HP-ERC High Pressure Electronic Controller for High Pressure Applications

New technology benefits core analysis, supercritical and other demanding processes

FLETCHER, NC — Equilibar announces the launch of the HP-ERC High Pressure Electronic Controller to provide automated pilot control of dome-loaded direct sealing back pressure regulators for high pressure applications such as core analysis or supercritical research.

The HP-ERC series is designed to automate dome-loaded back pressure regulators up to 400 bar. Benefits include: 

• The internal pressure compensating mechanism enables a stability of 0.1 percent.
• A wide variety of digital communication options are possible.
• The required pressure can be achieved without overshoot, which helps minimize the consumption of reference gas for more efficient and cost-effective use.
• Dead volume is minimized.
• Open loop and closed loop control are both possible.

Core analysis is one field that may benefit from the Equilibar® HP ERC controller. In petroleum engineering, core testing involves using small portions of a geologic formation for analysis to determine porosity, permeability, fluid content, geologic age, and the likely productivity of oil from a site. Core flooding experiments are commonly performed as part of core analysis for the oil and gas industry. For these experiments, fluids are injected through the rock under high pressure in a laboratory setting. The results of core-flooding experiments are useful in forecasting the outcome of various injection and production processes.

Another field that may benefit from the HP ERC is supercritical research. Supercritical fluids are fluids at temperatures and pressures above the critical point where distinct liquid and gas phases do not exist. They are used for dissolving, extracting, transporting, and researching a number of substances. While supercritical technology offers promise, it is not surprisingly full of challenges related to the high pressures involved.

Part of the Richards Industrials family, Equilibar provides fluid control technology and custom solutions for the most demanding applications in the world, including oil and gas, aerospace, biofuels, hydrogen electrolysis, supercritical research, and biotech. Equilibar engineers focus on rapid customer response, technical excellence, and a creative, collaborative approach.