What is Enhanced Automated Pressure Control? How Does it Differ From Automated Pressure Holding System?

 

Ever since industrial machinery’s advancement became popular as a modern growth method, “enhanced automated pressure control” has almost become a buzzword. The methods and techniques used to make testing faster and effortless will continue to be essential and vital for the industry, but we need to be mindful of the two distinct forms of automation used for testing.

However, before jumping right into enhanced Automated Pressure Control and Automated Pressure Holding System, let’s briefly discuss pressure control system(PCS).

Pressure Control System

Practically all process operations, regulated variables would be handled to ensure the system’s proper operation. These variables depend on the process itself. Still, these variables' regulation is enabled in most situations by using an enhanced automated pressure control or automatic pressure holding system.

A common issue when selecting process equipment is knowing which of the two is more suited to control a process variable. This blog aims to present a breakdown of the features, functionality, and the difference between them so the suitable device is selected.

Enhanced Automated Pressure Control

Enhanced Automated Pressure Control System (EAPCS) incorporates a pressure generator and a hydraulic pump to provide adequate air pressure generation and control of up to 60,000 psi. To ensure high precision as the target pressure approaches, the power is moved from the liquid pump to the motorized pressure generator.

Now that we have answered the ‘what’ part of the topic, let’s discuss the differences.

Differentiating Factors Between EAPCS & APHS:

1. Definition

Enhanced Automated Pressure Control System

(EAPCS) combines a pressure generator and hydraulic pump to provide precise pressure generation and control from atmospheric pressure up to 60,000 psi. To maintain high accuracy as the target pressure approaches, control is passed from the liquid pump to the motorized pressure generator. The pressure transducer tracks the pressure of the device and receives guidance during the whole process. The brochure contains photographs, details of the product and bulleted features. Specifications and analytical resources are also offered.

Enhanced automated pressure control consists of three main parts: a limiting factor, a weighing element, and a loading element. The restrictive aspect is what essentially governs the system’s pressure. It limits the quantity of flow that can pass through the regulator, thus maintaining the strain downstream.

Automated Pressure Holding System

Automated pressure control systems are equipped with predefined programmable features, self-management control modes, and hydrostatic or hyperbaric pressure testing capabilities of the system:

• Filing
• Real-time interactive test monitor displays the test state and performance of the whole process
• Using a broad range of pressurizing fluids
• Automatic fluid refilling for large volumes
• Many generator systems available for continuous flow or multiple axes
• Customized reporting forms available
• Minimum maintenance required
• Purging
• Pressurizing
• Regulation of Pressure at Fixed Point
• Depressurizing (venting)
• Draining

Every automatic pressure holding system is PLC-driven by a remote control panel, including an easy-to-use HMI interface. Easy touch screen buttons enable several concurrent operations that execute device functionality without the need for additional operator feedback.

Protection devices such as pressure monitors, pressure relief systems, and automated shut-off mechanisms are built into each system to ensure operator safety and avoid damage to costly machinery.

With a modular approach, automatic pressure holding systems ensure that they can be conveniently modified to have various features based on the end user's specifications. There is a catalog of traditional methods available, but the modular approach and rich experience ensure tailor-made projects to fulfill unique project objectives.

2. Features

Enhanced Automated Pressure Control System	The Automated Pressure Holding System
·         Working Fluid	·         Compact, modular skid assembled kit
·         Air Requirement-80 psi Air	·         Cyclic Loop Strain
·         Pressure Range- 0 – 5,000 psi	·         Data Recording and Remote Warning Control
·         Pressure Transducer Range: 0 – 60,000 psi	·         Integrated Run-Dry Safety Storage Tanks
·         System Resolution- 1/20,000 (65536 optional)	·         Leak Test Mode – Pump & Vent Valve Stay Shut Off During Dwell Time
·         Accuracy: Up to 0.01 % FS	·         Linear Ramp Pressurization & Depressurization Tariff
·         Dimensions 51″ H x 28.5″ W x 26″ D	·         Liquids or gas
·         System Control Accuracy+/- 0.02 % FS	·         Pressure Ratings: 10 bar to 2000 bar
·         Pressurization Rate-0.1 psi/sec – 200 psi/sec	·         Temperature:-20°C to 300°C;
·         Pressure Setting-Up to 40 different pressure steps	·         Definable Consumer Pressure Profiles
·         Power Requirements- 110 VAC, 60 Hz (220 VAC, 50Hz optional)	·         Pressure Maintenance Mode – Pump & Vent Valve Open or Close to Control Pressure During Dwelling Time
·         Weight-200 lbs

3. Functionality

Enhanced Automated Pressure Control System

• Hydraulic pump achieves high-pressure, high-volume performance
• An extremely accurate pressure transducer measures the pressure of the device and provides feedback
• User-defined multiple-goal stresses, holding times, and pressurization rates
• Testing may be conducted under high temperatures to mimic current working conditions
• Pressure Cycling functionality facilitates fatigue testing
• Burst pressure checks may be done
• The multi-level, fail-safe device offers protection against overpressurization
• Windows-based software performs all monitoring, calculation, data collection, and report generation; complete manual control is also necessary
• Windows ’98 and higher compliant

The Automated Pressure Holding System

• Easily configurable templates suited for most applications.
• Simple to manage & service
• Ideal for use in dangerous media or where high temperatures are involved.
• The control panel may be remotely positioned to the pressure vessel, enabling the operator to keep complete control of the device at a reasonable operating distance.
• Minimum user feedback needed during service – making operator to multi-task
• Modules are specified depending on the end-users testing requirements, preferences & budget; each is offering differing levels of automation & control

Applications and Uses

Automated pressure holding systems are typically used for customers for more complex pressure testing requirements where finer regulation and monitoring of hydrostatic or hyperbaric pressure is needed.

Customers in the energy and subsea industries have used automated pressure holding systems for quality inspection, Plant Approval Testing (FAT), and output testing of subsea electrical parts, hoses, wires, penetrators, valves, etc. piping devices in compliance with API 6A PR2 and/or API 17L.

Customers performing Sour Gas Testing (H2S) of high-pressure components, high temperature (HPHT) applications often use automatic pressure control devices. The remote control and tracking of the system guarantee operator protection during lengthy test times.

Conclusion:

The differences are in everything mentioned above – from definitions to uses and the characteristics. But the main difference we noticed is Enhanced automatic pressure control is a regulator that opens and shuts in response to signals that track a particular process component. Examples of such variables include pressure, temperature, flow, and several other application criteria.

The self-contained valve and actuator combinations are self-contained as an automatic pressure holding system, restricting movement through a limiting factor to balance flow.