1. Home
  2. Geotechnical Testing Systems
  3. Pressure and Volume Controllers
  4. Infinite Volume Controller

Infinite Volume Controller

Product Code : GDSIVC

The GDS Infinite Volume Controller (IVC) is designed to remove constraints of volume capacity such that a test can continuously flow fluid under pressure control or volume control.

When using a single pressure/volume controller, once the volumetric capacity of the barrel has been reached (either 100% full or 100% empty), the user is required to manually fill or empty the controller accordingly.  By connecting two GDS pressure/volume controllers in parallel, the IVC system automatically switches between them when they run out of volume thus providing a seamless supply of pressure with unlimited volume capacity.  The IVC can be used with any two pressure controllers from the GDS range, i.e. advanced, standard or enterprise.

Discover more pressure and volume controllers equipment for soil testing.

Infinite Volume Controller
specification datasheet (PDF)
Enquire NOW
Key features Benefits to the user
The GDSIVC system automatically switches between controllers when they run out of volume: Infinite Volume!
Controller flexibility: Can be used with all types of GDS controller (ELDPC, STDDPC or ADVDPC).
Secondary controller follows primary:
The second controller will match the output pressure of the primary controller, this feature allows for minimum time switching. Empty controllers are automatically refilled from a reservoir (not supplied).
Continuous volume flow: Allows long term (laminar flow) permeability tests to be carried out.
Accuracy of Pressure Measurement
Depends on the controllers used, see individual controller specification.
Accuracy of Volume Measurement

Depends on the controllers used, see individual controller specification.
Dimensions

440mm x 260mm x 100mm – Panel 440mm x 260mm x 50mm – Control Box

Pressure Range (MPa)

Up to 2MPa
Weight Approx (kg)

8kg

 

 

Tests supported by the Infinite Volume Controller, pressure and volume controllers equipment for soil testing :-

Constant Head Permeability

The constant head test simply maintains a constant differential in pressure between the top and the base of the specimen (top pressure is always set higher than the base pressure). The flow is then measured on the top controller and the base controller.  Please note: Some apparatus may require additional components or software modules to perform certain tests.

Constant Head Permeability soil test equipment
Constant Pressure Source

All GDS controllers are designed for use as constant pressure sources.  The stepper motor constantly adjusts itself to ensure the desired pressure is maintained, with the additional advantage that volume change is measured to 1 cubic mm* (*except the pneumatic controller which only regulates pressure and has no capability for measuring volume change or flow).

Constant Pressure Source soil test equipment
Constant Rate of Flow Permeability

The constant rate of flow test simply maintains a constant base pressure whilst applying a constant flow through the top of the specimen. A maximum hydraulic gradient can be set which will pause the rate of flow if the pressure differential between the top and the base of the sample gets too large.  Please note: Some apparatus may require additional components or software modules to perform certain tests.

Constant Rate of Flow Permeability soil test equipment
Continuous Infinite Volume Flow (either target or ramp)

Some geotechnical applications require the continuous flow of fluid, either under pressure control or via a rate of fluid flow.  GDS manufacture an Infinite Volume Controller (IVC). By connecting 2 GDS pressure/volume controllers in parallel, the IVC system automatically switches between them when they run out of volume thus providing a seamless supply of pressure with unlimited volume capacity.  The IVC can be used with any 2 pressure controllers from the GDS range, i.e. advanced, standard or enterprise. Please note: Some apparatus may require additional components or software modules to perform certain tests.

Continuous Infinite Volume Flow (either target or ramp) soil test equipment
Pore Water Volume Change

Soil testing involves the application of pressure (stress) and the resulting measurement of strain either by measuring displacements or volume change. GDS pressure/volume controllers can apply pressure and measure volume change, or alternatively can apply volume change and measure the resulting pressure. Essential for soil testing.  Please note: Some apparatus may require additional components or software modules to perform certain tests.

Pore Water Volume Change soil test equipment

Standards for the Infinite Volume Controller, pressure and volume controllers equipment for soil testing :-