Demanding applications and problem-solving uses for industrial ball valves, gate valves, globe valves, high performance butterfly valves, knife gate valves, pneumatic actuators, electric actuators, limit switches and positioners. Courtesy of Rencor Controls - (800) 777-4174
Thursday, December 25, 2014
Happy Holidays and Happy New Year from everyone at RENCOR Controls. We pass along thanks to our employees, customers and vendors for your past support and look forward to a great 2015!
Tuesday, November 18, 2014
Flow Control Valve Training Video
Control valve education for New England industrial companies is a primary goal of this blog. We're always keeping an eye out for helpful resources to educate our customers and visitors on control valve operation.
We discovered a great resource of tutorials, courtesy of Columbia Gorge Community College, full of great information that should be shared. The following video is titled "Flow Control Valves" and the instructor is Jim Pytel. He does an excellent job.
We discovered a great resource of tutorials, courtesy of Columbia Gorge Community College, full of great information that should be shared. The following video is titled "Flow Control Valves" and the instructor is Jim Pytel. He does an excellent job.
Labels:
Connecticut,
control valves,
flow control,
Massachusetts,
New England,
New Hampshire,
New York,
process valve,
Rhode Island,
Vermont
Wednesday, November 12, 2014
ROTEX Solenoid Valves, Actuators & Limit Switches
A 5 minute video of showing the ROTEX line of industrial solenoid valves, pneumatic actuators and limits switches. ROTEX is known for high valve - meaning excellent quality and low cost.
ROTEX manufactures solenoid valves for industrial applications and for valve actuation. They also manufacture a line of high quality rack and pinion actuators (the Infinity Series) and scotch yoke actuators. Finally, their product line is rounded out by a broad line of valve actuation limit switches.
ROTEX manufactures solenoid valves for industrial applications and for valve actuation. They also manufacture a line of high quality rack and pinion actuators (the Infinity Series) and scotch yoke actuators. Finally, their product line is rounded out by a broad line of valve actuation limit switches.
Monday, October 6, 2014
How to Install a Samson 3277 Actuator on a Samson 3241 Globe Control Valve

The Samson types 3271 and 3277 pneumatic actuators contain a rolling diaphragm and internal springs.
Special features
• Low overall height
• Powerful thrust at high response speed
• Low friction
• Various bench ranges by varying the number of springs or their compression
• No special tools required to change the bench range and to reverse the actuator action (also version with hand-wheel)
• Permissible operating temperatures from –50 to +120 °C
• Direct attachment of accessories on additional yoke for
• Type 3277 with concealed travel pick-off
Samson 3241 Globe Control Valve
The control valves consist of a body with trim, bonnet and pneumatic actuator, optionally with metal bellows or insulating extension. The valves may be also equipped with electric, electro-hydraulic, or hand-operated actuators, as well as control accessories and other instrumentation.
Labels:
3241,
3277,
control valves,
pneumatic actuator,
samson controls
The Samson 3730-3 Valve Positioner: Description, Resetting to Factory Default and Performing Auto-Calibration
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Samson 3730 |
The positioner ensures a predetermined assignment of the valve position to the input signal. It compares the input signal received from a control system to the travel or rotational angle of the control valve and issues a corresponding output signal pressure.
Special Features
- Simple attachment to all common linear and rotary actuators with interface for SAMSON direct attachment, NAMUR rib, valves with rod-type yokes according to IEC 60534-6-1 or to rotary actuators according to VDI/ VDE 3845.
- Any desired mounting position of the positioner.
- Simple single-knob, menu-driven operation
- LCD easy to read in any mounted position due to selectable reading direction.
- Configurable with a PC over the SSP interface using the TROVIS-VIEW software.
- Variable, automatic start-up with four different initialization modes.
- Preset parameters – only values deviating from the standard need to be adjusted.
- Calibrated travel sensor without gears susceptible to wear.
- Sub initialization mode (substitution) allows the positioner to be started up in case of emergency whilst the plant is running without the valve moving through the whole travel range.
- Permanent storage of all parameters in EEPROM (protect- ed against power failure).
- Two-wire system with small electrical load between 300 and 350 Ω depending on version.
- Adjustable output pressure limitation.
- Tight-closing function.
- Continuous monitoring of zero point .
- Integrated temperature sensor and operating hours counter.
- Two standard programmable position alarms.
- Self-diagnostics; alarms as condensed state conforming to NAMUR Recommendation NE 107, issued over a fault alarm contact or optional analog position transmitter .
- Integrated EXPERTplus diagnostics (u T 8389 EN) suitable for throttling and on/off valves and with additional partial stroke test for valves in safety-instrumented systems.
Here is a video that explains how to reset the Samson 3730-3 back to factory default settings and then perform and auto-calibration.
Labels:
3730,
control valves,
positioner,
samson controls
Monday, August 25, 2014
Valve Automation Experience, Capabilities and Facilities
The following video shows some examples of RENCOR Controls valve automation work.
Examples include large automated ball valves, butterfly valves and specialty valves. Actuators include the ROTEX DCS and DCR, Bettis, Morin, and others. Examples of Coker and ball valve refurbishment, and pinch valve automation. Custom brackets and couplings are shown as is custom crating.
RENCOR's modern, well equipped manufacturing space is capable of handing very large automated valves, as well as high quantity production. RENCOR technician's and engineers have decades of experience and can solve the toughest valve automation challenge.
Examples include large automated ball valves, butterfly valves and specialty valves. Actuators include the ROTEX DCS and DCR, Bettis, Morin, and others. Examples of Coker and ball valve refurbishment, and pinch valve automation. Custom brackets and couplings are shown as is custom crating.
RENCOR's modern, well equipped manufacturing space is capable of handing very large automated valves, as well as high quantity production. RENCOR technician's and engineers have decades of experience and can solve the toughest valve automation challenge.
Labels:
ball valve,
engineering,
refurbish,
repair,
valve actuation,
valve automation
Tuesday, August 19, 2014
Introduction to the Instrumentation Ball Valve
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Instrumentation Ball Valves (DK-Lok) |
Also referred to as "one-piece" instrumentation ball valves, they are an excellent choice for cold ambient conditions down to -65 deg. F as well as handling heated gases and fluids up to 300 deg. F.
What defines the the ball valve as an "instrument ball valve" is the 1 piece ball and stem component. General service, industrial ball valves are designed with a 2 pc. ball and stem arrangement, where the ball "floats" in the process medium and uses the downstream pressure to seat.
Instrumentation ball valves historically were troubled when installed in low ambient temperatures. Cold environments below -50F would cause stem leakage.
Alternative packing materials where developed allowing working temperatures down to -65F but those packing materials were limited on the upper temperature range to 150 deg. F.
Ultimately, new packing was developed to handle -65 F to 300F, which covers a very wide range of application.
Instrument ball valves are available in brass and stainless steel. Their end connections are typically from 1/8" T to 3/4" T (compression tube connections) and from 1/8 NPTF to 1/2" NPTF (pipe sizes ). Many different types of end connections are available.
Instrumentation ball valves are available in the following configurations: 2-way, straight or angle; 3-way switching without any directional requirements; and a 4-way design.
Monday, August 4, 2014
Another Short Demo Video of Hydraulic Manual Override for 1/4 Turn Valves
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ROTEX Scotch Yoke Actuator |
Hydraulic manual override's give operators the ability to manually reverse the spring position of a large actuator by manually pumping air into the spring cylinder. The hydraulic pump can produce up to 2000 PSI air which is used to compress the spring and reverse actuator position.
A directional hand valve is used to direct flow of the air to the spring cylinder or to vent and the air to and from the actuator, letting the spring decompress. A stainless steel hydraulic oil reservoir and tubing are used for safety and longevity.
Link to ROTEX Hydraulic Manual Override Video.
Labels:
hydraulic override,
pneumatic actuator,
Rotex,
scotch yoke
Thursday, July 24, 2014
Tips and Considerations When Applying Control Valves
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DeZurik Control Valve |
Control valves are not intended for isolating a process and should not be used as such. They are not intended to provide a bubble tight shutoff.
Choose the proper body, seat and wetted materials for the process being controlled. Consider material compatibility, pressure ratings, and operating temperatures prior to valve selection.
When designing your control loop, put the flow sensor upstream of the control valve. Putting the flow sensor downstream of control valve exposes it to possible bubbles caused by the flashing and turbulence of the flow in the valve cavity.
Labels:
control valves,
deadband,
sticktion,
tuning,
v port
Thursday, July 3, 2014
Watch a Large Scotch Yoke Pneumatic Actuator Operate
I you haven't seen a large scotch yoke actuator operate, the watch the video below of a ROTEX DRS high performance scotch yoke pneumatic actuator
mounted on a large ball valve.
The video shows actuator opening valve, closing valve, the valve position indicator, the hydraulic manual override and manual hydraulic pump. This is a nice visual education for anyone who never saw a large valve and a large actuator operate.
The video shows actuator opening valve, closing valve, the valve position indicator, the hydraulic manual override and manual hydraulic pump. This is a nice visual education for anyone who never saw a large valve and a large actuator operate.
Labels:
ball valve,
hydraulic override,
pneumatic actuator,
Rotex,
scotch yoke
Thursday, June 5, 2014
A Few Things to Consider When Choosing Between Pneumatic and Electric Actuators
The choice between a pneumatically or an electrically actuated valve for a process system is predicated on certain application realities. Both have advantages and disadvantages. Generally though, it's the available power source that dictates the approach.
The available power source (compressed air or electricity) is typically the primary criteria for selecting a which type of actuator to use.
Other criteria to consider are:
Friday, May 16, 2014
Peek Inside a Modern Control Valve Manufacturing Facility
SAMSON Controls is world renown for their high quality products, including control valves, self-operated regulators, and positioners. This reputation is earned through complete devotion to quality design and and paying attention to every detail in the manufacturing process.
For over 100 years, SAMSON has developed and manufactured control equipment for industrial processes. From rugged self-operated regulators to highly specialized control valves for industrial processes, their broad product range includes valves to meet all requirements. Known primarily for control valves, they manufacture in all sizes, materials and alloys.
The success of the SAMSON brand has in turn grown a worldwide network of skilled and technically competent representatives.
Tuesday, May 6, 2014
The Inside and Out of Pneumatic Rack and Pinion Actuators
Here is an excellent video that shows the inner construction and major components of a rack and pinion actuator.
While many rack and pinion actuators seem the same, this manufacturer ROTEX, engineers their product to provide the longest possible service life with innovative features such as:
- V-Seal polymer double lip seal offers the most efficient, dynamic sealing in the industry.
- Massive bearings with greater surface area allow for higher load capacity.
- Monolithic billet pinion provides for incredible strength and durability.
- Two part epoxy paint over anodized aluminum body gives superior corrosion protection.
Additionally, ROTEX Controls Inc. warranties the complete actuator for 3 years or 3 million cycles, including all seals. All major components, including body, pinion, bearings, springs, seals, and all hardware are covered for the full term of the warranty, 3 years or 3 million cycles. No other manufacturer warrants their product as well.
Monday, April 14, 2014
An Excellent Control Valve Choice for Any Demanding Application

The SAMSON control valve continues to offer dependability under extreme conditions and the toughest applications.
SAMSON’s modular design provides the user the flexibility of selecting valve components to meet specific applications. Modularity allows each SAMSON valve to be individually applied for optimum performance in any application, included the most demanding or most adverse conditions. Modularity allows the user to save money by minimizing inventory and saves time of installation and maintenance. This all adds up to lower overall cost of ownership.
Samson’s line of control valves is broad and suited for tough and demanding applications such as corrosive media, erosive media, applications with high pressure differentials and extreme process temperatures. Samson valves provide long service life, excellent control and tight sealing. They are often the choice for extreme vacuum applications or where environmentally damaging emissions are possible.
Materials, dimensions and flange configurations are available for industrial standards such as ANSI, DIN, JIS, and ensures that SAMSON products can be used anywhere in the world.
SAMSON’s control valves can be equipped with a wide variety of electric, electro-hydraulic or pneumatic actuators.
Feel fee to contact us for more information on SAMSON Controls.
Wednesday, March 26, 2014
Need a Valve for Abrasive or Corrosive Slurries?
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DeZurik Urethane Knifegate Valve |
Need a knife gate valve thats great for corrosive, abrasive or slurry service? Check out a urethane lined knife gate.
Urethane Lined Knife Gate Valves are designed for on-off and throttling applications of abrasive slurry and dry abrasive materials. These valves are ideally suited for applications in mining, chemical and food industries. They are bi-directional and have tight shut-off and can be used for on/off service or for control.
Urethane Lined Knife Gate Valves are available in sizes 2-48" (50-1200mm) with temperature ratings from -40 to 180°F (-40 to 82°C) as standard, with a variety of urethane compounds available on application.
A one-piece, cast-in-place liner that provides bi-directional, drip-tight shutoff to either 150 or 250 psi (1030 or 1720 kPa) CWP are available. All wetted surfaces of the ductile iron body are lined with urethane. These valves are good for dead-end service.
Labels:
dezurik,
knifegate,
rencor,
slurry,
urethane lined
Tuesday, March 4, 2014
What is a Declutchable Manual Override Gear Operator?
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Typical Declutchable Manual Gear Operator |
Designs vary, but most include a self-locking, declutchable worm gear which is designed to provide a secure engagement keeping the valve firmly in position. Declutchable manual gear overrides are usually designed to be “sandwiched” between a pneumatic actuator and quarter-turn valve, allowing the operator to manually operate a pneumatic actuator in case of emergency power or air loss.
Construction normally protects the gears in a completely enclosed, weatherproof and permanently lubricated enclosure. The operation is done via some type of hand wheel. A wide variety of torque outputs are available.
When selecting a declutchable manual gear override consideration must be given to valve torque requirements, weight, size, mounting, operating environment, and criticality of application. An experienced valve application engineer should be consulted prior to selection.
Labels:
ball valve,
butterfly,
Declutchable Manual Gear Operator,
pneumatic actuator,
rencor,
spring-return,
valve
Monday, February 17, 2014
What is A Lined Ball Valve?
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Lined Ball Valve |
Lined valves combine the excellent mechanical properties of metallic bodies with the corrosion resistance of fluorocarbons, such as PFA and PTFE.
Lining the intricately shaped inside surfaces of a valve is certainly an engineering challenge, especially to achieve a uniform thickness and the highest lining quality, without cavities or inclusions.
The special lining process guarantees tight bonding between the lining and the inside of the body. This effectively prevents the lining from shearing off the body in part or being removed completely.
Special options, such as reinforced PTFE bellows seals or adjustable packings, can be accommodated. Bellows seals made of special metals, such as titanium or Hastelloy, are available as options as well.
Lined ball valves are ideally suited for corrosive applications, requiring very reliable performance, tight shutoff, constant torque and no maintenance. Lined ball valves can successfully be applied to a wide range of corrosive applications in industries such as chemical, petro-chemical, pharmaceutical, and pulp and paper.
For more information visit RENCOR Controls.
Thursday, January 30, 2014
A One-piece, Forged Steel, Metal Seat Valve for Critical Applications
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One-piece, forged steel, metal seated ball valve |
These valves offer the following advantages: a one-piece forged design; a streamlined flow path eliminating cavitation and pressure drop; seats with no exposure to the flow stream; a body cavity isolated from solids build up and flow and erosion resistance.
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Velan Power Ball Diagram |
Forged valves offer greater strength and increased toughness for maximum reliability and safety. They have become the first choice of fossil and nuclear power stations, the nuclear navy and for all severe and critical applications in the chemical and hydrocarbon processing industries.
One particular brand is the Velan Power Ball, highly advanced, patented, forged, one-piece metal-seated valve designed for high-pressure and high-temperature applications in the power generation and process industries. More information on the Velan Power Ball can be found here.
Because these valves are used in the most critical applications, consultation with application engineers and utilizing factory authorized installers is recommended.
Labels:
ball valve,
forged steel,
high pressure,
high temperature,
one-piece,
power ball
Wednesday, January 22, 2014
NEMA Classifications for Electric Actuators
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Indelac Electric Actuator |
The enclosure rating standards are defined by the National Electrical Manufacturers Association (NEMA).
Here are the listings of NEMA Classifications: (you can get from the original document from the NEMA site here.)
Definitions [from NEMA 250-2003]
In Non-Hazardous Locations, the specific enclosure Types, their applications, and the environmental conditions they are designed to protect against, when completely and properly installed, are as follows:
Thursday, January 16, 2014
Some Important Valve Terminology

Actuator: A pneumatic, electric, hydraulically powered “motor” supplying motion to open or close a valve.
Automated Valve: A valve and actuator package capable of responding to a remote pneumatic or electrical signal.
Tuesday, January 7, 2014
Considerations for Sizing Spring Return Pneumatic Actuators
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Pneumatic Actuator Springs, Piston & Seal |
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