Linde unveils world’s 1st hybrid gas regulator for increased safety and performance

September 12, 2013 10:45 am

Linde Gases, a division of The Linde Group, has announced the launch of SMOOTHFLO, a ground-breaking technologically advanced gas pressure regulator. The new single-stage regulator, dubbed as hybrid, delivers performance similar to that of a multi-stage regulator and has a unique combination of embedded technologies and features making it a world first among industrial gas regulators.Unlike conventional regulators, which require several pressure adjustments to maintain desired flow and pressure, SMOOTHFLO will continuously deliver optimal flow throughout the day with only three turns of the pressure adjusting knob on initial set-up. This is achieved via a unique lever-activated encapsulated valve with Linde’s proprietary Dynamic Quadflow Stability Control (DQSC) technology. The high level of pressure stability and reduction of internal forces has significant benefits for the gas users in terms of increased efficiency, performance and improved product life.With improved safety a key driver of the innovative new design, the multipatented SMOOTHFLO is one of the safest gas regulators in its class. A novel break-off inlet stem has been designed to ensure that if a cylinder is damaged by a fall the high performing excess-flow valve will automatically seal off any gas discharge.“Linde has always played a pioneering role in the compressed gases industry, and we are constantly innovating in order to provide customers with not only the most efficient, effective solutions to meet their gas handling needs, but the safest ones,” said Michael Goss, Global Product Manager, Welding Products, Linde Gases Division.The unique piston-embedded safety valve improves safety further as the embedding feature prevents contaminates from blocking or entering the valve. Piston-driven technology also produces excellent pressure stability at higher flow rates, which allows an operator to achieve greater gas cutting speeds.