Switch-6

Description

The Switch-6 is an automatic multi-channel gas inlet controller designed to provide rapid and reliable switching between multiple gas lines. It supports up to six input ports (with optional cascading to 12, 18 or more) and a single output port, enabling one-button selection of any gas path for output. This makes it particularly useful in test setups where frequent gas changes are required. The device is compatible with the full range of AMI Instruments systems as well as many other instrumentation platforms.

Key Features

• One-button automatic switching among multiple gases, reducing manual handling and error.

• Supports six input gas channels by default; can be expanded via cascading units for more channels (12, 18, etc.).

• Built-in automatic purging of the selected pipeline path to remove residual gas, improving accuracy and preventing contamination of subsequent experiments.

• Compact integrated design for simplified installation; corrosion-resistant version available for aggressive or more demanding service environments.

• Compatible with common gases at near-atmospheric pressure (e.g., N₂, H₂, Ar) with optional configurations for corrosive gases (H₂S, NH₃, HCl, etc.).

Typical Specifications

• Number of input ports: 6 (expandable to 12, 18 or more via cascade)

• Tubing size: 1/8″ OD

• Operating pressure: near atmospheric (standard version)

• Supported gas types: standard inert and process gases; optional corrosion-resistant version for aggressive gases

• Dimensions (approx): Length 730 mm × Width 240 mm × Height 253 mm (about 11 lbs/5 kg)

• Output port: 1 selected path at any time

Applications

• Catalyst or adsorption measurement systems where the gas feed needs to switch rapidly between carrier, reactant, purge, and other gas streams.

• Multi-gas analytical rigs (chemisorption, physisorption, breakthrough, reactor feed) that benefit from automated switching.

• Labs requiring reliable and reproducible gas path changes with minimal downtime or operator intervention.

• Systems where residual gas contamination must be minimized by pipeline purging before switching to a new gas.

Benefits

• Increases experimental throughput and reproducibility by automating gas selection.

• Minimizes manual valve switching errors and leakage risk compared to manual gas manifolds.

• Helps maintain clean gas feed lines and better experimental consistency because of automatic purging.

• Flexible and scalable: start with 6 channels and expand as required.

• Recognizes the need for corrosion or aggressive-gas compatibility and offers appropriate versions.

Considerations

• While standard operating pressure is near atmospheric, if higher pressures or custom configurations are required (e.g., high-pressure gas feeds) you should verify compatibility.

• Ensure gas line selection, materials and sealing are appropriate for the specific gases you intend (especially corrosive or reactive gases).

• Installation should consider purge times and dead volume when designing feed lines to maintain expected switching performance.

• The size/mass specification suggests a moderate-sized controller—check space and integration with your existing manifold or system.