The industrial internet of things (IIoT) includes the interconnecting of devices such as instruments, sensors, valves, and other components which are networked together via intelligent software in industrial applications. The connectivity of components provides a higher degree of automation which allows for the collection, exchange, and analysis of data improving productivity and efficiency while increasing system control and reducing costs. IIoT-enabled valves can identify and communicate data about the liquids or gasses that pass through them and the environmental conditions, such as temperature, humidity, and airflow.

Like other instrumentation components, the connection sizes of valves in process instrumentation are characteristically small, ranging from 1/8 inch (3.175 mm) to 1 inch (25.4 mm).

Did you notice that most of the hand sanitizer during the height of the COVID pandemic smelled a lot like vodka? That’s because . . . it was. Many companies, from plastic sheeting to make barriers and face shields, to upholstery companies making face masks, to alcoholic beverage companies making hand sanitizer, rallied to help in the cause. Many were even supported by their state governments. In Ohio alone, thousands of manufacturers were contacted to participate, and those who joined the team were able to offer their PPE (Personal Protection Equipment) products to retailers, hospitals and the public on a state supported website exchange. Many small and temporary cottage industries were born. Though when it came to making hand sanitizer — quality was not necessarily job one. Breweries to distilleries rallied to turn their alcohol producing equipment into hand sanitizer production and fillers. Though this product is actually regulated by the FDA as an over-the-counter (non-prescription) drug, during the height of the pandemic the FDA allowed for more laxed temporary guidelines in the manufacture of hand sanitizers to keep up with demand. However, effective December 31, 2021, those companies manufacturing alcohol-based hand sanitizers under the temporary policies were required to cease production.

Resistance temperature detectors (RTDs) handle a great deal of the temperature monitoring within a facility. They are some of the most accurate devices and are used when equipment accuracy and stability measurements are essential.

Instrumentation is all about measurement and control. Instrumentation engineering is the specialization focused on design and configuration of process systems. And the instruments in a process system are the devices which are used in measuring system attributes. These instruments and their components can include valves, actuators, pressure gauges and even IIoT-enabled valves which can sense and transmit data about the matter that passes through them as well as their environmental conditions.

Regardless of industry or application, the selection of instrumentation components such as fittings and valves is critical to proper system operation, safety and service life. The acronym STAMP, which you may have seen in previous blog posts, is an industrywide term for what to consider when selecting fluid and gas components: Size, Temperature, Application, Media, and Pressure. 

As mentioned in our previous blog post, the industries using instrumentation vales and fittings are evolving which has paved the way for substantial growth in the instrumentation market. Each industry often uses different instrumentation products, has different applications and must adhere to specific industry standards. The following are some notable examples: 

The size of the global instrumentation fittings and valves market is expected to grow from what was 2.9 billion USD in 2018 to 4.1 billion USD by the end of 2025, at a compound annual growth rate of 5.1%. In addition, the overall process instrumentation and automation market, which includes fittings and valves, is expected to reach 17 billion by 2023.

Stainless Steel Tubing

When it comes to selecting instrumentation tubing, it is important to consider the two different types- welded and seamless tubing. Each type of tubing provides unique features and benefits depending on the application at hand.

There are fundamental factors that need to be considered when selecting an instrumentation valve.  Some of the most important criteria required for valve selection are listed below.  Each application will place higher importance for each of the following factors:

ISO connections and instrumentation fittings are two common connections found in fluid power systems. This post is an excerpt from our new Thread ID & Measurement Guide.

ISO Connections

ISO/DIS 6162 4-Bolt Flange* is another common connection found in fluid powersystems. There are two pressure ratings for this connection; Code 61: PN 35/350bar which is considered the standard series Code 62: PN 415 bar which is the highpressure series.

Brennan offers a full line of instrumentation valves and fittings for your power generation applications. Offered in both stainless steel & brass, Brennan's single and double ferrule valves are designed to be iso-mounted to fit any actuator. Standard in both 2-way & 3-way, these value added products are stocked at any of our 6 domestic distribution centers country wide. Fill out the comments section below and your local Brennan representative will be happy to assit you!