Nice Valves

Elscint Automation manufactures a vibratory counting and dispensing system for small screws. A major problem faced by a lot of automobile manufacturers is that a particular number of screws need to be fixed on an engine / automobile.

However, a lot of times, the operators forget to fix the required number of screws on the engine / automobile. This results in a big quality problem as there is no way to detect this once the engine is assembled. To resolve this problem, Elscint has developed a vibratory screw counting and dispensing system wherein a set number of screws is always dispensed on pressing of a button or foot valve.

The dispensing can also be activated by sensing the hand of the operator as soon as he puts his hand to collect the screws. This ensures the operator gets the required number of screws and is able to fix those. The chances of is forgetting to fix one or two screws is eliminated as he gets the required number of screws in his hand / bin and further dispensing does not take place unless all these screws are utilized.

This system is very useful for all automobile manufacturers as well as those who use similar assembly procedures. Depending upon the size of the screws, a suitable model of Elscint vibratory bowl feeder is used. The equipment comes along with a stand, dispensing chute with bin, electrical and pneumatic controls. There is an additional sensor on the dispensing chute which switches off the vibratory feeder when the chute is full.

This ensures that in case the assembly line is not working due to some reason, the operator does not have to switch off the entire system. Once he presses the foot pedal / button / places his hand for collection, the cycle commences once again automatically. Further, a level control is provided to give signal once the level of screws in the bowl reduces to ensure replenishment on time.

Poka yoke too is provided to ensure that even in case where there are less or no screws to dispense, the dispensing does not take place even after pressing the foot pedal / button / hand signal. The number of screws which need to be dispensed in one lot can be changed by the operator, in case the requirement changes in the future.

NEW YORK (AP) — A faulty valve caused a Staten Island ferry accident that injured several people and caused minor damage two years ago, National Transportation Safety Board investigators said Tuesday.

Investigators said the malfunction caused the pilot to lose control of one of the vessel’s two propellers as it approached Staten Island on May 8, 2010. The vessel slammed into a pier when the pilot couldn’t get the ferry to slow down. Out of the 266 passengers and crew aboard the ferry, three were seriously injured and more than 40 reported minor injuries.

The crash was not the first for the vessel, the Andrew J. Barberi. Eleven people died when the same ferry crashed into the same pier in 2003 after its pilot passed out at the wheel.

NTSB Chairwoman Deborah Hersman said the New York City Department of Transportation showed a renewed commitment to safety after that accident and “implemented an industry-leading safety-management system.”

“The bad news is that the Barberi experienced an unanticipated and unusual failure in its propulsion system,” Hersman said. “The good news is that no lives were lost and our investigation showed positive safety improvements following the 2003 accident.”

The five-member NTSB board approved investigators’ report on the crash at a meeting Tuesday in Washington.

NTSB staff members said the Barberi was not equipped with an alarm system that might have warned crew members that the propeller was stuck and was not responding to controls. The board recommended that passenger vessels with similar propulsion systems be equipped with such alarms.

The board also recommended that passenger vessels implement safety management systems such as the one that was in place at the Staten Island Ferry in 2010.

New York City Transportation Commissioner Janette Sadik-Khan said in a statement, “We appreciate the board’s praise of the ferry system and its personnel, which move more than 20 million passengers safely every year.”

A new monoflange-style ball valve for interfacing instruments to process piping has been launched by the instrumentation products division of Parker Hannifin – the global leader in motion and control technologies. The bidirectional valve range – designated Monoball – is available in four sizes with bores of 10, 15, 20 or 25 mm and offers a full cold working pressure rating of 6,000 PSI (414 bar) with 100% bubble-tight shut-off.

Monoflange-style construction makes the new valve lighter and more compact than conventional flange-to-flange mounted ball valves. This makes it ideal for space- and weight-sensitive applications such as offshore platforms, as well as the many common isolation requirements found in oil, gas and chemical processing installations.

In addition to being used an isolation valve, Monoball’s compact construction makes it a versatile building block for configuring multi-valve manifold arrangements. This provides a simple means of coupling instruments closely to process piping, to allow the safe removal of an instrument valve if it needs replacing due to damage or plugging.

Additional construction features employed by Parker further enhance reliability and safety for users. The valve body is machined from a single forging, reducing potential leak paths to the minimum. In addition to NPT threaded interfaces, Parker can also supply the valve with two-ferrule tube fitting ends, thereby eliminating taper threads and the subsequent need for thread sealants, which can cause be a source of problems in the field.

As standard, Monoball valves are available in stainless steel (ASTM A182 F316/F316L), carbon steel (ASTM A350 LF2/A105), or Duplex (ASTM A182 F51) materials. Other high performance alloys, and NACE MR 0175/ISO 15156 compliant versions are available on request. Depending on the bore size chosen, the valve comes with flange sizes from 1/2 to 2 inches NB (15 to 50 DN), compatible with ANSI B16.5 flange classes from 150 to 2500. Users can also specify the valve with a range of seat materials, including PTFE and PEEK. A fire-safe version is optionally available.

Category: Gaming
Posted: April 26, 2012 12:34PM
Author: bp9801

Valve is certainly a busy company, what with all the games under development and maintaining its Steam service. The latter is the subject of this article, as Valve has announced it is working on a Linux Steam client. A copy of Left 4 Dead 2 will be included once the Linux client launches, and Valve is planning to bring other titles to the OS soon. Source Engine games will run natively on Linux (no Wine support necessary) and hopefully other studios get on board as well. Gabe Newell himself is working on the Linux port as he likes what the open-source OS brings to the table and even advocates it as a platform. Newell is less optimistic about Windows 8 and everything it is changing, so maybe he wants Steam on alternatives in case W8 is not as popular as Microsoft is hoping. There is no mention of just how far along the Linux client is, but it is beyond the experimental stage and Valve is actively looking for Linux developers.

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We are pleased to inform you that MAC Valves Europe will exhibit at Glasstec in Dusseldorf, Germany this coming October 2012!

With over 20 years of experience in the hollow glass industry, MAC will present our latest innovations designed to increase pack to melt of glass plants.

Until opening of the fair, we will regularly inform you about our solutions.
The first solution we would like to bring to your attention is the New Generation electro-pneumatic valve block with our 54 Series valve:

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We look forward to your feedback online and are delighted to welcome you in D?sseldorf from Oct 23rd to Oct 26th!? MAC’s stand is located in Hall 14 Booth 14D17.

BACKGROUND: ?Defective heart valves are one of the most common causes of heart failure in the elderly. ?A defective heart valve is one that fails to open and close fully. ? A valve also may not be able to close completely, leading to regurgitation (blood leaking back through the valve).? Usually people who have congenital heart valve defects may need treatment with drugs, but some have to undergo surgery. ?Surgery is not recommended for patients who are older or have other medical conditions (Source: ?www.heart.org).

TRADITIONAL TREATMENT: A median sternotomy is a type of surgical procedure in which a vertical inline incision is made along the sternum, after which the sternum itself is divided, or “cracked”. Breaking the sternum provides access to the heart and lungs for surgical procedures such as heart transplants and corrective surgery for defects including heart valve repair and heart valve replacement operations. ( Source: Heartvalvesuregry.com)

A LESS INVASIVE SOLUTION: ?Duke cardiologists can replace an old valve with a new pig valve delivered on the end of a catheter through a groin artery to the heart. Doctor J. Kevin Harrison explains how the new valve works. “It’s put in through a less traumatic surgery. We still make a small incision but it’s in the groin area to expose the artery and then the valve is inserted through a catheter. The catheter is larger than standard heart catheterization catheters, it’s about as big as the end of my pinky, and it goes through the blood vessels in the leg or through a blood vessel in the arm. It’s positioned across the abnormal valve. Rather than removing the valve, this catheter based valve is a stent that opens and pushes the old scarred valve out of the way. The minute that it pushes the old scarred valve out of the way, it has a valve sewn within the stent, which is really pig valve, similar to those surgeons have been using for years.” ( Source: Interview with Ivanhoe Broadcast News)

Endress+Hauser and Rockwell Automation announce the opening of a new Process Training Unit (PTU) in Philadelphia, PA. The Process Training Unit features Endress+Hauser instruments and the Rockwell Automation PlantPAx process automation system designed for the purpose of educating field technicians, engineers, and sales personnel. The PTU provides a unique learning experience through hands-on activities. Participants learn the application, installation, operation and diagnostic procedures related to many types of process instrumentation and control processes. Various communication protocols are also demonstrated including: EtherNet/IP, HART, PROFIBUS PA, and FOUNDATION Fieldbus.

Not only is Endress+Hauser making major investments in the US to expand manufacturing capability, but additional investments are also being made around the country to offer best-in-class Instrumentation Training Schools by constructing the type of Process Training Units that are unequaled in the industry. And this is in cooperation with our Alliance Partner Rockwell Automation. No other supplier of instrumentation or controls can claim this type of commitment to addressing the process training needs of its customers, says Jerry Spindler, Training Manager – Customer and Field Service Training.

In the Philadelphia PTU, there are three process demonstration units designed specifically for the market needs.

The first unit includes numerous fully functional flow, pressure, temperature, level and analysis instruments. The Rockwell Automation PlantPAx system regulates the flow paths and velocity of the process by actuating control valves and adjusting the speed of pump drives. It also provides operators with a real time view of the process and continuous monitoring of critical parameters.

The second unit simulates the types of processes and procedures found in the Life Sciences industries. In this unit, analytical instrumentation measures the pH, conductivity, turbidity, dissolved oxygen and optical density which give a picture of the health of the cells and the effectiveness of the cleaning processes within the bioreactor. The controls of the bioreactor are implemented with the Rockwell Automation ControlLogix PAC and PlantPAx system.

Lastly, the PTU includes a demo unit that simulates environmental, water and wastewater treatment applications. The system uses common additives to simulate the same type of conditions found in environmental monitoring and water/wastewater treatment applications.
The PTU includes over 5,000 square feet of classroom and hands-on training space.
Other PTUs are located at La Porte (Houston), TX; Memphis, TN; Mobile, Alabama; Matthews, NC; and Vega Alta, Puerto Rico, with additional units being planned around the U.S.

Check valves are engineered to allow the flow of fluid across a pipeline system or port in one direction only. They are reactive valves, meaning that they are activated by the amount and the pressure of the fluid present in the system environment. These valves are typically used in backflow prevention applications, flood prevention environments, and wastewater treatment entities.

In 1984, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) commissioned the testing of a new kind of check valve; one that stood out as a clear alternative to flapgate valves. The new valve featured a duckbill-shaped inner elastomer sleeve that responded keenly to changes in fluid pressure. The valve sleeve closed in response to backflow pressure, forming a tight seal that blocked debris from entering waterways.

Further testing proved that the duckbill-shaped design also offered superior performance in pollutant entrapment, durability, the stopping of leakage, and various self-cleaning capabilities. Now, the duckbill elastomer check valve is routinely used in backwater prevention and waterway applications. The curved shape of the interior valve bill can regularly achieve a tight closed position, providing an excellent seal against debris in backflow applications. Various duckbill models have been engineered for low pressure applications, and for pollution prevention efforts on larger waterways.

How does a check valve work?

Check valves are designed to respond to pressure differences. Throughout the life cycle of the valve, there are instances where the pressure of the fluids traveling through the valve is greater than the pressure across the valve mechanism. The force of upstream water creates high differential pressure across the interior valve body, so the valve opens, allowing forward streams to pass through. However, back-flowing water lowers differential pressure across the valve body, so the duckbill elastomer valve flexes closed, sealing debris out.

Modern valves are engineered to respond to modest pressure changes. These newer valves respond to slight changes in differential pressure from forward- or backflow, making them useful for a variety of environments. Unlike check valves with metal components, such as disc check valves, duckbill elastomer valves require significantly less maintenance – they lack interior metal components that can rust or become corroded.

For what applications might check valves be used?

Duckbill valves can be used in a variety of wastewater, stormwater, and backflow prevention applications. One excellent case study involved a large, well-known retail store in St. Petersburg, FL. This store had a large retention pond, or man-made pond designed to collect rainwater. The pond was decorated with fresh water vegetation, as are many retention ponds in this part of the American Southeast. The pond was fitted with three drainage pipes that terminated in Tampa Bay.

Turbulent weather proved to be a problem for this store. During periods of heavy rain and high tides, the waters of Tampa Bay reverse-flowed into the pond, causing the vegetation to wither and die. The pond was fitted with three 36-inch check valves. Since these valves responded to subtle pressure differentials, they proved to be an excellent solution in preventing salt water backflow.

Duckbill valves are suitable for a variety of other applications, as well. Some models are ideal for manhole and end-of-pipe outfall installations. Others are installed for the purposes of sewer system control and sewer backflow prevention. Still others are used for stormwater control, as the retail store case study illustrates; or, for wastewater treatment applications. Certain duckbill models can be used in industrial applications, such as corrosive slurry handling, caustic chemical applications, and high-temperature chemical reactions.

The design and structure of duckbill check valves make them widely applicable in pressured fluid environments. The elastomer bill design is low-maintenance, rust-free, and can be highly responsive to very subtle pressure changes across line fluid. These valves do not require a power source or any exterior action to operate. As a result, they are highly versatile and highly durable.

Tideflex Technologies, a division of Red Valve Company, Inc., engineers a variety of duckbill check valves for backflow prevention applications. In addition, this company offers a complete line of inline check valves, potable water mixing systems, and air diffusers. Visit Tideflex Technologies online at tideflex.com.

Apparently, Valve had quietly implemented an account policy to allow banned players to access their games months ago.

Valve’s apparently updated its account policies to allow banned players to access their games. Previously, users who had been banned from their Steam account were locked out from playing their games, bringing up complaints about Steam’s DRM.

Valve’s change in policy was quietly implemented, according to a recent forum post by Steam forums Volunteer Moderator Heffebaycay, about two months ago. Heffebaycay’s response spawned out of a thread regarding EA’s recent policy change also allowing banned players to access their game.

Under the new policy, banned Steam members no longer have their accounts disabled but now have “account locking” set, meaning that while they’re able to access their games, they will be unable to buy games, redeem codes, or trade items.

The prosperity of the valve industry has been shown in many fields. Actually, there is great variety of the types of the valve. All these types are making their own contributions to the development of the whole modern industry. As we all know, valves are made to control the flow of gases, liquids and granular solids in many systems. In order to meet various requirements, valves are designed and manufactured with a wide range of the types, sizes, materials, working temperature and pressure and means of actuation and so on. At this moment, we take the type of the ball valve and gate valve out for a comparison.

Firstly, the structure differs. As we all know that a ball valve features the spherical closure element with a round or other-shaped hole in the middle and a gate valve features the lifting and dropping wedge. And the number of the holding ports varies. A gate valve has two ports, which is called an inlet and an outlet. But a ball valve usually has two or more ports. However, when referring to the connections to the ports, they would be with the same ones, including the threaded, soldered or flanged connection.

Secondly, a gate valve and a ball valve vary at the mean of the actuation. Commonly speaking, a gate valve is typically with manual operation. Such is from the consideration of the precise isolation of the flow. Except from the manual operation, a ball valve is also able to be driven by the electric and pneumatic actuators.

At last, the flow, which under control by the two types of the valve, turns out to be with different characteristics. Due to the specially designed structure, a gate valve is not suitable to be opened and closed partially. As a result, a gate valve is required to shut the flow off in time in many available systems. At the same time, a ball valve is mainly designed to be able for the regulating situations. The flow is closely proportional to the rotation of the spherical device with a hole in the middle of it.

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