2024 ThermOmegaTech Year in Review

Thanks to our customers, 2024 was a fantastic year. Let’s celebrate ThermOmegaTech’s successes and read our 2024 Year in Review!

2024 year in review

EXPANSION NEWS

ThermOmegaTech manufacturing expansion

  • We announced the expansion of our manufacturing facility. This expansion added 23,000 square feet and incorporated new manufacturing, R&D, and office space for the company’s growing divisions.
  • We installed 3 new CNC turning centers and lathes and have integrated automation into our some of our operations with a Cobot robot.
  • In our Electronics area we expanded our production space by 40% and increased inventory capacity by 350%.
  • We also installed new equipment such as a 13-zone oven with nitrogen atmosphere capability for superior soldering, a new stencil printer with an accelerated 15-second print cycle and automated cleaning function, and second aqueous cleaner to accommodate increased production volume.

NEW HIRES

  • Ken Kramer joined the sales team as our Industrial Specification Manager.
  • Josue Vazquez joined our CircuitSolver® team as our Eastern Region Commercial Plumbing Sales Manager.
  • Steve Morehead joined our CircuitSolver® team as our Western Region Commercial Plumbing Sales Manager.

NEW PRODUCTS AND CERTIFICATIONS

  • STVM washdown with welded componentsWe added a new version of the STVM®: A stainless steel washdown option with welded components. This unit offers superior strength and leak-free sealing for the most demanding applications.
  • We introduced the Thermal Bypass Valve with Pressure Relief (TBV-PR), which integrates temperature control and pressure relief into one valve.
  • ThermOmegaTech® obtained NSF/ANSI 61 certification on our pump thermal relief valves and various other industrial valves.

FEATURED CONTENT & VIDEOS

We created several new content pieces:

  • We created a new presentation, Thermal Actuated Valves: Enhancing System Efficiency and Reliability, which is accredited by the ACEC and offers PDH credits for in-person events. Contact us to set up a session!
  • We published a White Paper on Thermal Actuators in Aerospace and Defense: Enhancing Efficiency and Reliability in Critical Systems. Download it on Tech Briefs.com.
  • The world of thermostatic balancing valves was explored in a webinar presented by Tom Ruggierio, Director of Sales for Commercial Plumbing.
  • We launched a new video about how our Freeze Protection valves protect equipment when temperatures plummet.

We debuted several product blogs this year, starting with:

We published several case studies:

  • We published Case Studies highlighting the reliability of our automatic thermostatic balancing valves with UH St. John’s Medical Center Maternity Wing, Twin Lakes Assisted Living Facility, and Canyon’s Edge Apartments.
  • Our distributor in South Carolina , Eastern Industrial Supplies, worked with us on a Case Study demonstrating how our Freeze Protection valves protected their equipment and solved an ongoing problem.
  • Our distributor in Arizona, Krue Industrial, launched an unboxing video of ThermOmegaTech products.

IN THE NEWS

  • We released a feature, Five Ways To Ensure Plant Safety in Processing Facilities, in Plant Engineering Magazine.
  • Our TBV-PR valve was featured in Plumbing and HVAC magazine.
  • Safety+Health published two features on the safe use of emergency stations and trends in workplace solutions.
  •  PCB Directory published a Q&A with our Director of Strategic Accounts in our Electronics division, Tom Krol.
  • Several publications published our expansion news, including EHS Daily Advisor, Pumps & Systems, Manufacturing.net, Plant Engineering, Pennsylvania Business Report, Valve World, HVAC Products, and more.

TRADESHOWS WE ATTENDED

  • The CircuitSolver® team kicked off 2024 with the AHR Expo in Chicago in January, then attended the CMPX 2024 Expo in March at the Metro Toronto Convention Centre.
  • ThermOmegaTech’s Electronics Division exhibited at the D2P Expo in Uncasville, CT in April.
  • In August, we exhibited our industrial product line at the ASSP Safety Show in Denver, CO.
  • In September, our Railroad team exhibited at the RSI Expo in Chicago, IL, and attended the ASLRRA Conference in Kansas City, MO.
  • In October, we attended the ASPE Expo in Columbus, Ohio, and debuted our new Demo Unit, which shows how our thermostatic valves work in real time. Watch the demos!
  • Our Aerospace and Defense team attended the AUSA Expo in Washington, DC. in October.

 

 

UPCOMING IN EARLY 2025

  • Don’t miss us at the AHR Expo in Orlando in February 2025 at Booth #3375!
  • We’ll be attending the 2025 Satellite Show in Washington, DC, from March 10-13. Look for ThermOmegaTech’s Booth #2460!

 

Thank you for participating in our journey and reading our 2024 Year in Review.

We wish you a happy and safe holiday season and a happy New Year. We look forward to working with you in 2025!

ThermOmegaTech® Announces New Welded Option on STVM® Washdown Station

ThermOmegaTech® is excited to announce improvements to the STVM® washdown station product line, including an STVM® stainless steel washdown option with welded componentry.

STVM welded unit

Adding a stainless steel welded version builds upon ThermOmegaTech’s washdown portfolio, offering a more comprehensive selection for our customers’ needs.

ThermOmegaTech® takes tremendous pride in the industry-leading design and field performance of the STVM steam-water mixing station.

The STVM® Steam Water Mixer Washdown Station is designed for high-temperature washdown to maximize efficiency and minimize downtime in food and beverage processing and other industrial facilities.

The design’s inherent advantages—such as the removable cartridge for easy maintenance and interlocking ball valves to help ensure safe usage—have led to an increasing field base of satisfied, loyal customers.

The ThermOmegaTech STVM® Washdown Station has redefined expectations for safety and ease of maintenance in facilities that mix steam and water for high-temperature washdown to optimize sanitary operations, improve maintenance and operational efficiency, boost safety, and minimize equipment downtime and labor requirements.

Please refer to the STVM product page on the ThermOmegaTech® website for an overview video of its unique features, technical data, and installation/maintenance guidance.

 

About ThermOmegaTech®:

For over 40 years, ThermOmegaTech® has been a leader in designing and manufacturing self-actuated thermostatic valves and actuators.

The company provides innovative thermostatic solutions for various applications, including freeze protection, scald protection, mixing & diverting, steam traps, thermal bypass, tepid water delivery, washdown, balancing, drain tempering, and many other applications where temperature control is critical. Key industries it serves include railroad, commercial plumbing, aerospace, defense, and industrial.

ThermOmegaTech® offers an array of standard valves and specializes in manufacturing highly engineered custom designs to meet your project’s needs. Engineering, manufacturing, assembly, testing, inspection, sales, and customer service departments are all located in one facility for maximum efficiency and effective communication.

ThermOmegaTech® has been ISO 9001-certified for over two decades and achieved AS9100D certification in 2019.

 

Questions? Please contact ThermOmegaTech here.

ThermOmegaTech®, Inc.

353 Ivyland Road, Warminster, PA 18974

Phone: 877-379-8258

Website: www.ThermOmegaTech.com

LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/company/thermomegatech

Twitter: @thermomegatech

 

ThermOmegaTech Announces Expansion of Manufacturing Facility in Bucks County

Warminster, PA—ThermOmegaTech® is pleased to announce the expansion of its manufacturing facility. This expansion adds 23,000 square feet to the existing 37,000 square feet and incorporates new manufacturing, R&D, and office space for the company’s growing divisions.

ThermOmegaTech Facility Expansion

 

“We are expanding to better serve our customers by improving workflows. From start to finish, the customer will have their needs fulfilled from design to assembly,” stated Brian Curry, ThermOmegaTech’s Vice President of Engineering. “We are also bringing prosperity and jobs to Ivyland and Bucks County, Pennsylvania.”

The new space includes specialized areas for Aerospace and Defense engineering and manufacturing equipment and sections for prototyping, testing, and quality inspection. It also features new conference rooms and collaboration areas.

“We are excited to extend ThermOmegaTech’s presence in Bucks County, Pennsylvania,” said President & CEO Jim Logue. “This expansion enables us to create more jobs and serve a broader range of industries for many years. Our ongoing innovation allows us to produce more solutions for diverse applications. We take pride in designing, machining, assembling, and testing our products on-site to ensure the highest quality for our customers.”

For a tour of our new manufacturing space or images, please contact ThermOmegaTech here.

 

About ThermOmegaTech®:

For over 40 years, ThermOmegaTech® has been a leader in designing and manufacturing self-actuated thermostatic valves and actuators.

The company provides innovative thermostatic solutions for various applications, including freeze protection, scald protection, mixing & diverting, steam traps, thermal bypass, tepid water delivery, washdown, balancing, drain tempering, and many other applications where temperature control is critical. Key industries it serves include railroad, commercial plumbing, aerospace, defense, and industrial.

ThermOmegaTech® offers an array of standard valves and specializes in manufacturing highly engineered custom designs to meet your project’s needs. Engineering, manufacturing, assembly, testing, inspection, sales, and customer service departments are all located in one facility for maximum efficiency and effective communication.

ThermOmegaTech® has been ISO 9001-certified for over two decades and achieved AS9100D certification in 2019.

Questions about our certifications? Please contact ThermOmegaTech here.

 

Discover ThermOmegaTech’s Safety and Maintenance Solutions at ASSP Safety Show ’24 in Denver, August 7-9th

ThermOmegaTech®, a pioneer in self-actuating thermostatic temperature control technology, brings over four decades of expertise to various industries, including industrial and commercial plumbing, aerospace, and defense. This year, the Industrial team is excited to participate in the ASSP Safety Show in Denver, Colorado, from August 7th to 9th, at booth #1734.

Safety show 2024

“Safety is our top priority at ThermOmegaTech,” said Industrial Sales Manager Andy Reichlin. “We’ve developed innovative tepid water solutions for emergency showers and eyewash stations that meet OSHA and ANSI standards, and we ensure water lines don’t freeze or overheat, protecting personnel and creating a safe working environment.”

At Booth #1734, you will discover their thermostatic solutions for safety and maintenance, including the Therm-O-Mix® Tepid Water Delivery Station, ESS Tepid Water Heater, Freeze and Scald Protection Valves, and STVM® Washdown Station.

ThermOmegaTech washdown and tepid water solutions for eyewash stations and safety showers.

THERMOMEGATECH PRODUCTS

Federal regulations require that any facility where workers may be exposed to hazardous or corrosive materials must have immediate access to a tepid water emergency drench system to protect the eyes and body in the event of accidental exposure.

The Therm-O-Mix® station consistently supplies tepid water on demand to these fixtures to meet OSHA and ANSI Z358.1 safety requirements.
Read more about ThermOmegaTech’s Therm-O-Mix® station here.

Factory-packaged with ThermOmegaTech’s Therm-O-Mix® WWM mixing valve, the ESS (Emergency Shower Water Heater) combines cold and tank-heated hot water to deliver a constant 85°F tepid water outlet temperature at the point of use for safety showers and eyewash stations.
See how the ESS works here.

ThermOmegaTech’s self-actuating temperature control valves are the ideal solution for
Freeze and Scald Protection. When temperatures approach freezing, these thermostatic valves sense water or air temperature and modulate open to bleed off the cold water in the line.

The scald protection valve senses and purges the over-temperature water from outdoor water supply lines that get too hot and could damage equipment or scald personnel. These valves are typically installed in safety showers and eyewash stations to protect personnel.
See how the Freeze Protection valve works here.

ThermOmegaTech® supplies an innovative solution to difficult-to-maintain steam and water mixing stations, providing a high-temperature washdown for sanitization procedures at processing plants.
See how the STVM Washdown station works here.

How can we help keep your personnel and equipment safe from damage?
Stop by Booth #1734 for more information.

 

ThermOmegaTech® is eager to connect with end users for case studies and testimonials about our valves, STVM Washdown Station, and the Therm-O-Mix Station.

 

About ThermOmegaTech®:

For 40 years, ThermOmegaTech® has been a leader in designing and manufacturing self-actuated thermostatic valves and actuators. Founded in 1983, ThermOmegaTech® is a privately held organization with 40,000 square feet of manufacturing and office facility near Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.

The company provides innovative thermostatic solutions for various applications, including freeze protection, scald protection, mixing & diverting, steam traps, thermal bypass, tepid water delivery, washdown, balancing, drain tempering, and many other applications where temperature control is critical. Key industries it serves include railroad, commercial plumbing, aerospace, defense, and industrial.

ThermOmegaTech® offers an array of standard valves and specializes in manufacturing highly engineered custom designs to meet your project’s needs. The engineering, manufacturing, assembly, testing, inspection, sales, and customer service departments are all located in one facility for maximum efficiency and effective communication. ThermOmegaTech® has been ISO 9001-certified for over two decades and achieved AS9100D certification in 2019.

For more information, please get in touch with ThermOmegaTech here.

In the News: Freeze Protection Feature Highlighted in Plant Engineering Magazine

Maintaining water-bearing equipment in a facility can be tricky, especially in wintertime. Ensuring piping, safety showers, condensate systems, and pumps are kept from freezing conditions is challenging. When these systems are exposed to freezing temperatures, they become vulnerable to damage and water supply disruptions, which can cause hazardous working conditions.

Freeze protection is critical in applications such as:

  • piping, valves, and fittings
  • pumps
  • filtration systems
  • holding tanks
  • condensate systems
  • fire lines
  • freeze-sensitive equipment
  • backup protection on traced systems/equipment

A common misconception is that your system will continue functioning when water is at freezing temperatures as long as the water is ‘moving,’ which is untrue. Water expands and freezes at 32°F, regardless of flow rate, and pipes can burst.

Which Freeze Protection Works Best for Your Facility?

Factors to consider are the location of the machinery, temperature variations, the presence of outdoor or exposed sections, and the criticality of the water supply. Assessing your facility’s specific machinery and water systems is vital to determining the most appropriate freeze protection methods. Different areas of your facility may require different strategies or multiple approaches. The severity of the winter climate should also be considered.

Various ways to Protect Water Lines:

Pipe Insulation: Pipe insulation is a commonly used method to help protect pipes from freezing. It is done by wrapping the pipes with insulating material, such as foam or fiberglass, to provide a barrier against the cold. Insulation reduces heat transfer and helps maintain a more stable temperature within the pipes. This is good practice but is not always enough protection to prevent freezing in extreme weather conditions.

Electric Heat Tracing: This process installs electric heating cables along the length of the pipes. The cables generate heat that keeps the pipes warm, preventing freezing. However, this method can be costly and vulnerable to power outages.

Pipe Taping: Pipe taping involves wrapping the pipes with specially designed heat tape or heating cables, generating heat to keep them warm. It is suitable for smaller pipes or localized freezing areas.

Pipe-Heating Cable Systems: Pipe-heating cable systems require electricity to function and consist of versatile, self-regulating cables that automatically adjust their heat output based on the surrounding temperature. The cables are installed directly on the pipes and provide constant heat to alleviate freezing. In extremely cold conditions, pipe-heating cable systems could struggle to keep up with the demand for heat, especially if the system is not designed for extremely low temperatures.

Backup Generators: In the case of power outages, backup generators can provide additional protection for freeze-prone areas. They ensure that essential equipment, such as heat tracing systems or pipe-heating cables, continues functioning even during power failures.

Space Heaters: Heating the air around the pipes with space heaters can provide temporary freeze protection. This method is suitable for small, localized areas or temporary setups.

Manual Valves: These valves provide a means to control water flow in a piping system. They are manually operated, allowing users to open, close, or partially restrict the water flow.

Thermostatic Freeze Protection Valves: Freeze protection valves are specialized valves that prevent freezing in piping systems. These valves automatically open when the temperature drops below a certain set point, allowing a controlled water flow to prevent freezing. When the temperature rises, the valves close.

Low temperatures can turn worst-case scenarios into reality without adequate protection. Upholding diligent maintenance and awareness during cold weather can avert expensive and inconvenient repercussions from frozen pipes. Even heat-traced systems risk freezing in the event of an electric tracing malfunction.

Once freeze protection is in place, facility maintenance personnel have a better chance of working safely and protecting their equipment from freeze damage.

 

ThermOmegaTech Freeze Protection Valves

Freeze Protection has three (of many) applications: a condensate manifold, a float trap, and safety showers/eyewash stations.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Utilizing Temperature-sensing Freeze Protection

Manual valves are an easy solution for freeze protection to implement, but you introduce the risk of human error (forgetting to turn the valves on or off). Opting for a self-actuating, non-electric freeze protection method can offer superior protection for your water systems compared to other techniques.

Thermostatic freeze protection valves prevent water from freezing within pipes and systems by monitoring temperatures and adjusting flow. Utilizing thermal actuator technology, they sense the water or air temperature and will open to bleed off the cold water until it reaches a safe level. Because the valve functions without power, it is ideal for explosion-proof and remote areas.

Freeze protection valves are particularly useful in intermittent water flow or when power is not readily available for heat tracing systems. They are widely used in industrial settings such as oil refineries, chemical terminals, and processing facilities to forestall freezing within their systems.

Your Freeze Protection Solution

Water line thermostatic freeze protection HAT/FP valves from ThermOmegaTech use a specifically designed thermostatic wax actuator technology with an “install it and forget it” approach, simplifying freeze protection management.

ThermOmegaTech’s HAT/FP valve allows flow when the thermostatic actuator senses 35°F (1.7°C) and will remain open as long as the discharge water temperature is below 40°F (4.4°C). Installed in the standard flow direction, the actuator senses the ambient temperature and opens to initiate flow, then responds to water temperature.

Installed in the reverse flow direction, the wax actuator always senses and responds to the water temperature to control the flow. Once the water temperature is above the freeze danger zone, the valve modulates closed to conserve water.

The main benefit is cost savings. Once installed, they require no additional power source and only activate when the water temperature is near freezing. Thermostatic freeze protection valves operate independently and reliably. They help prevent frozen piping with your facility’s systems and offer the convenience of a low-maintenance, long-lasting solution, protecting against freeze damage for all your applications.

“If systems are left unprotected, damage in piping can occur, so safeguarding your machinery with freeze protection valves offers a sense of security, knowing your systems are protected and won’t freeze due to unpredictable weather or a sudden cold snap,” explains Tim McCollum, ThermOmegaTech® OEM Sales Manager.

Questions on how to make your plant or facility safer? Contact ThermOmegaTech here.

Feature written by Marketing Coordinator Christine Tarlecki and it originally ran on March 24, 2024 on Plant Engineering. Read the full feature here.

In the News: Plant Safety Feature Highlighted in Plant Engineering Magazine

Five Ways To Ensure Plant Safety in Processing Facilities

Processing facilities must ensure employees are trained and educated on proper protocols and procedures to maintain a safe working environment. Plant managers should regularly access the facility for risks and ensure sanitization procedures are followed.

Proper employee training and education

Employees are the backbone of any plant, and their knowledge and adherence to safety protocols are crucial. All-inclusive training programs should educate employees on proper hygiene practices, personal protective equipment (PPE) use, and equipment handling.

“Regular refresher courses and ongoing education initiatives will help reinforce safety protocols and keep employees informed about the latest processing industry standards,” said Glenn Quinty, senior design engineer at ThermOmegaTech.

Assess facility risks

Conducting a thorough risk assessment is necessary to identify and understand potential hazards within the plant. This assessment involves analyzing the processes, machinery, chemicals, and work environments to pinpoint possible sources of danger. Once identified, appropriate control measures can be implemented to mitigate risks and minimize the likelihood of accidents.

Develop proper sanitization procedures

Cleaning and sanitizing chemical, pharmaceutical, food, and beverage processing equipment is critical to maintaining hygiene and operational efficiency. These facilities can offer microscopic places for germs and pathogens to hide, especially in cracks and scratches.

Effective sanitization practices should include regularly cleaning and disinfecting all surfaces and equipment. Washdown stations are a part of those best practices. Plant safety

“Using a washdown unit like ThermOmegaTech’s STVM Station that combines steam and water to provide a high-temperature wash has several benefits. Steam and water mixing stations provide instantaneous steam-heated water with pressure behind it, which can kill bacteria, sterilize and break down greases and other residues in processing plants,” Quinty said.

“When factoring in the amount of volume that the steam occupies in the pipe, as it is compressible, it allows more energy transfer per pipeline distribution size than water or electricity. This washdown station sanitizes equipment efficiently and prevents contamination while complying with industry standards,” he said.

Implement emergency safety equipment

Installing emergency equipment to protect personnel is vital to workplace safety. Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) regulations address the need for emergency eyewash and shower stations in 1910.151(c) but do not go into specific requirements for the equipment. The American National Standards Institute (ANSI) Z358.1 standard is the widely accepted guideline for adequately selecting, installing, operating, and maintaining emergency showers, eyewashes, eye/face washes, and combination units.

ANZI Z358.1 addresses where and how to install the equipment and the flushing liquid’s velocity, pressure and temperature. If a person is exposed to a dangerous substance, they need to flush the area of their body exposed with tepid water as quickly as possible. Using tepid water prevents scalding and low-temperature shock.

Various solutions exist for tepid water delivery to these stations, including mixing valves, electric water heaters, and instantaneous electric or steam heater systems.

Strict adherence to regulations and industry standards

Adhering to relevant safety regulations and industry standards is non-negotiable. Compliance with legal requirements ensures that the plant operates within established parameters. Regular audits and inspections should be conducted to verify compliance and identify improvement areas.

Maintaining and enforcing employee training and education initiatives, assessing facility risks, following proper sanitization procedures and implementing emergency safety equipment are all ways to ensure your employees are at their safest while working daily.

Questions on how to make your plant or facility safer? Contact ThermOmegaTech here.

 

This article ran on January 18, 2024, in Plant Engineering magazine. Read the full feature here.

 

 

ThermOmegaTech® Announces New NSF/ANSI 61 Certification for Pump Thermal Relief Valves

ThermOmegaTech® is excited to announce its pump thermal relief valves’ NSF/ANSI 61 certification. NSF/ANSI 61 and 372 is an American National Standard that establishes minimum health-effects requirements for the chemical contaminants and impurities indirectly imparted to drinking water from products, components, and materials used in drinking water systems.

ThermOmegaTech’s ECONO/HAT-RA is a thermal relief valve designed to safeguard domestic water supply booster pumps from high-temperature damage caused during system abnormalities like deadheading, construction usage, and VFD (Variable Frequency Drive) troubleshooting errors, all while reducing water waste and increasing overall system efficiency.

“Our thermal relief valves, the ECONO/HAT-RA valves, are often used on pump systems with an NSF/ANSI 61 requirement. Because of this, our customers must obtain approval to use our valves with every system sold.

The benefit of this certification is that the approval will no longer be needed on the customers’ end. This streamlines sales and encourages system engineers to use our products without fear of added internal cost,” explains OEM Sales Manager Tim McCollum, who was instrumental in the valves’ certification.

In addition to the stainless steel ECONO/HAT line, the valves that are now certified include the stainless-steel valves in the HAT and IC lines:

“Listening to our customers is essential to our business, and obtaining this NSF/ANSI 61 certification to streamline the valve ordering process will save time and money for our customers, something ThermOmegaTech® strives to do daily,” McCollum says.

Contact us here.

Download the Flyer

 

2023 ThermOmegaTech Year in Review

2023 was a fantastic year, thanks to our customers. Let’s celebrate ThermOmegaTech’s successes and read our Year in Review!

Here are some of the significant accomplishments we are celebrating from our Industrial Division:

NEW CATALOG

Now, you can effortlessly search and find the product renderings, specifications, and more in our 2D/3D Product catalog. This catalog allows our customers to search for the exact size, part number, exact operating temperatures, and other specifications needed for their projects.

NEW LITERATURE & VIDEOS

  • We debuted Full Steam Ahead: Sanitizing with Steam and Water Mixing Stations Whitepaper.
  • We published a feature about sanitation procedures in Food Processing. Read the feature here.
  • We highlighted why industrial washdown stations in food processing facilities are essential in the August issue of Plant Engineering. Read the feature here.
  • We launched a new Talking With TOTs video highlighting our STVM Washdown Station. Watch the full video with Senior Product Specialist Glenn Quinty.


TRADESHOWS WE ATTENDED

Safety show 2023 year in review

We exhibited at several shows in 2023, beginning in May at the Petfood Forum in Kansas City, Missouri.

The Industrial team exhibited at the Safety Show in San Antonio, Texas, in June.

In October, the team wrapped up their travel with the Process Expo in Chicago at McCormick Place Convention Center.

Here are some of the outstanding accomplishments from our Railroad Division:

  • We welcomed Bridget Sexton as our new product manager for our railroad division.
  • Hosted a virtual webinar with Progressive Railroading to promote the importance of freeze protection for locomotives and passenger cars.
  • Interviewed SMS Rail Lines about their success with the GURU DL2.1 and the accompanying rebuild program.
  • Attended the Railway Interchange tradeshow and RailTrends Conference.

Here are some of the outstanding accomplishments from our Commercial Plumbing Division, CircuitSolver®:

  • CircuitSolver is excited to celebrate 10 Years of transforming the plumbing industry. Read about the CircuitSolver journey here.
  • PHCP Pros featured Tom Ruggierio, Director of Sales for Commercial Plumbing, discussing the brand’s success over the last decade in this informative Q&A.
  • Watch our latest webinar on Thermostatic Balancing Valves. Learn the history of DHWS balancing and the types of balancing valves used today while earning 0.10 ASPE CEUs. Watch now!
  • CircuitSolver balancing valves were installed in the hot water recirculating system of a large e-commerce company’s headquarters in Arlington, Virginia. Read about it here.
  • See how this California laboratory remodeled its space to include DTVs in this Drain Tempering Case Study.
  • A magical hotel in California comes to life with CircuitSolver. Read about the installation here.

Here are some of the outstanding accomplishments from our Aerospace and Defense Division:

  • We updated the Thermal Actuator Sell Sheet. Download it here.
  • We released a new Thermal Actuator video and a Talking With TOTs video with Aerospace & Defense Business Development Manager Josh White.

Here are some of the outstanding accomplishments that we’d like to share with you from our Electronics Division:

end of year review D2P Electronics

  • Successfully merged TJM to ThermOmegaTech’s Electronic Division, aiding in developing in-house products for our railroad division.
  • Attended Design 2 Part Tradeshows in Secaucus, NJ, and Oaks, PA.
  • Improved our Bill of Materials (BOM) Scrubbing Tool to help customers quickly determine lead times, potential shortages, part number problems, and missing parts.
  • Maintained our AS9100D, IPC-A-610, and J-STD-001 certifications.

 

Thank you for participating in our journey and reading our 2023 Year in Review.

Have a happy and safe holiday season and a happy New Year. We look forward to working with you in 2024!

ThermOmegaTech Launches New Talking with TOTs Video Featuring STVM® Washdown Station

Video Focuses on High-Temperature Washdown Equipment For Industrial Sanitation

ThermOmegaTech is excited to introduce their newest Talking With TOTs video, featuring Senior Product Specialist Glenn Quinty on ThermOmegaTech’s STVM® Washdown Station.

“We know how critical it is to maintain a clean environment in food processing, dairy, beverage, chemical, petrochemical, and pharmaceutical facilities,” Quinty says. “High-temperature washdown equipment is used to quickly and efficiently clean and sanitize equipment in place to keep production running on time.”

Washdown stations are recommended in food production facilities where transient soil, food production residue, and microorganisms can be present. Depending on the specific product a facility produces, not every facility encounters these hazards, but removing debris, cleaning, and sanitizing is essential to preserving sanitation and product quality.

Steam Water Mixing Valve for Sanitization

Simply put: sanitizing kills bacteria.

Industrial Sanitation comprises several sequences created to protect workers’ health and safety in industrial environments and designed to protect the environment from pollution and industrial waste.

With high temperature washdown equipment, industrial sanitation is achievable. In the Talking with TOTS video, Quinty takes viewers through the washdown process, demonstrating how ThermOmegaTech’s proprietary Silent Venturi Mixing Valve (STVM®) combines steam and water to a user-defined temperature.

STVM Steam and Water Washdown Station for Talking With TOTS for Industrial Sanitation

STVM® Steam & Water Washdown Station

“The steam and water mixing valve’s design is self-scouring, which prevents mineral buildup in tight spaces and reduces maintenance frequency. Maintaining competitor steam and water mixing stations can be time-consuming due to complex disassembly, special tooling requirements, and non-reusable components,” Quinty says.

The compact, reliable, and entirely mechanically operated STVM® Washdown Station is beneficial to any industrial processing plant’s sanitation procedures.

As recent testing found, it is more durable and at least 8-15 decibels quieter than competitor units.

How to Choose the Right High-Temperature Washdown Equipment for Your Facility

Choosing the right washdown equipment can be a challenge, taking into account your facility’s needs and government regulations.

To minimize maintenance downtime and get production lines moving again, the STVM® station is in-line serviceable. The operator simply switches out the STVM® mixing valve cartridge with a spare using a standard wrench, and the unit is operational again in minutes. In contrast, competitor stations must be removed from the wall and completely disassembled to repair, which takes hours and results in more extended downtime.

Operator’s safety is another crucial element that positions the STVM® Station above the competition. Employees should wear the correct PPE (personal protective equipment — including gloves, masks, smocks, etc.) when operating any washdown equipment and have the proper training on the unit. In addition to these safety guidelines, our station has two safety features to help keep your employees safe.

“The mixing valve is designed to reduce flow if the output temperature exceeds the factory set-point and will completely stop flow 15°F above that,” Quinty notes in the video. “The station also has interlocking steam and water shut-off ball valves, so both inlets shut off at the same time to prevent accidental steam-only operation.”

Using food processing cleaning equipment can help to reduce costs, too. Regular maintenance and repair of equipment can help to minimize downtime, saving your facility time and money. Regular cleaning and disinfecting of surface areas can also help to reduce labor costs while following a daily process.

Watch the full Talking With TOTs video here.

If you have questions about the STVM® Washdown Station or want information on pricing and lead times, please don’t hesitate to contact us or one of our authorized distributors.

How an East Coast Rail Company Prevents Their Locomotives From Freezing

The GURU® Plug – The #1 Freeze Protection Valve

Freeze protection is essential for locomotives during winter months to prevent catastrophic damage to equipment. A diesel locomotive’s cooling system is at risk of freezing when the locomotive is turned off. If the cooling water freezes, it can cause the piping and tanks to crack, resulting in extensive damage, lengthy repairs, and interrupted schedules.

GURU PLUGOperators could keep their locomotives running at all hours to prevent a freeze-up, but that can contribute to air pollution and fuel waste. Another more cost-effective and efficient way is to install ThermOmegaTech’s GURU® Plug.

The Opportunity

The GURU® DL2.1  thermostatic drain valve is installed at the lowest point within the cooling system and automatically responds to engine coolant temperature.

The Plug will snap open and drain the system if the water temperature reaches the Plug’s set point, typically 35°F. This provides almost a full one-inch bore to rapidly drain a typical locomotive’s coolant system before freeze damage can occur. The Plug can be reset when the operator is ready to refill the locomotive and return it to service.

SMS Locomotive using GURU Plug

SMS Rail Lines, a one-stop provider of rail distribution services to businesses along the Washington, D.C. to Boston corridor, is based in Bridgeport, New Jersey. It has been using ThermOmegaTech’s GURU® Plugs for over a decade on its locomotive cooling systems and compressors.

SMS Rail Lines operates over 6 miles of track throughout Pureland Industrial Park in Bridgeport, New Jersey, providing service daily, including on-demand rail switching and daily interchange with Class I railways CSX Transportation and Norfolk Southern Corporation.

SMS Rail Lines also offers rail-to-truck and truck-to-rail transloading, warehousing, distribution services, and rail car storage at this location. Twelve locomotives are in service at any given time. Additionally, the company restores, maintains, and operates historic Baldwin diesel locomotives.

Utilizing the GURU® Plug

“We normally have 12 to 14 locomotives in service at any given time,” General Manager Brian Murray explains. “Some of our locomotives have only a single GURU if they are plumbed in a way where everything can drain to a central location. We have a couple with a second GURU to handle additional low points in the cooling system. Our GE locomotives have 4 GURUs. They have 2 GURUs to handle low-point general draining and 2 on the low-pressure heads of the water-cooled air compressor.”

SMS operators have previously used other freeze protection devices on their locomotives. “We initially used ‘that other name brand.’ It would occasionally open while the engine was hot and running,” said GM Murray. Because of this, he looked for another solution and was introduced to ThermOmegaTech’s GURU® Plugs over ten years ago by then-product manager Dana Logue.

The GURU® Plug Rebuild Program

The GURU® Plug satisfied their needs and came with an additional perk—the GURU® Rebuild Program. ThermOmegaTech® offers a rebuild program for the self-actuating GURU® Plug, which protects thousands of locomotives from freeze damage annually. The program allows customers to return their old GURU® Plugs to be cleaned, refurbished, retested, and returned, so customers get back an almost brand-new valve.

“We are very happy with ThermOmegaTech® and think the GURU® Plug is terrific. We have never had a GURU fail to open when necessary. As the end user, we should probably do a better job at keeping track of which GURU plug is in which locomotive and how old they are,” stated GM Murray.

Brian with Guru Plug

Luckily for SMS Rail Lines, there’s an easy way to track that!

Each GURU® Plug has a yearly-rotated color cap which is also laser marked with its month and year of manufacture. ThermOmegaTech® recommends changing the GURU® Plugs every 18-24 months, as the GURU® Plug’s actuator loses a small amount of stroke as it ages beyond one year. This stroke loss causes the release temperature and the manual reset temperature to creep upward. While this is a “safe” tendency for freeze protection, the upward creep can eventually cause nuisance dumping.

The colored caps rotate through 5 colors over 5 years and visually indicate the year it was built. Maintenance personnel can compare the cap’s color against our chart to determine when it needs to be sent back for rebuild. SMS has taken advantage of this perk and utilizes the rebuild program yearly.

“We send in about 4 or 5 valves per year for rebuilding to have them on hand. Our cost savings are significant as we have a lot of older GURUs around, so it makes sense to rebuild them,” says GM Murray.

When they come back, rebuilt and refurbished, GM Murray says they are as good as new and have never had any issues.

The Result of the GURU® Plug

GURU Plug on locomotive

“In my experience, all the folks at ThermOmegaTech® are genuinely interested in providing to the railroad industry effective, reliable solutions. The staff is always accessible and willing to work cooperatively with the customer to examine the need and suggest the appropriate product,” says James Pfeiffer – Superintendent of Operating Practices.

“Customer feedback is welcomed, technical questions are quickly answered, and the engineering department is seemingly always working on something new and improved. And they do all this while maintaining first-class customer service.”

If you are interested in hearing more about Locomotive Freeze Protection and how the GURU® Plugs can help save you time, energy, and money, we’d love to help. Contact us today.

Read the full GURU® Plug case study here.

Watch how it works with our Talking With TOTS video!

2022: ThermOmegaTech’s Year in Review

2022 was a fantastic year, thanks to our customers! ThermOmegaTech® has been able to meet its goals despite facing industry-wide supply chain issues. Let’s celebrate ThermOmegaTech’s Year in Review!

2022 HIGHLIGHTS

Here are some of the significant accomplishments we are celebrating from our Industrial Market:

  • Andy Reichlin joined our team in March as our Industrial National Sales Manager. Andy has held roles in communications, marketing, and sales, managing national distribution networks for various industrial products, including bearings and pumps, over the last 20 years. His expertise has helped us to grow our distribution network and support our authorized distributors.
  • We hosted our first inaugural Distributor Advisory Council, which included representation from six authorized distributors. This was incredibly beneficial as they were able to tour our facility, and we could share ideas and resources for the upcoming year.
  • We also added two new U.S. distributors, Industrial and Construction Enterprises and Schimberg Co., and two new International distributors, Glotex and Tubes International.

NEW LITERATURE & VIDEOS

  • We launched an eBook with Food Processing Magazine in November ’22 on how sanitizing food processing facilities with steam-heated water provides a simple and efficient way to maintain a sterile work environment. Download it here.
  • We created a whitepaper on the Steps to Developing an Effective Sanitization Procedure in plants and facilities, which you can download here.
  • We also released this application sheet on Thermostatic Control Valves for Cooling Balancing Applications.
  • We were excited to release this video on HCX and HCS Washdown Stations for Breweries, Wineries & Other Facilities Without Steam. To ensure a high-powered wash that guarantees cleanliness in production facilities, ThermOmegaTech® offers the most economical, safe, and efficient washdown systems and equipment.

TRADESHOWS WE ATTENDED

ASSP Expo 2022: Industrial Safety Trade Show

We had a great time networking and meeting associates at the 2022 ASSP Expo.

Here are some of the great accomplishments that we’d like to share with you from our Rail Division:

  • Increased sales steadily as we moved out of the pandemic and remained the leader in locomotive freeze protection for all the Class I’s in North America.
  • Significant growth in the passenger car freeze protection market thanks to a big focus on the GURU PC® with its electric heater assembly to ensure prospects are aware of the need for freeze protection and options available for passenger cars.
  • Dana Logue, Engineering Project Manager, and Glenn Quinty, Senior Engineering Product Specialist, participated in RT&S Railway Age Virtual Conference: Winter Preparedness. Watch it on demand here!

Here are some of the outstanding accomplishments that we’d like to share with you from our Commercial Plumbing Division, CircuitSolver®:

  • We launched the new CircuitSolver Union Cold Water balancing valve (CSU-CW). This valve automatically and continuously balances a cold water recirculation system to discourage Legionella bacteria colonization and reduce stagnation.
  • Project Manager Eric McTee of ME Engineers details his experience specifying CircuitSolver® over the last few years in this testimonial.
  • We released two new videos, a How it Works video on CircuitSolver® and one on the new Cold Water CircuitSolver® valve.
  • Read more about CircuitSolver’s Year in Review on the CircuitSolver® website.

Here are some of the great accomplishments that we’d like to share with you from our Aerospace and Defense Division:

  • We hired Josh White as our A&D Business Development Manager and are excited about his work in the Aerospace and Defense Division. Josh is a former Air Force One pilot with over 20 years of operational military aviation experience. His expertise and skills in the aerospace industry will help us to develop new processes and streamline our strategies to serve our customers better.
  • We have brought on a new A&D rep J.D. Technologies Global, who works with high-quality, complementary manufacturers of products and services that serve the aerospace, military & defense, medical, and industrial markets. We are very excited about this partnership and proud of the work we’ve done with them in 2022, and looking forward to 2023.
  • Read more about our A&D Division’s Year in Review on the Aerospace & Defense website.

Looking Forward

Our Electronics Affiliate, TJM Electronics, has merged with ThermOmegaTech® and will now operate under the ThermOmegaTech® brand as our Electronics Division! Read about this breaking news here!

Thank you for being a part of our journey, and have a happy New Year! We look forward to working with you in 2023!

TJM Electronics to Merge with ThermOmegaTech

TJM Electronics Merger Announcement

Electronics manufacturer to merge with affiliate company.

(Warminster, Pennsylvania) TJM Electronics is pleased to announce that it will merge with its affiliate company, ThermOmegaTech. Effective January 1, 2023, TJM will operate under the ThermOmegaTech brand as their electronics division.

TJM Electronics has been leading the way in electronics contract manufacturing since 1989. TJM became one of the first automated SMT companies certified to MIL-STD-2000 on the East coast. Since then, TJM has provided high-quality PCB assemblies utilizing cutting-edge technology to the aerospace, defense, medical, industrial, LED lighting, and non-commodity consumer electronics markets.

In 2019, TJM was purchased by Logue Family Holdings, the parent company of ThermOmegaTech, a leading thermostatic valve, and actuator design and manufacturing corporation. For almost 40 years, ThermOmegaTech has been creating temperature control solutions for a wide range of applications and currently services the railroad, commercial plumbing, aerospace, defense, and an array of industrial markets.

Last summer, TJM moved from its Bristol location to its current facility in Warminster, PA, located in the same building as ThermOmegaTech’s manufacturing plant and office space.

“This merger is a huge strategic advantage for TJM as it will help streamline processes and improve communication channels throughout the organization,” said Jim Logue, Jr., President, CEO of ThermOmegaTech and TJM Electronics. “Combining ThermOmegaTech’s mechanical design and manufacturing capabilities with TJM’s electrical manufacturing abilities will open the door to new opportunities and help to continue growth in our current markets.”

This partnership is also expected to result in greater efficiencies and eliminate redundancies in their systems, such as combining the AS9100D certification for both companies into one.

As with all important business decisions, ThermOmegaTech will work closely with its customers and employees to make the integration process as smooth as possible. Beyond the name change, customers should not see any major changes in the products and services they receive from both companies.

 

About ThermOmegaTech, Inc:

For almost 40 years, ThermOmegaTech has been a leader in designing and manufacturing self-actuated thermostatic technology valves and actuators. Founded in 1983, ThermOmegaTech is a privately held small business with 40,000 square feet of manufacturing and office facility located near Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.

The company provides innovative solutions for various applications, including freeze & scald protection, mixing & diverting, steam tracing control, thermal bypass, tepid water delivery, washdown, balancing, drain tempering, and many others applications where temperature control is critical. Key industries it serves include railroad, commercial plumbing, aerospace & defense, and industrial.

ThermOmegaTech specializes in manufacturing prototype/small volume and highly engineered custom products utilizing phase-change thermostatic actuator technology to satisfy individual project needs.

ThermOmegaTech’s R&D, manufacturing, assembly, testing, inspection, sales, and customer service departments are all located in one facility for maximum efficiency and effective communication. Its QMS is certified to AS9100D standards demonstrating the focus on quality, and its products are distributed and used worldwide.

ThermOmegaTech and Grundfos Announce Partnership

This month, ThermOmegaTech and Grundfos announced a partnership, bringing together two industry leaders to simplify and enhance domestic plumbing systems and installations for contractors throughout the United States.

Beginning in late Q1, the partnership will offer a new packaged solution featuring ThermOmegaTech’s CircuitSolver® product line with the appropriate pump from the Grundfos MAGNA Series.

“We are excited about growing our relationship with a well-respected worldwide company like Grundfos,” said Tom Ruggierio, national business development manager at ThermOmegaTech. “Having two companies with innovative, synergistic products working together will bring optimized solutions for domestic hot water systems that will serve the plumbing community well.”

The partnership supports the companies’ shared goals of enhancing the accessibility and conservation of water, our most precious resource, by providing solutions that exceed energy and efficiency standards. “Working together allows us to save time for contractors who no longer need to source the appropriate pump style and size,” said Ruggierio. “The CircuitSolver® solution will now come with an expert-recommended pump, allowing contractors to focus their efforts on what they do best — the installation.”

“We continue to be impressed by the innovation of our ThermOmegaTech partner. Joining forces is a win-win opportunity for both companies as well as our manufacturer representatives, contractors, and the homeowners,” said Barry Nauss, Grundfos vice president of HVAC OEM. “When used together, our products greatly minimize water consumption and increase energy efficiency by optimizing the recirculating flow rate. This ensures the precise amount of water and power are utilized as water rotates through the system versus flowing down the drain. We’re proud to offer our new, sustainability-focused packaged solutions to the market.”

Grundfos and ThermOmegaTech will also offer expert training sessions together in 2022 with the goal of increasing awareness of the benefits their product portfolios bring to a domestic hot water system.

In the News: STVM Washdown Station Combines Steam, Water, and Safety in an Easy to Maintain Package

In food processing, dairy, beverage, chemical, petrochemical, and pharmaceutical facilities maintaining a clean environment is critical. High-temperature washdown equipment is used to quickly and efficiently clean and sanitize equipment in place to keep production running on time. These washdown stations mix steam and cold water to provide hot water for facility clean-up.

Maintaining competitor washdown units can be time-consuming due to complex disassembly, special tooling requirements, and non-reusable components. ThermOmegaTech, a leader in self-actuating thermostatic valve technology, supplies an innovative solution to the challenge of difficult to maintain washdown units.

ThermOmegaTech’s STVM Washdown Station delivers a high-temperature wash at a user-defined temperature using our proprietary Silent Venturi Mixing Valve (STVM) to combine steam and water. Our mixing valve’s design is self-scouring, which prevents mineral buildup in tight spaces and reduces maintenance frequency.

STVM Steam & Water Washdown Station

To minimize downtime during routine maintenance, the STVM Washdown Station has a simple cartridge design, which is removed with a wrench and cleaned in a descaling solution before reassembly. The station is in-line serviceable, so the operator simply switches out the STVM Cartridge with a spare and the unit is operating in minutes.

Worker safety is every facility’s priority, so we built it into our washdown’s operation.

“The STVM Washdown Station has two safety features to keep your employees safe. One, the mixing valve is designed to reduce flow if the output temperature exceeds the factory set-point and will completely stop flow 15°F above that,” Nick Tallos, ThermOmegaTech’s VP of Engineering said. “Two, the unit has interlocking steam and water shut-off ball valves, so both inlets shut-off at the same time to prevent accidental steam-only, ‘hose full of steam’ operation.”

Due to the unique design of the STVM Cartridge’s water and steam mixing spool, the unit operates at around 20 decibels less than competitor washdown units. This reduces overall operator stress and improves workplace conditions.

The unit functions completely mechanically and requires no outside source of electricity to operate. Compact and reliable, the STVM Washdown Station is a beneficial addition to any facility.

Originally published in The National Provisioner.

In the News: Chemical Production Factory Expansion to Install 26 Therm-O-Mix® Tepid Water Delivery Stations

Originally published in Industrial Safety & Hygiene News.

Safety showers and face/eyewash stations are critical pieces of equipment in any workplace where chemical spills are a potential threat. ThermOmegaTech®, a leader in self-actuating thermostatic technology, offers an innovative solution to the challenge of supplying safety fixtures with consistently tepid water on demand.

An industrial chemical manufacturer located in Ontario, Canada recently began a $2 billion expansion of their existing production facility. Due to the presence of potentially hazardous materials in chemical manufacturing, the installation of safety showers and face/eyewash stations was a plant necessity.

The company’s other sites have had success using ThermOmegaTech®’s Therm-O-Mix® Station for instantaneous tepid water delivery, therefore the Therm-O-Mix® Station was again selected for this expansion to promote overall conformity of safety equipment and procedures. ThermOmegaTech®’s TV/SC-A valve was also chosen to control the safety station enclosure’s ambient air temperature.

The Therm-O-Mix® Station utilizes only a facility’s existing steam and water supply to instantaneously deliver tepid water to emergency safety showers and face/eyewash stations. When an emergency fixture is activated, the resulting pressure drop on a diaphragm establishes flow and opens a steam control valve, which the station uses to heat cold water. The now hot water travels through an initial tempering valve that adds cold water and reduces the water temperature to about 100°F (37.7°C), then through a second mixing valve that adds more cold water and lowers the temperature to an OSHA-approved 80°F (26.6°C), before being delivered through the emergency fixtures.

The expansion project included a mix of classified and non-classified environments. Equipment in the classified section of the plant needed to be explosion-proof due to the sensitive nature of the chemicals produced on-site and by selecting the Therm-O-Mix®, the facility avoided the need for an expensive insulation process.

“Our Therm-O-Mix® Station operates completely mechanically,” Timothy Hartung, industrial product manager at ThermOmegaTech® commented. “It doesn’t require a source of electricity to operate, so it’s the ideal tepid water delivery product for refineries and factories with explosion proof environments.”

A necessary addition to any new or existing facility to comply with ANSI Z358.1, the Therm-O-Mix® Station has a small footprint, does not require insulated tanks or expensive recirculation systems, and is self-purging so there is no need for an elaborate drainage system.

The Therm-O-Mix® Station was mounted onto the outside of a polar cubicle and plumbed to deliver tepid water to the safety showers and face/eyewash station inside of the cubicle.

To maintain the temperature inside of the cubicle at a level where users would feel comfortable disrobing for proper safety shower operation, ThermOmegaTech®’s TV/SC-A valve was selected to control the flow of steam.

A thermostatic actuator on the end of the TV/SC-A valve located inside of the polar cubicle monitors and responds to the ambient temperature inside the cubicle. When the temperature falls to the valves set point, the TV/SC-A modulates open to allow steam to flow through a radiation element, which is traced inside of the cubicle to warm it up. Once the ambient temperature has risen, the valve modulates closed again to conserve steam.

“Installation of 26 integrated units is currently underway at the facility and will be completed by the end of 2019,” Hartung commented.

Compact and reliable, the Therm-O-Mix® tepid water delivery station is an essential fixture in any facility where chemicals are being handled to ensure both worker safety and guideline compliance.

Check out the full article at ISHN.com.