January 2006
Volume XII, Number 1
Powering Your Solenoid Valves

AC vs. DC
Determining the Right Power Source for Solenoid Valves
Solenoid valves have been used for more than 100 years in many diverse flow control applications across many industries. But their underlying technology has not changed a great deal until recently. Even so, the physics of their operation is not always well understood, leading to misapplications or suboptimal performance. For example, not all users realize that simple solenoid coil excitation with AC rather than DC power usually allows for higher forces, watt-for-watt, in opening a poppet valve. So AC may be helpful against higher differential pressures of the fluid, for instance. However, using DC power often provides other advantages, such as ease of wiring.

Q&A: Piping Material Selection
Corzan's Donald Townley, P.E., Discusses Piping Systems Design
Donald Townley, P.E., is a piping system specialist for Corzan Industrial Piping Systems, a subsidiary of Noveon Inc. This month, Mr. Townley fields some questions on metallic vs. nonmetallic and nonmetallic-lined piping systems.

On Unequal Ground
Comparing Flowmeter Performance
Comparing the performance specifications of different flowmeters can be like comparing apples and oranges.

Go Cook a Pizza
Gauging the Health of Your Pumps
Every day there are mechanics and operators standing next to pumps without gauges. The operator has absolutely no idea if the pump is healthy or sick. Before long, the pump becomes a high maintenance item.

New Year's Resolutions
Voluntary Cuts In Greenhouse Gas Emissions
A new year is upon us, and it’s time to take that annual look in the proverbial mirror to assess where opportunities exist for self-improvement. For operators of fluid handling processes, one of this year’s top-of-mind issues should be greenhouse-gas emissions and climate change.

Meter Upgrade Bears Fruit
Coriolis Systems Enhance Food Production Process
During a recent upgrade of its production facilities, Signature Fruit Company recognized the importance of installing mass flowmeters that accurately measure flow and concentration and minimize pressure drop.