The FOX BSTX Series Metal Bellows Pulsation Damper is an advanced hydraulic component, specifically designed to effectively absorb pressure fluctuations and optimise volumetric flow in industrial hydraulic circuits. The main structure, namely the external body of the damper, 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 ensure maximum fluid tightness and prolonged durability of the entire component. The integrated nitrogen charging valve features a standard 5/8″ UNF connection. The device installation procedure offers great versatility for engineers, as it can be completed in either horizontal or vertical configuration, taking care in the latter case to always keep the nitrogen valve oriented upwards 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 extremely high safety margins in operation. The mechanical life of the product is closely linked to the actual conditions of use; in particular, the total number of operating cycles 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 damper, the technical specifications recommend setting the nitrogen pre-charge pressure within a very precise range, between sixty percent and eighty percent of the actual working pressure, also carefully assessing the specific type of pump installed in the system and the operating temperature values. The maximum permitted nitrogen pre-charge pressure, in absolute terms for all models in the series, is 20 bar.

Customisations and Regulatory Compliance

In order to meet highly specific system requirements, the product is available with numerous options upon request. External painting can be requested according to the strict standard FOX procedure or according to the precise project specifications of the individual customer. The hydraulic connection options are multiple and include couplings with SAE 3000 or SAE 6000 flanges, ANSI B16.5 fittings, UNI/DIN standards, and API spec. 6A type 6BX. 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 allowing the creation of non-standard volumes upon request. Upon explicit request, the components can be supplied in full compliance with numerous and strict international directives, including CE (2014/68/EU-PED), ATEX (2014/34/EU), ASME VIII Div.1 or Div.2, U-Stamp including 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.

Summary Technical Table

Summary technical table of the main features.