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10 min ago 3 min read
US-based Swagelok is set to explore how gas distribution system design can affect safety, reliability and gas usage in laboratories, industrial facilities, research environments and energy applications during an upcoming gasworld webinar.
The webinar, which is set to take place on 28 August at 14:30 BST, will be led by Mike Strobel, Executive Director of Engineering Services at Swagelok. It will cover the key components of a gas distribution system alongside common challenges around pressure, flow and reliability.
“You need that gas to be available at the desired location 100% of the time, and it needs to get there at the required pressure and flow,” said Strobel during an episode of gasworld’s The 1895 Podcast.
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A gas distribution system typically uses a network of tubes, pipes, valves and regulators to transport gas from a high-pressure source to a lower-pressure point of use.
Strobel said variations in pressure and flow, as well as inconsistent gas availability, are among the common issues seen in the field.
He labelled undersized regulators as a particular concern, saying they may prevent sufficient gas from reaching points of use.
This can affect processes and experiments, invalidate analytical readings and, in semiconductor applications, potentially result in wafers or chips being scrapped.
The webinar will also examine how these issues can be addressed during the design stage. Strobel said organisations should consider factors including local regulations, high-pressure gas storage, safe venting arrangements and overall flow demand as early as possible.
“Regulators are probably the most critical component in any gas distribution system,” he said.
Beyond initial design, the discussion will cover redundancy, maintainability and material selection as key considerations for long-term system performance. Strobel said systems should also be designed with maintenance and component replacement in mind.
The webinar will also look at warning signs that a gas distribution system may be underperforming, including inconsistent pressure, frequently actuating safety or relief valves and an increase in gas consumption.
Strobel said specification, fabrication, testing and post-installation support should work together to ensure reliable system performance, with appropriate testing helping to ensure leak-tight performance following installation.
“You can’t wait until the last minute. The earlier you start thinking about these things, the earlier you start the specification process,” he added.
The Swagelok webinar will take place on Friday 28 August at 14:30 BST. Click to find out more and register.
