Helping develop a ‘best in class’ Linde EVOS VIPR valve

42T has helped Linde Gases to design and develop a new easy-to-use industrial gas cylinder valve with integrated pressure regulator.

The new EVOS VIPR valve has been specifically designed to offer ‘best in class’ accuracy and consistency of output gas-flow rates, or pressures. At the same time it incorporates all of Linde’s existing EVOS family safety and performance features.

The new pressure regulator elements used within EVOS VIPR have been designed to maintain highly accurate and reliable control of output flow rates. As a result, there is no need for users to adjust flow settings even during long-term use as the cylinder pressure drops, they can simply ‘set and forget’. By contrast, most competitive valves can drift by up to 50 per cent.

The new valve also features an innovative geared outlet setting indicator that enables users to quickly and easily set their required gas output conditions before opening the valve. The valve is then opened using a unique quick action lever. This lever is one of the technology breakthroughs first introduced in Linde’s award-winning EVOS Ci cylinder package.

What we did

42 Technology’s role has been to lead key aspects of the product development and to carry out the mechanical engineering for EVOS VIPR. We also advised on key aspects of its industrial design.  And we worked alongside Linde’s manufacturing partners to help transfer the new valve into initial manufacturing then into volume production.

Linde Gases and 42 Technology first started working together in 2012 to develop the EVOS family of innovative industrial gas cylinder valves and packages. EVOS VIPR are now the third product line to result from the partnership. 42T’s mechanical engineering skills, technology innovations and expertise in running multi-national projects have been invaluable. Our engineering teams are continuing to work together to further develop our market-winning range.

– Chris Cowles, global design manager for packaged industrial gas valves, Linde Group.

There are three EVOS VIPR valve variants designed to cover the full range of industrial gases. A low-flow version for inert gases such as argon and helium used for welding and other applications. Also, a high flow rate oxygen variant and one for acetylene.

The new VIPR valves also feature all EVOS safety and usability features. This includes a live contents indicator gauge so that users can read cylinder pressures at a glance. Also, a safety interlock button to eliminate the risk of the valve being opened accidentally during transportation or manual handling. And lastly, a specially-designed guard to protect the valve against accidental bumps and falls.

Award recognition

EVOS Ci was the first member of Linde’s new EVOS valve family to be developed in partnership with 42 Technology. The new valve and guard were launched in 2014.

They proceeded to secure two major industry awards recognising their advances in industrial gas cylinder safety, ergonomics and performance. Firstly, a Red Dot – Product Design 2015 award and then an iF Design Award 2016 in the product design category.

42T has also helped develop EVOS DCi, an IoT digital valve for industrial gas cylinders. This is another world first for the sector. It can communicate details of its status, contents and location to nearby mobile devices, a company’s IT network and the Cloud.