5595 Fresca Drive, La Palma, CA 90623 | 800.783.7836 | FlowRate Newsletter - July 2017
TECHNOLOGY
DESIGN
APPLICATIONS
SOLUTION
CUSTOMIZATION



 
Compact Automated Valve
The Art of Automation

 

 
    So Much is Happening Here!
by Wayne Ulanski, President - [email protected]

So Much is Happening Here!
 
When we m oved to our new headquarters a few months ago we added a new SVF Training Center where our guests learn about our products and have a chance to work with the actuators and controls that are an important part of the curriculum. 




For me, the best part of the training schedule is when we have a chance to address the questions that our "students" have. What is most encouraging is how the questions immediately link to field issues that each participant  wants to turn into a  solution for their customers.  Here are some of the Solutions we shared during these most valuable Q&As.

 
Lock-Out Tag-Out for OSHA requirements. SVF Locking devices are designed to accommodate these locks.  
Manual Valves with Feedback Switches. We have produced many versions of this requirement over the years. Where others consider it a special, we offer it for any valve. 
High Pressure Valves with Compression Ends. We produced this version of our H7 high pressure ball valve (6,000 psi) for one customer and now it has become part of our standard offering. 


Flanged by Threaded Valve for Tank Connections. Where users may want to securely fasten a valve to a tank and have a threaded connection for hose coupling, we have taken full advantage of the flexibility of 3-Piece ball valves to deliver this. 

Compact Automated Valve Assembly for ½" Valve. Small diameter valves should be entirely compact. This actuator and proximity switch assembly suits that. The proximity is a zero-power device that is hermetically sealed to resist moisture. 
 Manual Override for Large Valves. Large diameter ball valves can be fitted with a geared manual override to ensure operation in the event of power failure. We have it!  


ARTThe Art of Automation

Each month, we will be devoting a section dedicated to the  Art of Automation! We are looking for SVF field installations of Automated Valves. 

The winner will be have their photo shown in our monthly newsletter and be eligible for a 
$100 Amazon gift card!


Please email your submissions to: [email protected] to enter!
 

cindyWelcome CindyLou Schiling!



SVF Flow Controls is pleased to announce CindyLou Schilling as the newest member of our Inside Sales Team! She is the Business Resource Specialist for the Gulf Coast states and is dedicated to help build and support business efforts in the region. CindyLou is a proactive, seasoned veteran with over 6 years of experience in the Valves and Controls industry in Power, Pulp, Oil and Gas and comes to us from Forum Energy. She will be stationed in our Houston, TX facility and eagerly looks forward to the opportunity to speak to you!

You can reach her at 714.676.0968 or email at [email protected]
WIRELESSActuation and Wireless Control

Recently, SVF hosted a seminar on actuation and controls. This presentation included a view of switching technology that ranged from simple mechanical contact switches to more elaborate digital technology where newer sensing technology was demonstrated. These seminars are available to anyone either at SVF or at the customer's site.

Wireless products and solutions extend monitoring and predictive intelligence into areas that were previously out of physical or economic reach, opening the door for new possibilities in process knowledge and improvement. Remote locations, physical obstructions, and the high cost of engineering and integrating new technologies are no longer the barriers they once were.

To read the rest of the article, click here.

DESIGNDesigning in Three Dimensions

At SVF Flow Controls, our goal is to deliver products with exceptional design and the highest level of quality to meet our market's application requirements. We have recently released our latest version of Spec Sheets that include detailed technical information on our products. These Spec Sheets include line drawings and an exploded view of the valve. 

Line drawings are great for providing all the dimensional information critical for assembly and installation. Occasionally, our customers require us to provide 3D drawings to insert into their autocad models. SVF engineering utilizes SolidWorks, a solid modeling computer-aided design (CAD) and computer-aided engineering (CAE) program, for all our drawings and designs. This gives us the flexibility to change, add or redesign existing product designs in a flash. When a customer requires a 3D drawing of their valve / actuator / limit switch assembly, we can provide them as individual drawings, or as a completed assembly.  

Below are some examples of 3D drawings that have been created for different customer requests.

H7 with Quad4 Actuator and DMO

CleanFlow high purity valve with EZ-Tork Actuator and Vector Pilot Valve


Visit the SVF Engineering Resource library to access all our technical information.
ISONew and Improved ISO Standard (ISO 9001:2015)

Our annual ISO surveillance audit is coming up in 3 weeks!  Every audit provides a chance for improvement and lends itself to opportunity and growth.  In a previous newsletter, I wrote a piece about the new ISO 9001:2015 Standard and how this Standard is replacing the current ISO 9001:2008 Standard.   There were several key reasons that the International Organization for Standardization (ISO Committee) updated the ISO Standard, but the primary reasons were:
  • To focus on risk management and opportunities.  When making a key decision in your business, it makes sense to weigh the risks and mitigate those risks as much as possible.  And at the same time, look for opportunities for improvement, growth, and short and long term strategies.  SVF already has an effective tool being utilized called the S.W.O.T. Analysis, which looks at the internal Strengths, Weaknesses, external Opportunities and Threats of the organization and can be applied to any potential issue.  This has been the way that SVF is managing risk and fits in beautifully with the new ISO Standard.
  • For ISO 9001 to keep up with business demands and changes and remain relevant in our ever-changing global climate and to keep up with the globalization that affects how organizations conduct business.  To read the rest of the article, click here.
COFFEECoffee, Coffee, Coffee

Cappuccino, Espresso, Flat White, Latte... Do I have your attention? Coffee is arguably one of the most versatile drinks to ever cross my lips. I've had it for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. 150 million Americans drink 400 million cups of coffee per day or more than 140 billion cups per year! This little known place called Starbucks initially made me convert on my way to work each morning as do many of the readers here. So I want to test your knowledge of coffee.

Which drinks are the most popular at Starbucks?
  1. Coffee Frappuccino
  2. Double Chocalaty Chip Creme Frappuccino
  3. Mocha Frappuccino
  4. Flat White
  5. Java Chip Frappuccino
  6. Tazo Zen
  7. Caffe Mocha
  8. Teavana Oprah Cinnamon Chai
  9. Tazo Refresh
  10. Teavana Shaken Iced Tea
  11. Hot Chocolate
  12. Cascara latte
  13. Teavana Earl Grey
  14. Teavana Shaken Iced Black Tea
  15. Lightly Sweet Chai Tea Latte
The winner will be emailed a Gift Card to Starbucks!

++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

Thank you to all those of you who participated in June's trivia question.
Q:  What are the top 5 Summer grossing movies of all time?
A:  
  1. Star Wars:  A New Hope
  2. E.T. The Extra Terrestrial
  3. Jaws
  4. Star Wars: The Empire Strikes Back!
  5. Star Wars:  The Return of the Jedi
Due to overwhelming responses, please allow 3-5 weeks to mail your prize.

SAVOURYSavoury Oatmeal


For you health conscious readers, this months feature is one of those impressive meals that is actually super simple to make and prepare!

Ingredients:
  • 75g (2/3 cup) spelt flakes
  • 75g (2/3 cup) rolled oats
  • 1 tablespoon coconut oil or grass-fed butter
  • 3 fresh thyme sprigs
  • Pinch of salt
Toppings:
  • 2 poached eggs
  • Sautéed mushrooms*
  • Small handful chopped spinach or kale leaves
  • Chilli Flakes
  • Drizzle of extra virgin olive oil or truffled oil (optional)


Instructions
  1. Boil the kettle with 250 ml (1 cup) of water or bring to a boil in a pan.
  2. In a separate pan (if not using the kettle) melt your coconut oil or butter in medium-high heat. Add the spelt flakes and the oats and stir to coat. Reduce to a more medium heat and stir occasionally, making sure all the flakes are getting nice and toasty evenly. Toast for about 5 minutes, and once it's lovely and fragrant (I think it starts smelling like popcorn!) carefully add in your boiling water - and be careful, as it'll splatter!
  3. Turn down the heat to low, until it's just barely a simmer, throw in the thyme sprigs and salt, give it a quick stir and cover. Leave undisturbed for at least 5 minutes. Once it's reached your desired consistency, take off the heat, remove the thyme sprigs, and place into bowls.
  4. Add any and all toppings that you want, and enjoy straight away.