Control systems that oversee valves and other components are increasingly subject to cyber attacks. A wave of attacks against the computer networks of natural gas pipeline companies is ongoing, according to the U.S. Department of Homeland Security. The DHS has responded with multiple warnings of a "cyber intrusion campaign" against pipeline companies. In related news, an amateur cyber security researcher found a back door to industrial control systems after buying used equipment through an online retailer. The U.S. Computer Equipment Emergency Readiness has issued warnings about this specific danger.

SVF Flow Controls continues to lead the way with an array of new products including the MZ9 three-way Valve, BZ9 Bronze Valve, our Quad4 actuator, and the family of NEXUS Discreet Valve Controllers. View our entire library of valves, actuators, and controls. SVF — our 30th year!

The Lee Company introduces a new line of precision check valves specifically designed for high pressure, harsh duty applications. Constructed entirely of NACE compliant, corrosion-resistant materials, these new check valves feature a durable MP35N poppet and seat and are designed for checked direction pressures up to 15,000 psi.

Umbra electro-mechanical actuators deliver aerospace reliability in a compact, corrosion-resistant design. Abating risks associated with hydraulic actuators, this proven architecture can transmit forces exceeding 50 tons with exacting precision making it ideal for subsea applications. Contact the Umbra Group to learn more about custom features.

Ramco® Manufacturing fabricates specialty products designed to detect, control, and contain chemical sprayouts from valves. Our safety shields are manufactured in high- performance fabrics and stainless steel to fit specific applications. OnGuard™ Acid detecting paint is designed to quickly identify acid leaks by changing color to a bright red in the event of a failure.

Choosing an actuator for use in factory automation, packaging, or other applications can determine overall machine performance, startup costs, and ongoing operating expenses, reports Product Design & Development. Hydraulic actuators, for instance, are used in high-force applications at typical line pressures of 2,500 psi. Electromechanical actuators can offer complete control over the motion profile, including some models that control velocity and positioning, torque control, and monitoring.

A French food-production company makes milk-based cheese products, but the milk produced near the factory is low in the proteins needed to make the cheese. To compensate, protein is added to milk vats through a flow management system controlled by 180 fieldbus driven valves. Control heads are installed on each valve actuator, which automatically positions the valve, says Process & Control.

Ensuring that safety shut-off valves operate when needed requires strict adherence to industry standards as well as frequent testing. This Process Heating story offers a brief overview of standards, such as the NFPA85 that calls for system redundancy, and IEC statutes that mandate safety integrity levels. The report also considers the ways in which partial-stroke testing helps ensure safety and improve productivity.

Utilizing differential pressure as a means to control filter cleaning on dust collectors can lower total emissions and attain longer filter life, according to this company's white paper. The paper explains how the pressure difference between dirty and clean sides of a filter works, and how the intertwined system of diaphragm and solenoid valves can quickly clean the filter and attain these goals.

Coaxial valves from co-ax inc. are leak-free, high cycle-life, bi-directional, pressure-balanced, low-profile valves. The short linear stroke of the internal PowerTube™ makes actuation unusually fast. The PowerTube™ is the flow channel through the valve — and actuated between inlet and outlet. Two or three-way versions. Externally controlled or direct acting versions.

ARI-FABA® Long Life Bellows Seal Valves are reliably sealed, even under the most adverse conditions and aggressive media. From cast iron to stainless-steel, our products are specifically designed for high temperatures and low maintenance. Explore a complete range of valves and Steam Traps that endure the most demanding applications.

Valves in hazardous areas need safe operation. Local powered actuation is often not appropriate. Safeoperator flexible shaft with handwheel adapter is simply connected to the valve and routed to a safe operating position. Elliott's Safeoperator uses a simple kit approach for the best solution to your difficult to reach valve.

CRANE ChemPharma Flow Solutions™ expands its product portfolio to include WTA® Bellows Sealed Globe, Chlorine, and Change-Over Valves. Bellows Sealed Globe Valves provide the highest fugitive emission protection.

As the need for fresh water grows, so does the need for more efficient ways to desalinate seawater. This Valve Magazine story looks at the seawater reverse osmosis desalination process and how best to select valves. Multistage flash is the most popular process. In this method, steam is produced, condensation occurs, and pure water is collected. Throughout the process, valves control the flow of seawater, purified water, and the brine.

If you find this subject interesting, subscribe to GlobalSpec's e-Newsletter, Water & Wastewater Systems.

Reducing plant operating costs is paramount for today's plant engineers. Modern production and processing facilities feature complex process sequences. In addition, components with positive environmental benefits are desired. One solution is a cost-efficient multi-port valve. In one, all-inclusive block, the compact valves perform a range of functions such as mixing, dividing, diverting, draining, feeding, and cleaning.

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency established Clean Air Act emissions standards for the oil and natural gas industry, including federal limitations on air emissions from hydraulic fracturing operations for natural gas wells. EPA finalized modifications to the leak detection standards for valves. Under the standard, a leak exceeding 500 ppm of any regulated hazardous air pollutant triggers the rule's leak detection and repair requirements.

More than a year ago, an earthquake and tsunami led to the Fukushima nuclear plant accident. While the topic has been revisited many times, a recent story reviews how the accident was handled, with a focus on valves and how workers risked their lives to operate them. For instance, volunteers heading into areas with high radiation levels to open valves struggled with ways to power them. At one point workers retrieved car batteries from parking lots to generate power.

The Piloted Valves offer an adjustable pilot set point of 0.5 to 100 PSI or 2.5 to 28 in. Hg. Normally open or normally closed valves are available; the valve pressure range is 22 to 116 PSI. Choose from four mounting styles: Flush Mount, Manifold Mount, Panel Mount, and Pipe Thread.

The Union Insert Valve (UV) is the threaded pipe counterpart of the Flange Insert Valve. Designed to be inserted into most standard 45 degree ground joint unions, it provides the simplest and most economical way to install a check valve in a threaded pipe system.

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