Precision

Back Pressure Regulators

Research Series

Low flow / Laboratory scale

Gas, Liquid & Mixed Phase Service

page 1

Precision

Back Pressure Regulators

Research Series

Low flow / Laboratory scale

Gas, Liquid & Mixed Phase Service
e
Precision:
Pressure:
Temperature:
Flow:

within 0.5%
0.02 to 5000 psig
to 327C (620F )
0 to 20,000 ml/min

Chemically Compatibile Materials:

Material

Body

Diaphram

SS316L

Hastelloy C

Zirconium

PTFE

Polymide

ZF1 with HPLC (Valco-Style) fittings

SS316L body, SS316L Diaphragm,
Kalrez FFKM o-ring

Unique Diaphragm Regulator Technology:

PEEK

FKM (Viton)

FFKM (Kalrez)

O-ring

x
x

Dome-loaded design is 5X more precise than traditional

spring loaded regulators
Elegant friction-less diaphragm is the only moving part
Suitable for ultra-pure and aggressive chemicals
Two modes of operation:
Manual adjustment by mechanical pilot regulator
Computer automation by electronic pressure regulator

Key Applications:
Catalyst research
Reservoir core analysis
1/8 HP1 - SS316L
Available to 5000 psig
Kalrez and Viton are registered trademarks of DuPont Performance Elastomers

In Stock!
Most common configurations are in stock for shipment in 2-5 days
page 2

Unmatched Precision...
The Equilibar back pressure regulator is an exciting
breakthrough in precision pressure control. Designed
for critical and demanding processes, the patented
Equilibar oers unmatched precision across a wide range
of pressures and flow rates.

Sensitivity and Precision Our Key Performance Advantage

Traditional back pressure regulators use springs to
gradually open up as the overpressure is used to
compress the spring.
The Equilibar back pressure regulator uses only a
frictionless flexible diaphragm to modulate the pressure.
It fully opens in less than 1% overpressure in most
applications. Our multiple orifices allow us to control over
incredibly wide flow rate ratios - over 1000:1 ratios in
most applications - and handle two phase flows.

1/4 GS4 SS16 back pressure regulator

with manual set-point regulator

Equilibar back pressure technology is protected by US

and foreign patents. Learn more about our precision back
pressure technology on our website.

How the Equilibar Back Pressure

Regulator Works
The Equilibar Precision Back Pressure Regulator works
like a fluid transistor by forming a unique force balance
on a flexible diaphragm between three separate
pressures.
The fluid inlet pressure and the downstream outlet
pressure exist on the wetted side of the diaphragm. The
pilot set-point applies pressure on the non-wetted side.
The lower pressure of the outlet tries to hold the
diaphragm in a leak-tight seal with the orifices. However,
any slight excess between the fluid inlet pressure and the
pilot set-point pressure quickly overwhelms these seating
forces and pulls the diaphragm away from the orifices.
The pilot set-point pressure acts in a 1:1 ratio to set the
pressure to be controlled on the inlet port. As shown at
right, this pilot pressure can be supplied by either an
electro-pneumatic regulator or a manual regulator.

2 Set-Point Options
ElectroPneumatic
Regulator

E/P

Diaphragm

Inlet

Manual
Pressure
Regulator

- OR Pilot
(Reference)

Outlet

page 3

Research Series Precision Back Pressure Regulator

Research Series Models
For gas, liquid and mixed phase processes
Rugged Bar Stock Design
Ultra Low Pressure and Flow Ranges
High Precision

1/8" NPT Reference Port

(All models)

B
Outlet

Inlet
A

P.21

1/16 ZF SS316L
with HPLC (Valco-style) tube fittings

1.50

NL1 mounting bracket fits all Research

Series Regulators *Also fits GS2, GS3,
NL2, NL3 standard models

2.00
3.00

Standard Research Models

Model

Part #

Inlet /
Outlet
Port

Reference
Port

Body
Materials

Dim A

NPT (std)
LF1

1/8

LF2

1/4

HF1

1/8

HF2

1/4

High
Pressure

HP1

1/8

HP2

1/4

High
Pressure &
Flow

HPF1

1/8

HPF2

1/4

Low Flow
High Flow

1/8 NPT
1/4 NPT
(PTFE)

Dim B

Max Std
Pressure

(inch)
SS316L
(std)
Hastelloy C
PTFE

2.5

1.3

Max
Custom
Pressure

(psig)

1000

1/8 NPT

2.75
2.5

1.45

Available End
Fittings

Min2

Max

1E-7

0.07

1E-4

0.6

1/16

1E-6

0.07

1/8
W125

Std

NPT

2000

2.5
SS316L
(std)
Hastelloy C

Cv Range
(precision)

5000

N/A

Autoclave

1E-4

2.75

HPLC

Available

BSP,
VCO-style,
VCR- style,
SAE,
1/8 HPLC
(Valco
Style)

0.5

Custom Solution Models

Model

Part #

Inlet /
Outlet
Port

Reference
Port

Body
Materials

Dim A

Dim B

Max Std
Pressure

(inch)
ULF1

Ultra Low
Flow

Zero Flow

1/8

ULF2

1/4

ZF1

1/8

1/8

SS316L
(std)
Hastelloy C
PTFE

3000
2.75
2.5

5000

1.45
1000

Cv Range
(precision)
Min1

(psig)

2.5

Available Diaphragms
Material

Max
Custom
Pressure

3000

Available End
Fittings
Max

~1E-7
(@ 100 psig)
~1E-8
(@1000 psig)
<<1E-111

Std
NPT

0.05

1/16
HPLC

0.01

1/8
W125
Autoclave

Available
BSP,
VCO-style,
VCR- style,
1/8
HPLC
(Valco
Style)

Available O-Rings (wetted)

General Operating Pressures

Material

Notes

Polyimide
(also PEEK, PVDF, PCTFE)

5 psig to max. body pressure

Viton

Standard, temp. to 200C

SS316, Hastelloy C276

50 psig to max. body pressure

FFKM (Kalrez)

PTFE/Glass, PTFE

0.2 psig to max. body pressure

PolyEthylene

0.02 psig to 20 psig

Chemical compatibility,
temp. to 327C

Wetted components: Body, diaphragm, o-ring

1 - Minimum Cv dependant on diaphragm and set-point pressure
and set-point pressure
Dimensions and Cv values subject to change

page 4

Selecting the right Series

Each of these standard Research Series models is based on our patented Equilibar precision back pressure
regulator (BPR) technology. These models are capable of greater than 1000:1 flow rate turn-down ratios in
most applications. They can also be used with 100:1 turn-down ratio in set-point pressure.

Standard Research Models

LF Series (Low Flow)

The LF Series BPR is capable of low flow operation down to about 10 cc/min of gas.
Pressure rating to 1000 psig.

HF Series (High Flow)

The HF Series BPR is similar to the LF Series, but with higher flow capacity.

HP Series (High Pressure)

The HP Series BPR has the same performance and design as the LF but with a more
robust body rated to 5000 psig.

Custom Solution Models

ULF Series (Ultra Low Flow)

The ULF Series BPR functions similar to Equilibars LF and HP Series. In some
applications, however, the ULF is able to extend low flow performance down to 0.01
to 0.1 ml/min (gas). Equilibar application engineers will provide guidance when the
advantages of the ULF design outweigh any potential disadvantages.

ZF Series (Zero Flow Capability)

The ZF Series BPR extends Equilibars low flow performance down to eective zero
flow while maintaining a very stable inlet pressure. The patent pending design uses
a soft o-ring to improve flow shut-o. This is useful for reservoir core analysis and
other lab reactor applications with microscopic or intermittent flow rates.
The ZF Series is not suitable for all applications and has a narrower pressure and flow
operating range. In order to maintain reasonable elastomeric seal life, flow rates less
than 2 standard liter/minute and set-point pressures below 1500 psig
are recommended.

* Custom Solution Models are not included in the standard Equilibar patents.
page 5

Pressure Stability That Sets A New Industry Standard...

Research Series Stability
These charts below represent data of the LF1 BPRs pressure stability through an amazing 6 orders of flow rates and Cv
magnitudes! The inlet pressure of most back pressure regulators varies significantly with changes in process flow.
Gas analysis applications such as Petrochemical and Catalyst Research can take real advantage of the unmatched low
flow capability of these regulators. Equilibar regulators can achieve as high as 10,000:1 flow turn down ratios.

Ultra Wide Flow Range Performance

Exponential Cv Performance

EB1LF Air Trials

EB1LF Air Trials

Air Flow, SCFM

4E-6

4E-5

4E-4

4E-3

4E-2

4E-1

4E+0

600

10

60

10

60

0.1

Various Set Points: .04, 0.2, 1, 6, and 30 psig

0.01
0.1

10

100

Air Flow, ml/min

1000

10000

0.1

0.6

Various Set Points: .04, 0.2, 1, 6, and 30 psig

0.01
1E-8

100000

1E-7

1E-6

1E-5

1E-4

1E-3

1E-2

1E-1

Inlet Pressure, kpa g

100

Inlet Pressure, kpa g

Inlet Pressure, psi g

600

Inlet Pressure, psi g

100

0.06
1E+0

Cv

Research Series
1200

8000
7000

1000

Set Point: 1000 psig, 6895 kpag

800

6000
5000

600

4000
3000

400

2000
200

Set Point: 300 psig, 2068 kpag

1000

0
1E-9

High Temperature Applications

Inlet Pressure, kpa g

Equilibar regulators are able to handle the most extreme

pressure requirements with our Research Series regulators. The HP1 can reach up to 5,000 psig for high pressure applications. Using PTFE/Glass reinforced composites and Stainless Steel 316 diaphragms we are able to
meet the pressure and low flow requirements of todays
most demanding analysis instruments.

High Pressure Performance

Inlet Pressure, psi g

High Pressure Stability

0
1E-7

1E-5

1E-3

1E-1

Cv

High Temperature Seals: Equilibar has developed high temperature (to 327C or 620F ) versions of the Research
Series Back Pressure Regulators for use in research reactors and other high temperature processes. These units use
DuPont Kalrez O-rings to seal metallic diaphragms.
The seals are selected based on your maximum expected temperature, with many available in stock for quick delivery.
Each unit is built to order to precisely fit your application.
Remote Set-Point Controller: Equilibar Back Pressure Regulators are dome loaded with a 1:1 pressure ratio and
require a set point pressure reducing regulator which can be remotely located outside of the hot zone. The dome
loading consumes no fluid, so that your temperature control is not influenced by flow to the reference side of the
diaphragm. The set point controller can be manual or electro-pneumatic. See pages 8 & 9 for options.

page 6

Applications
There are hundreds of potential applications for the unique capabilities of the Equilibar. The Research Series is
specifically designed for a variety of gas, liquid, and mixed phase applications where precision is a must.
Applications span from ultra low flow rates to extreme high pressures. By using unique combinations of diaphragms and
o-ring materials, Equilibar regulators are able to perform in the harshest environments that include high temperature
and aggressive chemicals.
MFC

PG

MFC

Catalyst Research Reactors

Liquid reactant #3

Many catalyst research applications rely on high

performance back pressure regulators to maintain stable
pressure at elevated temperatures and down to nano flow
rates. Because of the Equilibars unique ability to handle
two-phase flow, it is possible to substitute a low pressure
liquid/gas separator for the high-pressure separator.

Catalyst
Research
Reactor

Reactant #2
Reactant #1

Set-Point
Pressure

Separator
Two-phase
Dome-loaded
Back Pressure Regulator

Reservoir Core Analysis

There are many types of petroleum upstream core analysis applications that depend on back pressure regulators
to maintain the pressure downstream of the sample. Core
flooding (as shown at right), PVT analysis, pyrolysis, slim
tube analysis can all benefit from the ultra-low flow
capability of Equilibars Research Series. The ZF (Zero
Flow) Series in particular was developed to address the
demanding requirements of this industry.

Set-Point
Pressure

MFC
CO2,
gas
Brine

Oil

Confining
Pressure

FM

Sample

Temperature
Control

Liquid
Gas
Collector

Two-phase
Dome-loaded
Back Pressure Regulator

Closed Loop Control

Fuel Cell Testing
The Equilibar back pressure regulator excels at the demanding requirements of Fuel Cell test systems. In fact,
several of our products were specifically designed to
meet their requirements of 1000:1 flow rate and 100:1
pressure turn-down ratios.
The schematic at right shows how a closed loop control
system can be used to provide extremely tight control,
even across widely varying process conditions.
Our Research Series are used for the small scale fuel cell
test systems, while medium and large systems use our GS
and NLB Series respectively.

page 7

Set-Point Kits
Manual Control
Equilibar Precision Back Pressure Regulators get their pilot control signal using a fluid
set-point pressure (also called reference or pilot pressure) on their top port.
You can supply your own fluid set point signal or choose one of the popular pilot set
point regulators below.

Application

Supply
Pressure

Ports

Equilibar
Part Number

Outlet Pressure
Range

HPR-500-B

0-500 psig

HPR-1500-B

0-1500 psig

HPR-2500-B

0-2500 psig

HPR-4000-B

0-4000 psig

HPR-6000-B

0-6000 psig

T10LR-25

0.5 to 25 psig

Repeatability &
Sensitivity

Suggested Pressure
Gauge

High Pressure

High Pressure
Regulators

Max 6000
psig

1/4
Inlet
Outlet
Gauge

600p-2.5b-2L
Sensitive through
a wide range of
pressures

1500p-2.5b-2L
3000p-2.5b-2L
500p-2.5b-2L
6000p-2.5b-2L

High Precision
Max 50
psig
Bellofram
Type 10
(2-stage)

Max 150
psig

1/4
Inlet
Outlet
Gauge

T10-25

2 to 25 psig

T10-60

2 to 60 psig

T10-120

2 to 120 psig

T41-2

0-10 psig

25p-2.5b-2c
Highly sensitive
and stable
Varies 0.005 psi
with 25 psi supply
variation

25p-2.5b-2c
60p-2.5b-2c
160p-2.5b-2c

Compact Economical

Bellofram
Type 41
(1-stage)

Max 250
psig

1/4
Inlet
Outlet
Gauge

T41-10

0-10 psig

T41-30

0-30 psig

T41-60

0-60 psig

T41-100

0-100 psig

5p-2.5b-1c
Highly sensitive
Varies 0.35 psig
with 25 psi supply
variation

10p-2.5b-1c
30p-2.5b-1c
60p-2.5b-1c
100p-2.5b-1c

Ultra Low Pressure

LPR2
Ultra Low
Pressure
Regulator

5 - 30 psig
(Stable
Regulated)

1/4
Inlet
Outlet
(No Gauge)

LPR2-B
(Bleed)
&
LPR2-NB
(Non-Bleed)

.25-7 inWC
(0.01 to 0.25 psig)
1-10 inWC
1-28 inWC

Sensitivity: 0.02
inWC
Stability: 0.06
inWC

0-10 WC
0-30 WC

Vacuum

Vacuum
Regulators

30hg
(Vac)

1/8"
Inlet
Outlet
(no gauge)
Panel
Mount
Only

VPR-30

0.4 to 30 inHg

VPR-10

0.4 to 10 inHg

VPR-3

0-3 inHg

Sensitivity
0.1 inHg
20-turn knob

30h-2.5b-2

Consult factory

page 8

Set-Point Controllers
Process Automation
Automating your process pressure is easily accomplished by using an
electronic pressure regulator to provide the pilot set-point pressure to the
Equilibar dome-loaded back pressure regulator.
Equilibar is proud to represent precision electronic regulators from Proportion-Air. These devices are custom tuned on the bench to work perfectly
with the Equilibar precision back pressure regulators or vacuum regulators.
Contact Equilibar or visit our website for additional details about the many
possible configuration of these products.

Regulator

Description

Key Features

Low Pressure - Ultra Precision Regulator (150 psi max)

QPV Series

Aluminum IP65
enclosure
Optional digital
display
4-20 mA or 0-10
VDC

* Min range: 0-0.3 psig, vacuum

* Max range: 0-150 psig
* Available in gauge, absolute, vacuum and vacuumpositive ranges
* Superior proportional valve action
* Accuracy: 0.1% - 0.5% FS
* Resolution: 0.005% - 0.2% FS
* Tuned ready for set-point service
* Optional DeviceNet / Serial communication
* Factory set for your pressure

Aluminum IP65
enclosure
Optional digital
display
4-20 mA or 0-10
VDC

* Min range: vacuum; 0-1 psig

* Max range: , 0 -500 psig
* Available in gauge, absolute, vacuum and vacuumpositive ranges
* 0.2 to 0.5% FS accuracy
* Tuned ready for set-point service
* Good for most applications
* Factory set for your pressure

Medium Pressure - Precision Regulator (500 psi max)

QB Series

High Pressure - Precision Regulator (1000 psi max)

GP Series

Aluminum IP65
enclosure
4-20 mA or 0-10
VDC

* Min range: Vacuum or 0-500

* Max range: , 0 -1000 psig
* Available in gauge, absolute, vacuum and vacuumpositive ranges
* 0.5% FS accuracy
* Factory set for your pressure

page 9

Available Options and Accessories

Equilibar Research Series ULF unit shown with

integrated 1000 psi Proportion-Air GP1 electronic
pressure regulator. In this application, the inert process
gas was used as the supply source for the GP1.

Equilibar Research Series Back Pressure

Regulators are now available in stackable
designs to minimize space requirements in
parallel analysis systems

Equilibar is expanding to higher pressures.

This custom EHP1 is rated for 7000 psig.

Equilibar Research Series back pressure regulator

shown with integrated HPR 6000 psig manual setpoint regulator. Inert gas bottles are often used as
the supply gas for these applications.
page 10

Other products from Equilibar

Contact our Engineers
At Equilibar, your applications unique requirements will
be carefully addressed by one of our trained application
engineers. Please contact us if you have any questions or
special requirements.

GS Series Back Pressure Regulators

This series is ideal for gas and mixed phase applications
due to the 2-piece body design.

Web:

www.equilibar.com

Email:

inquiry@equilibar.com

Telephone:

(828)650-6590

Fax:

(801)504-4439

Address:

Equilibar, LLC
320 Rutledge Road
Fletcher, NC 28732

About Equilibar
Equilibar, LLC manufactures and markets our
specialized products worldwide.
Equilibar branded products are made in
the USA, and protected by US
and foreign patents.

NL Series Back Pressure Regulators

All of our products are assembled,

inspected and tested by trained
technicians in Fletcher, NC.

The NL Series has the same exact performance as

the GS Series BPRs, plus an additional water hammer
suppression feature, making them ideal for most
liquid applications.

Application Engineering . . .
How we are dierent
Unlike mass-market regulator distributors, everything about
Equilibar is focused on you, the scientist or engineer with
a unique pressure control challenge.
We assign an Application Engineer to you, typically
within moments of your call. We work with you closely
to identify the optimum model, trim, and diaphragm to
best meet your challenge. You can stay in touch with your
Application Engineer by email, telephone, mobile phone,
or fax.

EVR Series Vacuum Regulators

The EVR Series uses the GS Series BPR, but adds a
manual set-point kit to make vacuum control of
processes easy and simple.

After installation, if there are any unexpected issues,

your Application Engineer is still available to support
you with start-up information or (if needed) expedited
replacement parts.
page 11

320 Rutledge Rd. Fletcher, NC 28732

Tel: (828)650-6590 Fax: (801)504-4439
www.equilibar.com inquiry@equilibar.com

Copyright 2013 Equilibar LLC

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