About the ERC Series (Electronic Reference Controller)
| Cv: up to 6.6·10E-2 | Max. Temperature: -10 /70°C | Max. Pressure: 700 barg |
Catalysis researchers are often familiar with Equilibar® dome-loaded back pressure regulators. The robust design, excellent performance and wide operating range are fully adopted by the industry.
To address customer needs, PCS developed a multi-channel electronic reference controller that enables automated control of reactor pressure in high-throughput-multi-reactor-systems, using Equilibar technology. Soon after this was launched, it became clear that many customers needed a similar control option for their Equilibar regulators in other applications outside catalysis; we therefore furthered our development, resulting in the ERC Series. The ERC Series is now available in a 1-, 2 and 4-channel version for a wide range of applications.
Find the product specifications below and read more about how the controllers in this ERC Series work in the brochure.
The design specifications are as follows:
- Controller reference pressure up to 200 bar gauge
- 1:100 turndown in pressure control (2…200 bar gauge)
- Excellent stability and reproducibility (<0,1%)
- Easy piping (one central inlet for 4…128 pressure reference controllers)
- Low gas consumption by applying small bore capillaries. (Max 100 mln/min. Nominal 30 mln)
- High safety standard
– Controlled depressurization by design (dp/dt decreases during depressurization)
– Safely vent chemicals by means of (centralized) captured vent - Analog by means of 4…20 mA or 0…5 (10 Vdc) signals
- Adaptable for different digital control systems (most common communication protocols are available)
- In-situ tuning and troubleshooting over RS-232 with diagnostics software
Our ERC Series electronic reference controller combines all this in one design.
How this electronic reference controller (ERC) is built up
The basis of the ERC is a (1-, 2- or 4-channel) manifold containing one centralized input and output. The units can even be connected to create an 8-, 12-, … up to 96-channel controller.
The pressure sensor monitors the pressure in the dome of the Equilibar back pressure regulator and is connected to a PID-controller. The PID-controller controls the proportional valve that will increase the pressure in the dome. We restricted the flow by means of a precision capillary. This restriction can be selected to meet the ideal consumption versus control speed ratio, as per your application requirements. Furthermore, you can easily replace it by changing the consumption and control speed. You can set the pressure by means of 0…5 (10) Vdc or 4…20 mA analog signals. Digital signals like Profibus, ProfiNet, EtherCat, Modbus, DeviceNet and CANopenare available as well.
All this results in a pressure controller with a stability and reproducibility of 0,1%. You can limit the flow consumption to 0…30 mln/min under nominal conditions. In addition, each unit is capable of controlling between 2…200 bar gauge. Although we equip the Equilibar back pressure regulators with a diaphragm that can withstand 4 times the maximum allowable working pressure, the harsh conditions that a back pressure regulator needs to withstand can cause damage to it. This could eventually lead to process media escaping through the reference port of the dome loaded regulator. Therefore, we capture the outlet of the capillaries to one central outlet that you can connect to the waste of your system. You can direct the media coming from your reactor safely to the vent of your system.
