The FOX HTRX Series Bladder Pulsation Dampeners are high-precision hydraulic components, specifically engineered for the reduction and strict control of pulsations within pressurized circuits. For optimal use as a dampener, the nitrogen precharge pressure must be calculated and set within a range between 60% and 80% of the system working pressure, after evaluating the type of pump used and the operating temperature value. The system has a recommended compression ratio of P2/P0 = 2.5, with a maximum tolerated limit of P2/P0 = 4. It is essential to consider that the mechanical life of the component is inversely proportional to the increase in this compression ratio.

Construction Features and Materials

The body of the FOX HTRX Series Bladder Pulsation Dampener is made entirely of AISI 316L stainless steel, a material that guarantees excellent mechanical strength and high protection against corrosion in severe industrial environments. The device can handle a maximum working pressure (PS) ranging from 30 to 120 bar depending on the specific model, and is subjected to strict test pressures (PT) calculated by applying multiplication factors of 1.43, 1.3, or 1.5 to the nominal working pressure. The nitrogen charging valve supplied as standard is a 5/8″ UNF type. Physical separation between the process fluid and the inert gas is provided by an elastic containment bladder; to ensure perfect chemical and thermal compatibility with different working fluids, the bladder is available in several compounds: NBR, HNBR, EPDM, FPM, HYTREL, Butyl, and Polyurethane.

Installation and Available Options

The component can be installed in the system layout either horizontally or vertically; in the latter case, the nitrogen valve must be kept facing upward to preserve correct bladder operation. The basic construction can be extensively customized according to the design specifications of the receiving system. Additional options include external painting according to standard FOX procedures or dedicated project specifications. In terms of hydraulic interfaces, connections with SAE 3000, SAE 6000, ANSI B16.5, UNI/DIN, API Spec. 6A type 6BX flanges, as well as Autoclave or Grayloc connections, can be requested. For the most critical or niche applications, integrated flange connections, special connections on request, completely maintenance-free variants identified as the HTRX-SMF series, exotic materials, and reinforced structural configurations for extremely high pressures are available.

Compliance, Certifications and Dimensional Specifications

To guarantee full compliance with safety and engineering quality standards, the HTRX series can be supplied, upon explicit request, in accordance with numerous international regulations and directives for pressure equipment. Supported approvals include the European PED Directive (CE 2014/68/EU), ATEX regulations (2014/34/EU) for use in potentially explosive atmospheres, and numerous international structural standards such as ASME VIII Div. 1 or Div. 2 with U-Stamp + NB, EN 14359, EN 13445, and PD5500 for the UK market. Customs and safety certifications for foreign markets are also available, including KOSHA for Korea, SELO for China, CU-TR 032/2013 for the Russian Federation, DOSH for Malaysia, NR-13 for Brazil, and CRN for Canada. Testing and inspections by accredited third-party bodies such as BV, DNV/RINA, and Lloyd’s/ABS can also be requested. From a dimensional standpoint, the range is extremely modular: models start from a nominal nitrogen volume of 1 litre (HTRX1 model) with a weight of 5.5 kg, up to large 50-litre accumulators (HTRX50 model) with an overall height of 1780 mm and a mass of 75 kg.

Technical Summary Table

Summary technical table of the main characteristics.