The FOX BSTX Series Metal Bellows Pulsation Dampener is an advanced hydraulic component specifically designed to effectively absorb pressure fluctuations and optimize volumetric flow in industrial hydraulic circuits. The main structure, namely the external body of the dampener, is made entirely of AISI 316 L stainless steel, a technical material that ensures excellent corrosion resistance and withstands intense mechanical stress. Inside this structure, the primary separation element consists of a bellows also made entirely of stainless steel, designed to guarantee maximum fluid tightness and long service life for the entire component. The integrated nitrogen charging valve features a standard 5/8″ UNF connection. The installation procedure offers great versatility to engineers, as it can be completed in either horizontal or vertical configuration, taking care in the latter case to always keep the nitrogen valve facing upward for correct operation.

Performance and Operating Parameters

From a technical performance standpoint, the entire BSTX series supports a maximum working pressure (PS) of 150 bar. The test pressure (PT), to which the components are rigorously subjected during testing, is calculated by multiplying the nominal working pressure by structural coefficients of 1.43, 1.3, or 1.5, thus ensuring very high operational safety margins. The mechanical life of the product is closely linked to actual operating conditions; in particular, the total number of operating cycles that the component can withstand is inversely proportional to the increase in the compression ratio to which the metal bellows is subjected during normal operation. For optimal use as a pulsation dampener, the technical specifications recommend setting the nitrogen precharge pressure within a very precise range, between sixty percent and eighty percent of the actual working pressure, while also carefully evaluating the specific type of pump installed in the system and the operating temperature values. The maximum permitted nitrogen precharge pressure, in absolute terms for all models in the series, is 20 bar.

Customizations and Regulatory Compliance

To meet highly specific system requirements, the product is available with numerous options on request. External painting can be requested according to the strict standard FOX procedure or according to the precise project specifications of each customer. There are multiple hydraulic connection options, including couplings with SAE 3000 or SAE 6000 flanges, ANSI B16.5 fittings, UNI/DIN standards, and API Spec. 6A type 6BX connections. Autoclave and Grayloc connections, versions with integrated flange connection, and custom-made special fittings can also be ordered. For applications involving extreme environmental conditions, high-pressure versions or versions using special exotic materials can be produced, also including the creation of non-standard volumes on request. Upon explicit request, the components can be supplied in full compliance with numerous strict international directives, including CE (2014/68/EU-PED), ATEX (2014/34/EU), ASME VIII Div. 1 or Div. 2, U-Stamp with NB, EN 14359, EN 13445, as well as various specific national certifications such as KOSHA for Korea, SELO for China, CU-TR for Russia, DOSH for Malaysia, and NR-13 for the Brazilian market.

Technical Summary Table

Summary technical table of the main characteristics.