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by Katie Reid on Thu, May 28, 2015 @ 14:05 PM
This pre-engineered subsystem moves samples to the analyzer faster
Swagelok's Field Station Module is one of our 5 Pre-Engineered Subsystem modules. To get more information on this specific design, download the free catalogue here.
When analyzing a gas sample, it's important to move the sample quickly. The rule of thumb is to get it from the process tap to the analyzer in a minute or less. One way to speed up delivery is to lower the pressure.
You read that right: Lower the pressure to speed up the sample. If that seems odd at first, think of a crowd of people trying to get onto a bus, or a large group of runners at the start of a marathon. They can't move fast because it's too crowded. The same is true of the molecules in a sample. Gas is compressible, so high-pressure lines have more gas molecules in them. By lowering the pressure, you thin out the crowd, increasing the flow rate so the molecules can get to the analyzer faster.
That's where a Swagelok field station module (FSM) comes in. When this pre-engineered subassembly is placed directly off the supply tap, it lowers the pressure of a gas as soon as possible.
In addition to giving you a fast response time, the field station module reduces condensation in the sample. Higher pressure will squeeze out any water in a gas, causing condensation issues. With a lower pressure, you don't get that change in phase.
Lower pressure also provides a safer environment for your personnel.
Flexible configurations
The basic setup is a ball valve to let the sample in, a pressure regulator, and the outlet that takes the sample down to the analyzer. You also have the option of including a relief valve so that pressure doesn't build up.
The field station module can be configured several different ways with filters. One configuration uses a small high-flow particulate filter and one or two pressure gauges, good for the lowest internal volumes and fast response times. Or you can add a pre-filter gauge if you want pressure to drop across the filter. Yet another configuration, for samples with mist in them, includes a membrane separator with a gravity drain back down the probe.
For very dirty process samples, you can configure the field station module with a large capacity particle filter. And, finally, you can include a combination coalescing/membrane filter with a drain, to get rid of both mist and particulates.
Cover up
To protect all those components, we offer several kinds of covers for the field station module: stainless steel with an optional polycarbonate window, ABS plastic with an optional tempered glass window, and fiberglass with an optional acrylic window.
The environment often will dictate the selection. If plastics aren't allowed, for instance, steel offers great protection. Steel doesn't offer much insulation against the cold, so fiberglass might be a better pick in some cases. We offer heaters for the enclosures as well.
Why do it yourself?
One of the best parts of all our pre-engineered subsystems is that they come ready to plug in and play. Your staff won't have to set aside their regular work to figure out a design, plumb in a regulator or bend tubing. You don't need to build an inventory of components, or figure out what to do with the parts that don’t conform to specs. And the assemblies come with Swagelok’s expertise, service and support behind them.
For more details, including photos and dimensions, download Swagelok's application guide here.
Additional resources
- Swagelok Sample Probe Modules: Welded Or Retractable?
- These Swagelok Valves Get the Job Done Without Packing
- Looking for a Post About Swagelok Fittings? Start Here!
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