700 MPa He Pressure Regulator

This gas pressure controller supplies continuously loaded high-pressure cells with helium at a pressure ranging from 100 to 7 kbar (0.7 GPa). The gas is compressed up to 3 kbar with a standard double-stage diaphragm compressor from Nova-Swiss and stored in a buffer volume (low-pressure mode). A second stage is employed to reach 7 kbar with a multiplier driven with a brushless motor (high-pressure mode). The two stages are controlled with a PLC which stabilises precisely the pressure and manages all safety aspects. Two screens are provided on the control panel to help users manipulate valves for switching between the low and high-pressure modes.

The compressor, valves, controller and related electronics are packed in a crate that is easily moved to the instruments. It also features two rollers of cables (380V and compressed air) and an external platform onto which a bottle of helium can safely be attached and exchanged. Remote operation is possible using the Modbus serial communication protocol (RS485 serial port or Ethernet).

Operating procedures

To avoid disrupting the valves when closing them, please stop turning a valve as soon as the last quarter of the Magelis turns blue and displays a new instruction.

Compression from 0 to 3 kbar

1. Open the helium cylinder (set to 100 bar)
2. Switch on the power rack (power on)
3. Set the Magelis compressor setpoint to the desired pressure (between 0 and 3000 bar)
4. Follow the instructions of the Magelis "Compressor" for closing some valves
5. Press Start on the Magelis "Compressor"
6. Follow the instructions for opening the valves (Magelis "Compressor"): Helium supply, splitting valve and sample cell valve. The compressor starts automatically and stops at the requested pressure. Once the desired pressure has been reached, the pressure can be further increased from NOMAD up to 3000 bar.
7. To reduce the pressure, set the setpoint to the desired pressure on the Magelis "Compressor". Then slowly open the 3 kbar He relief valve. Observe the sample and compressor pressure decreasing on the Eurotherm. Once the desired pressure has been reached, close the 3 kbar He relief valve.

Compression from 3 to 7 kbar (with the intensifier)

1. Ensure that the pressure is at 3000 bar on the Magelis "Compressor"
2. On the Eurotherm, press the button allowing to change the setpoint, then select then adjust the setpoint as wished.
3. Press Start on the Magelis "Intensifier"
4. Follow the instructions for closing the helium supply valves and splitting valve on the Magelis "Intensifier"
5. Follow the instructions shown on the Magelis "Intensifier" for opening the valves: helium relief valve and (be careful to open slowly to discharge) 3 kbar He relief valve. The intensifier starts automatically until the desired pressure is reached (between 3000 to 7000 bar). Once the desired pressure is reached, the pressure can be further increased from NOMAD.
6. To decrease the pressure, set the setpoint to the desired pressure on the Magelis "Intensifier". Then gently open the 7 kbar He relief valve. You will see the sample pressure drop on the (Eurotherm). Allow the pressure to drop to the desired level, then close the 7 kbar He relief valve.

Intensify at upper limit (indicated on Eurotherm)

If the intensifier stops without reaching the desired pressure, it is at the upper limit ("High limit switch" alarm on Magelis "Intensifier").

1. Press Reload on the Magelis "Intensifier"
2. Follow the instructions provided by the Magelis "Intensifier" for closing the sample cell valve. The intensifier automatically descends to the lower limit and stops (alarm on the Magelis "Intensifier").
3. Press Start on the Magelis "Compressor"
4. Follow the instructions for closing the Helium relief valve and the 3 kbar He relief valve.
5. Open the Helium supply and splitting valves. The compressor starts automatically and stops at 3000 bar.
6. Press Start on the Magelis Intensifier
7. Follow the instructions for closing the helium supply valve, splitting valve and helium relief valve.
8. Slowly open the valves (be careful) helium relief valve and 3 k bar He relief valve. The intensifier starts automatically and stops at the wanted sample pressure to maintain the pressure balance between the two.
9. Press Reload and follow the Magelis "Intensifier" instructions to open the sample valve. The intensifier starts automatically until the required pressure is reached.