hoppers.
• Power generation: Guided wave radar transmitters are used in power generation plants to measure the level of liquids, such as water and oil, in storage tanks and process vessels.
• Other sectors: Guided wave radar transmitters are also used in other industrial sectors, such as water and wastewater treatment, pulp and paper, and mining.

Hile Controls, Inc.

https://hilecontrolsinc.com

800-536-0269