Special Design Magnetic Level Gauge Overcomes Slug Catcher Level Challenges

In normal pipeline applications where gas and liquid moves together, gravity pushes the liquid component to the bottom of the pipe and the gas component flows above. In some situations however, the gas and liquid may combine and form a plug. In the pipeline industry these plugs are referred to as "slugs". Slugs can cause problems at the pipeline outlet as they can easily overload a plant's ability to handle the liquid or gas flow safely or efficiently.

In order to avoid problems with slugs, the use of a "slug catcher" is deployed. Located between the process equipment and the pipeline outlet, slug catchers are vessels with enough holding capacity to hold a slug as they travel down the pipeline. The additional holding capacity allows for the gradual draining of liquids from the system to avoid system overload.

MONITORING SLUG CATCHER LEVEL

The biggest problem for slug catcher applications is solids accumulation. The build-up occurs naturally during normal operations. Solids will continue to accumulate until they are physically removed.

Solids accumulate in the piping around the vessel/drum. This can cause operational failure as the piping can get congested. Solids build-up on sight glasses is very dangerous because the sight glass is a critical component to the operation of a slug catcher.
The most common liquids measured are hydrocarbons and water. Once the sight glass accumulates solids or discoloration on the viewing window, the liquids may not be visible at all.

MAGNETIC LEVEL GAUGE

To overcome all of the challenges that slug catcher applications pose for safe and reliable level monitoring, Jogler engineers created the following design that has been implemented and proven over many years of operation:

INDIRECT LEVEL MEASUREMENT 
Unlike a sight glass, a magnetic level gauge does not include direct sight of the liquid. Instead, the level is magnetically conveyed via the interaction of flags in the external scale assembly and magnets in the float. This makes it impossible for the glass to become clogged or dirty. Therefore, a magnetic level gauge offers constant, unimpeded liquid level viewing that will not deteriorate with any solids accumulation.

GUIDE RODS
To prevent solids from interfering with proper operation of the float, the chamber is made from a 3” pipe with a 2” or 2.5” float and guide rods (other configurations available). This allows space for the solids to accumulate without interfering with the float traveling.

COATING
To help avoid buildup, the float and internal chamber can be coated with various products, such as Teflon S, to prevent fouling buildup on the float. If buildup can occur on the float, the weight of the float will increase give false low level readings.

CUSTOM FLOATS
An important part of the function of a magnetic level gauge is the design of the internal float. Floats can be engineered to handle various liquids, including extremely light hydro-carbons. To compensate for potential solids build-up, extra buoyancy can be included in the design of a float to ensure it can power through the solids without hanging up.

MAGNETIC PARTICLE TRAPS
In some slug catcher applications, iron sulfides and other ferromagnetic particles may be present. These magnetic particles present a risk to the long-term operation of the float, accumulating on the float’s magnets. This can increase the weight of the float causing false low level readings and can even build up to the point where the float sinks or gets stuck. To eliminate these risks, a magnetic particle trap can be installed on one or more of the process connections. The magnetic particle trap consists of high strength super-magnets that are placed in the flow path to the magnetic level gauge. These magnets collect any magnetic particles that can make it to the chamber to protect against build-up on the float. The magnetic particle trap is designed  easily be removed from the process connections so it can be periodically cleaned.

HEAT TRACING / INSULATION
In applications where process liquid in the slug catcher can be viscous, factory-installed heat tracing and insulation can be used to decrease the liquid viscosity. This will eliminate situations where the float will be sluggish to react to changing liquid levels or even freeze up entirely. Self-regulating electric heat trace cable provides a reliable heat tracing solution that is customizable to available power connections (typically 120VAC or 240VAC), process temperature, and minimum ambient temperature.

For more information, contact Alliance Technical Sales. Call 630-321-9646 or visit https://alliancets.com.

Continuous, Real-time Measurement for Full Visibility of Total Organic Carbon (TOC) in Pure and Ultra-Pure Water Systems

At-line batch method of monitoring total organic carbon (TOC), which takes measurements at set intervals, is the equivalent of taking snapshots of information. The gaps between measurement intervals could easily miss a critical event, whereas on-line, continuous TOC monitoring done by the Mettler Toledo 6000TOCi total organic carbon analyzer captures any-and-all excursions in real-time.

Monitoring total organic carbon levels is critical to meeting internal water quality specifications and global pharmacopeia regulatory requirements. Missing an increase in TOC levels can put you at risk of contaminating your water system, which in turn could affect production and potentially lead to an out-of-spec event or product recall.

Most TOC analyzers on the market offer at-line batch or non-continuous methods of total organic carbon measurement, which limits TOC data collection to every 6-12 minutes. But much can happen in six minutes.  When you are subject to an audit or have a quality problem, how are you sure that you did not experience a problematic TOC excursion between batch samples?

The 6000TOCi analyzer’s true continuous measurement along with its comprehensive record keeping and advanced diagnostics provide audit-ready TOC compliance and complete control of your water system.

DOWNLOAD THE 6000TOCi TOTAL ORGANIC CARBON ANALYZER CATALOG HERE

Alliance Technical Sales
https://alliancets.com
630-321-9646

Calibration of the Mettler Toledo InPro 3250 Sensor and M400 Transmitter

The Mettler Toledo Process Analytics InPro 3250 is a pre-pressurized liquid-electrolyte pH probe with temperature sensor. The InPro 3250 are designed for an extensive range of applications in the biotechnology, pharmaceutical and chemical process industries.

The Mettler Toledo M400 is a 4-wire transmitter with multi-parameter and ISM capabilities.

This video demonstrates the process of calibrating an analog InPro 3250 pH sensor connected to an M400 transmitter.

Contact Alliance Technical Sales for all your Mettler Toledo Process Analytics products. Call them at 630-321-9646 or visit them at https://alliancets.com.

Emergency De-Icing and Thawing for Industrial Pipes, Valves and Tanks

Reprinted with permission from BriskHeat

Download the PDF version of this application note here.

The cold weather can wreak havoc on exposed valves, pumps, pipes, bearings, filter housing, and other industrial objects. When these parts freeze, they typically become unusable, and in extreme conditions damaged. The freezing and damage causes extended and unwanted downtown and in some cases, costly repairs. Production teams cannot afford to allow the weather to restrict their productivity, and need a solution to remedy these problems quickly and safely.

De-Icing and Thawing Solution

BriskHeat’s HSTAT silicone rubber heating tape is the perfect tool for providing temporary heat to quickly get frozen systems back up and running and reduce downtime. When confronted with a stuck or frozen system, wrap the HSTAT heating tape around the frozen part, set the temperature, and allow the heat to quickly thaw/unfreeze the part. The easy-to-use portable heat tape provides instant localized heat to quickly de-ice parts efficiently and safely. When finished, the HSTAT heating tape is easily rolled up and kept in a toolbox or cabinet, ready for use again when needed.

HSTAT heating tapes are available in a variety of lengths and have a thin design for maximum
versatility, and extreme flexibility. They can be fit around nearly any shape or size component. A built-in adjustable controller regulates the temperature which can provide intense heat of up to 450°F (232°C). HSTAT heating tapes offer true performance and reliability in even the coldest conditions down to -60°F (-51°C). The easy to use plug-and-play design requires no need for special wiring. They feature BriskHeat’s patented, multi-stranded heating element for ultimate flexibility and reliability.

Additional Uses

HSTAT heating tapes have many additional uses. These include process control needs where a unique process requires heat, or for viscosity related needs where heat is used to reduce viscosity and increase flow, and more. They are used as a temporary heat source when needed or as a permanent installation. HSTAT heating tapes are used to heat all types of objects that require elevated temperatures.

For more information, contact Alliance Technical Sales. Call them at 630-321-9646 or visit their web site at https://alliancets.com.

Eliminate Delayed Oxygen Measurement Safety Risk in Your Process Gas Analyzer

Having a car alarm that goes off 15 seconds after a break-in puts you at risk of property damage and significant loss. If you wouldn't take this risk with your car, why take it in your process plant?

If you're using an extractive oxygen analyzer that requires sampling and conditioning to prevent explosive conditions, that's exactly what you're getting - an alert up to 60 seconds after an oxygen build up is started. Using an extractive analyzer that requires sampling and conditioning means it's impossible to get real-time information. Measurements are delayed by up to a minute as the sample travels through pipes to the analyzer. In addition oxygen in the sample can be diluted by the gas ahead of and behind it, resulting in a falsely flat excursion curve. An alarm threshold may not be met when it should, so you get one, perhaps inaccurate, result in one minute.

Eliminate the risk. Get continuous real-time measurement. The GPro 500 tunable diode laser gas analyzer from Mettler-Toledo measures in-situ, without the need for sampling and conditioning. It provides continuous measurement and safety-critical applications, so you'll know about oxygen excursions immediately. Don't leave your plant safety up to delayed measurement. Rethink safety. Rethink gas analytics.

For more information, contact Alliance Technical Sales. Call them at 630-321-9646 or visit their web site at https://alliancets.com.

What Are Direct-reading Level Gauges, Site Flow Indicators, and Specific Gravity Analyzers?

Direct-reading Level Gauges (Jogler)

Direct-reading Level Gauges

Direct-reading Level Gauges are the simplest, most reliable way to determine the level of liquid in a tank or vessel because they give you a direct view without compromising the integrity of your process system. Direct-Reading level gauges are installed so that the liquid level in the transparent sight tube is always the same as the liquid level inside the tank or vessel.

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Sight Flow Indicators

Sight Flow Indicators (Jogler)

Sight Flow Indicators are the simplest, most reliable way to observe liquid or solids flow without compromising the integrity of your piping system. They are available in either armored styles for protection in exposed locations, or lantern styles for 360-degree viewing.

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Specific Gravity Analyzers (SGAs)

Specific Gravity Analyzer (Jogler)

Specific Gravity Analyzers (SGAs) are a dependable and accurate method for measuring and sampling process liquid levels in virtually any application:

• Acids
• Caustics
• Co-generation
• Light Hydrocarbons
• Beverages, etc.

SGAs present accurate visual verification of liquid density, can be cross-checked against temperature and are compatible with most requirements. Also, they require only small amounts of product for specific gravity measurement.


DOWNLOAD THE JOGLER LEVEL GAUGE, FLOW INDICATOR & ANALYZER BROCHURE HERE


For more information on these products, contact Alliance Technical Sales by calling 630-321-9646 or visit their web site at https://alliancets.com.

Validating Water Cycle pH Requirements Using Conductivity and Calculated pH

In thermal power plants, pH measurement and control in the water steam cycle are critical to minimizing corrosion. Cycle chemistry guidelines specifically target narrow pH ranges.

However, in high purity water and steam, there are not enough ions in the water to generate a pH response, causing the pH reading to be unstable. Fortunately, conductivity has a direct relationship with pH when the sample contains only pure water with the typical alkaline treatments, such as ammonia and amines. In fact, cycle chemistry in many plants relies primarily on the related specific conductivity values. However, correction for minor contaminants by measuring the cation conductivity of the sample is needed to provide accurate results. The specific and the cation conductivity values are used in an industry accepted calculation that provides the highest accurate conversion to pH. Under normal operating conditions, this calculation provides more accurate and reliable results than pH electrodes can provide, for two reasons:

1. Conductivity is linear, with concentration which provides much higher resolution than pH sensors all of which give nonlinear response to concentration.
2. Conductivity sensors can be directly calibrated with minimal introduction of error. 

All pH reference electrodes have a variable junction or diaphragm potential that can change between buffer calibration and process measurement, introducing some uncertainty to subsequent measurements.

This makes calculated pH based on conductivity significantly more accurate. However, with major contamination, such as when a condensate exchange polisher's resin is exhausted, and an acid leak occurs, the pH would drop below 7, which is outside the ideal range for using calculated pH and would generate errors. Thus, to avoid contamination, it is recommended that both traditional pH measurement, and calculated pH based on conductivity, be used for optimal pH control.

METTLER TOLEDO Thornton's M800 multi-parameter transmitter can provide traditional pH measurement, calculated pH, as well as specific and cation conductivity to ensure accurate and reliable pH control. The M800 even has a built-in alarm to alert you if the pH measurement deviates from the calculated pH measurement for extra security and peace of mind.

For more infomration about METTLER TOLEDO Process Analytics products, contact Alliance Technical Sales by calling 630-321-9646 or by visiting https://alliancets.com.

No More Purge Gas Required for New Tunable Diode Lasers for Combustion Processes

A new generation of TDLs not only offers exceptional fuel costs savings, but eliminates the need for process side purge gas.

Refineries, petrochemical, fertilizer and power plants worldwide have large numbers of combustion processes in operation, from process heaters and fired heaters to package boilers and large steam turbines. Whenever a process fluid needs to be heated as part of a chemical reaction, or there is a requirement for steam generation, there will be a combustion process at its heart.

This paper presents a review of the general anatomy of a typical combustion process; describing each zone and its function, before discussing some of the challenges of combustion measurement and how modern TDL analyzers such as METTLER TOLEDO’s GPro 500 and its range of process adaptions offer many advantages over typical combustion analysis technologies.

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DOWNLOAD THE WHITE PAPER FROM THIS ALLIANCE TECHNICAL SALES WEB PAGE HERE

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For more information about GPro® 500 TDL, contact Alliance Technical Sales by calling 630-321-9646 or by visiting https://alliancets.com.

Proper Installation of BriskHeat XtremeFLEX Heating Tape

BriskHeat XtremeFlex heating tape is very versatile due to its superior flexibility. Although it is versatile, there can still be failures in hotspots if it's not properly installed. The purpose of this short video is to help you avoid failures and hot spots, and to help you install your heating tape for optimal performance.

Before you get started there's a few things that you should keep in mind:

• Make sure you have these tools prior to installing the heating tape - Gloves, Heating Tape, Heat Conductive Putty, Scissors, Fiberglass Tape.
• Be sure that the surface that you're applying the heat tape to is clean, dry, and free of burrs, oils, debris or sharp edges. 
• Ensure that you don't overlap the heating tape onto itself leave at least an eighth of inch gap between each wrap.

You also want to ensure complete surface contact between the heating tape and the surface. Air gaps can cause hotspots which can result in premature failures to the heating tape. Use our heat conductive putty to bridge any gaps between the heating tape and the surface.  When working with heat conductive putty, wear proper personal protective equipment. Place a fair amount of putty where the transitions meet so that there will not be any air gaps when installing. With many heating tapes you will need a temperature controller device, so contact your BriskHeat Representative for assistance.

To make sure that the heat tape stays in place use briskets high-temperature fiberglass adhesive tape or high-temperature aluminum adhesive tape because it will not damage the heating tape and it can withstand the high temperature that the heating tape produces.  Use insulation on BriskHeat heating products in order to avoid heat loss.

For more information about the BriskHeat heating products, contact Alliance Technical Sales.

Phone: 630-321-9646

Web: https://alliancets.com

The Mettler Toledo GPro® 500 Series of Tunable Diode Lasers

Tunable Diode Lasers (TDLs) use a measurement technology called absorption spectroscopy: they output a beam of laser light at the same frequency that the gas to be measured absorbs light. The TDL analyzes the light after it has passed through the gas stream and calculates the quantity of the target gas in the stream. The use of TDL sensors is becoming more and more common in industrial processes.

Mettler Toledo manufactures the GPro^® 500 TDL Series of Tunable Diode Laser designed for the toughest gas measurements. These analyzers are known to handle some of the most demanding process applications, particularly where accuracy and fast response is crucial.

Using a modular design, the GPro^® 500 tunable diode laser gas analyzer allows you to select the process adaption that fits your application, and match it with the parameter that you need to measure. We offer sensors that measure  a variety of gases including Carbon Dioxide (CO₂), Carbon Monoxide (CO), Hydrogen Chloride (HCl), Hydrogen Sulfide (H₂S), Moisture, Ammonia (NH₃), Methane (CH₄) and Oxygen (O₂).

GPro® 500 Tunable Diode Laser - Eliminate Alignment

Most TDLs are comprised of two parts: the laser source unit and a receiving/analyzing unit. These parts must be installed directly opposite each other, which is not always easy and misaligned can often occur. METTLER TOLEDO's GPro^® 500 Series solves this by combining both parts in a single unit. A probe attached to the GPro^® sensor protrudes into the gas stream. A three-sided mirror at the end of the probe directs the beam back through the probe to the receiver, so alignment is always perfect.

GPro® 500 Tunable Diode Laser - Minimal Maintenance

The GPro^® does not require "maintenance intensive" extractive and conditioning systems. This means that you receive consistent performance from your tunable diode laser gas analyzer without the downtime and cost associated with these traditional systems. You achieve reliable uptime, critical in safety applications, at a reduced cost of ownership.

For more information about the Mettler Toledo GPro^® 500 Tunable Diode Laser, contact Alliance Technical Sales.
Phone: 630-321-9646
Web: https://alliancets.com

Brewers, Make Oxygen More Your Friend, and Less Your Enemy. Check Out the Mettler Toledo InTap™ Portable Optical DO analyzer

InTap™ DO Analyzer 

Brewers have a complicated relationship with oxygen. 

At times oxygen is your friend. It's needed for barley germination. It's needed to synthesize fatty acids and sterols in yeast. And it improves colloidal stability. 

Oxygen is also one of the the brewers worst enemies. It has a significant effect on color. It lowers the  rate of wort separation. It can cause undesirable flavors. And is causes haze and makes finished beer stale.

By the way, we're talking about the dissolved oxygen (DO) in solution here. Not the external oxygen the water, wort, or beer tank headspace.

Fortunately Mettler Toledo provides instrumentation to assist brewers in they management of oxygen. Their InTap™ DO analyzer with optical technology, is both a portable measurement tool and a convenient calibration instrument. It facilitates measurement and calibration procedures in both process and laboratory settings, and reduces the risk of operator error.

The InTap™ portable oDO analyzer is a portable measurement device for dissolved oxygen

measurement and for calibration and data logging of optical dissolved oxygen ISM® sensors

(InPro® 6970i) installed in the process. The InTap™ and the sensors communicate via Bluetooth.

Measurement point tracking in the InTap™ portable dissolved oxygen meter allows operators to easily connect stored measurement data to different locations in production, making it easy to maintain records point-by-point for traceability and documentation purposes.

Reliable optical dissolved oxygen (DO) sensor technology is also available in the InTap™ portable meter for spot check and reference measurements. With Blue- tooth communication, hassle-free calibration of in-line DO sensors is done quickly and easily.

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DOWNLOAD A COMPREHENSIVE IN-LINE PROCESS ANALYTICS BROCHURE FOR PRODUCING QUALITY BEER HERE

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For more information, contact Alliance Technical Sales. They can be reached by calling 630-321-9646 or by visiting their web site at https://alliancets.com.

Jogler Dual Chamber Level System

Dual chamber systems are often ideal for magnetic level gauges. The compact design eliminates the need for coaxial probes. Dual chamber systems also allow for multiple redundant technologies, including guided wave radars, capacitance level transmitters, and tuning fork level switches.

Advantages of Dual Chambers

• Cuts out need for coaxial probes
• A single probe can be easily removed from the chamber for maintenance and cleaning
• Putting a Guided Wave Radar and a float in a single chamber requires larger pipe and flange sizes and a baffled plate between the float and the GWR coaxial probe

Disadvantages of a Single Chamber System

• A magnetic field orientation not optimal for instrument installation
• Radar interference due to the baffled plate
• Float obstruction due to an extra wall in the chamber
• Mandatory use of coaxial probe shields which are susceptible to blockage and fouling leading to
• incorrect measurements
• Increased cost and weight of the system
• Remote mounting of GWR electronics when top connections to the system are necessary

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DOWNLOAD THE FULL JOGLER DUAL CHAMBER LEVEL SYSTEM CUTSHEET FROM THIS ALLIANCE TECHNICAL SALE WEB PAGE

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HF scientific Water Quality Measurement Products Catalog

HF scientific produces instrumentation, test kits and chemical reagents used for monitoring water quality in a variety of applications. Their primary market is in the area of Industrial and Municipal water treatment, but their products are also found in industrial process control systems and marine ballast water systems.

Products Include:

• M100+ Laboratory Turbidimeter
• MTOL+ Online Process Turbidimeter
• ProCal Primary Turbidity Standards for use with the Hach® 1720 c/d/e Series Online Turbidimete
• CLX Online Residual Oxident and Chlorine Monitor
• CLX-Ex Residual Oxidant Monitor for Hazardous Atmospheres
• CLX-Ex2 Extended Reagent Life Online TRO and Chlorine Monitor for Hazardous Atmospheres
• AccUView LED Online UV Analyzer
• J.A.W. Chlorine Reagents
• DPD Reagent Dispensers
• Nitrification Inhibitor Dispensers

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DOWNLOAD THE HF SCIENTIFIC CATALOG FROM THIS ALLIANCE TECHNICAL SALES WEB PAGE

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LIDAR, Non-contact Level Transmitter for Fast and Accurate Measurement

Jogler LLT-1000

Lidar (LIDAR, LiDAR) is a surveying technique that measures distance to a destination by illuminating the target with laser light and using a sensor to measure the reflected light. Differences in laser return times and wavelengths can then be used to determine distance and area. The name lidar was initially a portmanteau of light and radar, now used as an acronym for light detection and ranging. Lidar uses ultraviolet, visible, or near infrared light to sense and image objects.

Jogler's Lidar Level Transmitter LLT-1000 is a laser-based non-contact instrument that measures the level of silos, tanks, hoppers, chutes and bunkers. The LLT-1000 uses time-of-flight laser technology to measure distance. This principle of quick and accurate measurement provides many benefits over other level measurement techniques.

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DOWNLOAD THE LLT-1000 CUTSHEET FROM THIS ALLIANCE TECHNICAL SALES WEB PAGE

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Alliance Technical Sales, Inc.
630-321-9646
https://alliancets.com

Inline Dissolved Oxygen Sensor Designed for Breweries

InPro6970i for brewing

Oxygen in beer bottles or cans is bad. It affects the flavor and shortens shelf life, so breweries do their best to prevent oxygen getting into beer  at the filling line.  The Mettler Toledo Process Analytics InPro6970i is an inline dissolved oxygen sensor designed specifically for the needs of the brewery industry. It can measure oxygen in beer at levels of only a few parts per billion.

The sensor is inserted in the pipe at the start of the filling line, and provides real-time measurements on the oxygen content of the beer.  If the oxygen level is too high, the flow of beer is stopped to prevent the out of specification product continuing down the line.

Unlike most dissolved oxygen sensors available, the InPro6970i uses a clever optical technique for measuring oxygen. At the tip of the sensor there's a layer of molecules that absorb and emit light. These molecules are sensitive to oxygen which alters how the molecules behave. The greater the quantity of oxygen, the greater the changes in their behavior. The sensor very accurately measures these changes and sends the signal to the transmitter.  This technique is extremely fast and accurate at measuring changes in beer oxygen level, which is why it is favored by breweries. But that is not the only requirement breweries demand.  Sensors must be rugged, easy to use, and simple to maintain.The InPro6970i scores highly in all these areas. The sensor's stainless steel body is extremely robust, the unit is easily and quickly installed, and the only maintenance required is the periodic exchange of the oxygen sensitive element, the OptoCap. Intelligent Sensor Management, or ISM, is a feature of the InPro6970i that offers significant benefits to breweries. The sensor can be calibrated in a convenient location such as a lab. Upon connection to the transmitter, the system is ready to measure in only a few seconds, so measurement point down time is very short. The dynamic lifetime indicator uses sophisticated algorithms to calculate the remaining life of the sensor, breweries therefore have confidence that the sensor won't fail unexpectedly.

Contact Alliance Technical Sales for more information. Call 630-321-9646 or visit https://alliancets.com.

Heating Tapes: Application and Installation Tips

High temperature tape (left) and
moisture & chemical resistant
tape (right).

Heating tapes are easy-to-use, ideal for a wide range of thermal applications, and inexpensive. This article will provide simple installation tips to improve your heating tape product life, application performance, and most importantly, your safety.

Why Heating Tapes?

Heating tapes offer many advantages for solving a wide range of gas, liquid, and solid heating applications. 

Advantages:

1. Flexibility: Easily installs directly to a wide variety of surfaces and geometries (i.e. 1/4” diameter or larger piping, glassware, valves, reactors, chambers, etc.)
2. Rapid and uniform heat-up due to high watt densities and user-configurable installations
3. High temperature ranges
4. Easily controlled with standard temperature controlling devices
5. Variety of sizes, wattages, temperature ranges, and styles available to meet your exact heating requirements

Always follow the manufacturer’s instructions
while installing or removing heating tape.

Step 1: Preparation

Prepare surface to be heated: Wipe the surface making sure there is no foreign material, like liquid, on the surface.  Foreign material inhibits heat transfer and liquid can damage select models of heating tape (i.e. High-Temperature Heating Tapes).  

Make a visual inspection of heating tape: We recommend that you replace the heating tape if it becomes torn or damaged.  Damaged heating tape is a safety hazard and will not operate correctly. 

Selecting the Proper Heating Tape

Figure B

Selection of your tape depends on: 

• Length, diameter, and configuration of the surface to be heated
• Required temperature
• Required wattage
• Environmental conditions (i.e. likelihood heating tape will come into contact with moisture or chemicals)

Step 2: Installing your Heating Tape

Figure C

Heating tape can be installed on nearly any surface due to its flexibility.  Spiral wrap the heating tape onto the surface to be heated so that the length of one entire side of the heating tape is in full contact with the surface (Figure B). The distance between spiral wraps is dependent on the uniformity requirements and the amount of available heating tape.  A minimum distance of 1/8” is required between spiral wraps to avoid damage to the heating tape.

Attach the heating tape to the surface by either using built-in tie straps (Figure C), high-temperature adhesive tape (Figure D), or mechanical clamping devices that will not cause damage to the heating tape. 

Figure D

Ensure the heating tape is not kinked, twisted, or hanging free from the surface (Figure E and F). Do not overlap heating tape on itself (Figure G). This can cause damage to the heating tape due to overheating.

Do's

• Make sure you have selected the correct heating tape for your application. BriskHeat offers a wide range of sizes, voltages, and temperature ranges.
• Visually check your heating tape prior to use.
• Make sure that the heating tape makes full contact with the surface to be heated.
• Always follow the manufacturer’s instructions while installing or removing heating tape.

Don't kink or overlap, apply without control, apply over
insulation, never use near flammable materials,
do not submerge, and do not use if tape is cut or damaged.

Don'ts

• Do not overlap the heating tape over itself
• Do not use heating tape without a controlling device
• Do not install heating tape on top of insulation near flammable materials, submerged in liquids, or if cut in any way.

For more information about heat tapes, or any industrial heating application, contact Alliance Technical Sales by calling 630-321-9646 or by visiting https://alliancets.com. 

Safety, Quality, Productivity: Rethinking Gas Analytics Across Process Industries

Mettler Toledo Process Analytics designs analyzers and sensors based around a simple concept – how can the design, handling, and maintenance of their products help you improve quality, productivity, and safety? This led to their rethinking gas analytics and the development of a unique portfolio of gas instruments that offers you faster measurements, greater process availability, and unequalled ease of use.

The Mettler Toledo GPro® 500 TDL O2, CO, CO2 and moisture analyzers are designed for ease of installation and low maintenance operation in a wide variety of process applications in the refining, petrochemical, and associated process industries.

The GPro® 500 oxygen gas analyzer is a unique tunable diode laser spectrometer designed for safety applications. It uses a folded-path laser beam design for simple installation and measurement.

GPro® 500 Overview:

• Ideal for applications such as: flare safety control, combustion control, chlorination and oxychlorination, process control, ESP filter production, vent headers, inertization and vapor recovery.
• Is installed in situ, so you get a quick response without the need to extract and condition a sample. This provides a fast response time so that you can make real-time reactions to out-of-spec conditions.
• Is configurable, enabling the oxygen gas analyzer's measurement system to be paired with a variety of process adaptions to meet a wide range of installation requirements.
• Uses Intelligent Sensor Management (ISM®) technology to offer predictive diagnostics on analyzer condition, including informing you when cleaning of the optical path will be required.

AN EBOOK, PROVIDING MORE DETAILED INFORMATION ABOUT

THE GPRO® 500 AND IT APPLICATIONS, IS AVAILABLE HERE

Applications covered in the eBook include:

• Direct Chlorination
• VCM Waste Gas Recovery
• FCC Units
• Electrostatic Precipitators
• Formaldehyde Production
• Formaldehyde Production

For more information about GPro® 500 TDL O2, CO, CO2 and moisture analyzers, contact Alliance Technical Sales by calling 630-321-9646 or by visiting https://alliancets.com. 

Industrial, Inline, Process Refractometers

Industrial inline refractometers use of the principle of refractometry to assess the physical qualities of fluid. Using the device, the refractive index of the fluid is measured, which indicates whether the product is according to specification. The fundamental physical property helps in determining the purity and composition of fluids. 

Refractometers: An Overview

Refractometers are based on the principle of refractometry. The device measures the speed of a ray of light as it crosses from one medium to another. When light travels across two different media, its density and direction change. The change in direction is known as refraction. 

Every material has a different refractive index (RI) that refers to the ratio of the velocity of light in a vacuum to the velocity in a specific medium. 

Light travels faster in a medium with a lower optical density, resulting in a low reflective index. The lower the optical density of the medium, the lower will be the refractive index due to the higher speed of light. This principle of refractometry is used in various industrial processes for measuring different characteristics of a fluid such as: 

• Hydrocarbon content 
• Salinity
• Sugar concentration
• Protein concentration

Application of Refractometry in Industries 

Refractometry is used in many different industries. Let’s look at the application of the technique of different industrial processes.

Food and Beverage Industry 

Refractometry is commonly used in the beverage and food industry for quality control purposes. The technique helps in determining the purity and consistency of processed foods such as vegetables, jams, coffee, and dairy products.

The three important parameters that are assessed by refractometers in food processing. They include sugar percentage, acidity, and gelling agent concentration. These parameters are assessed to ensure the right mix that results in maximum shelf life.

The device is used for the measurement of percentage by weight of sugar in fruit juice. The measurement is also known as Brix. Accurate Brix measurement is critical for quality and cost control. The measurement can be carried out by assessing the density and refractive index. Both the parameters provide valuable insight into the content of the fruit. 

Chemical Industry 

Refractometry is also used for assessing the concentration of a range of chemicals in industries other than food and beverage. Sensors on refractometers installed on large tank, pipes, and reactor can determine the concentration of dissolved solids by optical measurement of the refractive index. The measurement is not influenced by bubbles, particles, temperature changes, or color of the liquid. 

Oil Refineries

Oil refineries also rely on refractometers to determine the quality of the oil. Refractive index is used to know the identity of the oil immediately. This method helps in quickly checking the oil that is transferred to the storage facility. 

Fertilizer Industry

Fertilizer industry also uses refractometry for assessing the quality of fertilizer solution. Density and refractive index are analyzed to find out the nitrogen concentration in the fertilizer. The method can help in assessing the quality of fertilizers easily, safely,  and cost-effectively as compared to the manual method. 

Pulp and Paper

Pulp and paper mills use industrial refractometers for green liquor and black liquor processing. Green liquor and black liquor are both part of the Kraft Process whereby wood chips are broken down into their chemical constituents and wood pulp.

Other Users of Refractometry 

Refractometry is used in many other industries such as the perfume industry, coolants, lubricants industry, and the milk industry. The process helps in determining the quality and concentration of fluids in different industries. 

Contact Alliance Technical Sales with any questions about the application of process refractometers. They can be reached by phone at 630-321-9646 or by visiting https://alliancets.com.

Old Pharmaceutical Reactor Brought Back to Life with New Control System

A bioprocess control system update helped a leading manufacturer of USDA-licensed biologicals improve batch consistency. The pharmaceutical manufacturer had an 800 liter, 30+ year-old stainless steel, steam-in-place (SIP) reactor that was mechanically sound but in desperate need of a new controller. They needed to replace the production capability and required flexible controls for the varying products their customers produced. Of foremost concern was the cost to replace the idle system. ILS Automation came to their rescue.

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Alliance Technical Sales
630-321-9646
https://alliancets.com

Alliance Technical Sales Products

By combining world-class products, application expertise, and unsurpassed customer service, Alliance Technical Sales enables its clients to increase manufacturing efficiency, reduce production costs, and improve product quality and value. Each of the manufacturers we represent has extensive experience solving critical service applications with the products they manufacture.

Alliance Technical Sales, Inc.
https://alliancets.com
630-321-9646