Operational Guide & Series Comparison

MPS gas boosters are high-performance pneumatic pressure intensifiers designed for oxygen and other pure gases., such as Xenon, Helium, Nitrogen, Hydrogen to name but a few.

To ensure the longevity and safety of your equipment, please adhere to the following operational guidelines and model distinctions.

Operational Limits and Efficiency

* Cycle Rate: All MPS gas boosters must be operated at a maximum speed of 30 pumps per minute.

 * The X-Series Advantage:
The “X” series (e.g., C1X, C2X) features a unique double-cylinder design. While the speed limit remains 30 cycles per minute, the X-Series performs a combination of 30 pumps per cylinder per minute.

 * Gas Production: 

Because the X-Series utilizes a double-acting design (moving gas on both the outward and inward strokes), it delivers twice the gas volume of a standard unit in the same amount of time, while visually consuming the same amount of drive air.

Mechanism of Action: Standard vs. X-Series

 * Standard Units: These utilize a single piston. The piston moves forward to transfer gas from the donor cylinder to the target cylinder; it then requires drive air to return the piston to the “home” position before the cycle can repeat.

 * X-Series Units: 

The dual-piston design eliminates the “empty” return stroke. Gas is moved into the target cylinder during both phases of the cycle, resulting in maximum efficiency and continuous output.

Model Comparison: C1 Series & Sport Line

The new Sport Line range replaces the older Expedition models with a lighter, more integrated design.

 * MPS C1 Light:

This is the entry-level model. It requires a standard first-stage diving regulator (set at 8 bar) for operation, which is not supplied with the unit.

 * MPS C1 Sport:

The updated standard single-action booster.

* MPS C1X (Sport Line): The high-performance version of the C1. It includes an integrated regulator with adjustable interstage pressure.

 * Volume: The C1X produces twice the volume of the C1 Sport/Expedition (equivalent to the output of a C2)

   * Efficiency: It maintains the same low drive-gas usage as the standard C1 series.

Optimizing Performance with Interstage Pressure

As a donor cylinder’s pressure drops and the target cylinder’s pressure rises, the booster must work harder, which naturally causes the cycle speed to slow down.

By using the adjustable regulator found on the C1X, the user can manually increase the interstage pressure. 

This provides the necessary force to overcome the rising backpressure, allowing the booster to maintain its maximum permissible operation rate even as the cylinders equalize.

In addition to the operational rules and model differences, here is some technical and safety information regarding the MPS Sport Line and X-Series boosters:

Advanced Safety & Construction

* Heat Management: MPS boosters use an innovative cooling system. Every time the drive air vents, it undergoes decompression, which creates a natural “cold” effect. This cold gas is routed around the high-pressure chamber to keep the piston and gas temperatures low, even during intensive use.

* Deflagration Absorption: The base of the high-pressure cylinder contains a buffer volume specifically designed to reduce the impact of a potential deflagration (internal gas ignition) by a factor of 10.

* Material Quality: The cooling chambers are constructed from 3mm stainless steel reinforced with a 10mm Ergal (high-strength aluminum alloy) ring. The internal hoses are stainless steel braided with a Teflon coating, which prevents the buildup of contaminants common in rubber hoses.

Technical Specifications

* Transmission Ratio: For models like the C1X, the ratio is typically 1:39, meaning the pump can multiply the drive air pressure by 39 to reach high discharge pressures.

* Drive Air Requirements: Standard drive air should be filtered to at least 5 microns and typically set between 8 and 10 bar for optimal performance.

* Filling Performance: For a 3L cylinder, a C1X can typically boost the pressure from 50 bar to 220 bar in approximately 6 minutes when using a 100 bar donor source). It will be longer if the donor cylinder is lower than 100 bar and in that time the pump will use approximate 1500 ltrs of drive gas.

Maintenance & Longevity

* Annual Inspection: 

It is highly recommended (and often a legal requirement in professional settings as Insurers may well revoke a policy if it was found that the unit was used outside of it’s service date. To have your unit serviced annually, please contact Gas Technologies Ltd.

* Full Service Interval: 

It is mandatory that gas and drive seals should be replaced every ear, irrespective of use, as the molecular structure of seals implies that they loose their structure with time, as well as use.

It is vital that the unit is striped annually by a certified service center to ensure that there are no hydrocarbons working the unit. These hydrocarbons could have entered the pump from a contaminated drive gas supply. Hydrocarbons in a gas booster pump can have fatal consequences.

An annual service ensures continued oxygen safety and performance.

* Life Cycle: 

MPS boosters are engineered for approximately 15 million cycles before requiring a major rebuild using major components.

* Signs Maintenance is Needed: You should seek service at Gas Technologies Ltd if the unit begins “stalling” (not cycling), if you notice gas leaking from the vent ports, or if the unit is struggling to build pressure at its normal rate.

If you wish to proceed with any unit, please just forward invoice and delivery details and our accounts will issue a Proforma Invoice.

If you require any additional information, please get in touch.

Regards 

Peter