Oxford Flow, the flow control equipment specialist for oil, gas, industrial process and water industries, announced the launch of the latest version of its revolutionary gas pressure regulator, the IM-S valve, offering best-in-class resiliency, ongoing security of gas supply and seamless future proofing for operators in the gas distribution, power generation, industrial gas and oil and gas sectors.

Oxford Flow has integrated customer feedback to create a superior model which is more compact and can be retrofitted seamlessly into gas distribution networks globally. The new IM-S regulator offers an increased flow capacity of up to 30%, and consolidates other key advantages, such as H₂ readiness, while offering significant results for industry performance and reliability benchmarks.

The valve is designed for up to 100% H₂ blending within gas networks, comfortably exceeding the UK government's target for Britain's gas networks to be ready to deliver 20% H₂ blend by 2023. Furthermore, Oxford Flow has taken the revolutionary step of eliminating the diaphragm, the most common failure and wear point in conventional gas regulators, contributing to a minimum service interval maintenance interval of up to ten years.  

Oxford Flow has invested hundreds of thousands of simulation hours and completed a stringent testing regime, above and beyond the current BS EN 334 requirements to ensure that it is remaining one step ahead of evolving standards. This has demonstrated that the IM-S can operate with stability at anything from zero to 100% of operating capacity. 

Faris Churcher, Principal Applications Engineer at Oxford Flow said, “The IM-S is the next generation gas pressure regulator that enhances the benefits of the IM valve predecessor. Engineered with industrial recommendations and feedback at the forefront of its adaptation, this latest development improves maintenance and versatility, while ensuring resiliency against future grid challenges.

“At Oxford Flow we believe in raising the bar and improving industry standards to be the best that they can possibly be, so it’s important that when we’re developing and advancing our technology, we’re thinking beyond the standards that exist now and setting higher, more stringent ones.”

The IM-S is built to be smaller and lighter, making the process of retrofitting into networks seamless, with no impact on existing systems and simple future maintenance. Earlier editions of the regulator are currently deployed in several networks, with over 10 years cumulative service and no failures or unplanned maintenance. 

Neil Poxon, CEO, Oxford Flow said, “Since launch, the IM gas regulator has been one of our flagship products and represents a significant step forward for the valve industry. Now, the development, testing and launch of IM-S has given us the opportunity to improve and perfect the regulator. We’re proud of the service record of our existing regulators in the field and are delighted to be able to provide our customers with the next step forward, the IM-S.”