Remote Sense Capability Increases Pilot Options for Vacuum Applications -

Remote Sense Capability Increases Pilot Options for Vacuum Applications

  • Equilibar Vacuum Regulator with 160A remote sense pilot regulator

Equilibar’s new Remote Sense Valve (RSV) provides improved pilot control options for vacuum applications.

In many vacuum applications, a filter or long run of piping exists between the vacuum regulator and the process. This makes it difficult to achieve accurate vacuum control because the vacuum control valve must compensate for significant pressure losses. For these applications, a remote sense device can help control the process directly to the desired pressure.

The new Equilibar RSV is a highly precise mechanical vacuum pilot with remote sense capability. It is designed to provide closed-loop control of an Equilibar vacuum regulator. The RSV actively adjusts the pilot reference vacuum level to maintain an extremely steady vacuum setpoint despite large variations in flow and process pressure drop.

The RSV has a remote sense port for a tube that can be connected to a line near the process to be controlled. The schematic below shows a process configuration with a filter creating a pressure drop between the controlled process and the Equilibar vacuum regulator. A remote sense line is installed between the RSV pilot regulator and the controlled process. Schematic of vacuum control with EVR and RSV remote sense pilot

The RSV works by using this remote sense input to carefully adjust the vacuum force that is applied to the pilot reference port of the Equilibar vacuum regulator.

During higher flow conditions, The RSV increases the reference vacuum level to open the vacuum regulator more fully. The opposite occurs during low flow conditions. This active pilot adjustment coupled with the instantaneous response of the Equilibar EVR keeps the pressure stable from the lowest flow rates to the maximum capacity of the EVR. The RSV can be integrated with any Equilibar vacuum regulator to provide remote sensing for improved vacuum control.

The graph below compares the performance of an EVR-GSD4 (1/2” inlet port) controlled in a standard open loop configuration, with the performance controlled in an RSV remote sense configuration. Performance of vacuum control with EVR and RSV remote sense pilot

We believe the RSV will offer advantages for many of our vacuum customers. For more information, contact an application engineer at inquiry@equilibar.com

Categories
Equilibar News
Photo of Biopharma product managers Steriflow and Equilibar

Q&A on single-use and multi-use fluid control for biopharma processes

From single-use valves for TFF to a redesigned sanitary safety relief valve, Equilibar and Steriflow have been exploring synergistic ways to combine two distinct technologies to create better fluid control solutions for the biopharmaceutical industry since 2021. As they prepare for the April 2024 INTERPHEX show in New York City, Single Use Technology Manager Ryan Read More

Read More