AES’ SEMI-GAS Xturion Blixer enables on-site blending of forming gas mixtures

Applied Energy Systems (AES) of Malvern, PA, USA – which provides high- and ultra-high-purity gas delivery systems, services and solutions (including design, manufacturing, testing, installation, and field service) – is showcasing the capabilities of its SEMI-GAS Xturion Blixer to support various processes that require forming gas mixtures. The Blixer is said to provide a cost-effective alternative to purchasing expensive pre-mixed gas cylinders by enabling operators to blend their own mixtures on-site in their facility.

The ultra-high-purity gas mixing blender is used across a diverse range of industries to uniformly mix H2 and N2 concentrations in customizable ratios that meet distinct process requirements. Mixtures can be adjusted in real-time via the system’s GigaGuard PLC controller, which features a 9” Siemens color touchscreen for intuitive operation, allowing the user to fine-tune formulations on demand. This makes the system suitable for high-volume applications, eliminating the need to stock a variety of pre-mixed forming gas concentrations, decreasing the frequency of cylinder change-outs, reducing tool downtime, increasing productivity, and ultimately providing the end user with a significant cost savings, says the firm.

The Blixer system is designed to provide a continuous flow of precise gas blends and includes a static mixing tube and surge/mixing tank to address dynamic flow changes and effectively maintain mix tolerances. It is also equipped with a Thermal Conductivity Hydrogen Gas Analyzer, featuring auto-calibration capability and a low-flow alarm, to ensure +/-1% blending accuracy. Its PLC controller includes Ethernet connectivity to allow seamless integration with a facility’s monitoring system, and the system’s hydrogen hazardous gas detector and automatic shutdown feature alert operators during undesirable system conditions.

“We have found the Blixer to be especially beneficial to customers using forming gas mixtures because it gives them flexibility to custom-blend H2/N2 concentrations in the exact ratios they desire — instead of investing in expensive pre-mixed cylinders that still may not be precisely mixed to their unique process requirements,” says technical inside sales engineer Greg Havrilla.

In addition to the Xturion Blixer, a complete turnkey blending solution is also available, which includes an Xturion Mechanical Back-Up Gas Supply, a Centurion Automatic Hydrogen Source System, a Decaturion Manual Nitrogen Wall Mount System, and Applied Services onsite installation support and operator training.