Swagelok's Calibration & Switching Module Adds Efficiency to Sample Conditioning

Swagelok's Pre-Engineered Subsystem (PrESS) handles multiple lines in a small footprint

The Calibration and Switching Module (CSM) is one of five Swagelok Pre-Engineered Subsystems. To read more about the key features and benefits of this module, download the CSM catalogue.

All process samples must be conditioned to meet an analyzer’s requirements. Conditioning includes verifying that a sample is being inserted into the analyzer at the appropriate pressure, temperature, flow, and filtration level. Swagelok's Calibration and Switching Module (CSM) not only conditions the sample, but allows you to easily switch among multiple sample lines and introduce calibration gas to the system.

It's installed right before the analyzer.

Mix and match

Each calibration and switching module is made to your order. It can be as simple as a ball valve and a stream selector, or you can add a host of inlet assemblies: gauge, filter, relief valve, and pressure regulator. Determine how many sample lines you will be working with, and how many calibration lines. Then tell us what kind of flow control you need at the outlet. We can even include manual calibration.

The design eliminates the problem of having lots of dead volume filled with an old sample. These so-called "dead legs" can lead to contamination of the next sample. That's especially true if the different lines contain different substances, say methanol, gasoline and propane. The Swagelok design pushes out all of the old sample.

MPC means easy configuration

We build this pre-engineered subsystem on Swagelok's modular platform component system. That means not only quick assembly, but ease of maintenance for you, and a small footprint. We've built an eight-line system with a footprint of roughly 2 feet by 3 feet, able to fit into a small enclosure with a heater.

The foundation for the MPC system is the substrate channel. A variety of drop-in components provide the main flow path from one surface-mount component to the next. Locator pins on the components fit into corresponding holes in the channel. Putting them together is, literally, a snap. Channels come in a variety of lengths that can handle up to 14 surface mount positions.

On top of the substrate layer comes the manifold layer. The same system of locator pins allows you to create the flow path between up to six parallel substrates.

Next come the various Swagelok surface-mount components that make up the fluid distribution system. Standard O-rings provide leak-tight seals between each surface-mount and substrate flow component and between the substrate and manifold flow components.

If you have a rail that's not long enough, you remove a cap and add an extra piece. Or if you realize you don't need a particular piece such as a filter, simply remove the component and cap it off. Pieces also can be put in a different order. All it takes is a simple Allen key.

Complete details about the Calibration and Switching Module are just a click away at Swagelok's CSM application guide.

Additional resources

• Swagelok Parts: Modular Platform Component Systems Set the Standard
• Todd Scorah: Our Man Serving at the Oil Sands
• Swagelok's Fluid Distribution Headers: Easy, Fast, and Versatile

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