When a local company presented us with an interesting problem with some tight spatial constraints, we provided a simple yet robust solution:
They use very precise mixtures of gasses to calibrate test instruments. Over prolonged periods of little or no use, these mixtures tend to settle within the high-pressure cylinder that contains them, significantly degrading the relative accuracy of the sample gas.
A solution was required homogenise the gasses within the cylinder, whilst allowing easy loading and unloading of the 80kg cylinders by hand. Furthermore, the final solution had to not only fit, but operate under an existing set of warehouse racking.
Through various concept discussions, it was decided that a simple yet robust approach to the homogenisation would be taken – rolling the cylinders between a set of wheels in alternating directions. This would also allow the cylinders to be stored in a horizontal orientation, allowing storage under the existing racking.
Altion Engineering proceeded to finalise the design, which included performing any required stress analysis as well as correctly sizing the pneumatic cylinders which were required to lower and raise the main rotating assembly.
Fabrication commenced on a set of steel frames, control electronics and pneumatics. The finished system was delivered as sub-assemblies straight to site, allowing rapid assembly and commissioning.
