GCTS has developed new Electromechanical Standalone Pressure Controllers, the ePVC Series, which do not require an external hydraulic or pneumatic supply. The ePVCs only require a standard electrical power connection for independent control of hydraulic pressure or flow.
The ePVCs feature closed-loop servo-control of the pressure or volume. They include large volume capacities and strokes with direct, integrated transducers for precise volume measurements. This prevents gear backlash and control errors caused by motor encoders commonly found in other systems.
These controllers are ideal for the control of confining pressure in triaxial tests, head pressure in permeability tests, fluid pressure in hydro-fracture tests, or even the axial load in long-term creep tests. They can also be used to measure flow in permeability tests or measure volume change in triaxial tests while applying the prescribed pressure.
Standard ePVC models have wetted parts made of stainless steel for use with oil or water. The Medium and Large series can alternatively be made of Hastelloy for use with brine or other corrosive fluids. Aluminum models are also available for use exclusively with hydraulic oil.
GCTS also offers continuous-flow models for use when a pause to recharge the intensifier is unacceptable. These models offer true continuous flow with no pause at the end of each intensifier’s stroke. Any standard ePVC can be provided with continuous flow capabilities.
The ePVCs include interface programs for PC and mobile devices (iOS, Android and Windows) to remotely set pressures or flow rates. Multiple units can be linked through our CATS control software to simultaneously control upstream, downstream pore pressure, fracturing pressure, etc.
