The FOX HTRX Series Bladder Pulsation Dampers are high-precision hydraulic components, specifically engineered for the reduction and precise control of pulsations within pressurised circuits. For optimal use as a damper, the nitrogen pre-charge pressure must be calculated and set within a range between 60% and 80% of the system working pressure, after assessing 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 Damper is made entirely of AISI 316L stainless steel, a material that ensures excellent mechanical resistance and high protection against corrosion in severe industrial environments. The device is able to 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 in relation to the nominal working pressure. The nitrogen charging valve supplied in the standard configuration is the 5/8″ UNF type. Physical separation between the process fluid and the inert gas is entrusted to an elastic containment bladder; to ensure perfect chemical and thermal compatibility with different working fluids, the bladder is available in various compounds: NBR, HNBR, EPDM, FPM, HYTREL, Butyl and Polyurethane.

Installation and Available Options

The component can be mounted within the system layout either horizontally or vertically; in the latter case, the nitrogen valve must be kept facing upwards to preserve correct bladder operation. The basic construction offering can be widely customised according to the project specifications of the receiving system. Additional options include external painting applied according to standard FOX procedures or according to dedicated project specifications. In terms of hydraulic interfaces, connections with SAE 3000, SAE 6000, ANSI B16.5, UNI/DIN and API spec. flanges can be requested. 6A type 6BX, as well as Autoclave or Grayloc connections. For the most critical or niche applications, integrated flange connections, special connections on request, fully maintenance-free variants identified as the HTRX-SMF series, the use of exotic materials and reinforced structural configurations for very 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 compliance 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 environments, and numerous international structural standards such as ASME VIII Div. 1 or Div. 2 with U-Stamp + NB, EN 14359, EN 13445 and PD5500 specific to the United Kingdom market. Customs and safety certifications specific to foreign markets can also be obtained, 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. Tests 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: the 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.

Summary Technical Table

Summary technical table of the main features.