Hydrogen-Powered vehicle fuel efficiency & reliability.

Stable pressure delivery in all flow conditions with a longer service life

The TESCOM™ HV-7000 Series two-stage pressure-reducing regulator,from Emerson, is designed to maximize fuel efficiency and improve reliability in hydrogen-powered vehicles. Easy to install, HV-7000 Series regulators provide stable pressure delivery, high reliability, and long service life for heavy-duty vehicles powered by fuel cells or hydrogen combustion engines.

The HV-7000 features two-stage pressure reduction and a positive seal designed to deliver hydrogen to the fuel cell at optimal pressure in all flow conditions, even as the vehicle hydrogen storage tank depletes. The two-stage pressure reduction significantly lessens decaying inlet characteristic compared to single-stage regulators, while the positive seal design offers superior shut-off performance. Together, these features can minimize fueling costs, as well as the risk of downstream component failure and downtime.

“Reliable vehicles with superior fuel efficiency are valuable assets that minimize total cost of ownership and maximize road time for companies operating fleets of hydrogen-powered trucks or buses,” said Fabrice Jannet, director business development for hydrogen with Emerson’s discrete automation business. “A profitable fleet starts at the component level. That’s why the TESCOM HV-7000 Series is engineered for automotive purpose, with a range of innovative features that boost hydrogen fuel efficiency and reliability in a design that is easy for system integrators to install.”

The most common cause of regulator failure is contamination, which can damage soft goods such as seats and seals, causing leakage and vehicle downtime. HV-7000 features such as tied valve stems, integrated filters and patented redundant seals make the regulator contamination-resistant, improving vehicle service life and extending time on the road.

The redundant seal design extends cycle life if one seal experiences wear; the filter catches solid particles produced during installation before they can contact soft goods, and the tied valve stem counteracts seat contamination and wear. Preventing contamination and resulting leaks can help avoid fuel loss, safety hazards, system damage and equipment downtime.

In addition to its benefits for the vehicle user, the HV-7000 is also designed to help fuel cell system manufacturers and integrators assemble the regulator into their system as quickly as possible. The regulator is compact and lightweight, with a flat shape and mounting holes designed specifically for mounting the regulator against other flat surfaces in the system. Such easy installation helps reduce manufacturing and procurement costs and eases scale-up as production volumes increase compared to other pressure regulation technologies.

---

@Emerson_News @EmersonExchange @mepaxIntPR #Tescom #PAuto

Star quality pressure regulation.

If you are a fan of the big screen, you are going to love the new VPPI proportional pressure regulator from Festo. It features a large, high definition display that makes set-up and diagnosis a doddle.

A strong and silent type, the VPPI proportional pressure regulator delivers outstanding performance in various roles within the electronics, machine tool, assembly technology and food and packaging sectors – such as regulating pressure, testing, dispensing, press and press-fitting. Its quiet operation also makes the VPPI a class act in desktop and laboratory applications.

The VPPI has a flow rate of up to 1000 litres/min and a port size of ⅛“. Highly dynamic to 30Hz, it offers precise and stable operation in vacuum applications as well as tasks up to a pressure range of 12 bar.

The HMI properties of the VPPI are a major benefit for users, saving time and simplifying programming and fault diagnosis. A high definition TFT display makes information clear and easy to read. It is large enough to communicate using complete words and not just abbreviations or fault codes, so there is no need to refer to a separate operator manual. The display can be rotated depending on whether the device is mounted vertically or horizontally, making it easy to read even in confined conditions. The large screen is complemented by three large function buttons, which make the device easy to program and interrogate.

The VPPI allows customers to regulate pressure dynamically and precisely by specifying a setpoint. Three preset performance levels are possible: for small volumes, large volumes or continuous flow. In addition, a customer-specific preset enables users to achieve a suitable, independent control behaviour. This preset value also speeds up the adjustment of the setpoint value, since the regulator adapts to the application.

The precise and highly dynamic VPPI is directly actuated in all sizes within the range, with no need for preliminary stages or pilot valves. This results in a rapid, repeatable dynamic response and virtually eliminates the noise and heat associated with 3/2 mechanical valves.

Flexibility is another star quality. It is possible to connect up to five VPPIs together on a common pressure supply without the need for a separate manifold, reducing complexity and the potential for leakage. DIN rail and other mounting options enable other configurations too, giving users the ability to create pressure zones.

The VPPI family contains eight variants, with or without the display option. Combined with the wide pressure range and flow rates, this enables users to specify a single family of proportional pressure regulators for all their needs: simplifying purchasing and maintenance.

@festo_global @FestoGB #PAuto

Line voltage regulator!

Economic and environmentally friendly solution for voltage control contributes to the evolution of smarter and greener grids

ABB has launched its line voltage regulator (LVR) product family for distribution networks that will boost reliability as grids receive more electricity from renewable energy installations.

Low Voltage model

Increasing amounts of energy from renewable resources, especially wind and solar, lead to more dynamic and intermittent power entering the mix. This can result in instability and frequent variation of voltage levels in the distribution network, which can pose a risk to electrical equipment if beyond the maximum allowable level set by regulators. The line voltage regulator is designed to help manage these variations and adjust the voltage accordingly.

ABB offers line voltage regulators for medium-voltage (MV) and for low-voltage (LV) grids. The MV regulator is available for ratings up to 8 Mega Volt Ampere (MVA) and the LV regulator for ratings up to 250 Kilo Volt Ampere (kVA), and both allow the voltage to be adjusted by up to +/-10%. Both products are designed for quick installation and have low energy losses.

“This latest line voltage regulator can automatically adjust the voltage based on the actual load or generation mix in the distribution system, addressing a key stability challenge posed by the increasing amount of renewables entering the power network,” said Bernhard Jucker, President of ABB’s Power Products division. "It can make an important contri-bution in the evolution of smarter and greener grids. This development is in line with our Next Level Strategy, and addresses the dynamics of the evolving power grid.”

ABB developed the LVR in conjunction with Germany’s “Networks of the future/Smart Country” initiative. It has worked with the German utility RWE AG to test it on distribution grids in Germany, as well as separately in Switzerland where since 2014 it has been successfully smoothing out the typical voltage fluctuations generated by a solar power station in a rural area.

Regulators with integrated bypass valves help reduce downtime & maintenance costs!

Pressure control solution for offshore hydraulic power unit applications

Emerson Process Management has released the TESCOM 50-4000 series regulators. The 50-4000 series is engineered to provide accurate and consistent pressure control performance for the subsea wellhead control system, even in the most demanding ultra-deep water installations.

The 50-4000 is designed with an integrated bypass valve that transitions from high flow to precision control at a pre-set pressure. This enables accurate control of high-pressure water glycol for offshore hydraulic power unit applications, while decreasing subsea wellhead control system pressurisation time by up to one-third.

The robust design of this product solves many challenges that deep-water customers face, including slow umbilical fill rates, unreliable and inaccurate regulator performance, increasing failure rates, and high maintenance costs. The 50-4000 precisely controls pressure across large flow variations up to 1034 bar/15,000 psig, enabling it to reduce hydraulic power unit high-pressure components, leak paths and maintenance costs while eliminating complex start-up procedures.

High flow capacity tank blanketing regulators!

Emerson  has released the T200 Series small-size tank blanketing regulators. This new series of regulators consists of three models: the T205 pressure reducing tank blanketing regulator – non-balanced trim; the T205B pressure-reducing tank blanketing regulator – balanced trim; and the T208 pressure relief tank blanketing regulator.

The latest tank blanketing sizing guidelines (ISO 28300 and API 2000) take into account additional factors than mere pumping in and out and temperature changes. They include factors such as the latitude, average storage temperature, vapour pressure, and insulation. These changes in flow requirements may result in greater flow capacity, which is provided with the new T200 Series.

Storage tanks fluctuate in pressure as content is pumped in or out and as the temperature increases or decreases. Tank blanketing regulators such as the T200 Series ensure proper vapour pressure in liquid storage tanks by adding blanketing gas or relieving tank vapour. This is important for safety, product quality and the environment.

Filter regulators improve response speed of valve solutions

Stainless steel filter regulators reduce closing time of valves

Ascendant Technologies, a specialist valve automation company serving the British oil and gas sector, has selected filter regulators from ASCO Numatics to help improve the response speed of its valve solutions. By deploying the ASCO Numatics 342 Series of filter regulators, which have a large flow rate, the company is able to meet the needs of its customers by offering a solution with a significantly reduced valve closure time.

Filter regulator flow rates are critical in determining the time required to close a valve. ASCO Numatics ½” stainless steel filter regulators incorporate moulded reinforced diaphragms, which enable a flow rate up to 4430 l/min. Following performance tests, Ascendant Technologies concluded that the ASCO regulator reduced the valve closure time from 11.7 to 7 seconds.

“To meet end user requirements, we needed to improve the response speed of our valve solution,” said Andy McDuff, General Manager, Ascendant Technologies. “We tested a number of filter regulators from different suppliers and the ASCO device outperformed its rivals, helping to significantly reduce the valve closing time.”

For Emergency Shut-Down (ESD) applications the response time of the valve can be critical. If the filter regulator is unable to pass enough air to enable the actuator to close the valve in the specified time, then a booster may need to be fitted. This adds to the overall cost and increases the number of potential leak points.

The Series 342 is suitable for ambient temperatures from -40°C up to +80°C (-50°C for arctic conditions is available on request) and for compressed air and gases. It can therefore be installed across many industries, including chemical, petrochemical, oil & gas, refinery, power generation, pulp & paper and process plants.

Integral two-stage regulator family expanded

Emerson Process Management has expanded its integral two-stage pressure reducing gas regulator family with the Fisher® Type R232A and Type R632A, and has launched the industry’s first compact integral two-psig regulator – the Type R232E. The regulators are designed to perform at -40ºC and resist gas impurities, resulting in longer service life.

R232A integral two-stage pressure 

reducing regulator

The R632A, R232A, and R232E regulators are designed for 17.2 Bar (250 psig) inlet pressure and reduce pressure across two pressure drops (two stages), resulting in a final pressure of 0.014 Bar (2 psig). These regulator product families not only pass Emerson’s test specifications for operation at -40ºC, but they also operate reliably at -40ºC after being exposed to an environment simulating significant propane contamination.

Fisher LP-Gas integral two-stage regulators combine both first and second stages into one compact unit for easy installation on tight fit applications.

High pressure reducing regulator!

The new high-capacity, pressure reducing Tartarini DN 250 (10") Type FL regulator has been released by Emerson Process Management. The DN 250 Type FL is a pilot-operated regulator that is well suited for high-pressure drop applications such as city gate stations, power plant fuel supply and turbine fuel supply. The SRII noise attenuation option can reduce noise levels as much as 20 dB (A) depending on flows and pressure drop. The FL can also be configured to be used as a relief valve or backpressure regulator.

This regulator complements Emerson’s current family of DN 25, 50, 80, 100, 150 and 200 (1, 2, 3, 4, 6, 8-inch) size FL regulators. It handles higher capacities while providing all of the benefits of the other FL sizes, such as true no-bleed design, easy start-up, noise attenuation options, balanced trim design, bubble-tight shut off, 103 bar (1480 psig) inlet/outlet rating, control accuracy and modular design. The Type FL is easy to maintain due to the low number of parts.

Noise attenuation

Tartarini Type SRII and SRS silencers ensure more efficient noise abatement for high pressure drops and high gas velocities.

Internal view of Emerson’s Tartarini Type FL regulator with Type SRS silencer

Emerson Process Management has released the Tartarini™ Type SRII and SRS silencer options for the Type FL regulators. These new silencers provide an efficient noise prevention solution for natural gas transmission or distribution installations.   

Types SRS and SRII silencer options are available for DN 25, 50, 80, 100, 150 (1, 2, 3, 4, 6-inch), as well as a new DN 200 (8-inch) size, opening a broader application range for this product family. Noise reduction of up to 20 dB(A) can be achieved, depending on the application. As a source treatment, Types SRS and SRII silencers utilise multiple orifices of special size, shape, and spacing, which reduce noise-producing interactions and offers an alternative to path treatment or buried service. Units already installed can be easily retro-fitted with a Type SRII or Type SRS.

Air pressure regulators with 0.1% accuracy

Marsh Bellofram has recently introduced the Type 10 series, a family of high-precision air pressure regulators offering 0.1% output accuracy with very low sensitivity to supply pressure, ambient temperature changes and flow changes, making them ideal for use in pipe and vessel air pressure monitoring, industrial processes, inspection procedures and control and analysis instrumentation applications.

This series offers a highly rugged design with unique features. These include high start-up stability, eliminating the need for regulated start pressure readjustment after long downtimes, with automatic return to output setting at start-up; incorporation of a high-gain pneumatic servo amplifier for regulated pressure, ranging from dead end to 20 cubic meters per hour (12 SCFM), held constant over substantial flow changes;  incorporation of an extra-large capacity integral relief valve, for exhaust flow when regulated pressure is reset to a lower value, with automatic high downstream relief under dead end conditions; and incorporation of a high-performance servo-operated control mechanism in the regulator for added pressure stability.

In addition, excellent temperature stability is achieved via a measurement capsule constructed of specially selected stainless steel alloys which minimize regulated pressure shifts over wide temperature variations.  Inadvertent pressure adjustments are possible via tightening of the Type 10’s integral locking nut. Units may be installed in any position and either panel mounted or supported by in-line plumbing.  Where low power requirements may be of concern, it is also offered in a motorized configuration of 2 rpm/4 watts; 6 rpm/6 watts with extremely high accuracy, allowing it to be used in HVAC systems, remote pressure control ventilation systems or other electro-pneumatic system control applications. Its design allows for easy integration into open or closed loop process control systems and programmable controllers. The Marsh Bellofram Type 10 series is also offered in several model variations to meet particular requirements.  The Type 10EXHR is a high-relief regulator with the same rugged construction and high-accuracy performance as the standard model, with the addition of extra fast “blowdown” for the extremely rapid release of downstream pressure typically required within fast exhaust applications such as cylinder return stroke actuation and air hoists.  A low-range version, the Type 10LR, allows for an output pressure range of 0.5 psig to 25 psig (0.03 BAR to 1.7 BAR) over a maximum supply pressure of 50 psig (3.4 BAR).

The exceptional versatility and performance of models within this high-performance air pressure regulator series also make it ideal for use in gas mixing, air gauging, disc and shoe air braking, positioned signaling, valve operation, gate actuation, calibration stands, cylinder loading, force balance hoists, clamp units, web tensioning, press units and roll loading applications.

High-flow air pressure regulator for industrial applications

The Precision Controls Division (PCD) of Marsh Bellofram Corporation, has announced the global market introduction of the Type 78, a direct-acting, high-performance air pressure regulator designed to offer high-accuracy, large flow and exhaust capabilities within OEM and industrial applications.

With available port sizes of ⅜, ½, ¾ and 1 NPT and BPST, with ¼ NPT gauges, their Type 78 air pressure regulator is specifically designed for applications that require large flow capabilities and accurate pressure control.  Available in five different pressure output ranges of up to 125 psig (8.6 BAR), this precision regulator offers low droop, high accuracy and fine adjustment sensitivity with maximum supply pressure rated at 400 psig (27.6 BAR) and achievable flow rates of well over 200 SCFM.  Use of a patented Bellofram rolling diaphragm provides greater sensitivity and improved accuracy, along with low-friction operation and long useful service life. The Type 78 offers a balanced pintle, which minimizes output pressure changes caused by fluctuations in supply pressure.  The unit can be either pipe or rail mounted.

Careful design and use of quality materials in manufacturing the Marsh Bellofram Type 78 air pressure regulator ensures long, trouble-free operation.  In addition, the rugged die-cast zinc and aluminum housings of the Type 78 are pressure tested to assure safe operation and designed to withstand harsh and abusive environments. This durability is attributed to a chemical conversion coating of all cast components and a vinyl paint finish. Additional optional features and accessories for the Type 78 include low-bleed, non-relieving, square head adjustment, T-handle adjustment, tamper resistant cover, epoxy paint, tapped supply gauge port and tapped exhaust.  Mounting brackets and repair kits are also available.

The new Marsh Bellofram Type 78 high-pressure air regulator is ideal for use across a variety of industrial applications, including high-flow actuation; high-flow louvers; slitters, rollers and dewinders; high-flow control loop applications; and calibration loops, among others.

Point-of-load regulator

Ultralow VIN DC/DC µModule® Regulator with Onboard 5V MOSFET Gate Drive Delivers 15A from 3.3VIN down to 1.5VIN

The LTM4611, which has been released on Monday 28th June 2010 by Linear Technology, is a complete switch mode DC/DC µModule point-of-load regulator capable of generating its own 5V N-channel MOSFET gate drive for very efficient voltage conversion from 3.3VIN or less to loads as low as 0.8V at up to 15A.

Alternative traditional low input voltage high power switch mode DC/DC converters with N-channel MOSFETs require a second regulator circuit to provide the 5V gate drive needed for logic level MOSFETs. Conversion efficiency for the LTM4611 at full load (15A) is 92% for 3.3VIN to 2.5VOUT.

Applications include systems with only 3.3V, 2.8V or 2.5V as the main power rail such as compact data storage and RAID systems, ATCA and optical networking cards, as well as medical and industrial equipment.

So what is the Story behind the LTM4611?

Background
Many densely populated and sophisticated board designs such as multi-ASIC embedded systems or dual-core single-board computers use an isolated brick to convert a 48V bus to 3.3V as the main power rail. There are several reasons:

1) With only a 3.3V bus, power consumption of the board (total circuit) can be improved if proper DC/DC point-of-load converters are chosen to convert 3.3V to lower voltages (2.5V, 1.2V, 1.0V, 0.9V) to power DDR memory, FPGA core, transceivers, for example.
2) Running only one bus line (3.3V) simplifies circuit design by eliminating the requirement for 5V or 12V rails often required to bias higher power DC/DC point-of-load regulator.
3) Isolated bricks have improved their efficiency in converting 48V to 3.3V even at higher output power and their prices are more attractive than in the past.

The challenge is when the load that is powered from the 3.3V rail requires more than 5A to as much as 12A. Although this requirement seems rare, because of the advancements in FPGAs, processors and ASIC technologies, more designers are relying on these devices to boost performance in smaller circuit boards especially when multiple of them are used in parallel. It is not rare to see applications with 10A load requirement. One recent customer asked for 30A for 1V rail powered from 3.3V input. However, traditional low input voltage high power switchmode DC/DC converters with N-channel MOSFETs rely on a second regulator circuit to provide higher than VIN voltage for MOSFET gate drive which increases layout complexity, size and cost. When 5V is not available, delivering high current to loads from 3.3V input bus is very inefficient and power dissipated will increase the junction temperature of the regulator and surrounding components.
New Solution
The LTM4611 is a complete switchmode DC/DC system-in-a-package point-of-load regulator capable of generating its own 5V N-channel MOSFET gate drive for very efficient voltage conversion from 3.3V or less to loads as low as 0.8V at up to 15A. Conversion efficiencies for the LTM4611 at full load (15A) are 92% for 3.3VIN to 2.5VOUT, 88% for 2.5VIN to 1.5VOUT, and 81% for 1.5VIN to 0.9VOUT. Examples of applications include systems with only 3.3V, 2.8V or 2.5V as the main power bus such as in very compact data storage and RAID systems, ATCA and networking cards as well as medical and industrial equipment. The LTM4611 includes the main DC/DC power circuit and the gate drive circuit which contain inductors, MOSFETs, input and output bypass capacitors and compensation circuitry in a small 15mm x 15mm x 4.32mm LGA (land grid array) package weighing only 2.6g. The device boasts +/-2% total DC output error over temperature, line and load regulation as a result of its architecture, precision reference voltage and differential remote sense amplifier; a very key specification for loads such as FPGAs and ASICS that require better than +/-3% voltage accuracy for their optimum performance. To increase output load to 30A, 45A or 60A, two, three or four LTM4611 DC/DC µModule devices can be paralleled to share current.

Features:

• Complete DC/DC system-in-a-package regulator with onboard gate driver in 15mm x 15mm x 4.32 mm LGA package
  
• Ultra low VIN: 1.5V to 5.5V (6V abs max)
  
• 0.8V to 5V output, 15A
  
• Differential remote sensing for precision regulation
  
• Clock synchronizable from 360kHz to 710kHz