Mentoring in Manufacturing: A Program That Works
Michaela Stickley, assistant director of human resources at A.W.
#basics
Traceability
Traceability and testing of digital positioners (including the valve) is a key to process control accuracy, reliability and safety.
#basics #controls
Highlights from VMA’s 2019 Leadership Forum
Valve industry executives gathered in Toronto last month to network, exchange ideas and learn about diverse topics relating to their leadership, including economic issues, digitization of enterprises and how to adapt as a leader in a changing organization.
#basics #VMAnews
Solenoid Valves: Direct Acting vs. Pilot-Operated
While presenting in a recent VMA Valve Basics 101 Course in Houston, I found myself in a familiar role: explaining solenoid valves (SOVs) to attendees. (I work with solenoids so much that one VMA member at that conference joked that I needed to be wearing an I Heart Solenoids t-shirt). During the hands-on “petting zoo” portion of the program, which involves smaller groups of attendees, one of the most frequently asked questions I get from people came up: What’s the difference between direct-acting and pilot-operated SOVs, and how do we make a choice?
#basics #solenoids #automation
Cybersecurity in Manufacturing: How to Keep the Threats at Bay
The Industrial IoT (Internet of Things), Industry 4.0 and other smart manufacturing initiatives have successfully increased the productivity and efficiency of valve manufacturing.
#iiot #basics
Essentials of Cybersecurity for Process Controls
Cybersecurity is one of the major risks facing the valve industry, and it is not a problem that can merely be solved by other parties besides the intended victim.
#iiot #basics #controls
Understanding Torque-Seated and Position-Seated Valves
When commissioning an isolation valve, you must ask yourself whether it is torque-seated or position-seated.
#basics
Tariff Pressure Builds on Valve Industry
In the last year, one word has dominated U.S. trade policy: tariffs.
#pressure-relief #basics
Paint & Coatings
A walk through a typical valve distributor’s warehouse will yield a contrasting view of either silver or black products.
#basics
Valve Basics Training to Expand in 2019
By: Judy Tibbs, Editorial Consultant, VALVE Magazine
Seventy-plus attendees participated in the Valve Basics Seminar & Exhibits, Oct. 30 – Nov. 1 at the Houston Area Safety Council in Pasadena, TX.
#basics
Auxiliary Connections: Why We Have Them
Valves are a vital part of the piping systems that run like arteries and veins throughout industrial plants.
#basics #knowyourvalves
How to Engage the Gen Z Workforce
The manufacturing industry has struggled to attract younger workers over the last two decades and now, with nearly 25% of the manufacturing workforce being comprised of baby boomers who are about to retire, the situation is becoming critical.
#basics
Understanding Surface Finish in Metal 3D Printing of Valves
While metal AM provides a host of positive advantages, it’s important to understand the realities of as-printed surface roughness.
#materials #basics
Thermodynamic Processes: Flashing and Cavitation
From time to time, we re-publish well-received or particularly valuable articles that have previously run on VALVEMagazine.com so that those who might have missed them will be able to catch up on the best of the best.
#basics #components
The Magic Behind the Metal
Like the superhero that can leap tall buildings, the valve industry is made of steel.
#basics #materials
Factory Workforce Training: What You Need to Know in 2018
It is no news to the valve manufacturing industry, and it is something VMA with its Valve Careers initiative is working to alleviate: As the most experienced and knowledgeable workers retire from manufacturing and process control, business leaders must find ways to fill the positions they leave.
#VMAnews #basics
Steps to Integrating LEAN Principles into Valve Manufacturing
According to BusinessDictionary.com, the definition of “lean” is “doing more with less by employing 'lean thinking.'” Since the end of World War II, when lean manufacturing was developed and implemented in Japan, the many benefits of manufacturing this way continue to show merit.
#basics
Air Valves in Piping Systems
Liquid piping systems are prone to collecting air from incoming fluids, pumps and connections.
#basics
Gearboxes 101
Gears have a long history and have been used for many purposes throughout civilization.
#actuators #basics
