Blow-off valve for acetylene

The new compact AV815 blow-off valve from Witt Gasetchnik GmbH & Co. KG (www.wittgas.com) have been developed to vent acetylene in combination with manifold pressure regulators per DIN EN ISO 7291.

The direct acting spring-loaded safety valve protects pressure regulators from damage due to excess pressure. When the preset opening pressure is reached, the 91-mm (3.58-in.) long component releases excess gas.

The valve is available with a range of six opening pressures from 0.75 bar to 2.5 bar (10.9 psi to 36.3 psi) and nominal flow capacities of up to 90 cu-m/hr (3,178 cu-ft/hr) and is designed for working temperatures ranging from -40 C to +80 C. The valve can be installed in any orientation, and is protected from contamination by a protective cap. Each unit is inspected and certified by TÜV before it is shipped. In addition to the safety benefits, the company said users find its certification beneficial.

The valves' brass housing has a high resistance to corrosive environments. The internal compression spring is made of stainless steel and the valve seal of EPDM. Several adapters are available to connect to the vent-off line. The AV815 is Witt's latest addition to its range of safety valves for nearly all technical gases. As an ISO-certified manufacturer, the company also produces safety equipment for the protection of individual cylinders, discharge points and pipe systems from gas regression and deflagration.

Compact pressure calibrator

Omega Engineering Inc. (www.omega.com) has introduced the PCL341/PCL342 series handheld pressure calibrator with internal, isolated, stainless steel pressure sensors with 0.025-percent full-scale accuracy. This rugged, compact product with a large graphic-style LCD with backlight has a triple display screen that shows process voltage and current, temperature, and pressure. The PLC341 is available in nine ranges, the PLC342 comes in two ranges, and both models measure 4-to-20 mA loop current and up to 30 Vdc. The operating mode layers support simple as well as complex applications making the product suitable for gas flow calibration applications and industries where pressure and temperature measurements are needed.

Alternative fuel to MAPP gas

Worthington Cylinders (www.WorthingtonCylinders.com) has introduced MAP-Pro gas — a new premium fuel for the hand torch industry.

“Since 2004, we have been thoroughly evaluating cleaner and more efficient alternatives to MAPP gas with similar or greater performance characteristics,” Harry Goussetis, president of Worthington Cylinders, said. “We are pleased to introduce MAP-Pro as the premium replacement fuel for hand torch professionals.”

MAP-Pro has a higher flame temperature and better combustion intensity than propane enabling professional users to complete their tasks more quickly.

The introduction comes on the heels of the recent announcement by Pétromont and Co., the sole North American manufacturer of MAPP gas, that it will no longer produce MAPP gas as it has closed its Canadian operations indefinitely on April 30, 2008. MAPP gas is currently the hand torch industry's premium fuel used primarily by professionals.

“I am pleased that we are now well positioned to respond quickly and confidently to this sudden and unexpected supply disruption, and as seamlessly as possible, provide for our customers' demands,” Goussetis added.

Worthington Cylinders has also announced that hand torch cylinders, camping fuel cylinders and all 4.25, 11, 20, 30, 40 and 100-pound LPG cylinders will carry the new Worthington Pro Grade brand. “We're incredibly proud of the high-quality products we produce daily and feel the new Worthington Pro Grade brand helps demonstrate that to retailers and consumers,” said Dusty McClintock, vice president of sales for Worthington Cylinders. “Those purchasing a product with the Worthington Pro Grade brand can trust they're purchasing a safe, high-quality product incorporating the latest technology.”

Gas mixer for 300 bar cylinders

Witt (www.wittgas.com) has also introduced the BM-2M — a direct mixer for bottled gas with 300 bar (4,351 psi) filling pressure.

The unit is connected directly to a gas cylinder without additional pressure control, and mixes two gases in any ratio with inlet pressures of up to 300 bar achieving a maximum of 8 bar (116 psi) outlet pressure. Integrated relief valves protect the downstream system from overpressure. The system is certified for use with argon, helium, carbon dioxide and nitrogen with a mixing accuracy of 1 percent.

The mixer weighs 3.5 kg (7.72 lb), is extremely compact and fits perfectly between the cylinders' heads. The dials are clearly legible, the regulators can also be operated with gloves and the aluminum housing withstands the effects of the weather. The company said 300 bar cylinders offer more content with the same volume and permit smaller container sizes. This has a positive effect on storage and transport costs, reduces losses from residual content and minimizes unproductive bottle changes.

Regulators for analyzer gases

Advanced Specialty Gas Equipment (www.asge-online.com) has introduced a new line of ultra-low delivery pressure, two-stage bar stock body, metal diaphragm regulators.

The Models THP and THPS high-purity regulators feature a large 2.75-in. diameter stainless steel diaphragm that provide sensitive pressure control as low as 0.2 psig to a maximum of 2 psig. The two-stage design provides constant outlet pressure regardless of changes in cylinder (inlet) pressures. The regulators are available in chrome-plated brass or Type 316SS construction and are good for low-pressure control of pure, inert and mildly corrosive gases used with calibration and other analyzer processes.