Client delighted with Oxford Flow IM-S pilot operated gas regulator upgrade

Two compact IM-S valves can bridge a small section of pipe in a ‘worker monitor system’

Oxford Flow IM-S regulators installed in a ‘worker monitor system’

Oxford Flow has received positive feedback following successful installations of their IM-S gas regulator on the Texas Gulf Coast (USA), supported by their Houston main office.

The client was unaware of Oxford Flow’s patented piston regulator, which provides greater reliability and stability compared to commonly used flexible element types. Operators know that the ‘boot’ or ‘diaphragm’ flexible element is the primary failure point because during operation it repetitively deforms to regulate pressures.

Operators must frequently replace the flexible element as it is susceptible to wear, naturally prone to sudden unexpected
failure which can cause interruptions in gas flow.

Rather than rely on boot material advancements, Oxford Flow engineers have reimagined valve technology by designing; wafer, top-entry, and flanged regulators that use a piston, with a single moving part. A piston is inherently more robust and significantly eliminates wear, helps reduce maintenance requirement, costly replacements and helps guarantee continuous flow of gas.

In addition to low total cost of ownership the IM-S compact size impressed the client. Traditional regulators are bulky due to flexible elements needing a larger surface area to seat and function properly. The rigid IM-S piston calms turbulence and is recognised as being the shortest pilot operated regulator on the market.

To prove this point, Oxford Flow installed two regulators in a ‘worker monitor system’, (or ‘active monitor system’) configuration in the same face to face length of a single ‘weir flow path’ flexible element regulator. This setup provides an extra level of supply security as one valve can be made redundant and left open and is common practice for natural gas systems which experience harsh environments both internally and externally.

The speed and ease of finally commissioning the IM-S surprised the client, particularly when dialling in the setpoint pressure. This usually requires tuning the pilot and a restrictor several times to hone in on the desired setpoint pressure. The IM-S immediately found the setpoint during commissioning.

The client said, “The IM-S is an innovative, stable, and reliable upgrade to the flexible element (boot) regulators that
are currently installed in our city gates. We look forward to completing the change-out process and continuing to work with
Oxford Flow.”

The IM-S performance clearly succeeded and within 48 hours the client had enough confidence to divert additional flow capacity to the new IM-S line.

Lewis Porter, Oxford Flow’s recently appointed Head of Sales (Europe) said, “The IM-S gas regulator is proving to be a highly versatile product, not only does it offer excellent cost and maintenance qualities but is also hydrogen ready. I can see our IM-S regulator and more broadly piston-based regulator technology becoming widely accepted and adopted worldwide.”

Tel No:     +44 (0)1865 595248
Email:       info@oxford-flow.com 
Website:   www.oxford-flow.com 

Published: 2nd November 2022