Application requirements
The experimental pilot systems developed by UL PROPULS involve gases and liquids, with or without chemical reactions. They require precise control of operating parameters to ensure reliable test results. The permeability tests specifically require: - Accurate control of gas and liquid flow rates - Stable pressure control throughout the system - Precise humidity management - Prevention of condensation effects - Reproducible conditions during long-term experiments In addition, the system must be easily integrated into a laboratory environment and allow control and monitoring through Windows-based PC software.
Important topics
Important topics
Accurate generation of humidified gas mixtures
Stable and reproducible operating conditions
Integrated control of gas, liquid and vapour flows
Reliable operation in a laboratory environment
Easy integration and software-based control
Process solution
Bronkhorst developed a complete fluid control solution for the permeability test setup, combining gas flow control, liquid dosing, controlled evaporation and pressure regulation.
The installation includes:
- Three EL-FLOW Prestige mass flow controllers for gases
- One mini CORI-FLOW liquid mass flow meter equipped with a 3-way valve
- One Controlled Evaporation and Mixing (CEM) system
- Two EL-PRESS pressure controllers
Two mass flow controllers accurately dose and mix the dry gases (alkanes), creating the required gas composition before entering the evaporation section.
Liquid water is supplied to the CEM evaporation system via the Coriolis mass flow meter, ensuring highly accurate and stable liquid dosing. A nitrogen-pressurized vessel maintains a constant water supply pressure. Within the evaporation system, the liquid is evaporated and mixed with the gas stream, resulting in homogeneous and reproducible humidification.
The humidified gas mixture is subsequently routed to the permeation module. A third EL-FLOW controller regulates the flow rate, while a temperature-controlled transfer line prevents condensation throughout the system.
Two EL-PRESS pressure controllers continuously regulate and stabilize system pressure, ensuring reliable operation over the complete test range.
By integrating gas, liquid, vapor and pressure control into a single solution, Bronkhorst enables the accurate generation of tailor-made humidified gas mixtures with excellent repeatability. This supports reliable material permeability testing and characterization.
“The combination of the evaporation system and Bronkhorst controllers provides a unique solution that is both flexible and easy to implement, and perfectly meets our needs for a wide range of experimental tests.”
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