High pressure fluids training

An essential role in the implementation of GCE in MSU is played by the Moscow University Supercritical Innovation Center, MUSIC (Head, Prof. V. Lunin Scientific Sectetary, Prof. S. Vatsadze). The main goal of MUSIC is the training of high-quality specialists in the use of supercritical fluids (ScF) for research laboratories, performing the study of fundamentals and developing new ScF technologies. The instrumentation of MUSIC includes a unique mobile ScF set with a high-pressure cell equipped with an inspection window, four stationary sets with a united control centre as well as a flow-type device. 

Hydraulic mechanisms have proved the favoured means of press operation within the rubber industry for a number of reasons. Historically, before the advent of the injection process, rubber moulding was accomplished using compression or transfer techniques with hydraulically operated presses. These presses could be manufactured cheaply and run using water as the hydraulic fluid, with a simple accumulator system to develop the necessary pressure. The same water supply was used to raise the high steam pressure that was used to heat the platens. The operators required to set up these simple presses could be easily trained and needed no special engineering skills. The rubber industry was therefore conditioned to the use of hydraulic presses, well before the advent of injection moulding. In time the hydraulic systems were refined and changed to oil. 

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