M.S. Jacobs & Associates: A Legacy of Quality and Service in Process Control

M.S. Jacobs & Associates has flourished for nearly eight decades by treating quality and customer care as the cornerstones of its mission. The company began in 1945 and immediately recognized the value of forging lasting partnerships with customers in Western Pennsylvania, Western Maryland, West Virginia, and Western New York State. That forward-thinking approach grew from the belief that a business grounded in excellence can adapt to changing times and maintain a stellar reputation among its customers.

Leadership at M.S. Jacobs & Associates built this foundation by insisting on premium process control instrumentation, control valves, and process heating equipment. They never wavered from that principle because they saw that superior products instill confidence in customers who rely on consistency and performance. When a plant operator invests in high-quality equipment, unplanned downtime decreases, and operational efficiency rises. M.S. Jacobs & Associates secured its longevity by helping clients avoid unnecessary production disruptions, saving them money and keeping operations running smoothly.

The firm’s track record also reveals an unwavering commitment to service. M.S. Jacobs & Associates employees understand that clients expect more than functional hardware; they also want clarity, expertise, and accessibility. The company answers these needs by offering guidance based on decades of hands-on experience. When customers call to discuss new projects, expansions, or solutions to equipment problems, the M.S. Jacobs & Associates team examines every detail to ensure a personalized approach. They stand ready to answer questions and propose options that save money and time without compromising quality. That level of specialized attention creates trust and maintains ongoing relationships through market ups and downs.

Competitive pricing completes the trifecta of product quality, service, and long-term reliability. M.S. Jacobs & Associates learned long ago that customers want reliable products without sacrificing value. They respond by providing equipment and instrumentation that meet rigorous performance standards at fair prices that reflect the industry landscape. Customers benefit from stable pricing structures and the peace of mind of knowing their supplier refuses to cut corners. This value proposition reinforces loyalty and drives repeat business, strengthening the company’s market position while boosting overall sustainability.

Business longevity often hinges on an organization’s ability to evolve. M.S. Jacobs & Associates continually invests in emerging technologies, expanded product lines, and innovative strategies for serving the region’s industries. Because employees and leadership watch market trends and anticipate changes, they can adapt to new demands with minimal disruption. They choose vendors known for pioneering designs and advanced manufacturing processes, which allows them to stay ahead of the curve and bring cutting-edge solutions to their customers—this willingness to embrace innovation pairs seamlessly with respect for time-tested quality standards.

Reliability and trust are central themes in M.S. Jacobs & Associates’ enduring success story. Every aspect of their operation reflects a proactive stance that nurtures sustainability. Customers place their faith in companies that operate with transparency and expertise, and M.S. Jacobs & Associates meets those expectations year after year. In this way, the firm showcases a remarkable connection between longevity and a steadfast commitment to excellence. By honoring customer service, providing top-notch products, and offering competitive prices, M.S. Jacobs & Associates continues to stand the test of time and illustrate how a well-grounded business can thrive for generations.

M.S. Jacobs
https://msjacobs.com
800-348-0089

Winter's Impact on Industrial Equipment Demands Complete Protection

When winter temperatures plummet, industrial facilities must protect more than just their pipes and valves from freezing. The entire operational infrastructure, including control panels, pumps, instrumentation, and hoses, requires protection against ice formation. Frost damage to any of these components can derail operations, creating unsafe conditions and triggering expensive shutdowns.

Columbus-based manufacturer BriskHeat addresses these challenges with their comprehensive line of heating solutions. Their products include specialized heating tapes, cables, silicone rubber blankets, and custom heaters for drums and totes. These flexible heating elements make direct contact with equipment surfaces, preventing cold air infiltration and condensation that typically plague pumps, sensors, and control boxes.

Temperature control plays a vital role in maintaining product quality across numerous industrial processes. Many liquids thicken or solidify as temperatures drop, which disrupts flow rates and compromises end products. BriskHeat's heating cables and silicone blankets distribute heat evenly, maintaining optimal temperatures without risking damage to temperature-sensitive materials.

The relationship between temperature control and safety extends beyond product quality. Chemical storage areas face increased risks of leaks and pressure-related incidents when temperatures drop too low. Cold weather can also disable sensitive electronics, potentially shutting down essential operations. Facility managers who implement BriskHeat's flexible heating solutions create safer working environments while protecting critical equipment.

Drawing on decades of experience in electric surface heating, BriskHeat emphasizes the importance of prevention over reaction. Engineers who combine heating tapes, blankets, insulation, and temperature controllers create reliable heat zones throughout their facilities. This systematic approach protects every component that handles liquids, gases, or temperature-sensitive materials.

As winter intensifies, industrial facilities need comprehensive protection strategies. The freezing of any single component—whether pump, control box, instrument, hose, or container—affects the entire operation. BriskHeat's heating solutions help facility managers maintain safety standards, protect product integrity, and ensure operational efficiency through the coldest months of the year.

M.S. Jacobs
https://msjacobs.com
800-348-0089

M.S. Jacobs and North American Safety Valve Partner to Expand Safety Valve Distribution in Western PA and Western NY State

M.S. Jacobs & Associates is pleased to announce a new partnership with North American Safety Valve (NASVI) in Western Pennsylvania and Western New York State. 

NAVSI offers a comprehensive inventory from renowned manufacturers alongside reliable remanufactured valves with a two-year warranty. NASVI's state-of-the-art repair and setting center handles nearly every safety valve specification, ensuring precision work. They offer immediate replacements from our extensive in-stock selection for valves beyond repair. They understand the importance of minimizing downtime and provide same or next-day shipping for a broad spectrum of safety relief valves sizes and styles.

North American Safety Valve stands as a beacon of excellence and reliability in the safety valve industry, and M.S. Jacobs, as a proud distributor of their products, is thrilled to share their experiences and insights into what sets this company apart. Known for its commitment to innovation, quality, and customer satisfaction, North American Safety Valve consistently exceeds expectations, delivering practical solutions tailored to each application's unique demands.

Their unwavering dedication to quality is at the heart of North American Safety Valve's success. Every safety valve that leaves their facility embodies the pinnacle of engineering precision and durability. They understand the critical role safety valves play in protecting equipment and personnel in various industries, from oil and gas to chemicals and power generation, and it is this understanding that drives them to maintain the highest standards of quality.

Customer satisfaction forms the cornerstone of North American Safety Valve's philosophy. They go beyond merely supplying products; they provide solutions. Their team of experts works closely with customers to understand their specific needs, offering personalized advice and support throughout the specification process. This collaborative approach ensures that each customer finds their application's perfect safety valve solution, backed by comprehensive after-sales support and service.

As a distributor of North American Safety Valve products, M.S. Jacobs witnessed first-hand the difference their commitment to quality, innovation, and customer satisfaction makes. M.S. Jacobs customers consistently report exceptional performance, reliability, and peace of mind, knowing their safety valve needs are in the best hands. In choosing North American Safety Valve, you're not just choosing a product; you're choosing a partner dedicated to your safety and success.

North American Safety Valve represents the best the industry offers. Their commitment to excellence in every aspect of their operation makes them ideal for anyone looking for reliable, innovative, and customer-focused safety valve solutions. As proud distributors, we are honored to stand with North American Safety Valve in its mission to protect and serve industries across the greater Western PA and Western NY region.

M.S. Jacobs
https://msjacobs.com
800-348-0089

North American Safety Valve and M.S. Jacobs: Your Trustworthy Partners for Safety

In a world where industrial operations are more advanced than ever, ensuring the safety of ytheir equipment and, ultimately, ytheir employees is crucial. Enter North American Safety Valve, a company dedicated to providing top-notch safety valve products and services across North America.

Quality Products You Can Rely On

North American Safety Valve understands the importance of safeguarding ytheir operations. That's why they offer a comprehensive range of safety valves designed to meet the varied needs of different industries. They have a solution for you from steam to air, liquid, and gas applications. Their valves boast superior craftsmanship, ensuring they exceed industry standards and deliver outstanding performance even in the most demanding conditions.

Moreover, their commitment to quality doesn't stop at their products. They also provide services to ensure ytheir safety valves function optimally. Their experienced technicians offer on-site installation, inspection, maintenance, and repair services. They understand that downtime can be costly, so they strive to provide quick and efficient service, minimizing disruption to ytheir operations.

Customer-Centric Approach

At North American Safety Valve, they pride theirselves on their customer-centric approach. They understand that every customer has unique needs and tailor their products and services accordingly. Their knowledgeable team is always on hand to provide expert advice and help you select suitable safety valves for ytheir application. Moreover, they offer flexible delivery options to ensure you receive ytheir products when needed.

Environmental Responsibility

In addition to ensuring the safety of ytheir operations, they are also committed to protecting the environment. Their safety valves minimize emissions and reduce energy consumption, helping lotheyr ytheir environmental footprint. Furthermore, they continuously invest in research and development to create innovative products contribute to a more sustainable future.

Conclusion

When safeguarding your industrial operations, trust North American Safety Valve to deliver. Their high-quality products, comprehensive services, and customer-centric approach make us the trusted partner of businesses across North America. Choose North American Safety Valve and experience the peace of mind from knowing ytheir safety is in capable hands.

M.S. Jacobs

https://msjacobs.com

800-348-0089

Industrial Input and Output (I/O) Modules

In industrial applications, input and output (I/O) modules monitor and control both analog and discrete signals.

Analog signals are continuous signals that vary over time, such as temperature, pressure, or voltage, and analog input modules monitor these signals. These modules convert the analog signals into a digital form that the control system can process. A programmable logic controller (PLC) or a distributed control system (DCS) receives the converted signals for monitoring and control purposes.

Discrete signals, on the other hand, have only two states: on/off, open/closed, or high/low. Discrete input modules monitor these signals. These modules detect changes in the state of the discrete signals and communicate this information to the control system.

Analog output modules process analog signals. They receive digital calls from the control system and convert them into analog signals that control analog devices such as actuators or motors.

Discrete output modules control discrete signals. They receive digital calls from the control system to activate or deactivate discrete devices such as relays, solenoids, or valves.

In summary, I/O modules monitor and control analog and discrete signals in industrial applications. They allow for the conversion of signals from the physical world into a form that can be processed by the control system and vice versa, enabling real-time monitoring and control of industrial processes.

Acromag’s I/O and signal conditioning lines feature more than 100 transmitters, isolators, alarms, and computation modules for process control applications. If networked I/O is required, Acromag offers analog and discrete I/O modules for Ethernet, Modbus, and Profibus.

For more information, contact M.S. Jacobs by calling 800-348-0089 or visit https://msjacobs.com.

BriskHeat Electric Heater, Control, and Insulation 2022-23 Product Catalog

BriskHeat is in the business of manufacturing heating elements, controllers, and accessories for various applications. They provide heating solutions for applications in many different industries, including the petrochemical industry, the semiconductor industry, the food processing industry, the biotechnology industry, aviation, the steel industry, laboratories, and power generation. Their solutions address a variety of difficulties, including control of viscosity, prevention of condensation, process heating, and protection against freezing. BriskHeat is a leading innovator on a global scale in the fields of heat trace and flexible surface heat applications for pipelines, vessels, pumps, and valves, among other things.

GET THE BRISKHEAT CATALOG HERE

For more information, contact M.S. Jacobs by calling 800-348-0089 or visit https://msjacobs.com.

New Manufacturer Partner - ARCA Valves

M.S. Jacobs & Associates, Inc. is happy to announce its appointment as an official ARCA Valves distributor. ARCA Valves has garnered global renown for its innovative technology and established quality since its foundation over a century ago. ARCA's pneumatically and electrically operated control valves provide high value for many industrial applications. They meet the rigors of many challenging applications in various industries, including power plants, chemical plants, pharmaceutical and food processing, and steel mills. 

Thanks to its excellent vertical integration, ARCA's manufacturing process is versatile and has a high supply capacity. ARCA manufactures and supplies valves with nominal diameters up to 48" and pressure ratings of over 5,000 PSIG for high-pressure applications. 

ARCA's technological leadership is built on 90 years of expertise and ongoing innovation, evidenced by several patents. The factory's output, which is of the highest technical quality and certified to appropriate quality standards, ensures a high level of dependability.

For more information, contact M.S. Jacobs by calling 800-348-0089 or visit https://msjacobs.com.

TRICOR Coriolis Mass Flow Meters

TRICOR is AW-Lake’s line of Coriolis Mass Flow Meters, for both liquids and gases, with a product range that includes four distinct lines. 

The TRICOR CLASSIC Series of Coriolis flowmeters is our "ordinary" line, with lower cost and performance specs to cater to a broader market. The TCM “CLASSIC” series meets general industrial requirements with out-of-the-box ease of use. Lower cost and lower performance specs meet broader application needs. Applications include the processing of paint and coatings and dosing of non-corrosive fluid requiring 0.3% accuracy and low to zero maintenance.

The TRICOR PRO Series is an "advanced" line, with improved performance, diagnostics, and connectivity, as well as a DSP transmitter. The new TCD 9000 series of transmitters offers greater robustness, performance, diagnostics, and connectivity options. With a modern HMI interface and robust logging functionality, the DSP transmitters provide users with an efficient configuration and analysis tool.

The TRICOR PRO Plus Series contains a small sensor linked to a TRICOR DSP transmitter. The new PRO Plus Series presents an accurate and highly repeatable meter with the most compact installation length on the market for installation into systems where space is limited. In addition, the TCD transmitter offers greater robustness, performance, diagnostics, and connectivity options. With a modern HMI interface and robust logging functionality, the DSP transmitters provide users with an efficient configuration and analysis tool.

Finally, the TRICOR SPECIALTY Series Coriolis flowmeters for high-pressure applications are available. The TCMH 0450 is offered in three pressure ratings: 6,000 psi, 10,000 psi, and 15,200 psi (414 bar, 690 bar, and 1050 bar). The material choices for the U-shape tubes are either 316L stainless steel for chemical injection applications (NACE compliant) or Sandvik® Alloy HP 160, chosen to eliminate hydrogen embrittlement, such as in Hydrogen fueling stations. The TCMH 0450 is the world’s first MI-002 / OIML137 certified Coriolis flowmeter for hydrogen dispensing applications.

M.S. Jacobs
https://msjacobs.com
800-348-0089

Delta-Mobrey Process Instrumentation

M.S. Jacobs & Associates, Inc., is proud to announce that we now represent Delta-Mobrey Ltd.  Delta-Mobrey manufactures a complete line of process instrumentation for the measurement and control of fluids and gases.  

Delta Mobrey is a leader in designing and manufacturing robust, reliable, and competitively priced switch instruments - internationally approved for use in hazardous areas or safety systems for process control, safety alarm, and shutdown applications. You may recognize Delta-Mobrey as a former Emerson company. 

Delta-Mobrey offers:

• Pressure Switches
• Pressure & Temperature Transmitters
• Level Controls & Switches
• Boiler Controls & Steam Drum Level Measurement
• Flow Measurement

Utilizing innovative design principles with highly reliable sensing elements such as diaphragms, pistons, bellows, bourdon tubes, high-quality engineering, over one million different temperatures, pressure, differential pressure, and flow switches have been supplied to customers worldwide.

For more information about Delta-Mobrey products contact M.S. Jacobs by calling 800-348-0089 of visiting www.msjacobs.com.

King Instrument Rotameter and Flowmeter Catalog

King Instrument Company focuses on building the most accurate, versatile, and economical rotameters possible. They build a wide variety of glass flowmeters, stainless steel flowmeters, acrylic, polysulfone and PVC flowmeters. Product options include borosilicate glass metering tubes, 4-20mA output, NPT or flange connections, alarm options; 4-20mA transmitter output, inductive ring sensors, fiber optic sensors, latching reed switches, and inductive slot sensors.

DOWNLOAD THE KING INSTRUMENT CATALOG HERE

For more information about King Instrument Company products, contact M.S. Jacobs. Call them at 800-348-0089 or visit their website at https://msjacobs.com.

Maxpro Technologies High Pressure Products Valves, Fittings & Tubing Catalog

Maxpro Technologies has been designing and manufacturing high pressure equipment for more than thirty years and has a worldwide reputation for quality and reliability, backed by one of the best service organizations in the industry.

Catalog Listing Includes

• Medium Pressure Valves, Fittings & Tubing - Pressures to 21,000 PSI
• High Pressure Valves, Fittings & Tubing - Pressures to 65,000 PSI
• Ultra High Pressure Fittings & Tubing - Pressures to 152,000 PSI
• Valve Actuators
• Ball Valves - Pressures to 21,000 PSI.

DOWNLOAD CATALOG HERE

For more information about Maxpro Technologies products, contact M.S. Jacobs and Associates. Call them at 800-348-0089 or visit their website at https://msjacobs.com.

New! Qnergy Powergen Remote Power Series Providing Remote Power from 100W up to 5.6kW

Qnergy is pleased to announce the release of their complete PowerGen Remote Power Series that will cover power demands from 100W up to 5.6kW.

Designed for rugged, remote, unsheltered and unattended operation, the Powergen provides continuous reliable electrical power supply to mission-critical loads. Our PowerGen can also provide 60,000 BTU/hr. for up to 1500 feet of Glycol Heat Trace loop for your heating needs.

The three new models released by Qnergy are the:

• Model CAP3 – Compressed Air Pneumatics, we can now provide instrument air on the wellpads and compressor stations to help further reduce emissions and with M.S. Jacobs and Associates extensive lineup of pneumatic controls from Fairchild/Rotork we can also provide regulators and valves that work in conjunction with the Model CAP3 from Qnergy.
• Model 1800 – this new model from Qnergy will provide 1800 watts of power. This model is designed for those customers where the Model 1200 is not enough power but the Model 5650 is too much power.
• Model 600 – this new model from Qnergy will provide 600 watts of power. M.S. Jacobs and Associates along with one of our customers were chosen as one of the Beta sites when the Model 600 was first developed. The Beta site testing here in Western Pennsylvania has gone extremely well and the customer is pleased with the Model 600. The Model 600 also has the same electronics package as the other models in the Powergen Series, if you have or are considering a thermoelectric generator, we can provide you with more communication capabilities and 50 more watts of power with the Model 600.

For more information about Qnergy remote power systems in Western Pennsylvania, West Virginia, or Ohio, contact M.S. Jacobs and Associates. Call them at 800-348-0089 or visit their web site at https://msjacobs.com.

An Economic Remote Power System Solution Providing Unparalleled Reliability

Qnergy (pronounced "q-ner–gy") provide reliable remote power with output in the 1 to 10kW range. Their core technology is a state-of-the-art, free-piston, Stirling engine which was recently recognized by NASA as the most reliable heat engine technology ‘in history’. Qnergy remote power generation platforms are designed for high-reliability, no-maintenance, long-life missions.

Qnergy’s free-piston, Stirling engine.

Qnergy’s engine can use any heat source, the most common being natural gas, propane and biogas. Utilizing a  200 year old technology, Qnergy is the only company that has perfected a Stirling engine based, stand-alone power generator known as the PowerGen. It was introduced in the summer of 2017 to a variety of potential customers in a pilot ‘try and buy’ program. The results were so successful, all pilot customers ended up purchasing their systems. Since then, Qnergy has developed multiple specific use products around the PowerGen including cathodic protection, freeze-off prevention, well pad automation, solar power backup, and replacing methane bleeding with compressed air. This success has allowed Qnergy to become the preferred remote power source for many Fortune 500 gas companies.

For more information about Qnergy, contact M.S. Jacobs and Associates. Call them at 800-348-0089 or visit them at https://msjacobs.com.

Innovative Adapter Allows Easy, Less Costly Upgrade of Level Transmitter

An installed view of the Model 706 Adapter.

Magnetrol International, a global leader in level and flow measurement instrumentation, has introduced an innovative product that allows for the retrofit and upgrade to a higher level transmitter package for existing guided wave radar (GWR) level probe applications.

The new Eclipse Model 706 GWR Adapter allows users to keep existing Eclipse 705 GWR probes in place, and upgrade to the Eclipse 706 transmitter and its advanced electronics and DTM.

The ECLIPSE 705 guided wave radar transmitter, with its patented easy-access, angled enclosure has gained wide popularity and has a huge installed base around the world.

The Eclipse 706 transmitter supports both the FDT/DTM and enhanced DD standards. A DTM (Device Type Manager), similar to device drivers used in computers, provides a user-friendly graphical interface to make device configuration, maintenance, diagnostics and troubleshooting a breeze. The DTM allows viewing of valuable configuration and diagnostic information such as the echo curve in tools such as PACTware™, AMS Device Manager, and various HART® Field Communicators. 

In many cases, GWRs are installed in hard to access areas, where removing the sensing probe from
the tank or vessel is prohibitive. Additionally, or the integral electronics and cumbersome DTM of older Eclipse Model 705s is less comprehensive and less user-friendly than the newer Model 706s. 

The Model 706 Adapter allows existing Model 705 probes to be retrofitted with the Model 706 transmitter without breaking the process seal, gaining the best-in-class GWR performance that comes along with the Model 706 including the highest Signal-to-Noise (SNR) ratio in the market.  High SNR is particularly helpful in low dielectric liquids often found in refineries.

Aside from the increased performance, the technician could now use the latest Model 706 DTM for troubleshooting.  The main DTM features emphasized by users are:

• The capability, on a single screen, to view not only the echo curve itself but also the operational conditions of the transmitter along with the configurable parameters.  You can then change parameters and refresh the curve to see immediate results without going into multiple screens.
• Data logging capabilities where you can capture all of the data associated with the last nine events, which include configuration parameters, echo curve, echo curve history and event history.
• The Model 706 has the capability to monitor build-up as a percent of level threshold or as a rate.  Meaning the user can potentially track the build-up percentage or rate through a HART variable to trigger a flushing process or for timely maintenance / cleaning intervals.

Benefits of the Eclipse® Model 706 GWR Adapter:

• Backwards compatibility with existing Eclipses probes.
• Extends the lifecycle of existing Model 705 probes.
• The added benefit of facilitating the upgrade without opening up the process.
• Lower cost because you are only replacing the transmitter and not the probe.
• Compact design adds 3.15” of installation height.
• Customers get all the features of the Model 706 Transmitter while using their existing Model 705 probes.
• Adapters are in stock at Magnetrol

For more information, contact M.S. Jacobs and Associates. Call them at 800-348-0089 or visit their web site at https://msjacobs.com.

Fast and Easy Freeze Protection with Pre-Assembled Self-Regulating Heating Cable

Heat tracing a pipe, from start to finish can be time consuming. Selecting the various components, starting with the heating cable itself, extends through termination kits, controllers, mounting hardware and other electrical hardware needed to put the heating system in operation. BriskHeat has a product that, for many applications, offers a very simple and quick solution.

Pre-assembled self regulating heat cable is available in two voltage ranges, two watt densities, and prefabricated lengths up to 150 feet. Each cable is terminated at each end, saving the installer time. The cable is flexible enough for a spiral installation or to wrap around valves in the piping system. The self regulating aspect of the cable negates the need for a controller and power switching devices. Assemblies targeted for 120 volt applications are provided with a factory installed plug. The 208-277 volt cables will arrive with bare wire leads for installation of a customer provided connector. The cable can be easily installed using fiberglass or aluminum tape. Suitable insulation applied over the finished work will improve the performance of the heating system.

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DOWNLOAD THE BRISKHEAT SPEEDTRACE CUT SHEET FROM THE M.S. JACOBS WEB SITE HERE

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For more information about freeze protecting pipes, valves, tanks, or vessels contact M.S. Jacobs. Call them at 800-348-0089 or visit their web site at https://msjacobs.com.

Minimize Controllable Feedwater Heater Losses Through Heat Rate Awareness

A feedwater heater is a device used in a power plant to pre-heat water being delivered to a steam generating boiler. Preheating the feedwater prior to steam generation improves the thermodynamic efficiency of the system. Heat rate is a measure of how efficiently a power plant uses heat energy. You can measure heat rate by the number of BTUs the power plant requires to generate a kilowatt hour of energy. As your heat rate goes up, so do your fuel costs. Considering fuel expenditures account for 70 to 80 percent of production costs and millions of dollars per year, improving heat rate one percent could generate five hundred thousand dollars in annual savings for a 500 megawatt power plant.

To contain fuel costs, power plants must maximize the efficiency of their feedwater heaters. That's why many companies today are focusing on improving heat rate as a way to use their feedwater heaters more effectively and significantly reduce their fuel costs.

The video above (courtesy of Magnetrol) explains ways to focus on heat rate awareness to minimize controllable losses from the feedwater system.

For more information, contact M.S. Jacobs and Associates. Call them at 800-348-0089 or visit their web site at https://msjacobs.com.

Plating Application: Chromic Acid Tank Level

Plating acid tanks.

Chromium is widely used in the metal finishing industry for both decorative and hard-chrome plating. The chemicals used in Chrome plating are very harsh and corrosive. Chromium plating requires that the metal to be plated to be pretreated in a sodium cyanide/caustic soda bath and then plated in a chromic acid bath.

A large international plating company located in the USA needed a cost effective liquid level switching that would perform flawlessly on their chemical plating baths.

Problem

The chemicals used in plating, specifically Chromic Acid, are extremely corrosive. Many times these chemicals need to be kept at elevated temperatures, resulting in corrosive vapors. Controls installed in and around areas where vapors are present are adversely affected.  For this customer, the tank level instruments near the chromic acid tanks were the most problematic.

Solution

Levelpro PLF

Icon Process Controls, a manufacturer specializing in corrosion resistant fluid handling instrumentation, recommended their Levelpro PLF series plastic level switch. The Levelpro PLF provides excellent chemical resistance. Body materials are available in PVC, PP, PVDF, or 316SS. The level switch is available is sizes from 6" to 10 feet, with up to 8 different switch points, and unlike ultrasonic sensors, the PLF Series are not affected by foam, vapor, or turbulence. Additionally, they require no power and are available in N/O or N/C switch positions.

The PLF series can be used to indicate high and low levels, notification of upset conditions or turn pumps or valves on-off. They are also an excellent choice for redundant high| low level indication when used in conjunction with a continuous level sensor.

For more information, contact M.S. Jacobs and Associates. They can be reached at 800-348-0089 or you can visit their web site at https://msjacobs.com.

Coriolis Flow Meter Improves Fuel Oil Control and Efficiency at Power Plant

A power plant installed variable area flow meters for fuel oil feed control.  The variable area flow meters proved too unreliable to detect clogging in the burner system. The result was inefficient, unbalanced flow measurement resulting in very low burner efficiency, frequent downtime due to clogging, and heavy maintenance requirements.

The process medium was burner fuel oil at temperatures between 50 F to 210 F, with flow varying between 7 to 55 lbs/hr.

The solution was installing TRICOR’s TCM-28K Coriolis flow meter. The TCM 028K Coriolis Mass Flow Meter has a maximum mass flow rate of 28,000 kg/hr (1029 lb/min) or 4227 bbl/day and nominal size of DN25 (1”), and is rated for process pressures up to 100 bar (1450 psi). Standard accuracy for the TCM 028K is 0.3%, but with a custom calibration, 0.1% accuracy is possible. These meters have good overall accuracy, zero stability, and pressure drop. The simple self-draining U-shape tube design provides for easy cleaning/flushing.

After installation, all mentioned problems disappeared. Moreover, with the flexibility of TRICOR installation length, TRICOR was able help the customer in this challenging application to avoid extra installation costs.

ADVANTAGES:

• Increased burner availability
• Less downtime
• More efficient burner management 
• Reduced maintenance costs Increased productivity

For more information, contact M.S. Jacobs by calling 800-348-0089 or visit their web site at https://msjacobs.com.

Custom Sanitary Coriolis Flow Meter Makes Better Mayonnaise

A large scale producer of condiments for the restaurant industry needed a better way to control the mixture of several ingredients in the production of mayonnaise. The ingredients needed to be mixed at exact ratios to produce a consistent product. The customer wanted to automated the process to remove human error from the mixing of these blends. Products to be measured are starch, an egg blend, and the final product of mayonnaise.

All the ingredient measurements must be made by sanitary instruments because this is an FDA regulated food application. Measurements must also be maintained at relatively low system pressures. This is difficult due to the viscous nature of the product. Because both starch and mayonnaise are shear thinning materials, precise viscosity data is not available, therefore engineering observation of the process was necessary to identify the proper size Coriolis meters.

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DOWNLOAD THE FULL APPLICATION SPOTLIGHT

FROM THIS M.S. JACOBS WEB PAGE

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For more information, contact M.S. Jacobs by calling 800-348-0089 of visiting https://msjacobs.com.

Level Instrumentation for Steam Generation

Steam is today’s utility player in the industrial energy arena. It cleans and sterilizes, dries and concentrates, separates and evaporates. In cookery, it preserves flavor, texture, and retains nutrients. In chemistry, it fosters reactions by controlling process pressure and temperature. In biotechnology, it’s essential for growing production organisms. Steam ranges in purity from boiler grade for routine tasks, to culinary grade “Clean Steam” for food and dairy, and graduates up to super pure, pyrogen-free steam for biopharmaceutical use.

Magnetrol, a world-leading manufacturer of level and flow instrumentation, has assembled an excellent application summary for the use of level instrumentation in steam generation.

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YOU CAN DOWNLOAD THE APPLICATION SUMMARY FROM THIS PAGE ON THE M.S. JACOBS WEBSITE

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