HTRI is the leading source of process heat transfer technology. They conduct research, develop software, and provide services that include training, technical support, and proprietary contracts for specific needs.

They perform research and testing at their Research & Technology Center (RTC), in Navasota, Texas, USA. This 22,500-square-foot facility houses eleven operating research units in a controlled testing environment. With the proprietary data collected for their members, they develop correlations for the thermal design and analysis of heat exchangers and fired heaters.

Their dedication to excellence assures customers of a distinct competitive advantage and a high level of operating confidence in equipment designed with HTRI technology.

For more information please visit their website. 
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The U.S. Department of Agriculture, under the leadership of President Trump and Agriculture Secretary Sonny Perdue announced a $6.18 million grant to Mid-South Electric Co-op. The grant will be used to deploy fiber across the co-op’s network of utility poles, enhancing electric reliability and opening the door to expanded rural broadband access for MidSouth consumer-members.

The funds are part of the USDA Broadband Reconnect Program, which was created to bridge the digital divide in rural America.

As technology advances, MidSouth continues working to make their distribution system smarter and more robust. Being able to add fiber across their utility network will allow them to modernize operations and enhance awareness about what’s happening across the system. This enhances response times during outages and improves reliability. In addition, it will open the door to expanded rural broadband access for over 25,000 MidSouth members.

Rep. Kevin Brady, Sen. Ted Cruz, and other Texas lawmakers played a pivotal role in making this grant funding possible.

“Congressman Kevin Brady provided exceptional support and was an integral part of making the grant funds a reality for the members of MidSouth Electric Co-op.” said CEO Kerry Kelton. “We encourage our members to thank Congressman Brady by expressing what high-speed internet means to you, your family and business. MidSouth appreciates the consistent support from Congressman Brady and looks forward to continuing to serve our communities together.”

As part of this project, MidSouth will install a fiber-optic cable on the poles that are currently within the co-op’s Rights of Way.

As an added benefit of this fiber installation, Mid-South will be able to begin providing reliable fiber internet service to our communities. The service will be optional and will follow strict build out plans. Anyone interested in true fiber internet service is encouraged to pre-register at midsouthfiber.com to express your interest.

MidSouth Electric Co-op serves over 25,000 consumer-members in and around Grimes, Walker, Waller, Brazos, Madison, Montgomery, and Waller counties. The co-op is focused on providing quality service at a reasonable price, bringing vital services to increase both the quality of life and economic health in the Mid-South service area.

For more information, please visit MidSouth Electric Co-op

They say you can’t teach an old dog a new trick, but sometimes you can upgrade your dog. Innovations, such as twisted tubes, expanded metal baffles, graphene-coated surfaces, and more are improving heat exchanger and condenser performance, making some upgrades worth considering.

Shell-and-tube heat exchangers have been around longer than anyone reading this article. The heat exchanger offers many advantages. It can be used in condensing, boiling, or single-phase applications; it can be utilized over a wide range of pressures and temperatures; it can be constructed from a variety of materials to meet corrosion and other design requirements; maintenance is fairly simple and straightforward; and it can accommodate various physical orientations.

However, there are some limitations to the design. The conventional shell-and-tube heat exchanger contains baffles on the shell side to provide support and direct flow through a circuitous course across the tubes. The downside is that low-flow areas, or dead zones, result in the vicinity of the baffles where fouling can occur, corrosion can go unchecked, and heat transfer is reduced. The directional changes caused by the baffles also consume energy, and the shell-side pressure decrease can be significant. The classic design is also prone to flow-induced tube vibration, which can ultimately result in failure.

Reinventing Heat Transfer
With these problems in mind, it’s not surprising that engineers have continued to conduct research to enhance the shell-and-tube design, resulting in new technology that improves heat exchanger performance, counteracts fouling problems, saves space, reduces cost, and increases efficiency. One group that is leading the way in this effort is Heat Transfer Research Inc. (HTRI).

Based in Navasota, Texas, HTRI is a research and software development company that tests various exchanger types and heat transfer surfaces. Its staff conducts application-oriented research on equipment and uses these proprietary data to develop methods and software for the thermal design and analysis of heat exchangers and fired heaters. Its research includes physical testing, computational fluid dynamics, and flow visualization.

“HTRI has and continues to investigate new commercialized exchanger types such as plate and shell or helical baffle exchangers,” said Joe Schroeder, senior vice president of technical programs for HTRI.

In the helical baffle heat exchanger that Schroeder mentioned, quadrant-shaped plate baffles are placed at an angle to the tube axis in a sequential arrangement to create a helical flow pattern. The helical flow design improves thermal effectiveness, enhances heat transfer, reduces pressure loss, lessens fouling, and significantly reduces vibration concerns. One manufacturer of the helical style, CB&I, says the design is well proven with more than 1,800 of its HELIXCHANGER heat exchangers in operation worldwide.

​To read the full article, visit POWER

Navasota-based ErgoGenesis Workplace Solutions, LLC, the nationwide manufacturer and distributor of BodyBilt ergonomic seating and accessories, has introduced BoostTM, a height adjustable table designed with easy up/down electronic push-button controls for up to four saved heights, allows users to adjust their work environment easily for an optimum range of sitting or standing heights or for multi-user settings. ErgoGenesis developed Boost to complement its BodyBilt line of ergonomic workplace accessories and its flagship line of premium seating to offer a comprehensive ergonomic sit-stand workplace solution.

ErgoGenesis engineered Boost with three concepts in mind: ergonomic functionality, durability and design. The BodyBilt Boost Height Adjustable Table, which includes a 5-year warranty, is offered in four sizes to meet different work space needs with a choice of color options. The table features a touch 4-memory controller making it user friendly and quick to adjust, with an adjustment range that meets BIFMA standards and an adjustability speed of 1.5 inches per second. The Boost finishes are specifically designed for increased durability and easy cleanability. The legs are made from recycled aluminum with the same finishing method used in high-end appliances and airplanes.
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ErgoGenesis manufactures and delivers products that advance workplace comfort and productivity. The American Medical Association recommends alternative means to prolonged sitting like height adjustable tables and sit-stand desks. The concept of height adjustable tables is not new. Many famous people throughout history used stand-up desks, including Benjamin Franklin, Charles Dickens, Leonardo Da Vinci and Sir Winston Churchill. “The addition of our Boost Height Adjustable Table rounds out our offering of BodyBilt sit-stand solutions,” said Bernie Lynch, President of ErgoGenesis. “Research shows that health benefits are gained in a workplace that includes activity and movement. We are pleased to offer a full line of solutions designed to foster a healthy environment.”

About ErgoGenesis
Headquartered in Navasota, Texas and a portfolio company of Houston-based Freestone Partners, LLC, a private equity firm, ErgoGenesis, the manufacturer of BodyBilt ergonomic office seating and accessories, is dedicated to producing ergonomically correct solutions that provide comfort resulting in increased productivity. The company’s national sales force markets BodyBilt products to companies of all sizes, government entities, educational institutions, healthcare facilities, emergency call centers and individuals throughout the U.S. and abroad. For more information, visit www.BodyBilt.com.