Model 20BP Volume Booster from Rotork Fairchild

Rotork Fairchiled Model 20BP Volume BoosterThe Model 20BP is a smaller back-pressure pneumatic booster designed for automated or remote controlling of the back pressure or relief operation typically found in tank systems and other pressurized systems.

Operating Principles

The Model 20BP Back Pressure Booster is a pneumatic device capable of high flow capacity. This device uses a force balance system to open the relief valve and vent system pressure when the set point is exceeded.

When system pressure increases, the force on the bottom of the diaphragm assembly increases until it reaches the set point. When system pressure increases beyond the set point, the assembly moves upward, lifting the relief valve from its seat and venting the system air.

If system pressure decreases below the set point, the assembly moves downward, closing the relief valve.

Features

Model 20BP Volume Booster Features

  • Signal pressure of up to 150 psig [10.0 BAR] (1000kPa) and handles up 250 psig, [17.0 BAR], (1700 kPa) system pressure
  • Flow capacity of 45 SCFM (76.5 m3/HR), which equates to a Cv factor of approximately 1.0 - fast responsive operation
  • Aspirator tube design compensates downstream pressure droop under flow conditions
  • A separate control chamber isolates the diaphragm from the main flow and eliminates hunting and buzzing
  • Unit construction allows servicing without removal
  • Mounting bracket available - easy installation in the field

Specifications

Model 20BP Volume Booster Specifications

  • Maximum Signal Pressure: 150 psig [10.0 BAR) 1000kPa
  • Maximum System Pressure: 250psig [17.0BARJ 1700kPa
  • Flow Capacity SCFM, @100 psig, [7.0 BAR],(700 kPa) System Pressure: 60 SCFM (101.9 m3/HR)
  • Sensitivity: 1/4"
  • Ratio Accuracy - % of 100 psig, (7.0 BAR], (700 kPa) Input span: 1.0
  • Ambient Temperature: -40 °F to 200 °F, (-40 °C to 93.39C)
  • Hazardous Locations: Acceptable for use in Zones 1 and 2 for gas atmosphere; Groups IIA and IIB and Zones 21 and 22 for dust atmospheres
  • Materials of Construction:
    • Body & Housing: Aluminum
    • Trim: Zinc Plated Steel, Brass
    • Diaphragm: Nitrile on DacronFabric

Q & A

Q&A Section with Expand/Collapse Icons

Model 20BP Volume Booster Q & A

+ What exactly is the Model 20BP and how does it differ from standard volume boosters?

The Model 20BP is a back-pressure pneumatic booster/regulator variant of the standard Model 20 line, designed specifically to handle back-pressure or relief operations in pressurised systems or tank systems rather than only forward/exhaust flow. For example, the specification sheet lists it as “Back Pressure Pneumatic Booster (M20BP)” capable of up to 150 psig [10.0 bar] signal pressure and up to 250 psig [17.0 bar] system/back pressure, with a flow capacity of about 45 SCFM (76.5 m3/hr) and an approximate Cv of 1.0.

Because the “BP” version is tailored for back-pressure control, it is a preferred choice when your system requires maintaining or controlling pressure upstream or in relief mode rather than simply boosting a low‐flow signal to a higher output pressure. This difference is important for industrial automation, process control, oil & gas, water/wastewater, or tank‐back-pressure systems.

 
+ What are the key specifications of the Model 20BP I need to know to ensure it suits my system?
Important specs for the Model 20BP include its flow capacity of approximately 45 SCFM (≈ 76.5 m3/hr,) which corresponds to a Cv of about 1.0. It is designed to operate with signal and system pressures up to roughly 150 psig (10.0 bar) and, in some variants, up to 250 psig (17.0 bar) back‐pressure. The standard materials and construction are similar to other Model 20s: aluminium body, zinc-plated steel/brass trim, nitrile diaphragms, etc. When selecting for your application you should verify: (a) your supply/signal pressure falls within the part’s rating, (b) the downstream/back-pressure you intend to regulate is within the device’s range, (c) the flow requirement (volume) is covered by ~45 SCFM, and (d) the environment (temperature, ambient conditions) is suitable. If your system uses significantly higher flow or much higher back-pressure, then you may need a larger booster/regulator model.
+ How do I select and install the Model 20BP in my application?

To select and install the Model 20BP correctly, you should first determine your system’s signal pressure (what drives the device), the back‐pressure you need to regulate (what the device will hold or relieve), and the flow volume (how much air/gas passes through). The BP variant is designed for back-pressure or relief use, so ensure your application needs that mode. Next, confirm the port size, thread type, connection requirements, and any optional features (such as bypass needle valves or tapped exhaust) that might be required in your system. Installation best practices include mounting the device in a location where piping is clean and dry, with minimal vibration and proper venting/exhaust if required. Ensure the signal line is free of contamination, the supply/actuation lines are correctly sized, and maintain accessibility for servicing (since this model allows servicing without removal).

If your piping or flow requirements exceed the 45 SCFM rating, or your pressure ratio/back‐pressure requirement is outside the published limits, consider other models in the same family.

 
+What are the typical applications and benefits of using the Model 20BP in process industries?

The Model 20BP is well suited for applications where maintaining or controlling back‐pressure is essential — for example, in tank systems, relief/vent systems, or pressurized vessels where the booster must work in a “back‐pressure” mode rather than only a forward boosting mode.

In industries such as oil & gas, chemical processing, water treatment, power generation, and general process automation, it provides reliable pressure control with high flow/exhaust capacity, making it timely for control of large pneumatic or pressure‐driven actuators, regulators, valves and relief systems. Key benefits include fast response due to the force-balance design, stable output (reduces hunting and oscillation), the ability to handle signal pressures accurately, and the simplified maintenance feature of servicing without removal. Because of its design for back‐pressure mode, it is particularly advantageous when your system needs consistent control in relief or tank‐back environments. This drives value for automation buyers looking for reliability, ease of installation, and low lifecycle maintenance.  

 
+ When should I choose a different model instead of the Model 20BP?
You should choose a different or higher‐capacity model if your application exceeds the flow, pressure, or feature limits of the Model 20BP. For instance, if your system requires substantially higher flow than ~45 SCFM, higher back‐pressure control, larger port sizes, exotic materials (for high corrosion or high‐temperature service), or no-bleed/no-exhaust configurations, a larger booster/regulator from the same family may be more suitable. Additionally, if your application is not back-pressure mode but rather a forward/exhaust booster mode, the standard Model 20 or another variant may be more appropriate. Essentially, the Model 20BP offers a mid-range solution for back-pressure use — so when “mid‐range” does not match your system (either more demanding or a different mode) you should evaluate up or a different model. Selecting the wrong mode or undersizing (for example, using 45 SCFM when you need 150 SCFM) can lead to poor performance, slow response, or instability in control systems — always verify specs and system requirements carefully.
 


 

Downloads

Download Rotork Fairchild Model 20BP Pneumatic Precision Back Pressure Booster Datasheet

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