Case study: Pneumatic control panels to the rescue

Dec. 2, 2024
A sanitary water district in California partnered with Valin Corporation to address a challenge in its operations.
Courtesy of Valin Corporation
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A sanitary water district in California recently faced a challenge: How to best approach replacing its aging pneumatic valve manifolds.

These manifolds had faithfully served the customer for years but were nearing the end of their operational life. The district needed a newer, more reliable, worry-free solution along with a seamless transition. Taking all of these factors into consideration, Valin stepped up to address this challenge with a comprehensive package tailored specifically to their exact needs.

The district’s previous valve manifold had been in service for more than 10 years. The controls engineer and instrument department supervisor knew it was time to explore a replacement as leaks began to occur. The most prevalent signs of a leaky manifold are a drop in pressure and a drop in flow rate at the point of use.  When this happens, the process valves are not opening properly or are opening slowly, resulting in lost timing of the process valves. Without proper timing, there could be further damage.

Included in the package that Valin introduced was its UL 508 A certified Pneumatics Control Panels. These panels are capable of controlling machinery, regulating airflow and managing pressure. They are engineered to optimize performance and maximize productivity. Specifically for water and wastewater treatment plants, the panels maintain optimal performance in pumps, valves and filtration systems, ensuring efficient operation and environmental compliance.

A sanitary water district has a unique set of circumstances, namely its environment. Accordingly, the most significant challenge was to provide a solution that not only offered enhanced performance, but also ensured longevity and durability in the aforementioned harsh environmental conditions. Because the manifold was earmarked for a water district, moisture can be a problem.  In addition to the area around the manifold, there is also moisture in the air. Therefore, for air-operated valves, one needs to be careful that none of the moisture makes its way into the valve. If moisture makes its way in, the valve will stop functioning properly. For this reason, it is imperative that strictly dry air is pushed into the manifold.

Recognizing the importance of a robust design, Valin integrated a specialized filter regulator into the system to safeguard against moisture ingress through the air lines. This proactive measure guaranteed uninterrupted operation and extended the lifespan of the pneumatic control panel, mitigating the risk of downtime and maintenance issues.

Moreover, the district was looking for a complete, turnkey solution, meticulously engineered and pre-assembled for immediate deployment. Installation can often be a headache for end users. After all, they are not always as versed in the world of control panels. There are often fears about programming and proper integration, and a sanitary water district must have their equipment up and running as soon as possible. By consolidating all necessary components into a single, ready-to-use package, Valin alleviated the district’s concerns regarding compatibility and integration, simplifying the procurement process and minimizing installation time.

The success of this project was underscored by the district’s satisfaction with the delivered solution. Impressed by the performance and ease of deployment of the first unit, the district expressed their intent to leverage Valin as their preferred one-stop shop for all future control panel needs.

Valin Corporation's holistic approach to addressing customer needs, coupled with an unwavering dedication to quality and service excellence, ensures that every project is met with success. As a trusted partner, we remain steadfast in our mission to provide tailored solutions that empower our customers to achieve their operational objectives efficiently and reliably.

In today's fast-paced industrial landscape, reliability is non-negotiable. Decision-makers are looking for trustworthy, top-of-the-line solutions. With these pneumatic control panels, they can rest assured knowing their operations are in capable hands.

About the Author

Sri Gavini | Business Development Manager – Industrial Automation at Valin Corporation

Sri Gavini is a Business Development Manager – Industrial Automation at Valin Corporation, a subsidiary of Graybar, and the leading technical solutions provider for the technology, energy, life sciences, natural resources, and transportation industries. For 50 years, Valin has offered personalized order management, on-site field support, comprehensive training, and applied expert engineering services utilizing automation, fluid management, precision measurement, process heating, and filtration products.

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