Proper Sizing of a Micro-Bulk Vessel.

For the benefit of space, I&#;m going to keep this simple. A good &#;rule of thumb&#; for Distributors to follow in sizing a vessel, is that a vessel should be sized so it is filled every three-four weeks. A careful review of your Customer&#;s consumption requirements (current and future), site considerations, and product availability will be essential information. Selecting the optimum size cryogenic storage vessel for your application need not be a difficult task.

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First of all, what are the consumption requirements? Most importantly, what are the monthly usage requirements in cubic feet? If the customer is upgrading their current storage supply, they can simply review their current monthly consumption reports. This will tell their usage on a monthly basis. A review of future growth opportunities, as well as seasonal changes should also be included in your calculations. If the anticipated demand is projected to increase or change, you can adjust the storage capacity to better suit those requirements.

Today, there are many choices. You can find a cryogenic storage vessel that will allow you to maximize your operation. Once you have determined your customer&#;s monthly usage, look at the capacity of each vessel below and select the vessel that best covers your needs for a 3-4 week period.

Micro Bulk Capacity in Cu. Ft.

Size/Liters

450 L

L

L

L

L

Capacity

7.690 CU.FT.

29,470 CU.FT.

41,806 CU.FT.

59,940 CU.FT.

123,362 CU.FT.

For example, if my customer is using a laser system and they consume 40,000 cu. Ft. of nitrogen a month, I would install a -liter vessel. This will provide product at the recommended pressure and flow rate, plus give them plenty of cushion in case they need to run the Laser more than normal. However, if their usage is above 90,000 cu., a -liter vessel would be too small requiring a fill at least twice a month. If this is the case. the correct vessel choice would be a liter. Roughly ¾ of the vessel's capacity. A size liter would also work, but would also be too small and not provide any cushion if product supply were to be interrupted or demand ramps up.  

What pressure, flow rate, and purity will you require? This information will be critical in designing the vaporization (flow rate), regulation (pressure), and filtration (purity) for the system.

Site Survey &#; Selecting the optimum location to install the vessel is the key to success. Typically, a site survey should be conducted to determine the acceptability of each potential install site. We recommend working with your product supplier on the evaluation.  Pay close attention to utilities: avoid overhead wires, piping, flammable storage, chemical/corrosives outdoor vents, doorways, and other points of access.   For best results, the micro bulk vessel should be installed in a secure area as close as possible to the tool. We recommend a fenced area with room for an external vaporizer and regulation. The Fill point/connectors should be located in an easily accessible area. Keep in mind, you will need to provide access for large trucks to enter and depart easily at any time of the day.

Product availability &#; When initially setting up the system, you will want to coordinate with your product supplier on topics such as Delivery information, monthly Use, bulk connections, site access instruction, and equipment compatibility. You want to ensure that your product supplier can fill your micro bulk without any issues.

Depending on your location, product supply, and delivery could be affected by several other factors: Weather, traffic, road conditions, product shortages, and equipment problems to name a few. During the middle of winter, it is much more difficult to coordinate all of these variables. If you are in a remote location, you might want to consider having a backup source of supply.

Vaporization &#;

Contact us to discuss your requirements of micro bulk tank. Our experienced sales team can help you identify the options that best suit your needs.

The Arctic Fox L micro bulk has an &#;on-board&#; vaporizer that will deliver up to SCFH of Nitrogen at 500 PSI. This is typically adequate for most Lasers, however, newer lasers are requiring higher flow rates (+ SCFH). This typically requires a standalone vaporizer, so allow extra space for the upgrade in the future.

As you can see there are many variables to consider when selecting a micro-bulk. However, with accurate consumption information, proper site preparation, and co-ordination with your Cryogenic Supplier you will be able to install the optimum vessel for your Customer&#;s requirements

Market Conditions Drive Need for Smart Argon Tank Planning

Rules of thumb to help simplify your life and your job

A Rule of Thumb is a term that probably originated by the many ways a thumb is used for measurement within many different fields, from brewing, to building, to art. Today, it is commonly used to refer to a practical rule that is based on experience.  Below are some useful Rules of Thumb you might use in your personal and professional lives:

• If you want to improve something, then measure it.
• Use less than 10% of the credit that&#;s available to you.
• When the snowstorm of the century bears down on you, don&#;t drink too much red wine the first night of the blizzard.

When it comes to picking the right sized argon gas tank or cylinder, WestAir has found a couple of useful Rules of Thumb you should consider:

• For gases such as argon, oxygen or nitrogen, if you use more than 20 cylinders-per-month, you should consider taking advantage of a

  dewar storage systems

  .
• If you find you are using 2-to-3 dewars-per-week you may consider a

  MicroBulk

   solution.

Why change now?

Increases in energy and infrastructure construction activity has increased demand for argon gas in the United States.  However, argon production has not kept up with this increase in demand.  As a result, you&#;ve probably experienced price increases for the argon gas you use in your applications.

In addition to managing increased material costs, you&#;re probably also under pressure to improve all your Key Performance Indicators like throughput, quality and labor expenses.

Making the right choice between cylinders, cylinder packs, MicroBulk or liquid bulk can help you address a wide variety of cost reduction and productivity improvement issues.

Single cylinders and cylinder packs have their place

If you need mobility, cylinders are probably your best solution.  You can easily move cylinders around your workshop or lab.  Also, if you occasionally need large volumes of gas, you can take advantage of cylinder packs as a practical storage solution to cope with intermittent large applications.

Isn&#;t liquid storage just for large scale operations?

Many manufacturing applications use argon or nitrogen gas for inert purging and blanketing.  In addition, many process in the pharmaceutical, chemical and food processing industries require secure gas supplies for optimum results.

For welding and cutting, the right mode of supply reduces costs and minimize downtime to help ensure maximum efficiency. Each process application is different and depending on the volume of gas used, it could be more practical to switch from cylinders or cylinder packs, to MicroBulk or liquid storage.

MicroBulk systems can be as small as 230 liters.  This has proven to be cost-effective for many operations that use 15 to 20 cylinders per month.

But MicroBulk, and bulk storage, provide benefits beyond cost savings.  Liquid storage simplifies stock control and management.  Plus, liquid storage provides important safety and productivity benefits.   For example, most compressed gas cylinders weigh can weigh more than 200 pounds and therefore must be handled with care.  MicroBulk storage systems help you reduce the risk of injury associated with cylinder changes, as well as downtime.  Also, in the case of welding applications, liquid storage also means that compressed gases are made available to the welder at a much lower pressure, which reduces risks and improves safety..

When is MicroBulk

not

a good fit?

If you&#;re considering MicroBulk storage for mixed gases, a MicroBulk system may require more capital investment.  The proper MicroBulk storage system may require more than one storage tank. and a mixer or blending system.  Also, MicroBulk systems are not great for mobile welding applications where the welder must work in hard-to-reach locations where single cylinders can fit.

But in general, however, liquid storage tanks (i.e., MicroBulk and bulk) is an extremely versatile and cost-effective solution for most moderate to high volume applications that require of pure gases like argon and nitrogen.

Where can I find out more Argon Tank supply planning?

Many gas and gas equipment suppliers have Application Engineers sit down and analyze your processes and systems, and recommend the right supply system.

WestAir Gases & Equipment has been helping customers design and implement gas-related processes and systems for over 60 years.

You can schedule an Application Survey where WestAir Application Engineer will come on site to analyze your processes and systems, and recommend the right supply system.  Contact WestAir at or (866) 937-.

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