Process Control

Below you will find published articles written by Valin's own experts and information from our suppliers.   
Submitted by Steve Molinari || Valin Corporation
The Evolution of Differential Pressure Flowmeter Technology

There are many different differential pressure flowmeter designs to achieve long-term dependable, accurate flow measurement.

Submitted by Ashley Raimondi || Valin Corporation
Selecting a Regulator: Application is Critical

Selecting a regulator is not a simple process. There are many application-specific elements to consider and critical ramifications associated with each decision.

Submitted by Dave Molinari || Valin Corporation
Rainwater Diversion Strategies

Rainwater can collect oils, contaminants, and chemicals as it touches the ground. Fortunately, technology exists to treat the initial rainwater, and it has been utilized in certain parts of the country for some time. However, as more people become aware of this functionality, its applications are gaining popularity all across the country.

Submitted by Peter Jessee || Valin Corporation
Isolation Valves

Industrial process plants are complex facilities with thousands of components that play a role in the operation of the plant. Not all these components hold the same consequences if they are improperly selected or if they fail to perform their designed function.

Submitted by Jon Monsen Ph.D., PE || Valin Corporation
Simple Excel Worksheet Predicts Control Valve Aerodynamic Noise

Recently an article was published that presented an easily constructed Excel sheet that estimates hydrodynamic noise in control valves1. A number of people have asked me if there is something similar for aerodynamic noise. 

Submitted by Jon Monsen, Ph.D., PE || Valin Corporation
Gas Compressibility Factor and Control Valve Sizing

A veteran of valve sizing with more than 40 years of experience provides his perspective on how to calculate the compressibility factor of a real gas for control valve sizing purposes.

Submitted by Jon Monsen || Valin Corporation
Excel-Worksheet Predicts Control Valve Hydrodynamic Noise

Most control valve manufacturers include IEC 60534-8-4:2015 in their control valve sizing and selection software to predict control valve hydrodynamic noise. However, users who want to make quick noise predictions or who want to construct valve sizing applications, programming the above noise standard can be a daunting task. 

Submitted by Jon Monsen || Valin Corporation

If one wants to be able to do accurate hand calculations, or construct a simple program or Excel sheet, the method described here gives answers that agree exactly with iterative calculations using the equations in the current version of the ISA and IEC standards.

Submitted by Peter Jessee || Valin Corp.
Emergency Isolation Valves — Needs and Requirements

EIVs are a critical safety device for fuel-burning equipment and industrial processes that use flammable ingredients. Proper selection is critical for the safety of the workers in the plant, plant equipment and the surrounding communities.

Submitted by Jon Monsen || Valin Corporation
Using Control Valve Installed Gain Calculations

The availability of an easily constructed Excel worksheet that calculates and graphs control valve installed gain in conjunction with the user’s preferred control valve sizing application has prompted a new interest in the application of these calculations. Three examples are shown here.

Submitted by Peter Jessee and Dave Fahlgren || Valin Corporation
Fluid Handling: Pick The Proper Positioner

Positioner selection deserves due diligence — and consideration of several factors before making any firm decision. There’s certainly not a typical one-size-fits-all approach for positioners; an uninformed choice can lead to undesirable consequences.

Submitted by Peter Jessee || Valin Corporation
Specifying Trip Valves is Critical for LNG Service

Appropriately specifying trip valves in the world of natural gas liquification is a critical element. Failing to do so effectively can risk the lives of operators and maintenance personnel working in close proximity to the equipment, and can sometimes cause irreparable damage to expensive turbomachinery.

Submitted by Rich Wilbur || Valin Corporation
Inventory Management Services

By taking advantage of Valin’s program, customers can be confident that their inventory management function is fully optimized.  They can rest assured that the right parts will be in the right place right when they need them, while keeping the peace of mind that their transactional costs are being lowered and the KPI’s are being adequately analyzed.

Submitted by Peter Jessee and Rick Ferdon
Control Valve Technology. How Do I Choose?

Application requirements are paramount, but don't overspend when a less expensive option will do.

Submitted by Jon Monsen || Valin Corporation
Calculating the Installed Flow and Gain of a Control Valve

A simple process method based on the principle that piping pressure losses are approximately proportional to flow squared is presented.

Submitted by Peter Jessee || Valin Corporation
Looking beyond globe control valves

While globe control valves are still a viable solution, modern rotary control valves offer many advantages and serve as a more suitable solution in certain process applications.

Submitted by Peter Jessee || Valin Corporation
Control Valve Sizing

Most people who are familiar with control valves have seen the formula for calculating the valve capacity (Cv) required to pass a given flow rate of water. This seems fairly straightforward until you ask yourself, what is the correct value of differential pressure to use?

Submitted by Fred Gridley || Valin
Control Panel Enclosure

Maintaining a consistent internal environment for your enclosures is critical for equipment to function properly. The National Electrical Manufacturers Association (NEMA) has defined standards for specific enclosures designed for the application and environment when correctly installed. Learn more.

Submitted by Greg Neneman || Valin Corporation
Instrumentation Fittings for Power Plants

A lot must be reviewed prior to selecting the right fitting for power plant instrumentation applications. Among the choices are whether to use single- or double-ferrule designs; heat codes, lubrication, and corrosion resistance must also be considered.

Submitted by Dr. Jon F. Monsen and Dr. Hans D. Baumann
Stop Cavitation from Destroying Your Control Valve Trims

The devastating effects cavitation can have on control valve internals is widely appreciated. In this article, the authors therefore explain the origins of cavitation, provide an easyto-use method to estimate cavitation sound levels and conclude with approaches to reduce or even avoid cavitation.

Submitted by Greg Neneman || Valin Corporation
Instrumentation Fittings

In the world of instrumentation, there are a number of different topics discussed and analyzed.  However, one that should not be overlooked is that of instrumentation fittings. Do you know what technologies are available? Do you know the strengths and /weaknesses? Are there any new trends?

Submitted by Kari Kohonen || Valin Corporation

Specifying control valves and engineering a system in which the flow of a particular product is completely optimized for superior performance and yield can be a challenging process. A number of factors must be considered during this practice to avoid process-destroying problems. Learn more.

Submitted by Jon Monsen, Ph.D., P.E., Valin Corporation
Liquid Flashing in a Control Valve Without Choked Flow

Many engineers may wonder if it is possible to have flashing liquid flow in a control valve even if flow is not choked. The short answer is yes, but it is not very common. This article provides a more detailed answer to this question.

Submitted by Ron Jett || Valin Corporation
Confirm Best Practices for Compressed Air in Refineries

Within a refinery, four main utilities are considered essential to operations: electricity, natural gas, water and compressed air.

Submitted by Jon Monsen, Ph.D., P.E., Valin Corporation
Why Equal Percentage Valves Act Linear

I was recently asked how the installed flow characteristic of an equal percentage valve in a system that includes a significant amount of pipe or other pressure-consuming elements “magically” becomes a linear, or approximately linear, installed flow characteristic.

Submitted by Patrick Hyland || Valin Corporation
Nitrogen Generation in the Metal Industry

In the past, bulk storage systems have been used to house nitrogen on-site at the manufacturing plants, but this method of storage can result in a significant loss in revenue. So, what is the solution for plant owners? The answer begins with in-house nitrogen generation systems. Learn more.

Submitted by iPolymer
iPolymer High Purity PTFE Pressure Regulator

The iPolymer PTFE Pressure Regulator is designed for use with high purity water systems and aggressive chemical applications to regulate and maintain a constant pressure downstream of the valve and prevent over-pressurization of sensitive equipment.

Submitted by Jon Monsen, Ph.D., P.E., Valin Corporation

Liquid choked flow in control valves results in either flashing, or more often, cavitation.

Submitted by Jon Monsen || Valin Corporation

Valve sizing and proper application of control valves have always gone hand-in-hand. However, the tools available to valve users have changed and improved significantly over time.

Submitted by Chris Sullivan || Valin Corporation

Despite the demand for standardized communication protocols among manufacturers, both the manufacturers and end users face challenges when it comes to agreeing on a path.

Submitted by Ray Herrera || Valin Corporation
Pipe and Valve Selection

When selecting the pipes and valves for a cooling system, it is important to understand the options available—and the possible outcomes associated with each selection. Many factors can impact the effectiveness, longevity and quality of the overall cooling system. Learn more.

Submitted by Brian Sullivan
Seeking Precise Pharma Process Control

Spectroscopy-based measurement on manufacturing lines yields greater process control

Submitted by Ray Herrera || Valin Corporation
Retrofitting Customized Valves

Oil and gas engineers face a problem in accurately and reliably measuring and monitoring the various fluids that are introduced into oil pipelines from well site pumping stations. A thorough understanding of both the oil separation process and the properties of valves and actuators is required.

United Electric Controls has introduced a unique new family of HART capable transmitters that provides programmable switching functionality for industrial process monitoring applications. The One Series 1XTXSW transmitter line is the first to integrate HART 7 compatible 4-20 mA output. Lean more.

Submitted by Ray Herrera, Valin || Chemengonline.com
Valve-Selection Best Practices

Precise combinations of valves and other equipment lead to process success. A biopolymer fermentation process provides an example of proper valve selection.

Submitted by Jon Monsen Ph.D., PE // Flow Control Network Magazine
Part IV: Keys to Effective Valve Sizing & Selection

This is Part IV in a four-part series based on the contents of the new textbook, “Control Valve Application Technology, Techniques and Considerations for Properly Selecting the Right Control Valve.”

Submitted by Jon Monsen Ph.D., PE // Flow Control Network Magazine
Part III: A Guide to Installed Gain | Control Valve Sizing

In order to get good control with stability throughout the full range of required flow rates, one must use a control valve that has an installed flow characteristic that is linear, or at least as close to linear as possible in most systems.

Submitted by Chad Lieber | Prozess Technologie and Brian Sullivan | Valin
Prozess

In a world where most information is available in an instant, plant managers and engineers are continuously trying to find ways to improve the efficiency of processes along the manufacturing line.

Submitted by Patrick Bartell and Nathan Ehresman
Coriolis Mass Flowmeter

When addressing the needs of measurement operations involving various densities and amounts of liquid, Coriolis mass flowmeters are often chosen for their accuracy, durability and reduced maintenance costs. Applications involving custody transfer benefit from their simple and dependable characteristics.

Submitted by by Jon Monsen, Ph.D., P.E.
Control Valve Application Technology Book

Purchase Valin’s Control Valve Application Technology book today to learn how to apply the right techniques to selecting the correct control valves.

Submitted by Jon Monsen Ph.D., PE // Flow Control Network Magazine
Part II: A Guide to Control Valves and Process Variability

This is Part II in a four-part series based on the contents of the new textbook, “Control Valve Application Technology, Techniques and Considerations for Properly Selecting the Right Control Valve.”

Submitted by Jon Monsen Ph.D., PE // Flow Control Network Magazine
Part I: A Guide to Control Valves and Process Variability

This article discusses the importance of selecting the correct flow characteristic and correctly sizing the valve in order for the valve to properly control the process.

Submitted by Jon Monsen Ph.D., PE
5 Key Valve Sizing Points to Remember

It’s important to understand the importance of proper control valve sizing. If the valve is too small, it won’t be able to pass the required flow. In actual practice, undersized valves are fairly uncommon, but oversized valves are all too common.

Submitted by Prozess Technologie

The Reveal™ optical spectroscopy-based measurement system will help customers increase quality, yield, and productivity while reducing both risk and downtime in the manufacturing environment. Its measurement capabilities are unmatched by legacy techniques.

Submitted by WIKA Instrument Guru
How Gauges Can Help Prevent Costly Loss of Containment

Loss of containment is one of the costliest things that can go wrong at a plant. Accordingly, smart enterprises employ a variety of measures that ensure loss of containment just doesn’t happen – or when it does, the adverse circumstances are kept to a minimum.

Submitted by Metso Engineering Team

The noise abatement laws and health and safety legislation are becoming increasingly strict. Metso introduces Q2- Trim, the optimum solution for noise problems, that at the same time fulfills all legislative requirements and customer needs.

Submitted by Patricia Stockdill | Bakken Breakout
Regulations Ok'd to Reduce Crude Volatility

Emergency order required all rail shippers to test products from the Bakken to ensure proper classifications of the oil within federal regulations before it's transported. The intent was to ensure shippers properly classified crude oil for transportation and to quantify the range of physical and chemical properties.

Submitted by Patrick Bartell
Retrofitted Precision Automated Measurement Equipment Provides Financial & Operational Benefits

The accurate allocation measurement of oil, water and gas is a constant priority for managers of surface operations, particularly with the recent oil boom in parts of the U.S. These measurements are the basis of the financial transaction between oil companies and royalty owners.

Submitted by PennEnergy Editorial Staff
The Intricacies of Control Valve Selection

Jon F. Monsen, Ph.D., P.E., a control valve technology specialist for Valin Corporation, has written a book detailing the many facets of control valves. The book, Control Valve Application Technology, Techniques and considerations for properly selecting the right control valve. Learn more.

Submitted by Ernie Reichenbach | Flow Control Magazine
Allocation Measurement Systems: Enabling optimum accuracy in well extraction processes

The recent oil boom in the United States, driven by rapidly advancing extraction technologies, presents new and critical challenges to operators in the measurement of oil, water and gas produced in surface operations.

Submitted by Nick Benedick for New Technology Magazine
LACT Unit

Valin is in the final stages of successfully commissioning 65 Lease Automatic Custody Transfer systems (LACT) for a very large project with one of the largest independent midstream energy companies in North America. The LACT systems were needed for an oil gathering project in the Myrmidon field in the Bakken Shale play in North Dakota.

Submitted by Jon Monsen and Peter Jessee // Valve Magazine
Noise from Cavitation: Bad for Control Valves and Equipment

Certain frequencies of sound can play havoc on industrial equipment. When control valves are not selected appropriately, there is an increased risk for cavitation, which causes high noise and vibration levels, resulting in very rapid damage to the valve's internals and/or the downstream piping.

Submitted by Dr. Jon Monsen, featured in Valve Magazine

In a recent interview with VALVE Magazine, Dr. Monsen discussed how the analysis of installed gain can be a guideline for selecting the control valve that will provide good control with stability throughout the full range of required flow rates

Submitted by Jon Monsen, Ph.D., P.E., Control Valve Technology Specialist at Valin
Rule of Thumb for Control Valve Sizing

When control valve professionals talk about "control valve sizing," they really mean the entire process of selecting the valve that will do the best job of controlling the process. Selecting the right size valve is an important part of the process, but there are other equally important considerations as well.