Hydraulics & Pneumatics September 2022

An advanced test cell has been launched by Vaisala to monitor the functionality and performance of a compressor manufacturer’s compression boosters prior to dispatch. Humidity measurement represents a key element of the testing procedure and the company’s engineers have therefore deployed the latest Indigo-compatible, plug-and-play humidity and temperature probe HMP4. Developed specifically for high pressure applications, the HMP4 is ideal for applications of this nature. Vaisala’s Marc Mangelschots says the Vaisala Indigo family takes industrial measurement to a new level, with interchangeable probes, smart transmitters and Indigo Insight PC software; helping users to streamline their processes and make more informed and timely decisions. Compact and transportable The boosters are compact, transportable diesel driven piston compressors that increase air pressure from a 25-bar input pressure to a 350-bar discharge pressure. The boosters are supplied to customers around the world in rental, service industry and well drilling applications. According to Vaisala, the boosters’ popularity is due to their transportability, reliability, ease of use, compact footprint, safety and efficiency. The probe employs Vaisala’s HUMICAP technology, which is a capacitive thin-film polymer sensor consisting of a substrate with a thin film of polymer deposited between two conductive electrodes, which electrically forms a capacitor. The sensing surface is coated with a porous metal electrode to allowing the humidity Smart humidity probe to freely move into the active polymer. The thin-film polymer either absorbs or releases water vapour as the relative humidity changes, and this alters the dielectric properties of the polymer film and thereby the capacitance of the sensor, which is converted into a humidity reading. Humidity measurement accuracy is ±0.8%RH, and temperature accuracy is ±0.1degC. Vaisala is the original developer of the thin-film capacitive humidity measurement technology, which has become the industry standard in humidity measurement. This technology has been employed by a variety of space agencies. NASA, for example, used it on missions to Mars, and famously in 2015, enabled the Mars Science Laboratory, the Curiosity rover, to find the first traces of ancient water on Mars. The HMP4 is one of Vaisala’s latest smart, plug-and-play probes, and is compatible with the Indigo series of transmitters. Conveniently, for field calibration, device analytics, and configuration functionality, the probe can be connected directly to a PC through Vaisala Insight PC Software. www.vaisala.com SPOTLIGHT COAX VALVES UK has announced it has introduced the new FMX range of compact, high flow, stainless steel externally controlled valves. With a new unique seat arrangement gives greater flow than comparable valves - features of the valve include: All wetted parts 304 stainless steel Port sizes 3/8” bsp through to 11/4” bsp Normally closed and normally open functions available; pressure range 0-16 bar in either direction; new design of endcap allows snap in mounting into manifold; reed switch sensing available; FKM seals with PTFE seat as standard; 3/2 pilot valve available with different electrical connections available; competitively priced valves and accessories held in stock. e | john.osborn@coaxvalves.co.uk w | www.fmx-valves.com COMPACT HIGH FLOW FMX VALVE