Understanding the Various Kinds of Steam Traps

It is essential, without loss of live steam, to remove condensate and often air and other incondensable gases from steam systems. Knowing the range of steam traps allows the best choice to be made for all applications. 

Thermodynamic steam traps

Thermodynamic steam traps combine reliability, simplicity and efficiency of operation; with just one moving part (a hardened stainless steel disc) they give a blast discharge with clean, tight shut-off. They are able to withstand: superheat, water hammer, corrosive condensate, freezing and vibration. 

Ball float steam traps

Ball float steam traps are extremely versatile and work efficiently on both light and heavy condensate loads. Although compact in size, their discharge capacity is high and continuous, ensuring maximum heat transfer. These traps are the best choice for draining plant with automatic temperature control.

An integral air vent is fitted as standard and an adjustable needle valve is available as an option to prevent steam locking.

Balanced pressure thermostatic steam traps

Balanced pressure thermostatic steam traps adjust automatically to varying steam pressures and have excellent air venting characteristics during plant start-up and during normal operation. They have large discharge capacities for their size and the robust design of the internals gives a good life expectancy.

Sealed steam traps

Sealed maintenance free steam traps.

Range: balanced pressure, inverted bucket and bimetallic versions.

Inverted bucket steam traps

Inverted bucket traps are the most robust type of the mechanical traps and will resist water hammer. When the check valve option has been fitted in the inlet, they can be used with superheated steam. They are available with a wide selection of valve orifices for precise pressure and load matching.

Bimetallic thermostatic steam traps

Bimetallic steam traps can conserve energy by discharging sub-cooled condensate in those applications which can utilize sensible heat. They are the most robust of all the thermostatic steam traps, being able to withstand water hammer and corrosive condensate.

For more on steam traps and condensate recovery, or for other Spirax Sarco products, contact Mountain States Engineering and Controls. Call them at 303-232-4100 or visit their web site at https://mnteng.com.

Valve Actuator Basics

Valve actuators are categorized based upon a number of factors including power source available,  torque necessary to operate the valve, installation location,  and the need for automatic actuation.  Actuators are devices which supply the force and motion to open and close valves. They can be manually, pneumatically, hydraulically, or electrically operated. In common industrial usage, the term actuator generally refers to a device which employs a non-human power source and can respond to a controlling signal.

Types of actuators include:

• Electrical motor
• Pneumatic
• Hydraulic
• Manual handwheel or lever

Electric Actuators

Electric Actuator

Electric motors permit manual, semi-automatic, and automatic operation of the valve. Motors are used mostly for open-close functions, although they are adaptable to positioning the valve to any point opening. The motor is usually a, reversible, high speed type connected through a gear train to reduce the motor speed and thereby increase the torque at the stem. Direction of motor rotation determines direction of disk motion. The electrical actuation can be semi-automatic, as when the motor is started by a control system. A handwheel, which can be engaged to the gear train, provides for manual operating of the valve. Limit switches are normally provided to stop the motor automatically at full open and full closed valve positions. Limit switches are operated either physically by position of the valve or torsionally by torque of the motor.

Pneumatic Actuator

Pneumatic Actuators

Pneumatic actuators are used for automatic or semi-automatic valve operation. These actuators translate an air signal into valve stem motion by air pressure acting on a diaphragm or piston connected to the stem. Pneumatic actuators are used in throttle valves for open-close positioning where fast action is required. When air pressure closes the valve and spring action opens the valve, the actuator is termed direct-acting. When air pressure opens the valve and spring action closes the valve, the actuator is termed reverse-acting. Duplex actuators have air supplied to both sides of the diaphragm. The differential pressure across the diaphragm positions the valve stem. Automatic operation is provided when the air signals are automatically controlled by circuitry. Semi-automatic operation is provided by manual switches in the circuitry to the air control valves.

Hydraulic Actuators

Hydraulic Actuator

Hydraulic actuators provide for semi-automatic or automatic positioning of the valve, similar to the pneumatic actuators. These actuators use a piston to convert a signal pressure into valve stem motion. Hydraulic fluid is fed to either side of the piston while the other side is drained or bled. Water or oil is used as the hydraulic fluid. Solenoid valves are typically used for automatic control of the hydraulic fluid to direct either opening or closing of the valve. Manual valves can also be used for controlling the hydraulic fluid; thus providing semi-automatic operation.

Manual Actuators

Manual Operator

Manual actuators are capable of placing the valve in any position but do not permit automatic operation. The most common type mechanical actuator is the handwheel. This type includes handwheels fixed to the stem, hammer handwheels, and handwheels connected to the stem through gears.

Gear Operators

If additional mechanical advantage is necessary for a manually-operated valve, the valve bonnet is fitted with manually-operated gear heads as illustrated in Figure 32. A special wrench or handwheel attached to the pinion shaft permits one individual to operate the valve when two individuals might be needed without the gear advantage. Because several turns of the pinion are necessary to produce one turn of the valve stem, the operating time of large valves is exceptionally long. The use of portable air motors connected to the pinion shaft decreases the valve operating time.

For more information about industrial valves and valve automation, contact Mountain States Engineering and Controls by calling 303-232-4100 or visit their web site at https://mnteng.com.

Spirax Sarco Steam Trap Handbook

Download the Steam Trap Handbook Here

Removing condensate and air from your system is essential. Returning condensate to the boiler house maximizes use of energy. Spirax Sarco the right steam trap for your application and Mountain States Engineering and Controls has the right people to advise you. Products include:

BALANCED PRESSURE STEAM TRAPS

Balanced pressure thermostatic steam traps adjust automatically to varying steam pressures.

BIMETALLIC STEAM TRAPS

Bimetallic steam traps can conserve energy by discharging sub-cooled condensate in those applications which utilize sensible heat.

FAULT DETECTION

Our solutions for effective steam trap management.

FLOAT AND THERMOSTATIC STEAM TRAPS

Extremely versatile traps that work efficiently on both light and heavy condensate loads.

INVERTED BUCKET STEAM TRAPS

Inverted bucket traps are the most robust type of the mechanical traps.

LIQUID EXPANSION STEAM TRAPS

The liquid expansion steam trap employs a liquid expansion device to discharge condensate at a predefined temperature.

MANIFOLDS

The modern method of manifolding is to purchase the manifold as a standard piece of equipment just like buying a steam trap.

SEALED STEAM TRAPS

Replacement sealed traps utilize a non-remakeable joint, eliminating the risk of leaks to atmosphere.

SWIVEL CONNECTORS AND TRAPS

Our range of connectors significantly reduce installation time, cuts costs dramatically, and eliminate system leaks.

THERMODYNAMIC STEAM TRAPS

Thermodynamic steam traps combine reliability, simplicity and efficiency of operation.

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DOWNLOAD THE 2019 SPIRAX SARCO STEAM TRAP HANDBOOK FROM THIS MSEC WEB PAGE

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For more information, contact:
Mountain States Engineering and Controls
600 Corporate Circle, Suite F
Golden, CO 80401
303.232.4100 Phone
303.232.4900 Fax
https://mnteng.com

An Introduction to VSI Controls: Process Control Valves

VSI Controls, a wholly-owned subsidiary of PetrolValves, offers customers general and severe service rotary and reciprocating control valve systems that provide a best-fit solution for their processes.

VSI Controls' valve offering includes Reciprocating Globe, Angle and Three-Way, Rotary Eccentric Plug, Double and Triple Offset Butterfly, Segmented V-Ball, Specialty Ball, Desuperheaters and Regulators. All are provided with Double-acting spring return actuators and advanced digital positioners and provide the thrust, speed, accuracy and response to handle the most exacting applications.

The video above introduces the viewer to the various VSI Controls control valve models.

Mountain States Engineering and Controls is a proud VSI Controls sales channel partner and can assist you with your control valve application in the states of Colorado, New Mexico, Wyoming, Montana, Utah, Nevada, Idaho, Western North Dakota, and Western South Dakota.

Mountain States Engineering and Controls
600 Corporate Circle, Suite F
Golden, CO 80401
303.232.4100 Phone
303.232.4900 Fax
https://mnteng.com

Basic Control Theory Tutorial

This basic control theory tutorial looks at on/off and continuous control modes. It introduces proportional, integral and derivative control actions and explains some of the terminology. Courtesy of Spirax Sarco and Mountain States Engineering and Controls.

Topics Include:

• On/off control
• Continuous control
• Proportional control
• The effect of adjusting the Proportional-band
• Reverse or direct acting control signal
• Gain line offset or proportional effect
• Manual reset
• Overshoot and ‘wind up’
• Derivative control - rate action
• PID controllers
• Hunting
• Lag
• Rangeability
• Turndown ratio

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DOWNLOAD THE TUTORIAL FROM THIS MSEC WEB PAGE

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Introduction to Gas Pipeline Block Station Valves

When a gas pipeline is constructed it is divided up into segments using block valve stations. This enables various sections to be isolated for inspection and maintenance. The block valve is typically a full-bore, soft seated ball valve to allow for "pigging", a practice that includes cleaning and inspecting the pipeline. However, it is not recommended that soft seated ball valves be opened against full differential pressure as damage to the valve seats can occur. To mitigate valve seat damage, a bypass system is installed around the main block valve to balance the pipeline pressure prior to opening. For these bypass requirements, plug valves are commonly used because their inherent design tolerates full differential pressure and allows for the opening and throttling without damage.

Why You Need a Bypass 

Full port ball valve

For any given section of pipeline, the block station valve opening process begins after completion of inspection and/or maintenance has been completed and this section is now ready to be returned to service. 

Because the block valve (often is a soft seated ball valve) is exposed to full differential pressure, it faces a huge pressure drop across the valve as it opens. The pressure drop generates high velocity flow, very often accompanied by scale, rust and dirt particles. These particles come in contact with the valve seats resulting in seat erosion and damage. Once the valve seats are damaged, the block valve cannot seal bubble tight once closed. To avoid the block valve seats from being exposed to high velocity, erosive particles, a bypass is utilized to balance the pressure either side of the block valve prior to the opening of the block valve.

Prevention of Block Valve Seat Deterioration Using Bypass Valves

Plug valve (CRANE Xomox)

A typical bypass system includes two (2) bypass valves and One (1) vent valve. With the vent valve closed, the first of two bypass valves (Bypass Valve 1) is opened allowing pressure into the bypass piping. Usually, a plug valve is be used because it can tolerate full differential pressure without seat damage. Next, bypass the second bypass valve (Bypass Valve 2) is slowly opened, gradually building pressure in the downstream section of the pipeline until the pressure either side of the main block valve is equalized. Plug valves are also commonly used here because they are capable of controlling the flow without seat damaged.

With the pressure now equalized in the pipeline, the block valve can be opened safely, without the risk of seat damage. Bypass valves 1 & 2 have done their jobs and are now fully closed, providing bubble tight shutoff for the main pipeline.

Pipeline Venting to Atmosphere

Block stations are required occasionally vent a section of the pipeline to atmosphere. This too is a demanding application, with the valve being  exposed to full differential pressure. This operation starts with all valves in the system being closed. Bypass valve 1 is then opened allowing pressure into the bypass station system. The vent valve is now slowly opened to release the pipeline pressure.  Plug valves are commonly used here again to ensure bubble tight isolation to the atmosphere once closed.

For more information, contact Mountain States Engineering and Controls by visiting https://mnteng.com or by calling 303-232-4100.

Happy Independence Day from Mountain States Engineering and Controls

VSI Controls Full Control Valve Product Catalog

VSI Controls™, a leading international control valve company and wholly-owned subsidiary of PetrolValves™, offers Customers an exciting alternative to procure severe service rotary and reciprocating control valve systems that provide a best-fit solution for their processes.

The design, geometry and shapes of the products, together with the use of noble materials, modern casting processes and advanced assembly and test technology, differentiate VSI Controls™ in applications such as: superheated steam, high differential pressures, volatile, corrosive, dirty and erosive fluids, as well as solutions to eliminate cavitation and aerodynamic noise issues.

VSI Controls™ - through the manufacturing and technical prowess of PetroIVaIves™ - provides the highest quality control valves systems and complements the product offering of PetrolValves™ manual & automated on-off valves and Mokveld™ axial control, check and choke valves.

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DOWNLOAD THE FULL VSI CONTROLS™PRODUCT CATALOG HERE

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For more information on VSI Controls products, contact Mountain State Engineering and Controls by calling 303-232-4100 or visit their website at https://mnteng.com.

CRANE Valves in Stock at Mountain States Engineering & Controls

Mountain States Engineering & Controls stocks Crane gate, globe, check and ball valves in their new warehouse in Golden, CO. They have Crane forged steel, cast steel, cast iron, bronze gate, globes and check valves up to 12”.   They also have carbon steel, stainless steel  and brass ball valves ¼” through 2”, as well as carbon steel and stainless steel Duo-Chek check valves up to 16”.

For more information, contact Mountain States Engineering & Controls.
https://mnteng.com
303-232-4100

MSEC Honors Those Who Gave Their Lives to Preserve Our Freedom

PTFE Lined Valves Designed for High Corrosion, High Purity

The Max Seal Chem-Flo Series of industrial line butterfly valve are fully lined PTFE lever operated butterfly valves suitable for use with acidic and base media. The Max Seal Chem-Flo butterfly valves offer reliable corrosion resistance when exposed to aggressive chemicals where corrosion is a concern. The Chem-Flo Series is available in wafer or lugged styles and offer bidirectional, bubble-tight shutoff.

Models:

• 25 - Wafer Type
• 26 - Lug Type
• Size Range 2" - 12"

• Ductile Iron Body
• Optional Stainless Steel
• And Special Alloys

Pressure Rating:

2" - 14": 150 PSI
16" - 24": 100 PSI

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Download the Max Seal Chem-Flo butterfly cut sheet

from the Mountain States Engineering and Controls here.

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Actuator Mounting

• ISO - 5211 Direct Mount

Design Advantages

• Ease of Automation
• Low Operating Torque
• Blow-Out Proof Stem
• 2 Piece Body Design
• Epoxy Coated Body
• Optional Polished Disc
• Phenolic Backed Seat
• 2 Piece Stem Design 

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For more information, contact Mountain States Engineering and Controls by calling 303-232-4100 or by visiting https://mnteng.com.

Filtrafine: New Product Line for Mountain States Engineering and Controls

Filtrafine from Mountain States Engineering and Controls

MSEC would like to welcome Filtrafine to the Mountain States Engineering and Controls product family.

Filtrafine Corporation is a global filtration manufacturer (established 1985) with experienced R&D, production, sales, and engineering staff.

Product lines include:

• Filters for water, steam, sterile air, gases, and replacement filters for other major filter brands. 
• Filter Housings.
• Filter skid fabrication (design, fabrication, & drawings).

For more information on all Filtrafine products, contact Mountain States Engineering and Controls by calling 303-232-4100 or visit their website at https://mnteng.com.

Products. Knowledge. Service. Reliability. Mountain States Engineering and Controls

The industrial markets of Colorado, New Mexico, Wyoming, Montana, Utah, Nevada, Idaho and the western Dakotas have been served by Mountain States Engineering & Controls since 1978.

MSEC is a manufacturer's representative and distributor for process equipment and controls based in Golden, Colorado. We support customers with application, design, product start-up assistance, as well as after-sale service and training.

Ensuring that our products and services exceed your expectations is our absolute goal. Mountain States Engineering & Controls has on-site experts willing to help you choose the right product for your application.

Mountain States Engineering & Controls is one of the most recognized and innovative process control problem solvers in the Mountain States Region.  Our high-quality products are designed to meet the most demanding customer applications. MSEC products solve challenging problems in power, chemical, mining, energy, water treatment and manufacturing, as well as in universities, hospitals and government facilities.

For over 40 years we've been there whenever our customers called. You can be sure we'll be there when you need us.

NIVELCO MicroTREK Guided Wave Radar Level Transmitter Training

The NIVELCO MicroTREK Guided Wave Radar level transmitter is designed for continuous level measuring of conductive or non-conductive liquids, pulps and solids. MicroTREK level gauge operates based on the well-known TDR (Time Domain Reflectometry) principle. Micropulses are sent along a probe guide at the speed of light. As soon as the impulse reaches the surface of the medium, it is reflected back to the electronic module. Level distance is directly proportional to the flight time of the impulse.

The video above provides an excellent introduction of the MicroTREK's design, application, and operation.

Download the NIVELCO MicroTREK brochure from this MSEC web page.

Mountain States Engineering and Controls
https://mnteng.com
303-232-4100

Watson McDaniel Full Steam & Fluid Specialty Product Catalog for Industry

Watson McDaniel Company is a U.S. manufacturer of steam traps, pressure pumps, pressure and temperature regulators, relief valves, liquid drainers, ejectors, engineered systems, and a variety of specialty products. With ISO9001 certification, ASME B&PV Code Stamp approvals, and patented product introductions, Watson McDaniel is positioned to provide customers with state of the art steam specialty products at affordable cost.


Download the full Watson McDaniel Steam & Fluid Specialty Product Catalog from the Mountain States Engineering and Controls website here.

Crane FKX 9000 Butterfly Valve: Triple Offset Explained

The Crane®FKX 9000 Triple Offset valve design is recommended for industrial applications where large bore valves handle hot steam or isolate parts of their plants and have high/low temperatures that prevent the use of rubber lining elements.

Here's an explanation of "Triple Offset":

Offset One
This offset applies to the center line of the disc/seat sealing surfaces that provides an uninterrupted sealing surface.

Offset Two
This offset refers to the location of the shaft with respect to the center line of the bore, which enables a calming action of the disc to minimize rubbing and wear between the seat and seal.

Offset Three
This offset is the axis of the seat cone angle that is offset from the center line of the valve bore to eliminate rubbing of the seat/seal contact surfaces during operation and to preserve sealing integrity over the cycle life of the valve.

For more information, contact Mountain State Engineering and Controls by calling (303) 232-4100 or visit https://mnteng.com.

Heat Exchanger Basics

Figure 1 - Shell and Tube Heat Exchanger

Shell and Tube Heat Exchanger
Disassembled

Heat exchangers transfer thermal energy from one fluid to another. In manufacturing facilities, steam is a common source of heat for many reasons, some of which are discussed in the Introduction. There is a wide range of heat exchanger designs that use steam, largely due to the wide range of products that are heated with steam.

Many process and product considerations must be incorporated into the selection of a heat exchanger. Some basic heat exchanger types are discussed below, including:

• Tubular
• Plate and frame 
• Jacketed
• Coil

Tubular Heat Exchanger

Shell and Tube Heat Exchanger
Internal View

Tubular heat exchangers are tube bundles that are surrounded by the heated or heating medium. This type of heat exchanger includes finned tube and shell and tube designs as shown in Figure 1 above. Finned tube heat exchangers are often used to heat air for drying and space heating applications. Shell and tube heat exchangers are often used for liquid heating and evaporation. Since the tube side of shell and tube heat exchangers can be designed to withstand high pressures, sometimes exceeding 1500 PSIG, heat exchangers of this type are often used in high-temperature and high-pressure applications.

Plate and Frame Heat Exchanger 

Plate and Frame Heat Exchanger
(in clean/sanitary application)

In plate and frame heat exchangers, the two heat exchange fluids are separated by plates. The plates are corrugated, or ridged, as shown in Figure 11, to increase the surface area available for heat transfer. Plate and frame heat exchangers are often used in low-viscosity applications, where the risk of clogging is less severe. The plate ends are typically sealed by covers with gaskets covers that can be removed to allow disassembly and cleaning. This heat exchanger type is used when temperatures and pressures are moderately low, typically below 300°F and 370 psi. Plate and frame heat exchangers also have a common design variation that has the plates welded or brazed together. This allows higher temperature service but eliminates the possibility of mechanical cleaning.

For more information about heat exchangers, contact Mountain States Engineering and Controls.

Web: https://mnteng.com
Phone: 303-232-4100

VSI Controls GLS Globe Control Valves

The VSI Controls GLS Series is recognized as a high-performance control valve in the oil, gas, power, and process industries, the while boasting easy, quick, and economical maintenance. In contrast from other control valves operated by spring-diaphragm actuators, the GLS Series is operated by double acting spring-cylinder actuator that takes advantage of its high pneumatic stiffness, which in turn ensures an excellent and accurate positioning in throttling as well as fast and reliable response to changes in the control signal.

Get more information about the VSI Controls GLS Control Valve Here

VSI Controls GLS Globe Control Valve | Mountain States Engineering and Controls from Mountain States Engineering and Controls

CCS DualSnap Pressure and Temperature Controls

CCS manufactures pressure and temperatures switches used in many industrial and aerospace applications. CCS’ designs utilize proven, rugged “Dual-Snap®” disc spring and advanced sensing technologies to provide customers superior solutions for pressure and temperature applications.

Contact Mountain States Engineering & Controls for more information.

https://mnteng.com

303-232-4100