i-Lab KL-GBP 80 Pneumatically Driven Gas Booster Pump

Overview

The i-Lab KL-GBP 80 is a pneumatically driven, double-acting gas booster pump engineered for precise, reliable, and contamination-free pressure amplification in laboratory and light industrial environments. It operates on the principle of area-ratio mechanical advantage: a large-diameter low-pressure piston actuated by shop air or nitrogen drives a small-diameter high-pressure piston, enabling efficient step-up compression without electrical power at the point of pressurization. Unlike conventional compressors, the KL-GBP 80 does not generate heat via motor-driven compression or introduce hydrocarbon contamination—making it suitable for applications demanding ultra-clean, dry, and inert gas streams. Its maximum output pressure of 80 bar (1160 psi) supports critical functions such as carrier gas pressurization for gas chromatography (GC), pneumatic actuation in analytical instrumentation, and controlled pressurization in leak testing and accumulator charging protocols.

Key Features

• Pneumatic Drive Architecture: Eliminates electrical hazards and electromagnetic interference—ideal for use in explosion-proof zones, cleanrooms, and ESD-sensitive labs.
• Double-Acting Dual-Piston Design: Ensures continuous, pulse-free output flow and high volumetric efficiency across the full 0–80 bar range.
• Oil-Free 316L Stainless Steel Fluid Path: Fully compatible with oxygen, nitrogen, argon, helium, and other inert gases; resistant to chloride-induced stress corrosion cracking per ASTM A312.
• Auto-Pressure-Hold Function: Integrated pressure-sensing control circuitry triggers automatic re-pressurization upon detected decay (>0.2 bar drop), maintaining setpoint stability within ±0.5 bar over extended dwell periods.
• Multi-Media Capability: Certified for gaseous media and select non-corrosive liquids (e.g., mineral-based hydraulic oils meeting ISO VG 32 specifications), enabling dual-use flexibility in test rig and calibration workflows.
• Compact Horizontal Footprint: Dimensions of 320 × 180 × 165 mm (W × D × H) allow seamless integration into fume hoods, instrument racks, or centralized gas distribution skids.

Sample Compatibility & Compliance

The KL-GBP 80 is validated for use with Grade 5 nitrogen (99.999% purity), medical-grade compressed air (ISO 8573-1:2010 Class 2:2:2), and technical argon (ISO 8573-1 Class 3). All wetted components conform to USP material safety standards for pharmaceutical contact surfaces. The unit meets CE marking requirements under the Machinery Directive 2006/42/EC and Pressure Equipment Directive 2014/68/EU (PED Category II) for maximum allowable pressure (PS) = 80 bar. It supports audit-ready documentation packages aligned with FDA 21 CFR Part 11 for electronic record integrity when interfaced with compliant SCADA or LIMS systems.

Software & Data Management

While the KL-GBP 80 operates autonomously via analog pressure regulation, optional digital interface modules (KL-DI-PRO, sold separately) provide RS-485 Modbus RTU connectivity for remote monitoring of outlet pressure, cycle count, and runtime hours. Data logs are timestamped and exportable in CSV format, supporting traceability in GLP/GMP environments. Firmware updates maintain backward compatibility with legacy control networks and include configurable alarm thresholds (e.g., low inlet pressure, thermal cutoff >65°C) that trigger relay outputs for system interlock.

Applications

• Gas Chromatography Support: Stabilizes GC carrier gas pressure during column temperature ramping, minimizing retention time drift and improving peak symmetry.
• Nitrogen Blow-Down Systems: Supplies consistent 4–6 bar N₂ to multi-channel evaporators, reducing solvent evaporation variability across sample batches.
• Leak Testing & Calibration: Enables controlled pressurization of test vessels to 50–80 bar for ISO 15848-1 fugitive emission verification and pressure decay rate analysis.
• Aerospace Ground Support: Delivers regulated helium or nitrogen to pneumatic actuators and purge circuits during avionics bench testing under MIL-STD-810G environmental profiles.
• Industrial Laser Assist Gas: Boosts shop air or nitrogen to 10–20 bar for fiber laser cutting nozzles, improving cut edge quality and dross suppression consistency.

FAQ

Is the KL-GBP 80 certified for use with oxygen?
Yes—when equipped with oxygen-cleaned 316L components and operated within O₂ concentration limits per CGA G-4.4, it complies with NFPA 53 and EN 13344 for oxygen service up to 80 bar.
Can it be used in a Class 100 cleanroom?
Affirmative—the oil-free design, electropolished internal surfaces, and absence of particulate-generating wear mechanisms meet ISO 14644-1 Class 5 particle count requirements when installed downstream of ULPA filtration.
What maintenance intervals are recommended?
No scheduled lubrication is required. Annual inspection of diaphragm integrity, seal compression set, and pressure transducer calibration is advised per i-Lab Technical Bulletin TB-KL-GBP-02.
Does it support integration with PLC-based central gas management systems?
Yes—via optional KL-DI-PRO module with configurable digital I/O, Modbus register mapping, and fail-safe shutdown signaling compliant with IEC 61508 SIL 2.