Flow control substrate provides platform to achieve Nessi goals in petrochem/chemical analytical, laboratory, and general instrumentation flow control applications
Parker Instrumentation has launched a modular substrate delivering what it describes as a 'leap forward' for process analytical and laboratory instrumentation flow control systems.
The new surface-mounting fittings advance performance on all major fronts: dramatically reducing the amount of space required, minimising the volume of sample flow paths, and speeding construction and reducing cost of ownership. Parker's new IntraFlow substrate fitting was developed to meet the analytical industry standards set by Nessi: the influential New Sample/Sensor Initiative, which originated at the Center for Process Analytical Chemistry (Cpac) at the University of Washington.
Nessi's roadmap has three generations - IntraFlow satisfies the generation 1 mechanical requirements and is a versatile foundation for the planned generations 2 and 3. Designed to meet the rigorous demands of sampling systems, IntraFlow surface-mount substrate fittings are ISA/ANSI SP76.00.02 compliant, and plug together in seconds using novel slip-fit connectors.
No welding is required to build a system. The 1.5 inch (38.1mm) footprint modules simply screw onto a pegboard backplane that provides the connection force and rigidity for the finished flow control assembly, and may be disassembled rapidly for maintenance or re-use.
Finished systems occupy typically around 25% of the space of a conventionally plumbed flow control system.
A major technical advantage of Parker's new modular substrate is its intrinsic support for three-way flow paths.
Unlike the linear substrates in common use for semiconductor 'gas stick' delivery systems, IntraFlow maintains flow paths on a single plane - regardless of direction.
No manifolds on additional substrate layers are needed to implement the more sophisticated functionality required by sample systems.
This approach allows flow control substrates to be constructed with extremely low profiles (less than 3/4 inch/20mm including the pegboard), and additionally optimises efficiency in terms of smaller internal volume sizes for faster sampling and purging cycles.
Another important benefit of the design is its ability to apply heat right at the substrate, for rapid and precise sample conditioning.
Standard electric heater cartridges may be inserted in a backplane to apply heat via conduction, at within 5/32 inch of the sample flow path. Pegboards suitable for steam heating are available if preferred. System assembly and disassembly is entirely mechanical.
The slip-fit connectors that link the modules are simply inserted by hand.
Screwing the module assembly down onto the pegboard then requires just a 5/32 inch Allen key.
All components are reconfigurable and reusable, a feature that supports the development of Nessi generation 2 and 3 components and technologies.
"The idea was born out of what has been said about process analysis for years - the analyser is only as good as the sample delivery system," says Graham Johnson, Parker Instrumentation's business development manager.
"The idea has been to miniaturise and modularise in an effort to reduce the cost of ownership." IntraFlow systems may be designed using a free Parker software tool that will be made available on the web.
Users can define the flow path, which then creates a bill of materials (BOM), assembly drawings and process and instruction drawings.
When the configuration is complete, users can order the assembled system from Parker, or build it themselves.
"This is a true paradigm shift for sampling systems," adds Johnson.
"A major benefit is that sampling systems can now be built on-site.
"After configuring the flow control path using the software tool, a small stock of modular substrate fittings allows users to plug a system together in an hour or so." The new modular substrate is supported by a wide range of compatible flow control components and accessories such as filters, flow meters, pressure regulators, quick couplers, and a comprehensive range of valve types including ball, diaphragm, metering, needle, toggle, check and relief.
