Flow Control Valve integrates stream switching and filtering.

Press Release Summary:




With modular design that facilitates maintenance, Gen II R-max™ offers backward compatibility so that features can be installed on existing R-max units – available in NC, NO, and single 3-way configurations. Captured vent prevents cross-contamination, and position indicator helps accelerate recognition of valve actuation. Featuring atmospheric reference vent module and surface mount technology, system is designed to control gases and liquids in analytical systems from vacuum to 500 psig.



Original Press Release:



Parker Introduces Gen II R-max(TM) Stream Switching System Featuring Major Enhancements to Popular R-max(TM) Product



HUNTSVILLE, Ala. – Parker Hannifin Corporation, the global leader in motion and control technologies, is now offering the new Parker Gen II R-maxTM Stream Switching System, a multi-functional system capable of integrating both stream switching and filtering into one compact, modular assembly.  The Gen II system features enhancements to the popular Parker R-maxTM Stream Switching System.  Backward compatibility allows the features of the Gen II R-max to be easily and quickly installed on existing R-max units.



Parker’s R-max, the predecessor to the Gen II R-max, has been widely accepted since its 2001 introduction because it offers the flexibility of multiple streams in a single footprint; is available in normally closed, normally open, and single 3-way configurations; and its modular design allows for easy maintenance.  Parker listened to the input of customers in designing the Gen II R-max, adding numerous features that differentiate the Gen II R-max from similar, commercially available products.  These enhancements include a captured vent that prevents cross-contamination; improved position indicator for quick recognition of valve actuation; easier removal of cartridges for maintenance; and an atmospheric reference vent module.



Developed by Parker’s Instrumentation Products Division (IPD), the Gen II R-max is designed to control both gases and liquids in analytical systems ranging from vacuum to 500 psig (34 bar), while requiring only 65 psig (5 bar) actuating air pressure.  The system was engineered with a focus on improved product reliability and reduced cost-of-ownership. It is designed for use in the analytical, oil and gas, petrochemical, and chemical industries.



The Gen II R-max utilizes state-of-the-art surface mount technology to reduce leak paths, internal volume, and dead volume.  With surface mounting, system components may be easily removed and replaced without breaking process connections.  In addition, the Gen II R-Max system utilizes an internal self-purging outlet header to eliminate the need for an additional outlet loop.



“The Gen II R-max Stream Switching System is a perfect example of Parker’s guiding philosophy, which is to listen to our customers, creating new products and enhancing existing ones where needed,” said Ken Reid, Parker IPD Senior Product Engineer.  “Parker has been working with customers who purchase R-max.  While they reinforced the reliability and performance of R-max, they also made recommendations for improving the system, which we then incorporated into the Gen II R-max design.  We have customers who already have the Gen II installed for beta use and all feedback has been extremely positive.”



Features and advantages of the Gen II R-max include: a captured vent, providing a low-pressure header that separates the sample stream from actuation air, thus preventing cross-contamination; an enhanced position indicator, with a yellow band that enables easy recognition of valve actuation; improved cartridge removal, allowing for ease of maintenance; backward compatibility, enabling the enhanced features to be added to existing units; surface mount technology, improving maximum system flexibility and permitting the user to add additional streams or an ARV (Atmospheric Reference Vent) to a system; low internal volume, ensuring maximum system efficiency by reducing purge time and expensive purge gas; and modular valve design, offering maximum serviceability for quick and easy in-system repair and reduced downtime.



The Gen II R-max, like the R-max, is also available on the Parker IntraFlowTM ISA/ANSI SP-76 compliant modular surface mount system.  IntraFlow substrate fittings have been developed specifically for analytical, lab, and other complex general-purpose instrumentation flow control systems.  IntraFlow fittings provide maximum flexibility with minimal space requirements. All flow paths, regardless of direction, are maintained on a single plane within the system, as there are no lower level manifold blocks required.  Every feature of the Gen II R-max system is available within the IntraFlow product line.



“Parker is excited to introduce a high-value product that offers significant differentiators from similar products on the market,” said Kevin Burke, Parker IPD Marketing Manager.  “The Gen II R-max Stream Switching System has built-in features that address safety, with the captured vent; product reliability, with the improved position indicator; and reduced maintenance time, with quick and easy cartridge removal.”



For more information regarding Parker's new Gen II R-max Stream Switching System, visit http://www.parker.com/ipdus or contact Parker IPD at 256-435-2130.



Parker Instrumentation Products Division is dedicated to being the global leader in the design, manufacture and distribution of high quality, critical flow and ultra-high purity components for the petrochemical, chemical processing, oil and gas, power generation, water analysis, biopharmaceutical, semiconductor, and analytical equipment industries.



With annual sales exceeding $13 billion in fiscal year 2012, Parker Hannifin is the world's leading diversified manufacturer of motion and control technologies and systems, providing precision-engineered solutions for a wide variety of mobile, industrial and aerospace markets. The company employs approximately 60,000 people in 48 countries around the world. Parker has increased its annual dividends paid to shareholders for 56 consecutive fiscal years, among the top five longest-running dividend-increase records in the S&P 500 index. For more information, visit the company's website at www.parker.com, or its investor information website at www.phstock.com.

All Topics