Siemens Combustion Controls VKO Oil Flow Control Valve


VKO series modulating oil valves control the flow of #2 oil, #4 oil,  #6 oil, or liquid propane.  Valves are positioned using either a crank arm kit or rotary actuator. VKO series oil valves are not intended for use as shutoff valves.  The valve body contains (2) identical female pipe threads for an oil tight seal with NPT piping.

VKO Oil Flow Control Valve Features:

  • UL listed for use with #2 oil
  • Up to 500 psi static pressure
  • Up to 500 psi differential pressure
  • Low leakage rate at full closed position
  • Corrosion-resistant for outdoor applications
  • Clear position indication on a laser-etched, anodized dial
  • Crank arm kits available for linkage applications
  • Valve actuator assemblies available
For more information about Siemens Combustion Control products in the Pacific Northwest, contact Combustion Technology, LLC. Call 800-327-1831 or visit https://combustion-tech.net.

A Quick Comparison of Flow Meters for Industry and the Case for Thermal Mass Flow Meters

Engineers and facility managers seeking an air or gas flow measurement solution face a daunting array of technological options when researching and selecting flow meters. There are two basic categories: volumetric flow and thermal mass flow. Flow meters fall into one of these two groups. 

This video will help you choose the best technology for your industrial gas flow measuring application.

For more information about thermal mass flow meters in the Pacific Northwest, contact Combustion Technology.

Vancouver: 360-253-9600
Portland: 503-287-2500
Toll Free: 800-327-1831
https://combustion-tech.net

Optimize Process Performance with Precise Airflow Measurement from Air Monitor

Precise Airflow Measurement from Air Monitor

To improve efficiency and achieve optimal process performance, various industrial equipment such as boilers, furnaces, regenerative thermal oxidizers (RTOs), burners must have an optimal air-to-fuel ratio. Measuring airflow is critical to determining this ratio and optimizing combustion. Over time, an optimized system will also result in lower maintenance costs. Plant managers rely on instrumentation such as Combustion Technology ad Air Monitor's expert application engineers to find the best solutions for improving combustion process efficiency. 

Applications Requiring Precise Measurement of Combustion Airflow:

Industrial Boilers and Package Boilers Fueled by Natural Gas 

Although natural gas processes burn cleaner than other fuel types, these boilers still encounter particulate-laden airflows and may be subject to emissions regulations when exhausting to the atmosphere. These boilers frequently lack accurate instrumentation for measuring air and natural gas combustion flow to optimize the air-to-fuel ratio. 

Power, Biomass, and Recovery Boilers 

Whatever fuel is used to power the boiler, measuring the airflow into the combustion chamber is required to calculate the ideal air-to-fuel ratio. A system that is either too lean or too rich causes performance or cost issues. Another cause for emissions problems is poor burner design or poor combustion in boilers. Stop dealing with underperforming boilers and fix the incomplete combustion with an Air Monitor airflow measurement solution. 

Heaters, Furnaces, Ovens, and Kilns

The industrial sector relies on heat from various sourced burner equipment to perform essential process functions, whether for ceramics and glass or annealing and de-binding. Fuel costs can become prohibitively expensive in some processes that necessitate incredibly high temperatures. Using airflow measurement devices to optimize the combustion of burner equipment will reduce operating costs by increasing efficiencies and improving emissions.

CALL COMBUSTION TECHNOLOGY TODAY!

800-327-1831

https://combustion-tech.net

UL508 Industrial Panel Shop Serving The Pacific Northwest

UL508 Industrial Panel

In any manufacturing business, industrial control systems are critical. According to Underwriters Laboratories (UL), an industrial control panel is a combination of two or more components of industrial control equipment.  A consistent and systematic arrangement of various features such as logic, process, overload relays, motor, circuit breakers, fused disconnect switches, pushbutton stations, timers, switches, terminal blocks, and pilot lights makes up an industrial control panel.   Related control circuit components, such as cabling and interconnection with other systems, regulate plant operations with little or no human intervention in a larger process control environment.

In the United States, UL 508A is the technical standard for Industrial Control Panels and is directs the design and construction of the industrial control panel. UL 508A control panels enable industrial systems to achieve data security while also preventing electrical risks. Electrical inspectors look for this mark as proof of third-party certification. Municipalities, government agencies, regulating bodies, and the panel purchaser all care about this. It's a symbol that demonstrates the panel's adherence to approved safety requirements. Engineers certified following the UL 508A standard advise their clients on how to create UL-compliant products. They also collaborate with them to create a worldwide design that eliminates the need for unnecessary or less-safe variations.

Combustion Technology, LLC is a UL508 approved panel designer and fabricator serving the Pacific Northwestern United states.

https://combustion-tech.net
800-327-1831

Combustion Technology Engineering and Support Services

Combustion Technology Engineering and Support Services

Combustion Technology understands the importance of your burners and industrial heating equipment to your company. As a result, we prioritize assisting our customers in restoring their industrial burners and combustion systems to peak performance. It all starts with our goal of providing prompt service. Our service professionals and mechanics, many of whom have decades of experience, can troubleshoot even the most complex issues you may be having with your industrial burner. Our goal is to give our customers a burner or combustion system solution that eliminates future operational problems. We provide preventive maintenance services to guarantee that your combustion system or burner continues to run smoothly.

Field professionals from Combustion Technology are ready to help you with precision work, competence, and experience. Our highly trained field personnel will troubleshoot burner systems, repair and combustion system calibration, and code compliance. Our engineering and service teams will work with you to establish effective maintenance programs for your combustion and process heating systems, allowing you to get the most out of them.

UL 508 A Control Panels and Custom Control Systems

Industrial control panels manufactured by Combustion Technology are UL 508 certified. In the United States, the technical standard for industrial control panels is UL 508A. It applies to industrial control panels designed for broad industrial usage and wired for voltages of 1000 volts or less and their installation in common areas. 

As a UL 508 control panel company, Combustion Technology will design a control panel to match your performance and budgetary requirements. Our professionals have over three decades of experience and are up to date on the latest technology.  

Combustion Technology, LLC
https://combustion-tech.net
800.327.1831 

Improved Safety and Performance with Direct Coupled Gas Valve/Actuator Assemblies

Historically linkages are more common than direct coupled actuators. Control actuators were usually foot-mounted. A foot-mounted actuator has the mounting surface on the bottom and the drive shaft coming out the side. This arrangement invites linkage-type control. An example is a four-bar linkage. If any of these bar lengths are changed, it will affect the range and characteristics of the control valve. There are usually six security points in this configuration: actuator to crank arm, crank arm to swivel head, swivel head to linkage rod, and then double all of those for the valve side.

The actuator secured to the valve is critical to safe operation. The actuator becoming disengaged from the control valve is a significant safety concern. There is confidence in the crank arms' security and is considered a positive connection. The swivel heads are less secure. Typically the swivel head is clamped or presses a set screw into the linkage rod. Under conditions of vibration or varied temperature causing expansion and contraction, these connections come loose.  Because of this hazard with linkage, you'll occasionally see a position switch connected directly to the valve to verify the valve position.

Because the connections of a linkage are not rigid, there is a problem with hysteresis. The least rigid connections are the swivel connections. The actuator will push on the swivel head when driving open and pull on the swivel head when driving closed. There will be two different valve positions based on the direction hysteresis is created for a given control signal. Why is this important? Hysteresis hurts emissions efficiency and temperature control.

More recent control actuator designs are face-mounted. These newer designs make the mounting surface and the drive shaft on the same plane with the mounting face actuator shaft and valve shaft in line. Direct coupling the actuator to the valve is an improved design. 

For direct-coupled control, the stroke of the actuator equals the stroke of the valve. To adjust the stroke of the actuator, change the cams located under the cover to limit the stroke. The concept of cam adjustments in the actuator is commonplace for a direct-coupled arrangement.

There are just two secure connection points with direct-coupled: actuator to coupling and coupling to the valve. When done correctly, both of these points are positive connections. The machining of the actuator side of the coupling is commonly an irregular shape that doesn't allow the actuator shaft to rotate inside the coupling. On the valve side, a pin bolt goes through the coupling and the valve shaft. You can be more confident in a secure connection with a direct-coupled arrangement.

The inline connection of the actuator driveshaft and the valve shaft with a positively connected coupling eliminates linkage hysteresis. The coupling is a rigid piece that directly transfers the actuator movement to the valve movement, providing precise control which assists emissions requirements, optimizes efficiency, and facilitates high-performance temperature control.

Combustion Technology, LLC
https://combustion-tech.net
800.327.1831 

Top 5 Gas Flow Meter Selection Criteria

Top 5 Gas Flow Meter Selection Criteria

The first and most important feature is that the flow meter is simple to set up and operate

Nobody enjoys complexities, and your facilities manager is no exception. Choose a simple flow meter to install, requiring little maintenance and not requiring any additional calculations. Make that the flow meter can connect with your DCS, PLC, or control system without difficulty. Knowing that the flow meter has the appropriate certifications for usage in dangerous regions is reassuring and a requirement! 

Flow meter precision is the second most important feature

Who knows what's going on behind the scenes in the pipes? As a result, you'll need a measurement instrument to correctly measure the flow in the pipes and provide you with a window into your process. Have high expectations for the process's correctness across the whole spectrum of operation, whether at high or low flow rates. 

Flow meter field flexibility is the third key feature

Flow meters with limited flexibility that require a return authorization to the manufacturer's factory for modification or recalibration are causing you downtime. Select a full-featured flow technology that allows the user to make adjustments or confirm accuracy in the field. These flow meters will keep you in control of your process and help you prevent downtime. 

Flow meter cost-effectiveness is the fourth key feature

Do your homework and acquire several quotations. Some technologies promise the moon and stars, but the price tag may be prohibitive. 

Flow meter reliability is the fifth key feature

Choose a flow meter that can accurately measure flow over time with minimal effort. The bottom line is that you want to be able to rely on the readings from your flow meter without needing to perform routine maintenance or recalibrations.

Selas Heat Technology Company Combustion Technology and Heating Product Catalog

Selas Heat Technology Company Combustion  Product Catalog

DOWNLOAD THE CATALOG HERE

Selas industrial burners incorporate innovative combustion technology to ensure maximum performance and process efficiency. Selas remains the best choice for value, reliability, and performance with a wide variety of reliable burners and complete industrial combustion systems.

Selas products are used worldwide in numerous industries where heating products are critical to manufacturing goods. You will find Selas burners in automotive, food, petrochemical, metal, paper, forest products, aggregate, glass, and plastics manufacturing.

These industries require reliable burners for applications such as preheating, heat treating, annealing and tempering, melting, surface coating and modification, brazing, drying, finishing, baking and searing, and many more.

Combustion Technology, LLC
https://combustion-tech.net
800.327.1831 

Hydrogen Ready Flame Scanners

Hydrogen Ready Flame Scanners

With the global energy market's increasing need for hydrogen (H2), proper flame detection and discrimination are crucial. Although ultraviolet detection is commonly utilized for H2 flame detection, it is only a tiny part of accurate detection. 

H2 is frequently used in conjunction with variable ratios of natural gas or other gasses to produce fluctuating flame characteristics. The wavelength of a typical H2 flame ranges from 220nm to 600nm, most of the time being in the 300nm range. Although this is outside the standard detection range of Gieger-Muller tube technology, contemporary solid-state sensors are more than competent. The flame flicker frequency changes as the H2 / gas ratio changes, implying that proper detection and discrimination require flame scanner technology to address these shifting flame profiles.

Fireye's InSight® scanners have shown to be effective in various H2 and H2 / gas mixture applications. While different flame scanners can detect the UV signal, not all of them have the many frequency settings needed to detect and differentiate. The InSight® range from Fireye features 21 adjustable frequency ranges and the option to keep four alternative sets for multiple fuel variations. These memory values can be changed during detection using two-wire communication. Fireye's InSight® series is available in IR or UV or in a dual UV & IR configuration, allowing you to add IR detection to the flame discriminating profile if necessary. All Fireye InSight® scanners are now available in ATEX and IECEx hazardous environment versions.

Fireye's InSight® Features

  • Infrared, ultraviolet or both 
  • 21 Frequency ranges
  • State of the art algorithms • A TEX & IECEx options
  • Global certifications 
  • SIL 3 certified
To discuss your flame detection / scanning application in the Pacific Northwest, contact Combustion Technology. Call 800-327-1831 or visit https://combustion-tech.net.

Eurotherm EPC3000 Suggested Replacement for Obsolete Series 2000

EPC3000 Suggested Replacement for Obsolete Series 2000

The Eurotherm 2200 and 2400 controllers have been two of Eurotherm's longest-running and best-selling control products for the past 25 years. They have proven to be highly adaptable and dependable in a wide range of applications. Many things have changed since the 1990s, however, including considerable breakthroughs in microelectronics technology. Resultingly, Eurotherm incorporated these innovations into new and improved products. 

Consequently, Eurotherm chose to phase out the 2200 and 2400 series controllers on January 31, 2021, with repair and servicing available until 2025

Eurotherm suggests the EPC3000 series of programmable controllers as a substitute for the 2000 Series. They provide the same capabilities you've come to expect, as well as significant enhancements to assist meet today's needs. They also have wiring that is quite similar to the 2200 and 2400 series controllers. Additionally, they come in the precise three DIN sizes. 

Installing the controller into existing panels is painless and straightforward. Furthermore, the EPC3000 series was created with cybersecurity in mind and has been certified to exceed the rigorous standards of Achilles Communications Robustness Testing Level 1. You'll also get superior precision control, excellent thermal stability, and noise rejection. The EPC3000 is also more user-friendly, with a graphical wiring environment to aid in creating applications. Users can choose which function blocks to employ in their application and then connect them with "soft wiring" and includes a graphical setup. Ethernet connections are available via a standard RJ45 connector, allowing for quick access to process and diagnostic data and interface to an external PLC or a plant SCADA. 

The EPC3000 programmable controller provides outstanding value and includes numerous functions that are generally found only in high-end control packages. Whatever your process, the EPC3000 series may assist you in achieving the necessary stability, accuracy, and repeatability.

For more information in the Pacific Northwest, contact Combustion Technology. Call them at 800-327-1831 or visit their website at https://combustion-tech.net.

The Siemens Combustion Controls SQM4 Synchro Modulating Actuator

The SQM40/SQM41 actuators are suited for driving oil pressure controller, butterfly valves, dampers or for use on other applications that require rotary motion.

The actuators are used primarily for load-dependent control of the flow of gas, oil and combustion air in connection with modulating 3-position controllers or continuous controllers (4-20 mA) and/or directly by burner controls.

The Siemens SQM4 series actuator is great for modulating air and fuel valves. it can also be mounted to a linkage for multiple control points. the resolution on this on this actuator is over 100 steps. this resolution is three times the leading competitor. this resolution is helpful to hone in on the desired set point with precision, rather than hunting or oscillating. this actuator comes in three torque settings: 45 inch pounds; 90 inch pounds; or 160 inch pounds. this actuator is NEMA 4. there is a gasket around the cover and the shaft is sealed to make it entirely NEMA 4. high fire and low fire conditions are simply set by turning these cams. 

The SCC SQM4 actuator has low voltage terminals and high voltage terminals. the low voltage is helpful for analog signals such as 4-20 mA, 0-135 ohm, and 2-10 volt DC. the high voltage terminals are for your line voltages for the actuator to modulate according to the analog signal voltage. 

The SQM4 series actuator is in stock for a common lead time of one to two days. this actuator can be direct coupled to a control valve for air or fuel control, or we also with couplings, crank arms and brackets to mount the actuator for your needs. 

Areas of application are oil and gas burners of medium to higher capacity as well as thermal process plants.

For more information in the Pacific Northwest, contact Combustion Technology. Call them at 800-327-1831 or visit their website at https://combustion-tech.net.

The Pacific Northwest's Leading Process Heating and Combustion Equipment Supplier

 

Process Heating and Combustion Equipment Supplier

A Complete Portfolio of Process Heating and Combustion Services & Solutions


  • Apply Process Heating Equipment & Combustion Components
  • Engineer Systems
  • Regulatory Safety Audits
  • Troubleshoot Combustion Equipment
  • Provide Upgrades & Repairs
  • Provide Maintenance Agreements
  • Combustion Efficiency Audits
  • UL 508 Control Panels


Let COMBUSTION TECHNOLOGY help design your next industrial heating and control system using their 30+ years of experience and knowledge.


COMBUSTION TECHNOLOGY is a recognized leader in the Pacific Northwest, providing process heating and combustion solutions, field service, startup, and calibration services.


CALL US TODAY!

800-327-1831

https://combustion-tech.net

Now Through June 25 - Huge Savings for Fireye Flame Scanners with SureFire II Spark Igniters

Savings for Fireye Flame Scanners

Save 25% when you bundle any Flame Scanner with SureFire II Spark Igniters now through June 25, 2021.

Contact Combustion Technology for more information.

Combustion Technology, LLC
https://combustion-tech.net
800.327.1831 

Azbil's AX24R Multivariable Reduced Bore Vortex Flowmeter

AX24R Multivariable Reduced Bore Vortex Flowmeter

Azbil’s AX24R Multivariable Vortex Flowmeter offers accurate and reliable flow metering in a multivariable design. The multivariable design incorporates a high-accuracy velocity sensor, a precision platinum RTD temperature sensor, and a solid-state pressure transducer. The meter’s process connections match the line size but use integrated reducing flanges, and the meter body reduces in diameter, increasing the fluid velocity through the meter. Increasing the velocity in this fashion extends the meter’s measuring range to capture lower flow rates that a full line size meter might miss.

THE AZBIL AX24R EXTENDS MEASURING RANGE AT LOWER FLOW RATES AND SAVES COST. LEARN HOW HERE.

Combustion Technology, LLC
https://combustion-tech.net
800.327.1831 

The Siemens SKP25 Combination Safety Shutoff Valve and Regulator

The Siemens SKP25 controls the burner manifold gas pressure according to a fixed setpoint. The SKP25 can also be applied as a 1:1 air/gas proportionator or zero governor. 

  • Safety shut‐off function and pressure regulating function in one compact unit.
  • Applicable as 1:1 air/gas proportionator or zero governor.
  • Accurate pressure control characteristics, and zero offset (drop).
  • Integral regulation leak limiter.
  • Excellent tracking characteristic

Combustion Technology, LLC
https://combustion-tech.net
800.327.1831 

Understanding the Importance of Pressure Drop When Using Flowmeters

Pressure Drop

The pressure inside a pipe can vary from the pressure outside of the process. Friction or a physical obstruction in the pipe may cause a pressure drop in the system, resulting in a loss of line pressure.

Figure 1 shows a high and robust pressure reading at point "A," followed by the pipe narrowing. The pressure reading then drops at point "B." This phenomenon is the definition of pressure drop. 


Pressure Drop

Figure 1: Visual example of a pressure drop in a pipe where a narrowing of the pipe causes a drop in

pressure from point “A” to point “B”.


Maintaining pressure can be vital to the device's operation, its equipment components, or the process performance.


Pressure Drop Rates and Gas Flow Technologies 


There are several flow measurement technologies available on the market today. Each technology uses a different method to measure a pipe flow rate, but some are known to cause undesirable pressure drops. It is unrecoverable once the pressure decreases. Let's look at some of the most popular flow measurement technologies and their pressure drop scores.


Thermal Mass Flow Meters Have a Negligible Pressure Drop 


Pressure drop compare
Thermal mass flow meters calculate the direct mass flow of air and gases in volumetric or mass units. The fact that the pressure drop in the pipe is negligible or very low is a significant advantage of thermal mass flow technology. There are no moving parts to disrupt the flow, and no additional pressure or temperature compensation is needed to measure the gas's mass flow rate.


Other Advantages of Thermal Mass Flow Measuring 


There are many advantages of using thermal gas mass flow meters over other flow measurement technologies: 


  • Air and gas mass flow measurements in standard volumetric units (e.g., SCFM or NM3/H) or mass units (e.g., LBS/M or KG/H) 
  • There is no need for extra pressure or temperature compensation. 
  • Repeatability and an extremely wide measurement range: up to 1000:1 (100:1 typical) 
  • 4-20mA linear output proportional to mass flow rate 
  • There are no moving parts. 
  • Insertion, Inline, and remote* models are all available. 
  • Flow rate and temperature are measured.


Fox Thermal is revolutionizing thermal mass flow measurement technology with a series of innovations: 

  • Microprocessor-based, field-rangeable electronics
  • DDC-Sensor™ proprietary flow sensor design*
  • Gas-SelectX® field selectable gases/gas mixes without affecting accuracy*
  • CAL-V™ and Zero CAL-CHECK® Calibration Validation*
  • Free FT View™ Software to configure meter, print calibration validation certificates, run simulations, and more!*
  • Data Logger with 7-year history*
*features vary by model number.

For more information in the Pacific Northwest, contact Combustion Technology. Call them at 800-327-1831 or visit their website at https://combustion-tech.net.

The Selas Superflame™ Low NOx Medium & High Velocity Burners

The Selas Superflame™ are burners designed for process temperatures up to 2500°F (1371°C), and incorporates two-stage combustion for low NOx. Features and Benefits:

  • High excess air capability
  • Improved temperature uniformity
  • Alloy inner tube
  • Flame rod or ultra violet flame detection
  • Low NOx formation
  • High and medium velocity flame
  • Uniform temperature distribution

Applications:

  • Annealing furnaces
  • Sintering furnaces
  • Rotary forge furnaces
  • Tundish preheaters
  • Nonferrous melting furnaces
  • Ceramic kilns
For more information in the Pacific Northwest, contact Combustion Technology. Call them at 800-327-1831 or visit their website at https://combustion-tech.net.

Procedure for Changing the Shaft on a Siemens Combustion Controls SQM5 Actuator

Watch this video to see how easy it is to change or replace the shaft in a Semens SQM5 actuator. 

The Siemens SQM5 reversing actuators are used for the positioning of flow control valves, butterfly valves, dampers, or any application requiring rotary motion. The SQM5 actuators accommodate control input signals of 4 to 20 mA, 0 to 135 Ω, 0 to 10 Vdc, 0 to 20 mA, position proportional and floating control. The available output signals include 4 to 20 mA, 0 to 135 Ω, 0 to 10 Vdc, 0 to 20 mA, and 0 to 1000 Ω. SQM5 actuators are available with up to six internal, easily adjustable switches.

For more information about the Siemens SQM5, contact Combustion Technology, LLC. Call them at 800-327-1831 or visit this web page - https://combustion-tech.net/article_89_The-SQM5-Actuator.cfm.


Airflow Control Within Close Tolerances Saves Money

Airflow Control Within Close Tolerances Saves Money

In drying and coating processes in the pharmaceutical, food and beverage, chemical, petrochemical, and mining sectors, millions of dollars are lost daily - in fluidized beds, rotary drums, flash dryers, kilns, and similar processes. Because of improper air and product feeds, these devices' failure can cause validation problems, causing downtime, re-validation, and loss of both goods and profits. It's vital to control airflow through these devices.

PROBLEM

How can vital processes and devices that need to work within tight tolerances over a broad operating range be supported with continuous air mass flow at a regulated air temperature?

1) Improving Production Efficiency

The off-specification product must be recycled or wasted. This process is too costly, especially in the validated industries. Precise control of airflow and air temperature is essential to maintain high product quality, reduce waste, and increase uptime.  The performance of many processes would benefit from measuring the mass flow of process air.  Also, limited flow meter turndown often constrains operational flexibility - primarily when requirements cover a wide range of operating conditions.  

2) Dealing with Limited Straight Pipe Runs

Airflow meters incorporated into process equipment are often inaccurate due to the short upstream and downstream straight pipe run.  The installation of a good straight run can quickly become problematic in tight quarters, so other solutions are needed.

Products from Air Monitor
3) Reducing Plugging and Coating

Most process equipment designs do not include relatively dirty exhaust flow measurements, even though they can provide significant operational benefits. They are often not included because exhaust flow meters can become coated and plugged when particulates are present — reducing flow meter accuracy.  

Products from Air Monitor solve these issues by enhancing the reliability of your airflow meters by improving their accuracy over a wide range of flow rates, thus improving the process's efficiency, improving the product's consistency, and increasing production rates to reduce fuel spending.

For more information, contact Combustion Technology, LLC. Call them at 800-327-1831 or visit their website at https://combustion-tech.net.