High pressure systems are used across a wide range of demanding applications, from laboratory research and product testing to aerospace, oil and gas and advanced engineering. Although the exact configuration will vary depending on the application, every high pressure system must be designed around the pressure required, the media being used and the level of control and safety needed.
What is a high pressure system?
A high pressure system is a combination of components designed to safely contain, control, generate and measure liquids or gases at elevated pressures.
At Hi-Pro Pressure Products, we specialise in high pressure equipment and engineered solutions for systems operating at pressures up to 10,000 bar (145,000 psi). Systems may be supplied using standard components or developed as bespoke assemblies to meet a specific technical requirement.
What components are used in a high pressure system?
A typical system may include several different components.
High pressure valves
Valves allow the operator to control, isolate or regulate the flow of gas or liquid throughout the system. Different applications may require needle valves, check valves, shut-off valves or other specialist designs, depending on the required pressure, flow and media.
Pumps and gas boosters
Pumps are used to generate liquid pressure, while gas boosters increase the pressure of gases such as nitrogen, helium or hydrogen. Hi-Pro supplies pumps and boosters for both industrial and research applications, including equipment from manufacturers such as Sprague.
High pressure tubing and fittings
Tubing and fittings connect the individual parts of the system and must be correctly specified for the working pressure, media and operating conditions. At very high pressures, component compatibility and correct installation become particularly important.
Pressure gauges and instrumentation
Accurate monitoring allows operators to understand what is happening inside the system and maintain safe operating conditions. Instrumentation can include pressure gauges, transmitters and other monitoring equipment selected to suit the required pressure range and application.
Pressure vessels and autoclaves
Pressure vessels and high pressure autoclaves provide a controlled environment for research, testing and process applications. These are commonly used within laboratories, universities and R&D facilities.
Where are high pressure systems used?
High pressure technology plays an important role across numerous sectors, including:
- Research and development
- Universities and laboratories
- Aerospace
- Oil and gas
- Government and defence-related applications
- Petrochemical industries
- Product and materials testing
- Industrial manufacturing
Hi-Pro regularly works with universities, research laboratories, government organisations and global companies where precision, traceability and reliability are essential.
Safety in high pressure systems
Safety must be considered at every stage of a high pressure project. Components should be correctly rated for the intended pressure and compatible with the liquid or gas being used. The complete system should also take into account factors such as operating temperature, pressure cycling, connections and potential failure points. Component selection should therefore be based on the complete application rather than pressure rating alone.
Standard or bespoke?
Many applications can be built using standard high pressure components. More specialist projects, however, may require modified components or a completely bespoke solution. Hi-Pro works alongside customers and specialist manufacturers to help develop custom components, panels and pressurised systems for demanding applications.
Talk to the high pressure specialists
With experience in high pressure systems up to 10,000 bar, Hi-Pro Pressure Products can help identify the right components and solutions for your application. Whether you require an individual valve, pump or gauge, or support with a complete engineered system, contact the Hi-Pro team to discuss your requirements.
