Pneumatic Volume Booster

Pneumatic control system volume booster replicates a control
signal with higher available air flow at the output.
Image courtesy ControlAir, Inc.

A volume booster is employed in a pneumatic control system to reproduce a low flow control signal with a higher regulated flow output pressure. It uses an unregulated input pressure to maintain a regulated output pressure under flowing and non-flowing conditions. Many applications exist, a common one being a valve actuator which may require a substantially larger air flow rate than can be delivered by the control signal. The volume booster will reproduce the pressure of the input signal at its output, but with a larger available flow rate available from an independent source.

The volume booster is connected to the air supply line, with the output routed to whatever device is to be controlled. The control signal to the volume booster originates at another device, such as a transducer, valve positioner or other control means.

This pneumatic input signal serves as the output pressure setpoint for the booster. The volume booster regulates the flow from the supply line to deliver the sepoint outlet pressure, while allowing the booster to flow the maximum volume of the supply line. Boosters may also be referred to as pilot-operated regulators, as your control or pilot signal maintains the outlet pressure control.

The regulated output of a pneumatic volume booster can be any of several options to match the driven device requirements.

• A direct reproduction of the pneumatic control signal
• A multiple of the pneumatic control signal 
• A fraction of the pneumatic control signal

The volume booster ratio is the multiplier or divider of signal pressure to output pressure. For example, a 2:1 ratio means output pressure is 1/2 the signal pressure. Similarly, a 1:2 ratio would provide output pressure twice the signal pressure. The actual output pressure, regardless of the ratio, is limited by the supply pressure.

There is substantial flexibility in the configuration and variants of volume boosters, enabling selection of the right unit for every application. Share your pneumatic control system challenges with process automation specialists, leveraging your own knowledge and experience with their product application expertise to develop effective solutions.

Volume Booster for Pneumatic Control Systems from Hile Controls of Alabama, Inc.

New Product - Pressure Regulator For Very Low Flow Applications

The JRDL Series pressure regulator for very low flow applications.
Image courtesy LowFlow - Division of Jordan Valve

Jordan Valve, under their Low Flow brand name, released a new series of products to expand their already extensive J-Series line of pressure regulators and back pressure regulators.

The JRDL Series is a diaphragm operated pressure regulator intended for use in applications requiring very low flow rates.  Line sizes include 1/2", 3/4", and 1" (along with metric equivalents) with threaded, socket weld, or flange connections. The standard outlet pressure ranges extend up to 400 PSI, with custom configurations available. A host of possible configurations, seal materials, and options round out the offering.

More technical detail and illustration is provided in the datasheet included below. Share your fluid control challenges with valve specialists, leveraging your own process knowledge and experience with their product application expertise to develop effective solutions.

JRDL Low Flow Pressure Regulator Valve from Hile Controls of Alabama, Inc.

Total Chlorine Analyzer for Water or Seawater Applications

Total chlorine analyzer for water and seawater application.
Image courtesy Emerson - Rosemount

Chlorine has many uses throughout commercial, municipal, and industrial processes. Managing chlorine levels is an important part of many process control applications. The measurement of total chlorine in a water or seawater sample is accomplished with the Rosemount TCL Total Chlorine System.

The cabinetized unit includes a sampling system, total chlorine sensor, and transmitter to deliver total chlorine measurement to a control and monitoring system. The cabinet is fabricated from fiber reinforced plastic, making it suitable for marine environments. The transmitter provides analog outputs for temperature and chlorine, with a range of industrial communications options available.

The unit contains enough reagent to last approximately two months. Acetic acid and potassium iodide are injected into the sample. The resulting depression in the sample pH allows total chlorine to react with the potassium iodide to form iodine. The sensor measures concentration of iodine, and the transmitter interprets and displays the level of total chlorine from that measurement. The transmitter also serves as the operator interface for diagnostics, calibration, and setup. Sensor maintenance is fast and easy. Replacing the membrane requires no special tools or fixtures. Simply place the membrane assembly on the cathode and screw the retainer in place. Installing a new membrane and replenishing the electrolyte takes only a few minutes.

More detail is provided in the datasheet included below. Share all your fluid analytic challenges with process measurement specialists. Leverage your own process knowledge and experience with their product application expertise to develop effective solutions.

Total Chlorine Analyzer System from Hile Controls of Alabama, Inc.

Valves, Regulators, Steam Traps, and More for Sanitary Processing

Steriflow manufactures a broad range of fluid control and regulator products for use in sanitary operations, such as in the pharmaceutical, food, beverage, and cosmetic industries. The video provides a comprehensive overview of the various products available from Steriflow.

Share all your sanitary process fluid control requirements with process measurement and control specialists, leveraging your own knowledge and experience with their product application expertise for develop effective solutions.