October 2008
Volume XIV, Number 10
New Frontiers in Fluid Handling

New Frontiers in Fluid Handling
9 Case Studies in Next-Generation Technology
Flow Control magazine’s annual Innovation Awards program is designed to recognize industry’s most compelling advances in fluid handling technology, showcasing new product releases in the categories of fluid measurement, control and containment. After announcing the winners of the 2008 Flow Control Innovation Awards in the September issue, here we provide case studies/application stories on the winning technologies to give you a feel for how these products are helping end-users improve their production processes in real-world environments.

Valve Diagnostics in the Digital Age
New Control-Valve Actuators Enhance Productivity & Operating Performance
In recent years there have been advances made in electric control-valve actuator technology that provide a much higher level of diagnostic capabilities than previous methods. These enhancements can help flow control engineers dramatically improve process precision, as well as attain important asset management and predictive maintenance goals.

Checklists for Spray Application Efficiency
Changes to Consider for Process Improvement
Spray technology continues to evolve and improve. A spray system that’s been in use for several years is likely still operational, but that doesn’t mean you should wait for a problem to occur before evaluating the system to determine if process improvement is possible. A newer system may quickly pay for itself by operating more efficiently than the existing system.

Calibration Concerns
The Advantages of Calibrating In the Field vs. In the Shop
Sometimes doing the correct thing with insufficient tools can get you into trouble. An examination of the calibration process for one client’s custody-transfer, differential-pressure transmitters provides a case in point.

How to Buy a Pump
In the End, It’s the Efficiency that Really Matters
In a recent pump reliability lecture, a student raised his hand and asked which computer program I recommend to specify a pump for a system. I told him I don’t recommend or use a computer program to specify and/or buy new pumps. Understand, I’m not exactly computer illiterate. I’m writing this article on a computer. I make personal purchases online. I do my company accounting with a computer, and I communicate with people all over the world by computer. But I don’t use a computer to buy a pump.

QUIZ CORNER:
Which Flowmeter Type Requires the Least Straight Run?
Space for straight run of pipe upstream and downstream of the flowmeter is often not available in many installations. Which of the following flowmeter technologies have the shortest straight-run requirements?

VIEWPOINT:
A Call for EAB Nominations
Flow Control magazine is currently in the process of updating its Editorial Advisory Board. As part of this initiative, we’re issuing an open call to you, our readers, for EAB nominations. We’re seeking forward-thinking individuals with strong technical/engineering backgrounds in the area of fluid handling applications and/or systems design.