Rotarex Launches New Ring Valve for Industrial Gas Cylinders

Residual Pressure Cylinder Valve - Key Features

• Easy Operation: An ergonomic quarter-turn ring handle allows for quick ON/OFF operation with minimal effort – it can be turned fully open or closed using just two fingers. The ring design provides better grip and control compared to traditional handwheels. Clear visual OPEN/CLOSE indicators on the handwheel give immediate confirmation of the valve status​, enhancing safety for filling station operators and end-users by showing at-a-glance whether a cylinder is turned on or off.

• Advanced Safety Features: The ring valve incorporates multiple safety mechanisms. An automatic outlet detection system ensures that full flow is only enabled when a proper connection (such as a pressure regulator) is connected, serving as a check against accidental gas release. The valve also includes an excess flow limiter, if downstream equipment fails or a hose ruptures, the valve automatically restricts the gas flow to prevent a dangerous blow-down. Additionally, the Ring Valve is engineered with a two-stage opening (slow-start then full-flow) to mitigate adiabatic shock: gas is introduced gradually upon opening, preventing sudden pressure surges that could heat up and damage connected regulators​. (Notably, the design has been oxygen pressure-surge tested up to 380 bar to ensure safe performance in oxygen service.)

• Integrated Pressure Gauge: Each Cylinder Valve new generation comes with a large, easy-to-read pressure gauge built in. This lets users and operators instantly check the cylinder’s pressure status at any time. The gauge is a standard analogic dial type​, with a clear visibility, which improves safety and convenience.

• Robust Design: Built with a compact and robust construction (patented design tested to 315 bar through 4,000 operation cycles)​, the Ring Valve is made to withstand heavy industrial use. The materials and design are optimized for demanding industrial gases applications (including hydrogen service and high-pressure oxygen) to ensure long-term reliability.

• Extended Cylinder Lifetime: The Ring Valve’s residual pressure functionality maintains a low positive pressure in the cylinder, protecting contents from contamination and extending cylinder service life up to 15 years​. This longer lifecycle (versus 10 years for standard valves) means gas suppliers can safely use cylinders for a longer period without internal corrosion or contamination issues.

• Compatibility: The new valve fits all existing RPV tools and filling equipment, ensuring easy integration into current operations​

RPV New Generation - Technical Specifications

Innovative Residual Pressure Valve Design for Modern Needs

This new gas cylinder valve represents Rotarex’s commitment to innovation in gas control technology. Its compact, all-in-one design combines multiple functions into a single unit: the residual pressure feature keeps cylinders pressurized to prevent contamination, the non-return function prevents backflow into the cylinder, and an optional pressure relief device (a burst disk safety) can be included for additional over-pressure protection. The new ring-shaped handle replaces the traditional handwheel, offering not only easier operation.

Engineered for the demands of today’s industrial gas market the Ring Valve, is built to withstand rigorous use and harsh conditions. It has been tested to endure at least 4,000 open/close cycles at 315 bar to validate its durability​. Materials have been carefully selected for compatibility with all supported gases – for example, brass and seal components that resist hydrogen embrittlement and are suitable for oxygen use. The valve’s ability to handle rapid pressurization without damage has been proven through oxygen surge testing up to 380 bar, demonstrating resistance to adiabatic compression (a critical factor in oxygen service safety). In short, the Ring Valve’s design addresses both performance and safety, meeting or exceeding industry standards for cylinder valves.

Automation

The Ring Valve is automation-ready. It was developed to be compatible with existing automated filling stations and is prepared for integration into future automated filling processes. Gas companies moving towards Industry 4.0 solutions (such as automated cylinder filling manifolds, robotics, and digital monitoring) can incorporate this industrial gas valve without modification. Its design accommodates robotic handling and remote operation, and the clear open/close indicators are readable by both humans and potential vision systems. By ensuring interoperability with current residual pressure valve filling connectors and tooling, Rotarex has made adoption straightforward: cylinder fleets can be upgraded to Ring Valves gradually or in bulk, without requiring new equipment for filling or maintenance. This future-proof approach protects the investment of distributors as the industry evolves toward greater automation and smart tracking of gas cylinders.

Enhanced User Experience and Safety

End users of gas cylinders, from welders in workshops to technicians in laboratories, will immediately notice the ring Valve’s ergonomic and safety improvements. The quarter-turn ring handle significantly reduces the effort needed to open or close the valve, as only a 90° twist is required, and its shape is easy to grip. This intuitive operation means no more struggling with stiff, hard-to-turn wheel valves; instead, the cylinder can be turned on or off in one smooth motion. The clearly marked Open/Closed positions on the ring provide a visual cue that helps prevent mistakes. 

In terms of safety, the Ring Valve’s features act as multiple layers of protection. The flow limiter function, which is part of the two-stage opening design, acts instantly in the event of a pipe rupture downstream of the valve or a device failure. The residual pressure retention (maintaining a small amount of gas in the cylinder at all times) means that even when a cylinder seems “empty,” it still has positive pressure keeping out air and moisture. This prevents dangerous backflow of air into a cylinder, for instance, or oxidation inside an oxygen cylinder as well as the ingress of dirt, particles or other contaminations. As a result, industrial gas cylinders with the Ring Valve do not require purging before refilling, saving time and ensuring that the gas quality remains high. The integrated pressure gauge also adds convenience and safety: users can verify cylinder pressure anytime.

Industry Impact

With the introduction of the Ring Valve, Rotarex continues its nearly century-long tradition of delivering cutting-edge gas control solutions. This new valve addresses key industry needs for safety, longevity, and efficiency in cylinder operations. By extending cylinder life, simplifying operation, and adding multiple safety backups, the Ring Valve can help gas distributors reduce operational costs and enhance service to end users. “The Ring Valve is more than just a new component, it’s a comprehensive solution for modern industrial gas applications, combining the functions of several devices into one compact valve,” said Francois Poirier, Product Manager at Rotarex. “We believe this innovation will set a new standard for cylinder valve performance, especially as the industry moves toward.”