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by Taryn Hardes on Wed, Dec 04, 2013 @ 13:12 PM
Our MPC system lets you pack more instrumentation into less space
A typical MPC assembly. |
Every system designer has a different way of approaching a job, which can lead to some inconvenient layouts when it comes to process analyzer, sample-handling, and fluid distribution systems. All those valves, flow meters, regulators and gauges can be put together more than one way for many tasks. That means a plant might have mismatched elements from one station to another. It slows everyone down when they have to figure out the system before they can even use it.
Swagelok’s Modular Platform Component (MPC) system cleans up the confusion. You’ll find it easy to configure, assemble and maintain, all the while shrinking the footprints of your systems.
Layer by layer
The foundation for the MPC system is the substrate channel. A variety of drop-in components provide the main flow path from one surface-mount component to the next. Locator pins on the components fit into corresponding holes in the channel. Putting them together is, literally, a snap. Channels come in a variety of lengths that can handle up to 14 surface mount positions.
On top of the substrate layer comes the manifold layer. The same system of locator pins allows you to create the flow path between up to six parallel substrates.
Next come the various Swagelok surface-mount components that make up the fluid distribution system. Standard O-rings form leak-tight seals between each surface-mount and substrate flow component and between the substrate and manifold flow components.
This layered design makes it easy to customize each system for a specific application while speeding up installation and maintenance. Surface-mount components are easy to service from the top of the assembly without disturbing any other components. You won’t have to disassemble half of the system to get to the part you want.
Some operators do have a little trouble visualizing what the stream is doing at the substrate level, since there is no visible tubing to trace. Edmonton Valve & Fitting has gone an extra step for some of our customers by including a schematic inside the enclosure. Then it’s a simple matter of opening the cabinet door for a refresher on how the fluid is flowing.
Standard sizes
You can put the components, adapters, and caps in any position because they all fit the standard ANSI/ISA 76.00.02 interface. The interface controls the dimensions and location of the sealing surfaces to allow changes of just one element of the system without modifying the entire system. The Swagelok MPC system meets all the requirements of this specification for the 38.2 mm (1.5 inch) footprint.
At a practical level, that means instead of filling a space three feet by three feet, the same components can fit into a space one foot square.
Sometimes it can be overwhelming to have so many choices. Not to worry. Swagelok also makes an interactive software tool called the MPC Configurator to help you plan out the details. You end up with a complete bill of material and an assembly schematic that details the exact placement of each component. The Configurator can even provide basic engineering calculation functions along with AutoCAD and SolidWorks outputs.
A built-in safety feature warns you when a design won’t work.
But if even the Configurator is too daunting, Edmonton Valve & Fitting can lay it out based on your ideas and goals.
To get more details and take a look at our configurator, click here. As always, we’re glad to talk to you about it right here at Edmonton Valve & Fitting.