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Flow meters are some of the most versatile and integral components in any fluid handling system. From agriculture chemical production to water treatment facilities, meters offer a reliable means to monitor how efficient your operation is and provide a tangible reading to identify potential issues within the plumbing system. This makes choosing the right flow meter for your application even more important. Selecting the wrong meter causes inaccuracies within your flow monitoring processes and creates inefficiencies throughout the rest of the system, not to mention significant unintended costs.

Dultmeier Sales is here to ensure that doesn't happen.

In this guide to flow meter selection, we'll take a look at several common meter types and the various applications in which they are used. We will also highlight some key considerations to keep in mind so that you always choose the best flow meter for your application needs. So, without further ado, let's get started.

 

Understanding What a Flow Meter Does

Simply put, a flow meter is a device that measures the flow of material-typically either liquids or gases-through a pipe. It determines how much material passes through the pipe (or hose) in a given period. It typically provides this measurement in units like gallons per minute (GPM), liters per second (L/s), or cubic feet per minute (CFM).

While this concept is straightforward, selecting the right flow meter for your specific task, however, can be more complicated.

 

Fill-Rite mechanical flow meters & digital flow meters

 

How to Choose the Right Flow Meter

First off, It is important to note that no two meters are exactly alike. Depending on application and metering needs, you may have several meter options or a single very specific one from which to choose. Complicating things further are the many external considerations your meter must satisfy in order to accomplish its intended purpose. As they say, the "devil is in the details," and the same goes for choosing the best flow meter for your application.

Below are some key characteristics to keep in mind when selecting the proper flow meter:

• Accuracy & Repeatability
• Type of Fluid (liquid, gas, slurry, steam)
• Density
• Viscosity
• Conductivity
• Temperature
• Pressure
• Flammable/Oxidizer
• Corrosiveness/Toxicity
• Flow Range/Turndown
• Materials of Construction
• Environment/Location & System Configuration
• Hygiene Requirements (pharmaceutical, food processing, etc.)
• Costs
  • Initial Investment
  • Installation
  • Long-term Maintenance

While the meter you ultimately select should ideally meet every factor above, ensuring it meets the most important ones for your operation will help guarantee you receive the best results. Let's dive into a few of the main ones on which you should focus.

Accuracy & Repeatability

Near the top of the list when evaluating flow meter specs is flow meter accuracy. Accuracy is how close a measurement is to the actual true value passing through a system. Expressed as a percentage (i.e. +/- 1%) accuracy represents how close the meter's output is to its calibrated parameters. Generally, the lower the percentage, the more accurate a meter is.

However, accuracy is not the only side of the coin. Repeatability, or the production of like outcomes under the same conditions, is perhaps even more important when evaluating which flow meter to choose. This is because accuracy is only reliable so far as its consistency. As you can see below, repeatability is possible without high accuracy, but high accuracy is not achievable without repeatability.

Flow meter accuracy & repeatability

If your flow readouts are unreliable-meaning you receive inconsistent results despite the same conditions-then you aren't gaining any value. Likewise, if your flow volume falls short of or exceeds your meter's rated flow range (also known as turndown), you won't receive accurate readings either.

Precision readings go hand in hand with any well-tuned operation. Choosing the best flow meter accuracy and repeatability percentages that meet your application requirements ensures your system maintains the precision readings you desire.

Liquid, Gas, or Semi-Liquid?

The type of fluid you work with is another big factor when choosing which flow meter best fits your application. Fluid type breaks into four categories: gas, liquid, slurry, and vapor-each with its own unique characteristics.

Properties such as fluid density, temperature, viscosity, and corrosiveness/acidity all must be determined before a final selection. This ensures you avoid choosing a flow meter incompatible with the fluid type you are attempting to measure. Electromagnetic flow meters, for example, won't work with non-conductive fluids like hydrocarbons. Likewise, few meter types are capable of measuring slurries because of their unique semi-liquid characteristics.

Illustration of how slurry particles behave between homogenous & heterogeneous mixtures

Here is a short list of flow meter types commonly used for the four fluid categories:

• Gas: Coriolis, Thermal Mass, Positive Displacement, Turbine, Variable Differential Pressure, Ultrasonic
• Liquid: Coriolis. Thermal Mass, Positive Displacement, Variable Flow, Paddlewheel, Turbine, Variable Differential Pressure, Ultrasonic, Electromagnetic
• Slurry: Coriolis, Electromagnetic, some subsets of Differential Pressure
• Vapor: Vortex, Ultrasonic, Floating Element

While not comprehensive, this list should offer a good starting point. That said, not every meter listed may work for your specific setup or needs. For instance, if your operation handles multiple fluids, you'll want to ensure that the meter you go with is compatible with all fluids-not just one. Otherwise, you likely spend valuable time calibrating your flow meter each time you handle a different product or troubleshooting why your inventories are off from your readouts.

Location & System Configuration

Meter location, as in real estate, is another major consideration. Will the flow meter be installed inside a controlled environment or outdoors in the elements? Is space a non-factor, or must size be considered? Certain flow meters even require stretches of straight pipe before and after the meter to generate accurate flow readings.

As a rule of thumb, pipe lengths of 10X (where X = pipe diameter) are needed before and after a meter for straight runs of pipe. So, if your plumbing's diameter is 2" you would need 20" or approximately 2 feet of pipe before and after the flow meter. This goes for just about any meter type, but it is always best to check the manufacturer's specs.

Also, keep in mind horizontal or vertical mounting. Some meters can be mounted in either orientation while others must be in one orientation or the other. Variable flow meters, for example, rely primarily on gravity in order to measure flow rate. Thus, they must be installed vertically to work. Determining how and where a meter will be installed while choosing a meter saves installation time and avoids costs related to unintended system reconfiguring.

Differentiating Between Volumetric vs. Mass Flow

Before we break down various flow meters, it is important to say a word on flow measurement. While there are many types of flow meters, most used today fall under two primary categories according to how they calculate flow: volumetric and mass.

As their name suggests, volumetric flow meters measure flow by calculating the volume of a fluid. Flow is often directed through an intrusion metering device such as a turbine or orifice plate, which then measures fluid velocity proportionally to the volume of matter passing by. Volumetric flowmeters make up the majority of meter types today and include turbine, magnetic, positive displacement, ultrasonic, and vortex meters to name a few.

Volume flow vs. mass flow within a cylinder

Mass flow meters, meanwhile, calculate flow rate by measuring the mass of a fluid. Mass meters have become increasingly popular due to their precision performance and truer reading of product flow compared to older metering technologies. In the diagram above, for instance, the product volume significantly changes depending on the position of the piston-even as mass remains the same. Today, mass meters have more or less become synonymous with Coriolis mass meters, but other types do exist. We'll discuss how mass meters work later in the article.

Whether you choose volumetric meters and mass meters depends on your application and metering needs, as well as your operational preferences and cost differences. In the end, you can still calculate volume to mass or mass to volume so long as the fluid density, surrounding temperature effects, and other conversion factors are all understood.

Comparing Flow Meter Types

There is, unfortunately, no such thing as a universal flow meter. Each flow meter type has fluids and applications for which it is well suited, and similarly, ones for which they are not. The following is a breakdown of some of the most common types of flow meters and the pros and cons of using each one.

Positive Displacement Flow Meters

Pros

• Accurate across wide flow ranges
• *Can handle very viscous fluids
• Versatile applications-simple, reliable design
• Require no power supply
• Cost-effective

*Thicker viscosity fluids create larger pressure losses & reductions in flow rates

Cons

• Requires medium to high-flow applications
• Experience greater pressure drops
• Larger/heavier than other meters
• Not recommended for dirty fluids or gases
• Some subsets require constant lubrication
• Many moving components need regular maintenance and replacement

Positive displacement (PD) meters consist of chambers featuring mechanical components that rotate in relation to volume flow. As fluid passes through, the reciprocating components-generally a type of gear, vane, or diaphragm-divides the fluid into fixed, metered volumetric units. The number of units rotated through within a specified time frame directly correlates to flow rate. Subtypes include screw meters, rotary vane meters, diaphragm meters, reciprocating or oscillating piston meters, and helical or oval gear meters.

 

TCS 700 Series Rotary Fuel Meter with Register

Since PD meters only measure flow while fluid passes through, they're ideal for applications where metering is crucial to calculate fluid usage. The TCS 700 series rotary vane meters, for example, are widely used in oil and gas custody transfer industries, while diaphragm meters are commonly installed on residential or municipal water and gas lines. Their fluid-driven design additionally makes positive displacement flow meters one of the more cost-effective options since they require no outside power supply to operate. However, these meters are ill-suited for impure fluids such as wastewater or slurries, as the suspended soils can clog or slow the reciprocating elements and create inaccurate readings.

Electromagnetic Flow Meters

Pros

• Obstruction-less/No moving components
• Highly accurate-unaffected by density, viscosity, turbulence, or pipe configuration
• Can handle wide flow ranges & multiple fluid types
• Zero pressure drop
• Bi-directional
• Cost-effective

Cons

• Cannot measure gases, vapors, or non-conductive liquids
• Limited fluid temperature range
• Interference possible with certain suspended fluids
• Specialized subsets can be expensive

 

Electromagnetic flow meters, also known as magnetic flow meters or magmeters, are rather unique in the technology they use to measure flow. Magmeters feature two parts, a transmitter and an inline sensor, the latter of which features coils that generate a magnetic field. When a conductive fluid passes through the field, a voltage is produced proportional to flow. This flow principle is known as Faraday's Law.

 

 

Unlike other meters, magnetic flow meters can measure fluids regardless of fluid density, viscosity, or flow turbulence. This makes mag meters highly accurate and reliable across a wide range of solutions. Additionally, their design features no obstructions in the pipe, making these meters ideal for a wide spectrum of applications, from highly sanitary liquids to slurries and highly corrosive fluids. Electromagnetic meters can be found in industries such as pulp and paper, metals and mining, food and beverage, water and wastewater, chemical transfer, and many more.

 

Magnetic meters, however, only work with conductive fluids. This means hydrocarbons such as oils, gasoline, or deionized liquids are not recommended with mag meters. Suspended solids, such as those found in various ag chemicals and fertilizers, can also sometimes pose a problem. The suspended soils, which may not be conductive, can interrupt the magnetic field and throw off the reading's accuracy. Newer, specialized magmeters such as slurry magmeters are engineered to counteract this magnetic interference. However, these units generally feature heftier price tags compared to standard models.

Turbine Flow Meters

Pros

• Highly accurate
• Cost-effective
• Capable of measuring low flow rates
• Versatile applications-simple, reliable design

Cons

• Not recommended for dirty or suspended liquids
• Require straight pipe runs for best results
• Limited to certain pipe sizes
• High flow rates can cause damage or inaccuracies
• Moving components need regular maintenance and replacement

Like paddlewheel or propeller flow meters, turbine meters feature a multi-bladed rotor mounted inline to fluid flow. Sensors attached to one or more of the turbine blades transmit the number of revolutions the turbine makes. The speed at which these revolutions happen is proportional to volumetric flow rate. Similar to positive displacement meters, turbine and paddlewheel meters only measure flow when fluid mechanically acts upon their metering components.

 

 

Because turbine meters provide accurate readouts in relation to linear flow-even at low flow rates-they are widely used in the oil and natural gas, custody transfer, and petrochemical industries. In fact, turbine meters are often used to help verify the accuracy of other meter types.

Turbine meters aren't without their limitations, though. For starters, turbine meters are not well suited to handle dirty or highly viscous fluids, as the turbines can be easily fouled by the soils. These meters also require straight runs of pipe before and after the meter to stabilize flow for the most accurate results. Additionally, larger pipe diameters are incompatible from an engineering standpoint. This limits where and for what applications turbine meters can be installed. Finally, as with any technology with moving components, regular maintenance is necessary to keep these meters in peak-performing condition.

Coriolis Flow Meters

Pros

• Extremely accurate
• Low maintenance
• Can handle a wide spectrum of flow ranges
• Compatible with many dirty, corrosive & difficult to handle fluid types
• Versatile installation-no straight pipe runs required
• Serviceable without removing from the pipeline
• Easy in-field calibration
• Capable of measuring gases

Cons

• Expensive initial investment
• Not suited for low-pressure gases
• Limited to certain pipe sizes

Coriolis meters, more commonly known as mass meters, differ from other meter types in that they measure mass flow instead of volume flow. These meters also feature a unique means of calculating flow rate based upon the Coriolis Principle. Check out the video below for a quick look at Coriolis meter technology.

 

Advantages of Mass Meters

Mass meters generally hold an NTEP certification and are widely used in legal-for-trade (resale) applications. In the Dultmeier Sales world, this generally means fertilizers or chemicals with respect to the agricultural industry. Back in the 1990s, Dultmeier Sales partnered with Kahler Automation to offer some of the first automated solutions for fertilizer/chemical plant automation.

The mass meter was at the heart of the system because it was new technology that allowed end-users to sell using the real-time density of the product - a truer way to meter liquids. For example, water is known to be 8.34 lbs. per gallon at 70°F. However, as temperature drops, the weight of water increases. Thus, the solution of water becomes denser as the ambient temperature drops. This would mean static volumetric calculations would be off if one pumped 1000 gallons of water and converted to 834 lbs. (using 8.34lbs/gal as the constant conversion factor) if the water were only 50°F.

This same principle happens with fertilizer and chemicals - as they are generally water-based solutions. Volumetric meters of the time; however, were unable to account for this change in density in relation to volume flow. Take this scenario for example, which was quite common in the 1990s and early 2000s:

Let's say that it's 40° F. and we're loading a 10,000 gallon tender trailer, running 32% Nitrogen into the vessel. We're using a paddlewheel meter as our measuring device and pumping the product into the vessel. Once we reach our hit point of 10,000 gallons - the automated equipment shuts down and we send our trucker to the scale. The scale breaks in 20 lb. increments.

Our potential for error:

• Paddlewheel meter runs at approx. +/- 2% accuracy (mass meter is +/- .3% accuracy)
• Paddlewheel cannot determine density reading, so we have a static calibration factor that was calibrated at 70° F. (or another temperature) and we are using that static factor to now calibrate pounds to gallons at 40° F.
• Scale breaks in 20 lb. increments vs. mass meter measuring in increments of 1/10th of a pound
• Scale cannot account for "slosh" or movement of liquid as truck stops abruptly on the scale

Considering these many variables and the potential for error, it's no wonder why inventories could, and often would, be way off come year-end. We know that a solution's density changes constantly if in an ambient environment. For this reason alone, mass meter technology is the preferred method of measurement in many instances. By using a mass meter that can continually read this fluctuation in density on the fly, we offer our customers a better method to dispense and record inventory.

Today, Dultmeier works with Easy Automation Inc. to provide automated plant solutions using mass meters in addition to other state-of-the-art meters, controls, and equipment.

Flow Meter Price, Performance & Popularity

Unfortunately, there is no universal flow meter that works for every application. Depending on how diversified your operation is, that could mean multiple types of flow meters are needed. While it is fair to research the most popular meters for your industry, don't buy the first meter you think will work.

Price, quality, and other key factors do play a significant role in a flow meter's overall performance. Simply because everyone else uses a certain meter does not mean you should be. Low purchase cost, for instance, shouldn't be the deciding factor in choosing the best flow meter for your application. When choosing a flow meter, you have to consider not only the initial purchase price, but the overall lifetime costs and long-term returns on investment, too.

 

For instance, while a Coriolis meter boasts a hefty price tag at initial investment, it provides a great ROI because less maintenance and greater product savings are realized over the long run. Mass meters' exceptional accuracy, versatile flow ranges, and fluid compatibilities, minimal wearable parts, and the ability to recalibrate without removing the meter from the pipeline all translate to fewer dollars spent overall. When it comes to the bottom line, spending more money upfront can outweigh years of hemorrhaging dollars spent repairing or replacing inefficient meters.

That said, not every operation needs an expensive, high-end flow meter. It's a good idea to run a cost assessment evaluating application needs against initial investment costs and long-term cost savings. This way you have the best picture of whether a certain meter is practical or worth the price tag over the long haul. If you need help assessing meter options and determining what is best for your application(s), we are always just a phone call away at 1-888-677-5054.

Final Words

We hope this article has provided some insight into the world of flow meter solutions. Although we covered some of the most common types, these are by no means the only flow meters out there. Choosing the best type of flow meter for your application all starts with knowing what you need and researching your best options. Compare all associated costs-both short and long-term-and avoid making a decision based on price tags alone. Ultimately; however, the manner in which you choose to meter is entirely up to you.

If you have any questions regarding flowmeter selection, give us a call at 888-667-5054 or dultmeier.com. Dultmeier Sales carries a diverse inventory of chemical and water flow meters, flow meter repair parts, and flow meter accessories. No matter what meter your operation requires, our experience and technical expertise will help make sure you select the right one.

JIT vs. Quarterly Inventory Strategies

Inventory management and the best strategy to successfully achieve maximum efficiency. It's the long-standing question of any distribution or supply channel.  What is the best methodology to follow when managing inventory?  Just-in-Time (JIT) relies heavily on the concept of inventory turns.  The more inventory turns, the less carrying cost a supplier must maintain.  Lower carrying costs result in a lower market resale price.  

JIT is one method by which suppliers can help control their costs.  Why order a year's worth of inventory when you can rely on the supply chain to help "offload" some of those costs on your partners?  Furthermore, a JIT strategy allows the business to ebb and flow with demand fluctuations within their respective market(s). 

In certain instances, a JIT strategy does hold merit.  However, at Dultmeier Sales we have a contrarian approach to this type of strategy.  While we have certain products lines where a JIT strategy does work, there are other lines where we cannot afford to not have the products on the shelf - and ready to ship promptly.

Our business is an extremely cyclical one.  Roughly 50% of our revenue comes in about a three-month period.  Due to the nature of our business, we must have inventory on-hand.  Therefore, we load up heavy in the fall and winter in preparation for the spring season.  In doing so, we allow our customers to use a JIT approach to run their businesses.  This helps our customers lower their carrying costs & provide them with fast deliveries.  Furthermore, when critical equipment failure occurs - we have the products on the shelf to get them back to operational status - as soon as possible.  

What We Do For You

We pride ourselves on being a business partner of this nature.  Inventory levels are something we constantly focus upon and look for ways in which we can continually provide better service levels with higher order fill rates and faster, more accurate shipping.  

What We Can Do For You

Because let's face it, when you're down and out - you need the part or piece of equipment fast.  By maintaining considerably larger inventory levels than the competition, we can effectively promise a 95%+ fill rate on stock orders.

That means if you order 20 items - we have 19 in stock ready to ship promptly.  And most of the time it's consolidated from one origination point - meaning we help lower and control freight costs for our customers - by reducing multiple shipment orders.  Consequently, one shipment means one freight bill. 

Who We Are

In addition to healthy inventory levels, we pride ourselves on warehouse accuracy.  In all honesty, if we have the item on the shelf, but cannot get it to the customer for whatever reason - we didn't live up to our promise of impeccable service.  Therefore, it has been and will continue to be our long-standing goal to exceed and maintain 99.8% shipping accuracy.  This means we accurately ship the item(s), and quantities, written on the sales order over 99/100 times.  

You need it - We have it. That was fast.  Pretty simple concept.  But, to produce extreme simplicity, one must solve the extremely complex.  Therefore, we continue to invest in ourselves and our operating systems.  We continually invest in our people and technology to ensure that we constantly improve and strive for the ever elusive 100% success rate for our customers.

Additional Value Added Services

We back our inventory strategy up with some of the best technical expertise in the industries we serve.  With over 250 years of combined technical experience, we have most likely run across your application question.  Furthermore, if we don't know, we will help to provide a solution that improves the efficiency of your operation - all the while, doing our best to help lower your operating costs. We invest in our people, technology, and inventory to make your business more profitable and efficient.

We also want to highlight the fact that we have a Free Freight Program that runs throughout the year. This can further help reduce costs for our customers to help them maintain a higher level of profitability. You can check out our Free Freight Program right here. 

Careers

Markets Served by GPI Brands

GPI products are heavily used in the petroleum and oil transfer industries. Furthermore, they serve in agricultural, industrial, chemical handling, construction, mining, and many other markets. Great Plains Industries is home to the GPI, FLOMEC, and GRPO brands.

Where the Products are Made

Great Plains Industries' products are produced in the heart of the Midwest - Kansas. At their Witchita headquarters, more than 200 employees help manufacture GPI products. In 2013, the company acquired Trimec Industries of Sydney, Australia. Trimec, now called GPI Australia, is one of the top Australian manufacturers of positive displacement oval gear, insertion and impeller flow meters. Both Great Plains Industries and Great Plains Industries Australia are recognized and known for rugged engineering and durability.

Dultmeier Sales inventories and offers a wide array of GPI product lines, From rotary pumps to either 12V or 115V options to a multitude of meters. Additionally, we inventory some GPI oil and lube pumps.

GPI's strong work ethic is evident throughout a long-standing heritage - one of commitment to serving their customers and exceeding expectations. The business is family owned, and this fact continues to play heavily into their customer focus mentality.

Flexible Manufacturing System

Recently, Great Plains Industries has embarked on a number of manufacturing technology improvements. For example, the Flexible Manufacturing System project has allowed the company to achieve greater efficiency, production capacity, and higher quality control. CEO Vic Lukic stated, "Innovation is key for GPI and these capital investments create tremendous value for us as a supplier, but more importantly for our distributors and their customers."

"We continually improve processes and examine new and better ways of producing our products," said Jeff Methe, Operations Manager. By continually improving their processes, Great Plains Industries can ensure a commitment to improving efficiencies, reducing waste, and lowering costs - all to better serve their customers around the world.

You can shop GPI products on dultmeier.com or give us a ring Monday through Friday (7:30 am to 5 pm Central Time). Check out our GPI Manufacturer page right here. Enjoy!

Dultmeier Sales stocks valves of all different makes, models, and applications. Here you will find all you need to know about the different types of valves we stock and the various applications they are used for. More importantly, we will help you determine what you need to know prior to making a valve purchase. Let's dig in...

Valve Definition & Common Trade Names

What is a valve? What are some common trade names, associated with, the valves that Dultmeier Sales stocks and distributes? In a nutshell, a valve is a product which is used to constrict, cut off, redirect, or regulate the flow of a liquid or gas. While we do sell pneumatic valves we will be primarily focusing liquid, or solution, valves for this educational segment. Some common trade names associated with the valves we stock are as follows: butterfly, ball, gate, globe, angle, needle, solenoid, check, regulating, diverter, foot, relief, unloader, backflow prevention, and float valves.

As with any product, it's crucial to identify the type of valve, the manufacturer, inlet/outlet size, operating and maximum pressures, solution temperature, and the solution passing through the valve. It's critical to know what solution is passing through the valve to ensure proper chemical compatibility. Knowing the solution's PH level can also be another important factor when determining suitable components and materials.

How to Size a Valve

We size valves similar to how we size pipe. Always measure the inside diameter of the inlet/outlet port. This will identify the size of the valve in question. A common mistake is that people measure the outside diameter of the inlet/outlet ports of a valve. There is one exception to this rule - if working with tubing - measure the outside diameter of the tubing. For hose and pipe, only pay attention to the inside diameter measurement.

If flow rate is important, the coefficient of volume (Cv) of various valves can be compared. Now, I understand that sounds rather technical. However, in layman's terms all that means is the higher the Cv for a valve, the more flow rate will pass thru it with the same pressure loss. In the majority of applications, this will be a non-factor but it is still important terminology to be aware of in the vast world of valves.

Manufacturer Identification & Valve Type Explained

Most manufacturers will have a metal tag on their valve bodies to identify their brand. That manufacturer tag will identify the brand of the valve, the model, and serial number. This is an important first step in identifying what product you currently have. That being said, let's begin with a look at butterfly valves.

Butterfly Valves

Here at Dultmeier Sales, we stock a variety of butterfly valves. In the butterfly valve world, it's important to first determine which style of butterfly valve you possess. The two most common styles are Wafer or Lug bodies. A wafer-style butterfly valve has "thru" bolt holes that run along through the outside rim of both pipe flanges. In contrast, a lug-style butterfly valve has threaded bolt holes on both sides of the valve body to allow for "end of line" applications. Lug-style butterfly valves are, generally, less common than wafer-style butterfly valves. Below, you will see a wafer-style valve on the left and a lug style valve on the right:

 

Butterfly Valve Actuators

Next, we get into the topic of valve actuation. We primarily stock butterfly valves that are manually (seen above with handle) or pneumatically actuated with either double acting or spring return actuators. A double acting butterfly valve actuator requires air pressure to open the valve and then air pressure to close the valve.

A spring return butterfly actuator is used in fail-safe applications. If there is a loss of air pressure the valve will automatically close (or open) - due to the spring tension of the actuator. Spring return actuators are used in many production plants that require system flow to cease once power is cut or lost - as mentioned above, this is a fail-safe application example.

Electric Actuators are also used in many industries. While we don't stock electric actuators for butterfly valves - we have access to them. Actuators can also be provided with "positioners", limit switches and other controls.

We stock Butterfly Valves and Air Actuators from Keystone and Pratt.

Ball Valves

A ball valve is probably the most common type of valve that exists - across all industries. It gets its name due to the fact that it actually has an internal ball that sits in a "seat". When the handle or knob is turned 90 degrees from the inlet/outlet ports, the valve is closed and one can see the convex shape of the internal ball. When the handle is turned parallel with the inlet/outlet ports, the valve is open and one can view through it - unhindered.

On the left, below, is an example of an air actuated, stainless steel, female pipe thread, ball valve. While on the right, you will see a Banjo, polypropylene, manual, flanged, ball valve.

 

Standard Port vs. Full Port

By design, ball valves that are listed as Standard Port actually have less fluid path than the inlet/outlet ports size limitations - this is somewhat misleading to those that are unfamiliar with the concept of Standard vs. Full Port valves.

For example, if you have a 2 inch Standard Port valve your flow characteristics will be closer to that of a 1.5-inch fluid path. The technical reasoning behind this is the fact that a smaller opening creates more friction loss (i.e. pressure drop) thus resulting in a decreased flow rate. Standard port ball valves are cheaper than full port valves but restrict the system flow rates; somewhat. So, if flow rates don't matter or affect your system then you can save money up front by selecting standard port valve(s) for your plumbing system.

Full port valves allow the plumbing system to realize the full flow characteristics of the valving. If all valves in a system are two inch full port, valves then we can reasonably assume increased flow rates in comparison to a system that contains all standard port valving. A full port valve has a slight design change that allows for this increase in flow characteristics. While the valves may look the same externally, there are internal design changes that are not visible to the naked eye.

High Pressure vs. Low Pressure

This is another crucial step in determining the correct valve for a specific application. If necessary, place a pressure gauge at various points in the plumbing system to determine the system operating pressure. Never guess the operating pressure of a system. If a low pressure valve is installed into a high pressure system, serious or fatal injury could occur. As a general rule of thumb, anything below 150 psi is considered Low Pressure - that being said, there are valves rate for pressure less than 150 psi.

This gets back to one of our core fundamentals when selecting a proper valve - determine operating pressure and maximum pressure for the intended plumbing system.

Ball valves are a perfect example of how the same style valve can be used in multiple applications - both high pressure and low pressure. We have some ball valve product lines that have use applications which are limited to certain industries - due to their operating/working pressure limitations. However, we have many ball valve lines that carry over into multiple industry applications.

While we do carry many products that can be cross-utilized in various industries we always want the customer to confirm an operating pressure. This ensures safety in application and use. Furthermore, it minimizes the possibility of injury and lessens the chance of damage to the valve and other plumbing system components

Air Actuated & Electric Motor Driven

We carry ball valves that can be remotely operated via automation, as well. The most common types are pneumatic (air-operated) and electric motor-operated ball valves. Air operated are most widely used in chemical facilities, fertilizer plants, or industrial plants. Electric ball valves are most commonly used in agricultural applications for spraying applications. The trade name electric ball valve or pneumatic ball valve simply refers to how the valve is actuated.

When you drive down the road and see a large self-propelled sprayer, spraying in a field, you can be certain the booms are being remotely controlled. The boom valves are remotely controlled from the sprayer cab, with the help of electric ball valves. The sprayer operator sends a signal from his, in-cab, boom controller to turn certain sections of the sprayer boom on/off - based upon the field's specific application requirements.

We also see electric ball valves in the turf industry. Golf courses or residential sprayers will commonly use this type of ball valve on their sprayer setups. It is more prevalent in the turf industry due to the fact that the booms are much smaller than the agricultural industry.

Lastly, we do a fair amount of business in the liquid deicing industry. If you have ever seen a department of roads/transportation vehicle that is applying liquid before a winter storm - you have witnessed this industry in action. These vehicles are applying a solution called liquid salt brine (sodium chloride, magnesium or calcium chloride solution). Electric driven ball valves are common in this industry because pneumatic valve airlines would freeze in the frigid winter temperatures.

For those interested, here is a link that further explains the process of creating the salt brine solution. Below is a picture of a pneumatic-operated ball valve, on the left. On the right you will see an electric-operated ball valve.

 

Gate Valves

A flanged gate valve is used in larger flow applications. In the Dultmeier world, we most commonly see this style of valve used on large bulk fertilizer, fuel tank storage applications, and float storage tanks in the vehicle and fleet washing industry. Gate Valves are generally designed with a circular handle that is turned clockwise to close the valve and counter-clockwise to open the valve.

Just as any other valve, we need to confirm the solution that will be passing through the valve to ensure chemical compatibility and then confirm the working or operating pressures that are required by the plumbing system. Most commonly, we are supplying flanged gate valves for lower pressure ranges. Below is a picture of a common flanged gate valve used in the bulk fertilizer industry.

 

 

Globe & Angle Valves

A globe valve is very similar, from an external view, to that of a gate valve. However, when we look at the valves internally, they are quite different. As can be seen from the previous section, the gate valve operates almost like a wedge or slate that constricts or completely closes off flow. A globe valve has a different seat structure and more of a plunger that constricts or completely closes off flow. See below:

 

 

Below is a photo of a couple different sized globe valves on an Anhydrous Ammonia application. These valves are for a receiving bulkhead system where a plant facility will offload large bulk transports into their bulk storage tanks. The larger valve is on the liquid line transfer and the smaller valve is on the vapor transfer line.

 

In the Dultmeier Sales world, we most commonly use globe valves in the Anhydrous Ammonia industry. That is the same for angle valves. The most common application we see angle valves used in would be on toolbars or supply risers for Anhydrous Ammonia fertilizer applications. Continental Nh3 Products and Squibb Taylor are our two largest suppliers for these types of valves. An angle globe valve can be viewed below:

 

Needle Valves

Next up we will take a look into needle valves and the various applications they can be used for. Most commonly, we see these valves used in higher pressure applications such as car/truck wash and high-pressure cleaning. Here is a grouping of various needle valves on our website, to further illustrate the variety of options. That being said, we do sell a fair amount of needle valves in the Anhydrous Ammonia industry for a bleed off application.

As always, in any application we want to confirm the solution passing through the valve, working or operating pressure range, and temperature of the solution. Below you can view a picture of a needle valve.

 

Solenoid Valves

We carry a wide supply of solenoid valves from a number of suppliers. The most notable brands we offer are GC Valves, DEMA, KIP, Kingston and more. A solenoid valve is another example of an electric valve. However, they are drastically different than electric ball valves. That being said, solenoid valves can be controlled remotely and are used in a number of industries.

We most commonly use them in high-pressure vehicle or fleet washing applications, industrial applications, and agriculture or turf spraying applications. Some users in the agriculture industry are starting to migrate away from solenoid valves to ball valves - the primary reason being the necessity for the ruggedness of a ball valve versus over a solenoid valve. Mother Nature in combination with aggressive chemicals is an extremely harsh environment for a valve.

Normally Closed vs. Normally Open

This is an important topic to address - especially in the realm of solenoid valves. If a valve is "normally closed" it means that the valve is closed in its uncharged state. More simply put, if there is no electrical current passing through the valve coil then then it will remain closed. If a valve is "normally open", that means the valve is open in its uncharged state.

Various applications will call for either style. Coils in these valves can be 12 volt, 24 volt, 110 volt and even 240 volt, which allows for a wide and versatile range of applications.

For example, in the vehicle washing industry, we may want to have a weep application on a spray gun. We would do this to ensure the gun doesn't freeze shut in lower temperatures. Therefore, we want ambient water to continuously run through the system or spray gun - if a loss of power occurs. So, in this instance we would want to ensure a normally open valve be installed in this type of a plumbing system.

Solenoid valves are still highly used in the car/truck wash industries due to the fact that they are generally stored in temperature-controlled environments while limiting exposure to the harshness of the natural elements.

Check Valves

Next up, we will look into the world of check valves. This product is used to prevent backflow of a solution in a plumbing system. For instance, a check valve would be utilized when pumping a solution up a vertical pipe and you do not want the solution to backflow, due to gravity, when the pump is turned off. A check valve is a form of backflow prevention.

Furthermore, check valves keep a plumbing system charged. By keeping the system charged we can ensure more efficient delivery of product and reduce the number of air pockets that are present in the plumbing system, which reduces pump priming time and other potential pump problems. The more efficient a plumbing system is - the less it costs to keep it running.

Types of Check Valves

There are multiple types of check valves and each has its own benefits. We will briefly touch on the different types, here. First, is the most efficient type - in terms of maximizing flow characteristics. The swing check valve allows for maximum flow characteristics due to its design that reduces restrictions (i.e. a high coefficient of volume).

Regardless of the check valve style, we need to remember the cracking pressure. The cracking pressure determines the PSI at which the valve opens. Therefore, if a check valve has a cracking pressure of 2 psi it will not open until the plumbing system generates an operating fluid pressure greater than 2 psi. Below is a cross-cut section of a swing check valve:

 

Secondly, we have a ball check valve. This type of check valve has a preset mechanical spring that allows the valve to open based upon a pre-determined working pressure. These types of check valves are commonly used in high-pressure applications such as car and truck wash, but also within industrial and agricultural applications.

 

Lastly, there is a plunger style check valve. This style is pictured below:

 

Things to note when ordering a check valve:

1. Operating and maximum pressure requirements
2. Solution or product passing through the valve - check for chemical compatibility
3. Cracking pressure
4. Inlet/Outlet size
5. Body type (wafer, NPT, flanged, etc)

Shop Check Valves Now

Regulating Valves

A regulating valve can technically be any valve. In this sense, if you can constrict or control the flow by manipulating the opening threshold of the valve - you have just regulated the system flow.

To that note, we are going to look at this section with this one caveat in mind - a regulating valve needs to be remotely controlled. To do this, let's first look into electric motor driven valves.

There are certain types actuators of ball valves or butterfly valves that manipulate the flow rate of the solution by opening or closing the valve stem a to a certain degree. Without getting too technical this is done in conjunction with some type of flow monitor that is able to communicate with the valve actuator through a control mechanism.

This control mechanism can be a simple rate controller in a sprayer cab or as complex as a computer dashboard in a chemical production facility. The regulating valve communicates to the flow monitor through the system controller to reach and/or maintain the desired flow rate. This controller can be a simple rate controller or a complex computer system.

Regardless of the application - in order to remotely control a regulating valve we must have a controller that sends a signal to the valve based upon the desired flow rate of the operator.

As always, any application we want to confirm the solution passing through the valve, operating pressure range, and temperature of the solution.

Diverter Valves

A diverter valve functions very similarly to a remotely controlled regulating valve. The main difference between a regulating valve and a diverter valve lies within the functionality. A diverter valve is designed only to guide product flow through a system. Therefore, the most common example of this would be a three-way ball valve.

We look at this section with the same caveat in mind - a regulating valve needs to be remotely controlled. To do this, let's first look into electric motor driven valves.

The diverter valve would be remotely controlled through a similar mechanism as a regulating valve. The main difference is that the diverter valve "diverts" flow down fluid path A versus fluid path B - based upon the desired location sent by the controller or computer.

Foot Valves

Foot Valves are commonly used in transfer systems that require the pump to maintain it's prime. A foot valve is essentially a type of check valve. Foot valves are placed at the beginning of a suction line and are generally designed with some type of a strainer or screen to protect the plumbing system from sucking in foreign objects.

If you recall the design of the check valve, you will remember that a check valve closes when there is backflow pressure applied on the spring check. This forces the valve to close and keeps the system suction line primed, with liquid - thus increasing the overall efficiency of the plumbing system. The less time it takes to prime the pump the more efficient the plumbing system becomes. Below you can view a diagram of a plumbing system that includes a foot valve, with strainer.

 

Relief & Unloader Valves

Relief and unloader valves are commonly used in higher pressure situations with positive displacement pumps. These valves are used to protect system components from dead-head scenarios. A positive displacement pump will continue forcing product downstream in a plumbing system until there is a system failure such as a burst pipe, fitting, hose, etc. Thus, the term: dead head scenario. To help combat this scenario, relief and unloader valves were designed. Here is a diagram that explains a relief valve scenario

Wash Diagrams

This video will explain the difference between the two styles of valves. As always, Cat Pumps does an amazing job explaining content.

Back Flow Preventers

In any wash down application where an operation has a water supply line connected to a public water source then it's absolutely necessary, by regulation, to have a back flow prevention valve in place. We distribute for Watts and commonly sell these units in vehicle/fleet wash applications, industrial applications and fertilizer/chemical facility applications. A backflow prevention system products the main water supply in the scenario where a local business would have a system failure and back up chemical, fertilizer, hazardous material, etc. into the main water supply - backflow prevention systems inhibit this scenario from taking place.

Below is an example of a Watts back flow preventer

 

Float Valves

Float valves are used in a wide array of applications. Virtually anywhere you need to maintain the level of a supply tank - you can leverage the assistance of a float valve. Some common float valve product lines that we distribute and carry include BOB Valves, Jobe Valves, Hydro Systems, Kerrick Valve, Dema, Walters Control, and Suttner.

Below is a Dema liquid level proportioning control unit with a siphon breaker.

 

Another application that is extremely common with float valves is in the cattle industry. We sell a unit that allows the user to tie into a warm water source to keep stock tanks from freezing closed in frigid temperatures. The Ice Bull Automatic Ice Prevention System is engineered to automatically open when the stock tank water temperature falls below 42 degrees Fahrenheit.

When the Ice Bull sensor valve opens, .20 gallons per minute of warmer water bypasses the float valve and flows into the tank through the discharge hose. Then, when the water temperature rises above 42 degrees Fahrenheit, the thermo valve shuts off. The Ice Bull Sensor is pictured below:

 

In Conclusion

We hope that this has been a helpful guide to valves. While not all valve types are listed in this post, you have certainly enhanced your general knowledge and should be better prepared to choose the correct valve for your desired application needs.

Don't forget to confirm in any application - the solution passing through the valve, operating pressure range, maximum pressure, and temperature of the solution and always confirm chemical compatibility.

As always, thanks for stopping by and come back soon.

Cim-tek is at the head of the pack when it comes to filter technology. The Cim-tek brand can be recognized in petroleum, industrial, agricultural, heavy-duty machinery/equipment, and biofuel markets. Over the past 70 years, Cim-tek has continued to perfect their design and expertise in fluid filtration applications. From water detection/removal products to top-of-the-line filtration efficiencies you will find it all when in need of a solution filter.

History

A. Richard Ayers developed a product named "Pre-Vent" in 1956. The "Pre-Vent" is, essentially, a fill cap with a pressure/vacuum release that reduces the amount of evaporation in gasoline storage tanks. Furthermore, the Pre-Vent helps maintain a higher quality of the stored fuel. Think of it this way - you fill up a gas can at the station, put the cap back on, and put it in the back of your truck. On the drive home, you hit a few bumps, take some sharp corners, and tap the brakes a little too hard at a stop sign and come to a jolting halt. Then, when you arrive home you pick up the can and place it on your garage floor only to realize that the can is slightly bulging. To alleviate this pressure you open the cap and an abrupt "pssssst" is exhausted from the can.

 

Even at rest, gasoline (or other solutions) will continue to build pressure inside of an air-tight vessel, tank, or storage container - unless you alleviate the pressure. This is exactly what the Pre-Vent cap does - it alleviates pressure - without the need to remember and manually perform the task on a schedule. Now back to the history lesson...

Richard needed a manufacturer to construct his new design so he founded Central Illinois Manufacturing Company (CIMCO) in Bement, Illinois. Over 70 years later the Pre-Vent cap is still being manufactured by CIMCO. Richard continued his research on fuel filtration - as requested by a large petroleum distributor. In 1958, the "Clean-Flow" filter was introduced. The Clean-Flow was followed by the "Gas-O-Line" series which is now known as the 200 Line Filter. Later, down the road, CIMCO established the trademark name Cim-Tek Filtration. The company continues to be operated as a family-owned business.

 

Innovation

Throughout the years, Cim-Tek continues to innovate their current product lines and research/develop new products. However, to note that some of their original products are still industry leaders is remarkable. It is a testament to the quality and the foresight of the engineering, design, and manufacturing of the original staples such as the Pre-Vent cap and the 200 Line Filter. Filtration is a necessity in all markets across the world. And you can bet that Cim-Tek intends to continue to be a worldwide leader in offering that necessity.

Maui - A Tropical Paradise

We recently traveled to Maui, HI. The tropical paradise, virtually, has it all. From breathtaking beaches to arid, Sahara-like, geography, all the way to volcanic rock. In our travels, it's hard to find an industry in which the products we work with don't have a footprint or an impact. In this instance, our example is High-Density Polyethylene Pipe (HDPE). However, let's hold there and get to the island stuff first...

Let's face it - when in Maui you could simply hang by the beach for the entirety of your stay and be able to soak in tons of the island life. However, for those more adventurous, I challenge you to explore all that this wonderful oasis has to offer. The Hana Highway is a unique adventure for those interested.

If you plan to take the Road to Hana - make sure you get a Jeep. The mini-van made it but may or may not have required an alignment check after the trek. From hairpin turns along the tropical mountainside to sheer cliffs among the arid ocean walls of the Southeast side of Maui, Mother Nature will treat you and leave you stunned at the beautiful sights.

The trip starts on the North shore of Maui and takes you past Jaws aka Pe'ahi - a popular surf destination on the island. From there one starts to climb - and climb fast. As you begin to make your way up Mt. Pu'unianiau you will wind your way through a seemingly endless amount of bridges, turns, and stunning views.

 

Don't forget to stop and get your banana bread - it's a little island secret but we don't want to give that away here. Just make sure where to ask to stop along the Road to Hana and you will won't be sorry that you did. It is absolutely, hands down, the best banana bread in the world.

Once you get through Hana you will begin making your way around the South side of the island - this is where the topography, as well as, geography begins to drastically change. What was once luscious jungle gives way to a Sahara-like climate.

 

Along the South side of Maui, you will come across the southern end of the Halekala National Park. Within this national park, you will be able to walk to the Oheo Pools or the Waimoku falls along the Pipiwai Trail. While embarking on the trek of this trail (3-mile loop) you will make your way through a bamboo forest that is truly remarkable. The gentle breeze creates a "clicking" and "clanking" that reverberates throughout the forest.

It was here, along the Pipiwai trail that we ran into our instructional scenario of the excursion. The park uses High-Density Polyethylene Pipe, or HDPE pipe for short, to transfer crystal clear water from the upper pools down to the recreational center hundreds of feet below, along the ocean shoreline.

HDPE Uses - An Extremely Versatile Product

We see HDPE pipe used from agricultural fertilizer applications to the petroleum industry in the oil fields and all the way to municipalities. The applications and uses for HDPE are endless. As the product is chemically compatible with a large number of solutions, it is a natural and obvious choice for many scenarios. Furthermore, it is an extremely economical option in comparison to steel or stainless steel pipe.

The ease of installation makes HDPE another enticing choice - a fusion machine allows installers to, essentially, weld the pipe together in what's called a butt fusion - which is an extremely robust and sure connection. Below is a simple video that illustrates HDPE pipe and a butt fusion weld to a 45-degree elbow.

While the majority of the applications, with which we are most familiar, are within the agricultural industry we do get into projects ranging from wash facilities to oil pipelines - and everything in between. If you have further questions about how HDPE pipe and/or fittings could be applied in your specific scenario don't hesitate to contact us. Here's to a wonderful 2018

~ Aloha Friends ~

Have you ever encountered a nightmare situation where a hose miraculously turns into an icky, nasty, pasty goop? Or how about a pump that starts leaking from virtually every connection point and fitting? What about a fitting that has a pinhole worn through it after only a few days in service? These are all scenarios we have witnessed and can help prevent. Here's how we are going to get you set up with correctly identifying chemical-compatible products and solutions from the get-go.

Importance of Ensuring the Chemical Compatibility Between Solutions and Product Material Used

It is extremely important when working with any variety of chemicals or solutions that pumps, hoses, fittings and safety items are correctly matched for chemical compatibility. Most manufacturers offer chemical resistance charts for their specific product lines and are readily accessible when required. Check out a thorough chemical compatibility chart from Dura Products in our Resources Library. And if that chart isn't enough here is another resource for you. For the safety of you and your employees, it is critical that a proper analysis is made between the solutions you will be handling and the products used to transfer those solutions.

Product Warranty Issues

Also, most manufacturers will not warranty products for compatibility issues if an analysis was not properly completed - prior to product use. If it is concluded that a specific chemical compatibility issue caused a product to fail or perform there will be, in most scenarios, no warranty granted by the manufacturer. Failure to perform a proper chemical compatibility check prior to solution handling could result in catastrophic failure of your equipment and extensive unnecessary costs due to downtime and repair/replacement of equipment and components.

 

Common Incompatibility Issues between Product Material and Solutions based on our Experience 

We have seen EPDM hoses turn to mush when used to transfer oil-based products. Similarly, we have witnessed pump elastomers (seals, O-rings, gaskets) completely deteriorate and create an environment where metal is creating friction against metal inside of pumps. Without elastomers inside a pump, it cannot function properly. Furthermore, we have seen PVC fittings completely deteriorate after only one to two weeks in service.

All of these scenarios could have been avoided had the operators approached us beforehand and identified the solutions to be transferred with their initial choices of products. Should you ever have questions about chemical compatibility - don't hesitate to contact us - that's what we are here for.

Common construction materials for pump bodies and housings are Polypropylene, Stainless Steel, Cast Iron, Kynar (PDFV), Brass, Bronze and Aluminum. Materials generally used in constructing pump seals are Viton, EPDM, Buna, Hytrel, Teflon and Santoprene. Common construction materials for fittings and accessories, such as strainers and valves, include Polypropylene, Nylon, Brass, Stainless, Cast Iron and Acetal.

Hoses and tubing are generally constructed of Buna, EPDM, Viton, Teflon, PVC, EVA, Polyethylene or Neoprene. That being said, your specific application could call for a unique material to be used - given the parameters of the solution you are transferring.

 

Next Steps - Identifying Suitable Product based on Solution

Once we have identified the solution we are transferring we can then determine what products are suitable for the transfer of that solution. Here at Dultmeier Sales we don't guess - we want to do as much as possible to ensure chemical compatibility from the start. If there are ever questions as to what a solution consists of - you should acquire an SDS or Safety Data Sheet. This document was formally known as an MSDS (Material Safety Data Sheet).

By acquiring an SDS we are able to see the highest concentration of a substance in a percentage breakdown. It is always best practice to find a product that can safely handle all substances that make up a solution. That being said, that is not possible in every scenario. In those instances, one should identify the top substance(s) and locate a product that is chemically compatible. Safety items such as gloves, aprons, boot covers, and arm covers are commonly offered in Neoprene, Nitrile, Latex, PVC.

The first step for proper handling and transfer is to check both the body and the seals of your pumps for compatibility against any number of chemicals. Remember to consult the SDS of the product(s) you are handling. The pump body may be rated to handle a specific chemical but the seals may not. Also, valves and diaphragms need to be reviewed as does any material that will come in contact with a specific chemical or solution.

 

If we don't perform this step our operation will most assuredly come to an inevitable halt - due to failure to properly identify chemical compatibility. Another note to be aware of is that if you choose to mix multiple chemicals and transfer with one pump - we cannot definitively say what chemical reactions will take place with your elastomers, hoses, fittings, etc.

When you mix multiple chemicals together you have just altered the chemical makeup of the solution. We recommend avoiding this scenario unless you are certain the products you are mixing are like products.

If the pump construction is compatible, next check against fittings and hose that will be used in the application. We cannot stress this enough - always check compatibility with any and all items that will come in contact with the chemical or solution. As a general rule Kynar and Teflon are used for very aggressive solutions but are at the high end of the cost spectrum.

There are some more economical options in EPDM, Viton, and Buna. EPDM and Viton may work fine for soaps, waxes, and some herbicides and/or pesticides. Do note that Buna is not suitable for many agricultural chemicals, but is compatible with petroleum-based solutions. While EPDM is compatible with many chemicals, it is not suitable for oil-based products - stick with Viton or Buna in those scenarios.

Key Parameters to Consider: Temperature & Pressure

Furthermore, it is important to confirm temperature and pressure as these two variables can also affect compatibility. Temperature and pressure should always be taken into consideration as they can vary with every application or between applications. For instance, a chemical may respond differently to changes or fluctuations in either temperature and/or pressure.

The fluctuations may actually cause the chemical to completely alter its structure and no longer be compatible with elastomers or products that were previously identified as chemically compatible. Long story short, you may be fine transferring and handling a product at ambient temperatures but may find an issue at higher temperatures or pressures.

Remember to check for compatibility with all of the item groups above. Any chemicals or solutions that you may be handling or transferring should always be confirmed with an SDS - if chemical compatibility is in question. Think chemical compatibility first for the safety and protection of yourself and others. Furthermore, we want to ensure greater longevity and performance of your pumps, valves, fittings, and hoses. Request a Free Catalog here.

If you enjoyed this post check out our technical library for more resources. Can't find what you're looking for? Give us a buzz or drop by our website. Be safe out there.

One must always keep in mind that it is extremely crucial to have proper ventilation - IN ANY tank that holds liquid. A tank vent may seem like a small component of the system, but it is absolutely necessary. If there is a pump attached to the tank and that pump is drawing suction from said tank, it is imperative to properly vent the tank.

Without proper ventilation one can turn a rail car - as seen in the video above - into a pop can. Do note, that tank above is a standard liquid transport rail car and weighs approximately 68,000lbs (34 tons) with a minimum wall thickness of 7/16IN plated steel. Bottom line - make sure you have a tank vent installed in any tank you use.

Even in the smallest of tank applications, it is absolutely prudent to install a vent in every tank. We have seen many applications over the years where a turf applicator, using a small 50-100 gallon tank, did not properly vent their tank and collapsed the sidewalls by using a small transfer pump. A vacuum can be created rather quickly in many plumbing situations.

Another example is commonly found in the retail fertilizer industry. Many companies will pull from 275 gallon cage totes with concentrated chemical and dispense into smaller containers or mix with other products. If these polyethylene tanks do not have a tank vent and are, therefore, not vented properly, they too will collapse.

 

This does not only happen in transfer tank scenarios. There are many applications in which actual bulk storage tanks have collapsed due to the creation of a vacuum in the plumbing system. When a pump is starved of liquid, it will begin to cavitate. We will have a future post on what pump cavitation is and how to avoid it. In larger bulk tank storage scenarios we have seen tank vents become clogged up with dirt, debris, bugs, etc. This happens from simply being exposed to the environment. The inspection of ALL tank vents should be written into any annual or bi-annual safety inspection protocol.

With ever-increasing OSHA regulations, this task could be difficult to accomplish without repercussions. OSHA does not want employees on top of storage or transfer tanks for obvious safety reasons. Should they find a company employee on top of tanks, potential fines could be imposed. That being said, if no one is inspecting tank vents how do we prevent tank collapses from happening more often?

Below are a couple of images of bulk tanks that were sucked in or "collapsed" due to pump cavitation. The cavitation was so great that it essentially created a full vacuum and collapsed the tank walls. A tank collapses because a complete vacuum has been created in the plumbing system and, due to the tank having the largest surface area, it is generally one of the weaker points in the plumbing system; relatively speaking.

A vacuum is the absence of pressure. If there is no pressure internally, there is no force to combat atmospheric pressure. There is and always will be a constant force (atmospheric pressure) acting on the exterior of the tank walls. Atmospheric pressure is 14.7 pounds per square inch. When a full vacuum is created there is no internal pressure in the tank to combat atmospheric pressure (external force) and the result is evident in the video above.

 

In smaller applications, such as a spot sprayer or small acreage spray unit, a basic vented lid cap can be used to avoid tank collapse. Do note, that the user will see some slosh or spillage come out of the vent. This is normal as the vent is doing what it is intended to do - allowing the tank to exhaust internal pressure and "breathe". Even in small tank applications like this spot sprayer, it's critical to have a vent. Many solutions will tend to vaporize as they warm up. This causes an expansion due to added volume that the vapor creates. Without a vent, an end user will notice a swelling in even the smallest of tanks.

Many smaller vent caps are simplistic and just have an internal spring. The spring acts as a relief valve and exhausts the pressure in the tank. Furthermore, the vent allows air to enter the tank, as well - it's a bidirectional valve.

Therefore, when pressure builds in the tank - due to product heating up, expanding, or vaporizing - the tank valve allows that pressure to be released or exhausted. Thus, a vent can work in two different ways.

First, it helps a tank from collapsing in on itself if a vacuum is created in the plumbing system. As seen in large tank pictures above, we can do the same thing to smaller tanks if we create a vacuum in the plumbing system. Secondly, the vent allows a tank to breath outward if the liquid inside the tank begins to vaporize - when a liquid vaporizes and turns into a gas it actually takes up more space. This can be seen with a small plastic gas tank if left out in the sun. While a tank can collapse inward it can also rupture outward.

The bottom line, key takeaway from this discussion topic - always use a tank vent valve to ensure that your tank remains in service and you don't have a major mess on your hands. If you have further questions don't hesitate to give us a shout. Your Experts in Delivering Fluid Handling Solutions - We Know Flow!

A common misconception with any pump, for that matter, is that the flow rating of the pump is the output that a user will see - regardless of the plumbing system that the pump is installed into. For further explanation check out one of our previous blog posts about centrifugal pump sizing, applications and how a plumbing system affects pumps differently.

While most 12 Volt fuel pumps are not centrifugal pumps the flow rates of these pumps is still drastically affected by the plumbing systems in which they are introduced into. Think of it this way - while your car speedometer maxes out at 160 mph you certainly can't drive the vehicle that fast - at least for an extended period of time without catastrophic failure. A pump is very much the same - while it may be rated to 25 gallons per minute (GPM) that doesn't mean that you will see flow rates equivalent to that output.

One solution to decrease filling times is to evaluate your plumbing system. Do you have 3/4IN lines? Can you bump up to 1IN? Remember, the greatest thing we can do in order to increase the efficiency of our plumbing system is to increase the size of the plumbing system. How about a high flow fuel nozzle?

If we simply have a standard flow nozzle that will certainly affect your flow rates in a negative manner. Keep in mind that many 12 Volt transfer fuel pumps from manufacturers such as Fill-Rite or GPI are rated 20-25 gpm. Now if you have nozzle at the end of your plumbing system that is rated only to 20 gpm don't think that your 25 gpm pump is going to achieve that flow rate. You have just capped your flow rate at 20 gpm with the limiting factor being the nozzle.

Should you have a 3/4IN line you will see an even greater reduction in flow rates - again the greatest thing one can do to increase the efficiency of a plumbing system is increase the size of the plumbing. Another major plumbing constraint to be aware of is the filter. Ensure your plumbing system has a high flow capacity filter such as Cimtek's CI1000.

What can one do to drastically reduce filling time in the field or at the farmstead? Invest in a high flow transfer unit such as our DUFPU1.5P. This unit has been tested to 60 gpm. Check out another blog post dedicated to this unit here. This can cut your fill times by 1/3 of the time it takes to fill using a standard 12 Volt pump or gravity feed elevated tank.

Simple fact - that means less downtime for you and more time in the field - ultimately equating to greater profitability. For those wanting a simplistic engine driven diesel fuel transfer pump check out these 5.5HP - 11HP options. Remember we can go slightly lighter on the horsepower requirements when pumping a material such as diesel fuel.

This is due to the fact that diesel fuel actually has a lighter specific gravity than water (8.34 lbs/gal) and, therefore, we can use less horsepower to achieve the desired flow rates. We will have a blog post on specific gravity and how that correlates to product flow rates at a later date. Stay tuned...

Looking for that perfect fuel transfer pump unit? Look no further. We assemble these units in Omaha, Nebraska in our production facility. These fuel transfer pump units are available in either 1" transfer or 1.5" transfer capacity - flow characteristics vary drastically between the two versions.

The Dilemma & Our Solution for You

The 1" fuel transfer pump unit (DUFPU1P) will produce a flow rate of 32 GPM - at the nozzle. This is a true representation of the flow rate that the end user can expect - at the end of the plumbing system. While competitive systems will notate "max flow rate", many of them are portraying the flow rate the fuel transfer pump outputs at an open discharge. Open discharge means unrestricted flow and isn't an accurate representation of what an end user will experience, in terms of flow rate at the nozzle, once the fuel transfer pump is installed into a plumbing system. Here is a quick example of how friction loss is calculated through a plumbing system to determine flow rate - at the nozzle.

Our 1.5" fuel transfer pump unit will produce a flow rate of 60 GPM - at the nozzle. Most 12V diesel fuel transfer pumps will produce a flow rate of approximately 18-20 GPM at the nozzle. This is making the assumption the plumbing system consists of approximately 30 feet of 1" fuel transfer hose.

By making the transition from lower volume 12 Volt or 115 Volt fuel transfer pumps to the 1" DUFPU1P, end users can effectively decrease their fill times by 78%. If you choose to bump up to the, larger, DUFPU1.5P you can decrease fill times by 233%.

That is a serious cost savings when looking at the operational expenses of paying operators to wait around while large equipment fuel tanks are being filled. If you are able to save 15 minutes of fill time, per fill, how much money does that save you in a week? How about a month or a year?

Reduce waste, reduce cost, and increase efficiencies of your operation. Bigger, faster, stronger is the name of the game and these Dultmeier fuel transfer pump units will help you achieve that status.

Either fuel pump transfer unit option, that we manufacture, is fitted with the MP Pumps PetrolMaxx 2" self priming diesel fuel transfer pump. These fuel pump transfer units are designed to safely handle diesel or bio-diesel fuels and significantly reduce operating expenses and improve the efficiency of your operation.

Product Demonstration

Our, larger volume, DUFPU1.5P boasts the following features:

• CRX 6.5 HP manual start engine with C.A.R.B. rating.
• MP PetrolMaxx 2" self-priming cast iron pump with Type 21 Viton® mechanical seal designed for diesel fuel
• Hannay spring rewind hose reel
• Husky high flow automatic nozzle with swivel.
• Cimtek 1-1/2" 60 GPM fuel filter with 2-30 micron Hydrosorb elements,
• 38' of 1-1/2" fuel transfer hose and Husky 1690 1-1/2" high flow automatic nozzle.
• Mounted on steel base plate (powder-coat finish)

Here is a video to help further display the unit. Enjoy!