Rummel RWFR160: mechanical flow control at high mold temperatures
The RWFR160 is a mechanical flow regulator that works in mold temperature control circuits up to 160 °C. It is used in the practical upper range of temperature control with pressurized hot water, for technical plastics that require high surface quality or crystallinity. The parts in contact with water are brass and stainless steel; the seal can be EPDM or FPM. There is also a version that runs on heat transfer oil.
How does it differ from the RWFR120?
Both models share the same parallel distribution concept and the same 1" / 1/2" connection sizes. What sets the RWFR160 apart:
- A temperature limit of 160 °C instead of 120 °C
- An operating pressure of max. 15 bar as a single value
- Scales burned into the sight glass; no wiping off or fading at high temperature
- A version with transparent PC protection against contact with hot parts
- A version for use with heat transfer oil
- 8 measuring ranges from 0.7 L/min up to 28 L/min
Selecting the measuring range
The greatest strength of the RWFR160 is that its measuring ranges are easy to adapt to the application. A small core circuit and a large mold plate circuit can be monitored on the same manifold with tubes of different ranges:
| Measuring ranges (L/min) |
|---|
| 0.7–2 · 1.6–4 · 3–8 · 4.5–12 |
| 6–15 · 8–20 · 9.5–24 · 12–28 |
The small ranges make even a low flow visible in fine core and slide circuits. These are usually the first circuits to clog; choosing the range to suit the circuit is important so that a low flow is not lost at the bottom end of the indicator.
Measuring principle and mounting
The measuring tubes work on the variable area principle: the medium moves the float and the flow is read through the sight glass. Because a spring returns the float to its starting position, the unit can be mounted in any position; it can be placed on the side of the machine, at a point close to the mold or on a rack near the ceiling. The measuring accuracy is ±10% of the full-scale value.
Each circuit has a shut-off ball valve on supply and return. The individual indicators can be replaced quickly, and the unit is insensitive to pressure surges.
Technical data
| Feature | Value |
|---|
| Max. temperature | 160 °C |
| Max. operating pressure | 15 bar |
| Pressure loss | 0.02–0.3 bar |
| Measuring accuracy | ±10% of full-scale value |
| Manifold supply/return connection | 1" female thread |
| Mold supply/return connection | 1/2" female thread |
| Parts in contact with the medium | Brass / stainless steel |
| Seal | EPDM / FPM |
| Number of circuits | 2–12 |
Body options
The standard design uses a solid brass manifold bar, the compact design a stainless steel bar. A bimetal thermometer can be added for temperature indication.
With which temperature control unit?
For units that produce pressurized hot water up to 160 °C, see the water temperature control units page. If you want to log flow and temperature on a screen and send an alarm to the machine on deviation, the RWFR160 e-flow in the same temperature class is the right choice.
