Low cost, precision performance pressure regulator

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Many industrial and manufacturing processes require the control of the flow of gases andfluids. From water and compressed air through to rare gases, steam, and chemicals, accurateflow control is key to process efficiency and safety. It’s achieved through a range of valvesand regulators, the designs and applications for many of which date back to the industrialrevolution.Oxford Flow has developed an innovative flow control device. The company is a spin outfrom Oxford University, and the novel design was developed at the Osney Thermo-Fluids Labby academics to meet a specific requirement in their research programme. The device haspotential as a platform technology – the basis of pressure regulators and valves withapplications throughout industry. The patented design is in field trials as a pressure regulator,where it has competitive advantages; it is smaller and more compact than other pressureregulators, and can be manufactured more cheaply. It also has a very precise flow control, ahigh level of performance that was the original objective of the scientists’ design.Oxford Flow aims to undertake a detailed Proof of Market project to map the performanceand attributes of the technology to industry needs. This involves desk research into themarkets for the technology, and engagement with industries such as water, chemicalprocessing, advanced manufacturing and specialist gas applications, to understand in detailthe highest value initial applications for the technology. As a result of the project, thecompany will determine its priority markets for commercialisation and develop its technologyroadmap to meet industry needs.