Stromquist has been selling Maxitrol regulators for many years, and we are proud to be an authorized distributor for such a great, time-tested company.  Maxitrol has been manufacturing high-quality regulators for 65 years, and to honor their 65 year anniversary, they are having a cool contest to find the oldest regulator that is still regulating.  If you think you have one that would be in the running, click here to find out the rules of the contest and how to enter.  Do it soon because the contest ends on November 22. 

From the old to the new… if you are in the market for a gas regulator, Stromquist stocks a wide variety of Maxitrol lever acting, balance valve, rubber seat poppet and straight-through-flow designs. The popular lever acting 325 Series now has a high-capacity model with a capacity of 1.25 million btu/hr.  The highest capacity 325 regulator, the 325-7AL can be used in a wider range of applications and is available with a vent limiting device, which eliminates the need to run vent piping to the outside by limiting gas escapement to within ANSI standard requirements in the event of a diaphragm rupture.

For more information on the 325-7AL or to learn about the rest of the Maxitrol product offering, visit Maxitrol’s website or call the Stromquist office at 404-794-3440.

Since 1965 Minvalco has enjoyed growth as one of the largest HVAC/R controls distributors in the upper Midwest.

Like Stromquist and Company Minvalco is a family owned business growing from a one man operation and branching out with inventory and industry respected employees to become key suppliers in the commercial, residential, and industrial marketplace.

Minvalco is also a fellow member of the CGNA network of nationwide distributors allowing the strength of fellow members to provide unsurpassed services and information to clients around the country.

Being a premier wholesaler of Bell and Gossett products, Honeywell controls, and other fine products Minvalco truly shines as the largest distributor of Maxitrol gas regulators in the USA.

It came to no surprise when Jim Senst (Sales Manager) for Minvalco responded to the article on Rebuilt Flame Safeguard Controls with this statement:

“Great article and interview regarding rebuilt safety controls! Minnesota is a CSD-1 state but like most states lack the resources to fully inspect every boiler and burner. Many institutions’ managerial people may not know if their repair personnel are using rebuilt controls.These institutions may include; schools, nursing homes, hospitals and other public and private buildings.
In an effort to save money, are they risking the safety of children, the elderly and anyone else that may work or simply be in the building.”

Jim’s response to this article shows me how much Minvalco cares about their clients and this industry we have devoted our lives to and I am proud to tell others in the Midwestern areas to check out Minvalco for their control needs.

By the way Jim, next time you are in MY neck of the woods catching MY bass let me know and I will make sure you have a FLORIDA GATOR shirt to keep you safe in our waters…Is that Lake George?

 Jim Senst Sales Manager Minvalco

Check out the Maxitrol Certification Gas Pressure Regulator Class that was held at Stromquist & Company earlier this month.

Last week Stromquist hosted a Lunch and Learn on Maxitrol gas regulators that was taught by Maxitrol’s industry expert, Tom Ganfield.  We were happy to have our biggest Lunch and Learn turnout ever with 28 people.  That goes to show the importance of proper sizing and installation of gas regulators!  It proved to be a very helpful training session, and we received a lot of good feedback and comments from the attendees. 

If you missed the regulator training and would like to see it, we will be posting a video of the session on this website soon so check back for it.   If you need assistance with sizing a regulator, go herefor help from Maxitrol.  Or you can call the Stromquist office at 404-794-3440 for help with regulator sizing.

In just about every application where the flow of air, water, oil, gas, or any other fluid needs to be stopped or started a solenoid valve is incorporated into the piping system.

Here is a list of common questions that need to be addressed to properly start the selection of your solenoid valve needs.

Valve Type         2-way, 3-way, 4-way

Operation           Normally Open, Normally Closed, Universal

Pipe Size              Pipe size or flow requirements

Media                    Fluid to be controlled (what’s going through valve)

Pressure              Minimum and Maximum operating pressure

Temperature    Minimum and Maximum fluid and ambient temperature

Voltage                   Voltage and frequency to be used

Extras                      Special seals, special seats, manual reset, explosion proof, etc.

Since most of the day by day uses of solenoid valves are 2-way/ 2-position let’s look at the above questions closer.

Operation           This the most misunderstood question. Normally Open simply put means that when the valve is not energized (no power to coil) the valve is open allowing the media to pass through the valve.  When the Normally Open valve is energized (power to coil) the Normally Open valve will shut down not allowing media to pass through the valve. The Normally Closed valve is of course opposite to the Normally Open valve. When the Normally Closed valve is not energized the valve will not allow media to flow through the valve. When the Normally Closed valve is energized the valve will open to allow media to flow.

Pipe Size             Most all valves are listed by pipe size and Cv rating along with the valve’s orifice size. Notice that the smaller the orifice size is on a solenoid valve that the Cv rating is reduced.  So what Cv do you need? Here is a “rule of thumb”. Cv = 50% of the gpm flow through a valve based on a 2-5 psi pressure drop between the inlet and outlet of the valve. So by way of example if you need 10 gpm of water to supply your need to some equipment with a 2-5 psi pressure drop the solenoid’s Cv factor would be 5.

Media                   Most common of media type for solenoid valves is air, water, gas, steam, or oil.

Pressure              Maximum Operating Pressure Differential (M.O.P.D.) The maximum operating pressure differential refers to the maximum difference in pressure between the inlet and the outlet, against which the solenoid can safely operate the valve. If the pressure at the valve OUTLET is not known, it is safest to regard SUPPLY pressure as the M.O.P.D. Minimum Operating Pressure Differential  is that which is required to OPEN the valve and keep it open. 2-way way solenoids with a floating piston or diaphragm, the valve will start to close below the minimum operating differential pressure.

Temperature     The normal limitation of 32 degrees F (O degrees C) is advisable for any valve that might contain moisture (water Vapor). Where freezing water is not a factor, minimum ambience as low as 0 degrees F (-18 degrees C) can be tolerated. Special constructions are available for lower temperature ratings. Maximum ambient temperature is usually controlled by the UL listing for the coil insulation available for the valve.

Voltage                  There are various coil voltages available for solenoids to meet your needs.  Please remember when asking for valves to state if the voltage is AC or DC and whether 50 or 60 cycles.

Stromquist and Company is proud to service your needs for solenoid valves by ASCO, GC Valve, and Honeywell. Let us help you pick the right solenoid valve for your needs by calling us at 1-800-241-9471 or 1-800-638-7828.

Stromquist and Company handles just about every brand of gas pressure regulator. We stock Maxitrol, Pietro Fiorentini, Itron (Actaris), Sensus, and American Meter. It does not matter what brand gas regulator you are using or if you have a natural gas regulator or a LP Gas pressure regulator they all have one thing in common. If you don’t install the gas regulator correctly it will not work properly.

Believe it or not nine times out of ten when a gas pressure regulator is not working properly it is one of two things……..Either the gas regulator was not sized correctly or the gas pressure regulator was not installed correctly. Controltrends offers a very informative video on how to size a gas pressure regulator call “in and out cap size“. When in doubt about gas pressure regulator sizing call your customer service rep at Stromquist & Company or if you are not in Georgia or Florida or a Stromquist & Company customer you can visit one of our affiliates at Controls Group North America.

In terms of installation Matt’s video should keep you on the right track and for safety reasons please check out this installation guide. Remember gas pressure regulators can be dangerous and should only be handled by trained and certified professionals.

Most of the applications that Stromquist & Company provides natural gas pressure regulators for are commerical or industrial projects, but the principals apply for most residential and appliance as well as Lp or natural gas pressure regulators.

Gas pressure regulators are pretty much bullet proof, there is not a whole lot that can go wrong with a natural gas pressure regulator. So make sure you size your gas regulator correctly and install it properly. For all your gas pressure regulator and control needs THINK STROMQUIST

Products that perform their job so well that you just do not have to think about them are products that on today’s market seem few and far in between. Maxitrol gas regulators are among this line of products that we as suppliers and contractors have come to depend on.

Founded in 1946 Maxitrol’s headquarters are located in Southfield, Michigan.

The Maxitrol 325 series gas regulators are world renown for their use in the domestic natural gas market. The 325 series allows for inlet pressures up to 10 psig with certified 325 series for 2 and 5 psi systems and vent limiters to reduce the costs of installation by removing the need for a separate gas vent line to be installed by the contractor. New 325-7AL series regulator announced in July of 2010 takes the 325 series to new limits of capacities of over 1,000,000 BTUs. The larger RV series and 210 series are used by OEM boiler and burner manufactures worldwide.

Maxitrol’s  Selectra series of gas valves, amplifiers, and Selectrastat thermostats  with options of different temperature sensors allow the service and repair companies to add electronic modulation to Make Up Air applications and Space Heating applications for environmental climate control, as well as industrial or commercial heating processes.

Maxitrol’s PLUG1, is one of the most innovative devices for the homeowner. PLUG1 allows the homeowner to turn off the gas to an appliance, unplug the gas line, move the appliance for cleaning or any other reason, return the appliance, plug the gas line back in, turn the switch back on, and the appliance is ready for use again.

Plug 1 video (double click black box)

Smart solutions to everyday needs, keep Maxitrol, on top of your needs.

Stromquist and Company is proud to service your Maxitrol needs just give us a call at 1-800-241-9471.

The ASCO relay control panels are designed to operate ASCO 120 volt and DC solenoid valves controlling gas flow to school kitchens, domestic cooking classes, metal shops, and laboratories. Many situations now call for a way to lock out gas supplies during closed hours.

Operating the key switch on the 108D10C (DC panel) or the 108D90C (120 AC panel), the control station energizes the relay to open a normally closed ASCO gas solenoid which turns on the gas flow.

Other Features:

*If the control voltage is lost completely or is reduced to approximately 50% of normal value, the relay de-energizes the normally closed valve to shut off gas flow.

*The gas valve will not re-open at restoration of power until an authorized person operates the key switch on the control station. The gas may also be shut off by depressing the normally closed pushbutton switch located on the control station.

*Shallow NEMA 1 flush-mounted enclosure.

*Clearly marked terminals and installation drawing on inside panel cover.

*Optional auxiliary pushbuttons 173A19 and 173A20 may be located at various accessible locations throughout the building.

*Explosion proof gas valves from ½” to 2” available.

If you are a Stromquist customer located in Georgia or Florida  and you need help sizing or ordering an ASCO Gas Control Panel you can contact Stromquist and Company at  www.stromquist.com or call us at               1-800-241-9471         1-800-241-9471. All others can order this product from one of our affiliates at CGNA.

You can’t get heat and your troubleshooting skills (hopefully learned at a Stromquist & Company training class) have lead you to the conclusion that your gas valve will have to be replaced. Being the great technician that you are, you write down all the information and part numbers of the furnace or heater you are working on and head off to see Bob, Jerry, or Mark at the Stromquist counter to get a new valve.

After driving across town you are less than happy when you are told that the replacement gas valve cannot be determined by the furnace or heater number. Although there are hundreds of gas heater and furnace manufacturers, there are only three major controls companies that make gas valves for these companies: Honeywell, White Rodgers, and Robertshaw. What makes it tricky is that these three companies will make and sell these valves as OEM (original equipment manufacturer) parts for all these different heater companies and will put different part numbers on them. In some cases, the valves even function differently.

Why would a manufacturer want a different part number? For one thing it makes it very difficult for you to get a replacement valve at your local distributor. Think about it, these companies are in business to make money and if you have to come back to them for your replacement parts, they are able to sell more products. The problem with this is that very few of them have local inventory, and since they are manufacturers instead of wholesalers, quick shipping is usually not one of their skill sets. So you have to wait, which is usually not an option when your heat is not working. In a few cases the valve is built differently and you have no choice but to go back to the manufacturer, which usually results in you paying higher prices and dealing with longer lead times.

The good news is that with the right information, your local distributors like Stromquist & Company can provide you with the right gas valve at the right price. To make sure you get the right valve, either take the bad valve out and bring it into your local distributor or use your camera and take pictures of the valve, making sure to get the part numbers in the picture. Make sure to watch Mark’s video, Replacing Gas Valves On Furnances and Hot Water Heaters.