The Difference Between HP and VHP Microbulk Tanks

The Difference Between HP and VHP Microbulk Tanks

The MICRO BULK tanks are designed for applications requiring nitrogen, argon, and oxygen, with a maximum allowable working pressure of 17.2 Bar (1.72 MPa), 24 Bar (2.4 MPa) for the HP series, and 34.5 Bar (3.45 MPa) for the VHP series. Additionally, both the HP and VHP series can be used for carbon dioxide applications.
The primary distinction between HP (High Pressure) and VHP (Very High Pressure) microbulk tanks is their pressure ratings, which define their suitability for various applications and operational requirements.

HP (High Pressure) Microbulk Tanks:

1. Pressure Ratings:
   • HP microbulk tanks typically have pressure ratings ranging from 230 to 350 psi (pounds per square inch).
2. Design and Usage:
   • These tanks are engineered to store gases at relatively high pressures, making them ideal for applications requiring a moderate to high gas flow rate or pressure.
   • The design of HP tanks ensures they can handle the demands of a continuous and reliable gas supply.
3. Common Applications:
   • Manufacturing and Fabrication: HP tanks are widely used in welding and cutting processes, where a steady flow of gases like oxygen, nitrogen, and argon is crucial.
   • Healthcare: Medical facilities use HP tanks for oxygen supply, ensuring consistent pressure for life support systems.
   • Food Processing: These tanks are used in modified atmosphere packaging (MAP) and other processes requiring precise gas mixtures.
   • Laboratories: HP tanks provide gases for various analytical instruments and experimental setups.

VHP (Very High Pressure) Microbulk Tanks:

1. Pressure Ratings:
   • VHP microbulk tanks have pressure ratings that exceed those of HP tanks, often reaching up to 500 psi or higher.
2. Design and Usage:
   • VHP tanks are designed to store gases at very high pressures, offering efficient and high-pressure gas delivery directly to the point of use.
   • These tanks are built with robust materials and advanced safety features to manage the higher pressure levels safely.
3. Common Applications:
   • Industrial Processes: Certain high-pressure industrial applications, such as chemical synthesis and high-pressure testing, require the capabilities of VHP tanks.
   • Speciality Gas Applications: VHP tanks store special gases requiring higher pressures for specific industrial, medical, or scientific applications.
   • High-Pressure Gas Blending: In processes that involve blending gases at very high pressures, VHP tanks ensure the required precision and safety.
   • Energy Sector: These tanks are employed in oil and gas exploration sectors, where high-pressure gas storage is necessary for various operations.

HP Microbulk Tanks

Materials Used:

1. Stainless Steel:
   • Grade: Typically, 304 or 316 stainless steel is used.
   • Properties: These grades offer excellent resistance to corrosion, sufficient strength for high-pressure applications, and good weldability.
   • Application Suitability: Ideal for environments where the pressure requirements do not exceed 24 Bar (2.4 MPa). Stainless steel provides a balance of durability, safety, and cost-effectiveness.
2. Carbon Steel:
   • Grade: Commonly used grades include A36 and A516.
   • Properties: Carbon steel is strong and cost-effective but requires proper coating or treatment to prevent rust.
   • Application Suitability: Suitable for HP tanks used in less corrosive environments. Often chosen for its affordability and mechanical strength.
3. Aluminum Alloys:
   • Grade: Alloys like 6061 or 7075.
   • Properties: Aluminum alloys are lightweight and have good strength-to-weight ratios. They also offer reasonable corrosion resistance.
   • Application Suitability: Used in applications where weight is a concern, though they are less common due to their lower pressure handling than steel.

Material Differences

The choice of material for HP and VHP microbulk tanks is guided by the need to balance strength, durability, weight, and corrosion resistance. For HP tanks, stainless and carbon steel are standard, offering sufficient strength for up to 24 Bar pressures. In contrast, VHP tanks require materials like high-strength alloy steel, higher grades of stainless steel, nickel alloys, and advanced composites to manage pressures up to 34.5 Bar safely.

VHP Microbulk Tanks

Materials Used:

1. Stainless Steel:
   • Grade: Higher grades like 316L or duplex stainless steel.
   • Properties: Enhanced corrosion resistance, higher tensile strength, and improved durability at high pressures.
   • Application Suitability: Essential for environments requiring maximum pressure levels of up to 34.5 Bar (3.45 MPa). These higher grades ensure safety and longevity under extreme conditions.
2. High-Strength Alloy Steel:
   • Grade: Grades such as 4130 and 4340.
   • Properties: These alloys offer exceptional tensile strength, toughness, and resistance to wear. They can withstand the significant stress and strain of very high-pressure applications.
   • Application Suitability: Critical for applications where both high strength and durability are needed, often used in aerospace and advanced industrial settings.
3. Nickel Alloys:
   • Grade: Inconel 625 and Hastelloy C-276.
   • Properties: Known for their superior strength, high-temperature stability, and excellent corrosion resistance, especially in harsh environments.
   • Application Suitability: Used in specialized applications where corrosion resistance is paramount, such as chemical processing and marine environments.
4. Composite Materials:
   • Composition: Typically involves a combination of carbon fibre-reinforced polymers (CFRP).
   • Properties: Composites offer high strength-to-weight ratios, exceptional durability, and corrosion resistance. They are lighter than their metal counterparts.
   • Application Suitability: Used in cutting-edge applications where reducing weight without compromising strength is crucial, such as in aerospace and high-performance automotive sectors.

Summary

The critical difference between HP and VHP micro bulk tanks lies in their pressure ratings:

• HP Microbulk Tanks: They have pressure ratings between 230 and 350 psi and are suitable for applications needing moderate to high gas flow rates. They are commonly used in manufacturing, healthcare, food processing, and laboratories.
• VHP Microbulk Tanks: They have pressure ratings up to 500 psi or higher and are ideal for applications requiring very high gas pressures. They are used in industrial processes, speciality gas applications, high-pressure gas blending, and the energy sector.

Choosing between HP and VHP micro bulk tanks depends on the application’s requirements, including the necessary gas pressure, flow rate, and volume. This decision ensures optimal gas storage and delivery system performance, safety, and efficiency.
For more information on selecting the right microbulk tank, contact DSW, your reliable partner in high-quality gas storage solutions.