Power Generation

Submitted by Greg Neneman, Valin Corporation

Proper filtration has always been a critical component of operating an efficient power plant. Surprisingly, however, staying up to date on filtration maintenance is all too often ignored in today’s typical plant. Additionally, the modern plant continues to evolve. Read Valin's white paper to learn more about filtration in peaker plants and why ensuring proper ammonia filtration means more now than it ever has before.

Submitted by Randy Mulvaney || Valin Corporation
Silicon-Controlled Rectifier Power Controls: Worth the Investment

In terms of what matters to most in the field today, it is safe to assume that reliability, flexibility, accuracy and cost are at the top of the list. With these factors in mind, implementing a silicon-controlled rectifier (SCR) control system for an electric heater is often an optimal approach.

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 Jon Cloy || Valin Corporation
Electric Process Heaters

Reducing the amount of hydrocarbon leakage from compressor stations is not only imperative for the environment, but for your bottom line. Compressor-related emissions can be reduced by using electric heaters to heat the pressurized natural gas.

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 Frank Schollmeier || Valin Corporation
Magnetic Filtration

In many machines as much as 90% of all particles suspended in the oil can be iron or steel and can be particularly troublesome to operators. This article looks at the advantages and benefits of magnetic filtration and how it can often outperform traditional methods.

Des-Case Breathers

Des-Case rolls out a new and improved, patent-pending breather construction. More desiccant and increased airflow without increasing the external dimensions of the breather.

Submitted by Jay Van Horn || Valin Corporation
Installation Practices Key to Successful Heat Tracing

Laying out an effective heat tracing design requires careful attention to detail. Every aspect of the system must be meticulously considered, including both the temperature requirements of the fluids being protected as well as the physical characteristics of the equipment being heat traced.

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?

Impedance Heating

Impedance heating systems act much like standard heating circuits, except the resistor is the pipe itself. This is accomplished when a small amount of AC voltage is applied across the terminals. The resulting impedance of the system generates heat on the pipe. The control panel for an impedance system provides power and control. However, the step down transformer is what provides the reduced voltage, 30VAC or less, to the pipe. This rating stays within OSHA and NEC limits.