Catagen tests automotive catalysts using mass flow control
Dr. Andrew Woods
We head across the pond for a glimpse at the role Alicat plays in OEM products, courtesy of our UK distributor, Premier Control Technologies (PCT). A manufacturer of catalyst testing for aging equipment, Catagen Ltd plays a significant role in the worldwide reduction of automobile emissions. Its testing equipment relies on the high accuracy and fast response of Alicat mass flow controllers.
Dr. Andrew Woods, CEO of Catagen:
Catagen brings cutting edge catalyst testing knowledge and technology to the global market, offering the same industry approved tests at a significant reduction in cost and a 98% reduction in CO2. The Catagen equipment provides highly accurate catalyst testing using synthetic gases and maximizes the efficiency of energy transfer. To attain the level of precision and efficiency necessary to be compatible with this technology, Catagen uses Alicat Scientific.
Alicat Scientific’s mass flow controller (MFC) range provides the accuracy and complete control needed for the operation of the Catagen products: Maxcat, Testcat, and Labcat. The Catagen equipment requirements for capacity (5 LPM to 3000 LPM delivery) and gas selection are met fully by Alicat Scientific’s products. In addition, the speedy response of the Alicat MFCs, provided by UK partner PCT, has been a key factor in Catagen products attaining an impressive process response time of less than 300 ms.
Catagen’s Eyecat software, which governs the control of the testing processes on the equipment, utilizes the Alicat MFC capabilities to their full extent. The Eyecat software reads and writes to the MFCs at a 5 Hz frequency, allowing the software to calculate the tiny errors between changing MFC setpoints and actual delivery. Immediate adjustments can be made affording complete control of the process.
As a satisfied customer of PCT and Alicat Scientific, Catagen fully appreciates the technical capability, responsiveness, and accuracy of the Alicat Scientific MFC product range
Dr. Andrew Woods
Chief Executive
Catagen Ltd