Pressure Control
GCTS offers two solutions for controlling the pressures required for triaxial tests on rock specimens. For pressure control during soil testing, click here.
The ePVC Series of Standalone Pressure / Volume Controllers provide independent control of hydraulic pressure or flow for a variety of applications. These controllers are electromechanical and only require standard 100‐240 VAC, 50/60 Hz power for operation ‐ no hydraulic power is needed. GCTS offers pressure/volume controllers rated for ultra high pressure up to 1 GPa (150,000 psi)!
They are capable of closed‐loop servo‐control of the pressure or volume and feature a large volume capacity and stroke with a direct, integrated transducer for precise volume measurements. This is done to prevent control errors caused by gear backlash commonly found in other systems that use a motor encoder. The ePVC includes interface programs for PC or mobile devices (iOS, Android and Windows) to remotely set pressures or flow rates. Multiple units can be linked through our CATS software for simultaneous control as required by triaxial, hydro‐fracturing, creep, and other testing applications. All models can be upgraded with continuous flow capabilities with no recharge pause. This allows for true continuous flow with no pressure spikes.
The HPVC Hydraulic Pressure / Volume Controllers are ideal for control of the confining pressure in triaxial tests, head pressure in permeability tests, or fluid pressure in hydro-fracture tests. These intensifiers can also be used to measure flow in permeability tests and volume change in triaxial tests while applying prescribed pressures. Together with a GCTS digital servo controller and triaxial software, it allows the performance of more advanced tests such as stress/strain path control. These units include a large reservoir, reservoir level and fluid flow indicators, analogue pressure gauge, and necessary valves to simplify all operations. All these components are housed within a metal cabinet with casters. GCTS also offers dual piston intensifier models for tests where continuous flow is required.
ePVC
HIGHLIGHTS
- Standalone Pressure / Volume Intensifier with Controller
- Controlled by on-board keypad, computer, or mobile device
- 1 to 210 MPa standard pressure range models
- Ultra high pressure 1 GPa (150,000 psi) model available
- As low as 0.05 kPa resolution
- Up to 823 cc volume stroke
- As low as 0.0002 cc resolution
- Up to 1,236 cc/min. flow rate @ 5% rated pressure
- Closed-loop digital servo control of pressure or flow (volume) with “bumpless” transfer
- TCP/IP Communications
- Optional models available for corrosive fluids
- Continuous flow models with no recharge pauses available
- Power: 100–240 VAC, 50/60 Hz @ 1 KVA
HPVC
HIGHLIGHTS
- 70, 140, or 210 MPa (10, 20, or 30 ksi) standard pressure ranges
- Ultra high pressure 1 GPa (150,000 psi) model available
- 0.01 MPa resolution
- Up to 560 cc volume stroke
- 0.01 cc resolution
- 4,000 cc fluid reservoir with pressure/vacuum/vent port for easy filling and draining triaxial cell
- Closed-loop digital servo control of pressure or flow with “bumpless” transfer
- Can be used as a volume change measurement device for triaxial and permeability testing
- Metal cabinet mounted on casters to house the confining pressure/volume servo controlled intensifier, fluid reservoir, and panel
- Separate models available for confining or pore fluid control (for use with oil or water)
- Dual-piston models available for continuous, non-pulsating flow
- Note: Requires 21 MPa (3,000 psi) hydraulic pressure input
