Parker Balston HFX-3, Balston HFX0-3 Technical Information
TECHNICAL INFORMATION
Installation, Operation, and Maintenance
Balston HFX-3 and HFX0-3 Nitrogen Generators
®
Figure 1 - Overall Dimensions,
Model HFX0-3 (Model HFX-3 does
not have an Oxygen Analyzer)
General Description
Engineered System
Left Side View
These instructions must be thoroughly read and understood before installing and operating
this product. Failure to operate this product in accordance with the instructions set forth in
this manual and by other safety governing bodies will void the safety certification of this
product. If you have any questions or concerns, please call the Technical Services Department at 800-343-4048, 8AM to 5PM Eastern Time (North America only) or email at
balstontechsupport@parker.com. For other locations outside North America, please contact
your local representative.
The Balston Nitrogen Generator is a completely engineered system which will convert a compressed air supply into 95% to 99% purity compressed nitrogen and (optionally) monitor the purity
of the emergent nitrogen stream. The system is based on state-of-the-art membrane separation
technology. Hollow fiber membranes are used to separate air into a concentrated nitrogen output
stream and an oxygen enriched permeate stream. To monitor the purity of the nitrogen stream,
Parker has incorporated an oxygen analyzer into the design of its HFX0-3 Nitrogen Generation
System.
The Balston HFX0-3 Nitrogen Generator has been certified to IEC 1010 Standards (CSA 22.2
No. 1010.1-92). These generators bear the CSA safety marking on the product label.
The Balston HFX and HFX0-3 Nitrogen Generators include all the components required to generate
high purity nitrogen from compressed air and monitor the purity of that nitrogen (see Figure 1). The
flow schematic (Figure 2) shows all of the major components of the system. The system can be
broken down into five primary functional groups. These are: prefiltration, air separation, controls,
final filtration, and nitrogen purity monitoring (Model HFX0-3 only). An oxygen analyzer is also
available as a separate accessory for the HFX-3 (P/N 72-730).
Front View
Right Side View
For assistance, call toll-free at 800-343-4048
Parker Hannifin Corporation Bulletin TI-HFX-3D
1
Description
Prefiltration
Air Separation
Final Filtration
Figure 2 - Flow
Schematic
Two stages of coalescing prefiltration are incorporated into the Balston HFX-3 and HFX0-3 Nitrogen
Generator to protect the membrane module from contamination. These filters are located behind the
filtration access panel, and they remove liquids and particulate matter from the incoming air supply.
The filters are equipped with float drains which automatically open to empty any liquids accumulated
inside the filter housing. The drains are connected to 1/4" O.D. plastic tubing which discharges to
atmosphere at the back of the nitrogen generator (see Figure 1).
Air separation takes place in the membrane module. This module consists of bundles of hollow fiber
membranes. The compressed air enters the center bore of these fibers and travels the length of the
fibers. As the air passes through these hollow fibers, oxygen and water molecules pass through the
membrane wall at a higher rate than nitrogen molecules. The result is a high purity, dry nitrogen gas
exiting the membrane module through the outlet. The oxygen enriched permeate stream exits the
membrane module through ports on the side of the module at a very low pressure.
Final filtration consists of a .01 micron (absolute) membrane filter. The final membrane filter will assure
the user a clean, commercially sterile supply of high purity nitrogen.
Model HFX-3
Model HFX0-3
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Parker Hannifin Corporation Bulletin TI-HFX-3D
Description
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Controls
Oxygen Monitoring
The controls in the Balston Nitrogen Generator comprise: an operating pressure gage, a
flowmeter, a flow control valve, an outlet pressure gauge, and a pressure regulator (see Figure
1). Proper use of these controls will assure the user of a 95% to 99% nitrogen outlet stream,
depending on operating pressure and flow rate. The pressure gages, which are mounted on the
front panel, measure operating pressure and outlet pressure. The flowmeter measures the flow
rate of nitrogen exiting the membrane module. The scale on this flowmeter is dimensionless
because the operating pressure can range from 60 psig to 145 psig (4.1 barg to 10 barg). The
Nitrogen Purity Label on the control panel is used to convert this dimensionless flowmeter
reading to standard cubic feet per hour (or liters per minute), based on inlet air pressure and
required purity. The flow control valve is used to set the flow rate through the system as
determined by the user’s required nitrogen purity. The outlet pressure regulator allows the user
to set the pressure of the nitrogen process stream.
Note: In hazardous applications where the oxygen content is critical (i.e., blanketingNote: In hazardous applications where the oxygen content is critical (i.e., blanketing
Note: In hazardous applications where the oxygen content is critical (i.e., blanketing
Note: In hazardous applications where the oxygen content is critical (i.e., blanketingNote: In hazardous applications where the oxygen content is critical (i.e., blanketing
explosive chemicals or packaging food for extended shelf life), an oxygen monitor and/orexplosive chemicals or packaging food for extended shelf life), an oxygen monitor and/or
explosive chemicals or packaging food for extended shelf life), an oxygen monitor and/or
explosive chemicals or packaging food for extended shelf life), an oxygen monitor and/orexplosive chemicals or packaging food for extended shelf life), an oxygen monitor and/or
trace oxygen analyzer should be used in conjunction with safety interlocks and/or alarmtrace oxygen analyzer should be used in conjunction with safety interlocks and/or alarm
trace oxygen analyzer should be used in conjunction with safety interlocks and/or alarm
trace oxygen analyzer should be used in conjunction with safety interlocks and/or alarmtrace oxygen analyzer should be used in conjunction with safety interlocks and/or alarm
systems to assure proper nitrogen purity levels at all times.systems to assure proper nitrogen purity levels at all times.
systems to assure proper nitrogen purity levels at all times.
systems to assure proper nitrogen purity levels at all times.systems to assure proper nitrogen purity levels at all times.
An oxygen analyzer has been incorporated into the design of the HFX0-3 Nitrogen Generator to
monitor the oxygen content of the nitrogen process stream. The unit is powered by a 120 VAC
or 240 VAC, 50/60 Hz power supply. The sensing device in the oxygen analyzer is a galvanic
cell. The analyzer has an internal temperature compensation circuit to provide accurate readings within a specified temperature range.
The oxygen analyzer has all the controls necessary to assure safe and accurate monitoring of
the oxygen concentration in a process stream. The analyzer is equipped with the following
controls and features (see Figure 3):
Alarm Controls -Alarm Controls -
Alarm Controls - The alarm controls are located on the right side of the front panel. The switch
Alarm Controls -Alarm Controls on the far right side of the front panel enables the audible alarm. When enabled, the audible
alarm will sound if the oxygen concentration in the process stream exceeds the alarm set points
set by the user. The alarm set switch is located to the left of the audible alarm control switch.
The two potentiometers used to set alarm trigger points are located to the left of the alarm set
switch. The LED’s above and below the alarm set switch give a visual indication of oxygen
concentrations beyond the specified range.
Oxygen Concentration Display -Oxygen Concentration Display -
Oxygen Concentration Display - The oxygen concentration LED display shows oxygen
Oxygen Concentration Display -Oxygen Concentration Display concentration, in percent, to the nearest 0.1%.
Calibration Controls -Calibration Controls -
Calibration Controls - The calibration controls are located to the left of the oxygen concentra-
Calibration Controls -Calibration Controls tion display. The zero potentiometer is used to zero the instrument when a zero gas (containing
no oxygen) is introduced. The span potentiometer is used to set the analyzer reading to the
specified concentration of oxygen in the span gas. The inlet port to the HFX0-3 for the calibration gas is 1/8" NPT and is located on the back of the generator, as shown in Figure 1. The
switch located below the calibration port (see Figure 1) is toggled up for calibration and down for
nitrogen purity monitoring.
Figure 3 - Front Panel Controls
For assistance, call toll-free at 800-343-4048
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Installation
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!
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Moving
General
Location
The Balston Nitrogen Generator is shipped on a wooden skid. The generator may be removed from
the skid when it arrives at the customer location, or it may be transported to its final destination while
skidded. If the generator is removed from the skid, use a two-wheeled dolly. If the generator
remains skidded while being moved, use a device approved for transporting skidded products.
The Balston Nitrogen Generator is a free-standing unit.
from the wall or ceiling. Its considerable weight and size could pose a falling hazard.from the wall or ceiling. Its considerable weight and size could pose a falling hazard.
from the wall or ceiling. Its considerable weight and size could pose a falling hazard.
from the wall or ceiling. Its considerable weight and size could pose a falling hazard.from the wall or ceiling. Its considerable weight and size could pose a falling hazard.
The inlet and outlet on the HFX-3 and HFX0-3 are 1/4" female NPT. A 1/4" male connector which will
withstand 145 psig (10 barg) should be used to connect to the nitrogen generator.
Shutoff Valve -Shutoff Valve -
Shutoff Valve - A shutoff valve should be installed directly upstream from the nitrogen generator to
Shutoff Valve -Shutoff Valve facilitate routine maintenance and troubleshooting procedures.
opened slowly.opened slowly.
opened slowly. Opening a valve quickly will pressurize the membrane too rapidly and may cause
opened slowly.opened slowly.
membrane rupture. Membrane failures resulting from improper valve installation will not be covered
under warranty.
Pressure Regulator -Pressure Regulator -
Pressure Regulator - A pressure regulator should be installed directly upstream from the nitrogen
Pressure Regulator -Pressure Regulator generator to set and maintain the inlet air pressure. Maintaining a constant inlet air pressure is
critical to the performance of the system.
Flow Controller -Flow Controller -
Flow Controller - If the application requires nitrogen at pressures higher than 10 psig (0.7 barg),
Flow Controller -Flow Controller install a flow controller downstream from the nitrogen generator, close to the point of use (see
Adjustment Procedure section, page 9).
The generator should be located indoors, protected from severe weather conditions, and free from
excessive ambient dust or dirt.
of the air surrounding the generator must be between 60°F and 95°F (15°C and 35°C). Allow a
minimum of 6" (15 cm) clearance on all sides of the generator.
Do not install the generator outdoors. Do not install the generator outdoors.
Do not install the generator outdoors. The ambient temperature
Do not install the generator outdoors. Do not install the generator outdoors.
Do not suspend the Nitrogen GeneratorDo not suspend the Nitrogen Generator
Do not suspend the Nitrogen Generator
Do not suspend the Nitrogen GeneratorDo not suspend the Nitrogen Generator
The valve should always beThe valve should always be
The valve should always be
The valve should always beThe valve should always be
Utilities
Installation with a
Receiving Tank
The environment surrounding the nitrogen generator should also be adequately ventilated.The environment surrounding the nitrogen generator should also be adequately ventilated.
The environment surrounding the nitrogen generator should also be adequately ventilated.
The environment surrounding the nitrogen generator should also be adequately ventilated.The environment surrounding the nitrogen generator should also be adequately ventilated.
The generator creates a 30% to 40% oxygen permeate stream which may pose a flammabilityThe generator creates a 30% to 40% oxygen permeate stream which may pose a flammability
The generator creates a 30% to 40% oxygen permeate stream which may pose a flammability
The generator creates a 30% to 40% oxygen permeate stream which may pose a flammabilityThe generator creates a 30% to 40% oxygen permeate stream which may pose a flammability
problem in an oxygen sensitive environment.problem in an oxygen sensitive environment.
problem in an oxygen sensitive environment.
problem in an oxygen sensitive environment.problem in an oxygen sensitive environment.
Compressed Air -Compressed Air -
Compressed Air - The Balston HFX-3 and HFX0-3 Nitrogen Generators require a source of clean,
Compressed Air -Compressed Air dry compressed air for operation. The incoming air should be between 60°F and 95°F(15°C and
35°C), have a dewpoint less than the ambient temperature, and be relatively free of water, compressor oil, hydrocarbons, and particulate matter. The inlet pressure of the compressed air supply
should be regulated to 60 psig to 145 psig (4.1 barg to 10 barg).
Power - If the Balston 72-730 oxygen analyzer is being used as an accessory, Power - If the Balston 72-730 oxygen analyzer is being used as an accessory,
Power - If the Balston 72-730 oxygen analyzer is being used as an accessory, a 120 VAC or
Power - If the Balston 72-730 oxygen analyzer is being used as an accessory, Power - If the Balston 72-730 oxygen analyzer is being used as an accessory,
240 VAC, 50/60 Hz power supply is required to energize the oxygen analyzer. (
line voltage must be within 10% of the nominal rated voltage for the generator.) The power receptacle is located on the back of the unit (see Figure 1).
Drain Lines -Drain Lines -
Drain Lines - The 1/4" plastic drain lines from the first two stages of prefiltration (see Figure 1)
Drain Lines -Drain Lines should be piped away to an appropriate disposal container. The liquid in this drainage will consist
primarily of water and compressor oil and should be disposed of properly.
In many applications, the process flow requirements for nitrogen fluctuate with time. As noted
earlier, if the flowrate of the emergent nitrogen stream varies, the purity level of the nitrogen stream
also varies; therefore, it is important to keep the nitrogen flow as constant as possible. A receiving
tank can be installed between the nitrogen generator and the process to accommodate fluctuations
in nitrogen demand and maintain nitrogen purity.
If a receiving tank is to be used, a back pressure regulator and a check valve should be installed
between the Balston Nitrogen Generator and the receiver tank (see Figure 5). The 72-460 Back
Pressure Controller contains both of these components and may be ordered as an accessory for the
Nitrogen Generator. The adjustable back pressure regulator, when set to the appropriate pressure,
will maintain a constant pressure drop across the flow control valve. By controlling the pressure
drop across the flow control valve, the nitrogen flow will be kept constant and the variability in purity
of the nitrogen process stream will be minimized. The check valve, when installed properly, will
prevent any flow of nitrogen from the receiver upstream toward the generator, providing a more
effective means of storing the emergent nitrogen.
Note:Note:
Note: Main supply
Note:Note:
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Parker Hannifin Corporation Bulletin TI-HFX-3D
Installation
Figure 4 - Recommended Installation
Figure 5 - Recommended Installation with a Receiving Tank
Galvanic Cell
Installation
Voltage Selector
For assistance, call toll-free at 800-343-4048
The galvanic cell used in the oxygen analyzer is
is shipped in the bag which contains the documentation for the product. The only tools needed to
install the sensor are a small flat head or Phillips screwdriver and wire strippers. The procedure for
installing the sensor is outlined below and takes approximately 10 minutes.
Disconnect generator from power supply before installing galvanic cell sensor.Disconnect generator from power supply before installing galvanic cell sensor.
Disconnect generator from power supply before installing galvanic cell sensor.
Disconnect generator from power supply before installing galvanic cell sensor.Disconnect generator from power supply before installing galvanic cell sensor.
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1 Remove filter access panel and sensor cover to expose galvanic cell holder (see Figure 6).
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2 Strip replacement sensor connecting wires to 1/4" to 3/8" (6mm to 9mm) using wire strippers.
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3 Connect the stripped wires to the screw connections provided being sure to maintain the
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proper polarity (black -, red +).
The HFX0-3 Nitrogen Generator is preset at the factory for operation at 120 VAC. The voltage
setting for the generator is shown through a small window on the power entry module on the back of
the generator (see Figure 1).
tor.tor.
tor. The selector setting should match the voltage of the local power supply and the product label.
tor.tor.
If the voltage selector displays an input power voltage different from the local power supply, it may
be changed using only a small screwdriver. First, use the screwdriver to release the cover of the
power entry module on the back of the generator (see Figure 1). Next, rotate the voltage selector
until the desired input voltage is displayed in the window. Finally, replace the power entry module
cover. (Note: The "NA" version of the generator is designed to operate at 120 VAC only.)
notnot
not installed into the generator prior to shipment. It
notnot
Check the voltage selector setting prior to energizing the genera-Check the voltage selector setting prior to energizing the genera-
Check the voltage selector setting prior to energizing the genera-
Check the voltage selector setting prior to energizing the genera-Check the voltage selector setting prior to energizing the genera-
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