Steam traps are the most important link between the steam and condensate system. Malfunctioning steam traps can waste tremendous amounts of money. Here is an example: A single inverted bucket steam trap (with a one-eighth-inch orifice) blowing-thru in a 150 psi, where the steam cost is $11.00 per 1,000 lbs. of steam produced, will waste 62.49 lbs. of steam per hour and cost approximately $6,022 in fuel losses per year.

A differential pressure flow measurement system consists of a differential pressure primary flow element and a differential pressure flow transmitter.

When the flow of a fluid in a pipe passes a restriction in the piping system, the pressure in the piping system is reduced. Most differential pressure primary flow elements are designed, constructed and operated in a manner such that the flow rate is proportional to the square root of the pressure drop across the restriction. These differential pressure primary flow elements include orifice plates, Venturi tubes, elbows, flow nozzles, low loss flow tubes, single-port and multiple-port Pitot tubes, segmental wedge and V-Cone flowmeters.

The success of automated industrial processes depends on many individual components working together flawlessly to provide a high-quality end product. This article focuses on position sensors, a small but important component in the world of industrial automation.

Of course, the “P” in PVF stands for pipe, those long round things with the hole down the middle! Learning a little bit more about the pipes that connect to your valves will help you as a valve professional.

First, we need to understand how pipe is sized. Pipe is measured by utilizing a dimensionless number known as nominal pipe size or “NPS”. These sizes run from ¼ inch to above 72 inches. If you take a caliper to a 1 inch NPS pipe you will be surprised to see that it is not 1 inch in diameter, rather, it is actually 1.315 inches in diameter. This oversize dimensioning applies to pipe through NPS 12 inches. For diameters 14 inches and above, the NPS is the actual outside diameter. When it comes to dimensions, pipe should not be confused with tubing. Tubing size is equal to its outside diameter.