Linde achieves development milestone for next generation gas cylinder capabilities
The EVOS DCi valve is among a number of digital concept solutions that Linde is developing in order to demonstrate leading edge digital technologies for the packaged gases sector. The EVOS DCi valve is able to deliver live data on cylinder location and gas information including gas type, volume of gas, rate of gas usage and even cylinder temperature. With the capability to transmit and store data in the Cloud, the solution allows customers immediate access to current and historical gas information via laptops, PC´s and mobile devices, giving customers significant insight into their gas usage and processes.
Such intelligence can have significant benefits to a gas customer’s business in terms of increased productivity, traceability and user safety, optimization of inventory and improved supply chain management. In addition to remote access to contents and location information, Linde foresees future features such as tilt sensors and accelerometers to detect when a cylinder is falling or has been dropped, as key to improving safety.
Linde launched the first model of the EVOS valve family - EVOS Ci - in 2015. The EVOS Ci represented a significant departure from standard gas industry valves, not only in its striking, state-of-the-art ergonomic design, but also in terms of safety and productivity benefits delivered. Importantly, the range employs a uniquely designed, quick-action lever in place of the more traditional hand-wheel mechanism for opening and closing of the valve. This innovative open/close functionality ensures easy opening to improve efficiency, fast closing in case of emergency and, as an extra safety feature, the ability to physically see at a distance whether the valve is open or closed.
The EVOS design also incorporates several additional new features including a safety ‘interlock’ button to mitigate the risk of the valve being opened accidentally; a uniquely designed guard to improve user safety and prevent damage to the valve; and optimal grip design for ease of lifting and maneuvering over short distances as well as ensuring the cylinder can be easily and safely lifted to heights. EVOS valves are also capable of operating at 300 bar working pressure – significantly more than standard industry valves. With the EVOS Ci and DCi models, there is also a real-time content gauge to allow users to see the amount of gas left at a glance.
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