Control loops are systems applied by design engineers in various industrial applications to maintain process variables (PVs) at a desired value or set point (SP). Control loops are important for maintaining the stability of a system, and for consistently producing the desired outcome of a process.
A temperature control loop is one of the most common examples of a control loop. Control loops work to maintain the temperatures in our homes and offices. They are used for a range of immersion and industrial heating systems as well. Temperature control loops are set up as follows:
-The process to be controlled is established. In the case of a temperature control loop, this refers to the temperature of a substance that is being heated, such as water temperature.
-Sensors measure the process value (PV), or in this case, the current value of the temperature. Sensors come in the form of thermostats in domestic heating
Electrification and Decarbonization: Optimizing Process Heating Systems
Don’t let the initial setup of electric process heaters deter your move to electrification. With cutting-edge advancements from Watlow, transitioning from traditional gas-fired systems to electric heating solutions is not only feasible—it’s beneficial. Explore the components and benefits of electric process heating and discover how your facility can achieve decarbonization goals while improving performance with electric air heaters, circulation heaters, and band heaters.
The Importance of Electrification and Decarbonization
Industries across the globe are focusing on two core initiatives: decarbonization and electrification. With climate change driving regulatory and societal pressure, companies must evolve their thermal processes to remain competitive and responsible.
Why Decarbonize?
According to the We Mean Business Coalition, more than 700 global companies have committed to lowering
Tablet Coating Solutions in the Life Sciences Industry: Optimizing with Industrial Heating Technologies
In the life sciences and pharmaceutical manufacturing sectors, tablet coating is a critical process step that directly impacts product quality, efficacy, and appearance.
Master Watlow Products with On-Demand Video Training
At IES Technical Sales, we’re always looking for ways to help our customers get the most out of the technologies we represent. That’s why we’re excited to share a powerful resource from our partner, Watlow—a growing library of how-to and training videos designed to support your success.
Tap Into the Watlow YouTube Channel
Watlow has built an impressive video library—over 140 videos and counting—available 24/7 on their YouTube channel. Whether you're new to Watlow or a seasoned user, you’ll find content to help you work smarter and more efficiently, including:
Heat treatment thermal loop solutions provide several sustainability benefits, including reduced energy consumption and waste. The power controller regulates the power output to minimize energy waste, and the possible integration with renewable energy sources and circular economy principles provide a complete power solution that spans from element design to recycling and renewables. The thermal loop solutions, in combination with insulation design and materials, provide energy-efficient solutions that contribute to sustainability and reduce the environmental impact of heat treatment processes.
When discussing these systems in the context of greenhouse gas emissions and their environmental impact, it is essential to consider Scopes 1, 2 and 3, as well as the less common Scope 4:
Scope 1 (Direct Emissions): Heat treatment processes often involve the combustion of fossil fuels like natural gas, propane
Volker Metzger, Watlow, Germany, discusses the challenges and opportunities of lowering carbon emissions in the oil and gas industry through electrification.
The necessity for electrification in industrial processes has intensified as the world aims to fulfill the objectives set by international agreements on climate change. Many traditional industries, such as oil and gas, still rely on gas burners or steam rather than electric heaters. However, electrification plays a key role in advancing thermal systems within industry and lowering greenhouse gas emissions (GHG).
Trends in industrial electrification
The global shift towards decarbonisation, driven by regulatory pressures and sustainability goals, is pushing the oil and gas industry to transition from fossil fuel-based heating systems to electric heating systems. This trend is evident in the implementation of electric heaters in various oil and gas operations, including refineries, petrochemical
Failing Heater? Troubleshooting and Corrections for Failing Heaters
Even after following instructions correctly and checking and rechecking the Watlow® installation manual, sometimes the flip of a switch does not activate an electric heater. In these cases, troubleshooting the problem can often lead to the most straightforward solutions to properly start a heater.
When trying to assess heater failure, take stock of these troubleshooting questions that can help determine the immediate cause of the problem.
Is the Heater Connected and Installed Correctly?
Is the heater plugged in and connected correctly? This is the easiest fix for a non-working heater. Plugs can be loosened or disconnected during final checks or while ensuring the parts are all in the right places and deciphering the instructions.
Make sure that there are no gaps between the heater and the part to which the heater is installed. Also, check that the heater covers the part as expected, and
A customer asked recently: what type of fuses should I use with my new fan and closed-loop temperature control system?
First, we always recommend you consult with an electrician or electrical engineer. That said, you need a branch protection fuse, but they don't blow quickly enough to protect your silicon controlled rectifers (SCRs). In addition to a branch protection fuse, you will want to protect your SCR with a semiconductor fuse, which open in tenths of a millisecond (vs. ~1 minute).
Protection of systems for controlling electric heaters require two types of fusing to protect both the system and the SCRs.
Branch Circuit Fuses are required by code to protect against fire/damage when heaters or wires short. However, with such a short, the branch circuit fuses do not respond
Ensuring the proper installation of a Watlow® electric heater is crucial for maintaining high performance and longevity within industrial applications. In this article, we'll delve into the two most critical factors for a successful installation: following the installation guide and using the correct tools. By adhering to these guidelines, you can enhance the efficiency and reliability of your Watlow heater.
Watlow’s New WATCONNECT® Control Panels are Quickly Configured for Standard Two-Week Delivery
Large and Extra Large Panels are part of the two-week delivery.
Watlow® is now offering WATCONNECT® standard control panels that are quickly configured to your specific application requirements and delivered within two weeks. WATCONNECT panels integrate Watlow’s high-quality heater, sensor, temperature controller and power controller products for a complete thermal solution. Normally, competitive custom panels require significantly longer lead times. The broad range of standard features allow customers to quickly configure panels that usually would be considered custom for delivery within two weeks.
Watlow’s customers will be impressed with the speed and ease of specifying, selecting, pricing, ordering and delivery. WATCONNECT panels are flexible and scalable; there are thousands of configurable, pre-engineered panel solutions available.
