In many industrial settings, air flow control is an issue that ought to be addressed. Pneumatic valve products are a great way to control air flow and prevent leakages, which in turn will save time and money. For the latest news and information on pneumatic valve and pneumatic valve actuator innovation, browse the articles below.
Fire Safe Fusible Link Shut-Off Valves
BI-TORQ® Valve Automation has received Factory Mutual (FM) approval on its fusible link assemblies used in systems requiring automatic shut-off in case of a fire. These state-of-the-art assemblies prevent the spread of fire by containing flammable liquids or gasses once the API 607 (American Petroleum Institute) fire-safe certified valve automatically closes based on thermal release of a fusible link.
FM approval means that BI-TORQ® Valve Automation fire safe fusible link valve assemblies can help reduce insurance costs and allow factories to meet facility-wide safety certifications. With torque outputs ranging from 55 to 21,000, FM-approved fusible link assemblies can be used with fire safe ball or butterfly valves from ½” through 24″ line sizes. BI-TORQ® Valve Automation’s unique design allows for manual operation of most units even when the unit is armed, reducing the need for secondary valves.
API 607 fire safe approved valves can be customer-specified or provided by BI-TORQ® Valve Automation in carbon or stainless steel construction with NPT, socket weld or 150# ANSI flanged end connections. With valve seat choices in TFE®, RTFE®, TFM, PEEK and Delrin, BI-TORQ® Valve Automation’s fire safe valves are suitable for a wide variety of industries. Applications for these automatic shut-off assemblies include tank farms, petrochem, airport and truck refueling stations, paint and toxic chemicals, and biofuel operations.
Gas Shut-Off Valves Have Compact Double Valve Footprint
February 25, 2010 by admin
Filed under Pressure Sensing, Valves
ASCO Numatics introduced a new family of ASCO modular gas safety shut-off valves with a compact double valve footprint and the industry’s highest flow rates. The valves are ideal for boilers, furnaces, ovens, heating equipment, gas generators, and kilns used in commercial and industrial applications.
ASCO’s modular gas safety shut-off valves are available in two product families. The 8214(200) Series two-way normally closed solenoid valves can be used for fuel gases up to 5 psi. The V710(B)/AH(E) Series two-way normally closed electro-hydraulic actuated valves can be used with fuel gases up to 15 psi. This series is available with fast- and slow-opening constructions. Both product families come in 3/4” to 3” pipe sizes and have aluminum body constructions with pressure taps up and downstream.
New Solenoid Series Designed For 3 & 4 Pneumatic Control Valves
Spartan Scientific’s solenoid operator Series 3800 is specially designed for the pilot function of 3 and 4 way pneumatic directional control valves. These operators are available in plate mount and are interchangeable with most solenoid operator interfaces.
The Series 3800 also can be used in 2 way or 3 way manifold assemblies where multiple valves are combined into a single block station for transmission of air, water, or other liquid medium. The simple plate mount operator and the interchangeable orifice baskets easily make small manifolds for regulation of either automated work stations or coolant water in molding presses.
The Series 3800 has a pressure range of vacuum to 200 psi depending on the orifice size and is dust-tight and water resistant to IP 65. The shading ring is standard enabling both AC and DC coils to be used on all armatures.
Spartan Scientific is certified to ISO 9001 with design. The Series 3800, like all Spartan Scientific products, is manufactured in the USA to the highest quality standards.
Humphrey Products 410M Series Manifold
The Humphrey Products 410M Series Manifold is designed to accommodate the standard 310 and 410 inline solenoid valves. This special design enables mounting both 3-way and 4-way valves on the same manifold, with the 310 Series mounting orientation determining the normally closed (NC) or normally open (NO) function. Manifolds are available in 2, 4, 6, 8 or 12 station lengths. The manifold contains two galleys, one is common media supply port and the other is a common vent/exhaust port. Other accessories include manifold station block-off plates, a separate 12-station control board that simplifies electrical connections between valves and/or sensors.

The Humphrey Products 310 and 410 solenoid valves are versatile, robust components for any pneumatic application. This balanced poppet design makes them ideal for low power and high flow applications. The 310 and 410 Series valves are compact 1/8-inch ported 3-way and 4-way direct acting solenoid valves. The short-stroke balanced poppet design permits rapid cycling and requires no lubrication. The 310 series can be plumbed normally open, normally closed or as a selector or diverter.
The 310 Series valves have a 0.12 CV; the 410 Series valves have a 0.14 CV. Both valves are rated for air and inert gas from vacuum at 28-inches Hg to 125 psig. The continuous duty coil has a power consumption of 4.5 Watts, comes with flying leads and is available in a range of AC and DC voltages. A push, non-locking manual override is standard. Options include conduit connectors, plug-in DIN-type connectors, locking override, and built-in flow controls on the 410 Series valves to save space, weight and the additional cost of external flow controls.
Humphrey Products
www.humphrey-products.com
Heavy Duty Switches For Hydraulic & Pneumatic Systems
AMS Calibration has released the NOSHOK 400 series of heavy duty mechanical pressure switches.
Designed for use across a range of applications such as hydraulic and pneumatic systems, pumps and compressors and in power generation, the switches provide a stable switching point setting.
The 400 series switch converts pneumatic and hydraulic pressure into switching functions and is designed for applications that require accuracy under high loads.
The switching point is fully adjustable through an adjustment knob with the adjustment range, and includes a locking mechanism.
AMS Calibration’s switch is SPDT, and can be normally open (N.O.) or normally closed (N.C.) depending on the wiring.
The 400 Series Switch is fitted with DIN EN 175301-803 Form A connectors for fast and easy installation.
It is also available with an LED indicator on the plug for visual monitoring of the switch status, or an M12 x 1 (4-pin) electrical connection.
The switch features a repeatability of ±2% of full scale, 360° rotatable male connections, high loadability (shock 30g, vibration 10 g) and Hirschmann (DIN EN 175301-803 Form A) with optional 36″ cable.
Double Eccentric Butterfly Valves Available in 14-16 in.
GF Piping Systems has announced expansion of its large diameter size range for the Type 567 Butterfly Valve to include sizes 14-16″. The new size range features a unique double eccentric off-center design and excellent chemical compatibility. Suitable applications include landfills where large size valves are required for drainage of underground leachate. Other applications include industrial water treatment, potable water treatment, swimming pools, water parks and waste water systems in such industries as chemical, chemical distribution, electroplating and power plants.
The 567 Valve’s unique double eccentric design features an off-center shaft that allows the disc to completely disengage from the disc seal, even when partially open. This results in reduced seal friction for longer service life and minimal maintenance compared to non-eccentric valve styles. The double eccentric design requires only about half the torque of a traditional boot design, which decreases wear on the disc seal to further enhance product life. Other advantages of this design include easier manual operation, compatibility with smaller actuators for reduced installation cost, and better protection against pressure surges.
The new large size valve features industry-standard ISO flange mount for easy electric or pneumatic actuation with most actuators. Other features include bi-directional capability, pressure rating of 90 psi at 70°F, and hand wheel. The valve is available with either EPDM or FPM seals, 304 or 316 Stainless Steel stem, and a Polypropylene body.
GF Piping Expands Double Eccentric Butterfly Valve Size
GF Piping Systems has announced expansion of its large diameter size range for the Type 567 Butterfly Valve to include sizes 14-16. The new size range features a unique double eccentric off-center design and excellent chemical compatibility. Suitable applications include landfills where large size valves are required for drainage of underground leachate. Other applications include industrial water treatment, potable water treatment, swimming pools, water parks and waste water systems in such industries as chemical, chemical distribution, electroplating and power plants.

GF Piping Systems Expands Double Eccentric Butterfly Valve Size, Offering up to 16 Inches
The 567 Valve’s unique double eccentric design features an off-center shaft that allows the disc to completely disengage from the disc seal, even when partially open. This results in reduced seal friction for longer service life and minimal maintenance compared to non-eccentric valve styles. The double eccentric design requires only about half the torque of a traditional boot design, which decreases wear on the disc seal to further enhance product life. Other advantages of this design include easier manual operation, compatibility with smaller actuators for reduced installation cost, and better protection against pressure surges.
The new large size valve features industry-standard ISO flange mount for easy electric or pneumatic actuation with most actuators. Other features include bi-directional capability, pressure rating of 90 psi at 70°F, and hand wheel. The valve is available with either EPDM or FPM seals, 304 or 316 Stainless Steel stem, and a Polypropylene body.
http://www.us.piping.georgefischer.com
Swagelok Introduces Process Specification for Photovoltaics
September 30, 2009 by Pneumatics Editor
Filed under Featured, Valves
Swagelok Company unveiled a new process
specification designed to meet the needs of the photovoltaic (PV) market, aimed at
helping ensure quality and reduce cost of ownership for the growing industry. The Swagelok
Photovoltaic Process Specification (SC-06) outlines testing, cleaning, and packaging steps for
stainless steel components for use in PV applications. The specification illustrates the
company’s continued leadership in process-specific cleaning, which began in the 1980s with
ultrahigh-purity components.

The baseline requirements include specifying the high-quality surface finish, visual
inspection criteria and particle counts the PV industry needs to maintain reliability and process
control for improved uptime, while identifying areas (such as work area classification, analytics,
and packaging) where costs can be contained.
Swagelok® products are designed to provide reliable, leak-tight performance in critical PV
manufacturing processes, such as Plasma Enhanced Chemical Vapor Deposition (PECVD)
and diffusion. These and other processes require low leak rates for safety, control of process
gas purity, as well as precise delivery of gases to maintain cell integrity and reduce scrap.
The Swagelok Photovoltaic Process Specification (SC-06) is an available option for many
Swagelok high-purity products, in place of the company’s other specifications: SC-01
(Ultrahigh-purity Process), SC-10 (Standard Cleaning and Packaging), and SC-11 (Special
Cleaning and Packaging).
The products currently available with SC-06 processing include DP and DPH springless
diaphragm valves, HB and BN series bellows valves, CW series check valves, VCR® metal
gasket face seal fittings, and Micro-Fit® miniature tube butt weld fittings. To download the SC-
06 specification, please visit www.swagelok.com/solar.
Swagelok Company
www.swagelok.com
::Design World::
Beyond Business as Usual
September 15, 2009 by Pneumatics Editor
Filed under Valves
Whether you work in aerospace, electronics, energy, industrial, medical, or telecommunications, the Design & Manufacturing Midwest show and conference in Rosemont Ill., is the place to be. Located in the Donald E. Stephens Convention Center during September 22-24, the conference offers a comprehensive array of resources. Explore and compare the latest developments in computer-aided design and manufacturing, rapid prototyping, engineering, components, automation and assembly, lasers, motors and drives, packaging, materials handling, electronics, networking, and a full range of contract services.
When you register for Design & Manufacturing Midwest you will also receive complimentary admission to:
• Assembly Technology Expo
• Electronics Midwest
• Quality Expo
• Green Manufacturing Expo
• MD&M Midwest
Conference sessions will focus on sustainability, trends in materials, and wind power design and integration.
Here are a few of the products and exhibitors you will find at the show:
Regenerative converters
The RCU Series of regenerative converter units are a “green” alternative to traditional dynamic braking (DB) systems. The units reclaim regenerative energy, converting it into 3-phase alternating current (ac) power and recycling it through the ac line.

Incorporating an RCU in the system allows for a smaller cooling system (HVAC), offsetting the up-front cost of the regenerative unit, and additionally reducing the demands placed on the cooling system. Only five connections are necessary for basic operation. It incorporates LC-filtering to mitigate harmonics and an LED display for monitoring of operation and faults. The RCU is available in several sizes, and units can be connected in parallel for higher power handling.
Hitachi America, Ltd.
www.hitachi-america.us
Medium pressure ball valve
The FKB series medium-pressure ball valve provides a leak-tight seal for applications up to 15 000 psig (1034 bar). The trunnion-style ball valve features direct load design, which delivers a more consistent seal across a full range of pressures. Innovative stem and end connection seals prevent shell leakage. A bottom-loaded stem design eliminates system blowout for better operator safety. The valve has low-torque actuation. If pneumatic actuation is required, the valves are available with ISO-5211 compliant actuators.

The valves have a 0.209 in. (5.3 mm) orifice, 316 stainless steel body construction, and reinforced PEEK seat seals. They are rated for temperatures from 0° to 250° F (-17° to 121° C) and maintain a full pressure rating throughout the entire operating temperature range. Multiple O-ring materials are available, including nitrile, fluoroelastomer, and perfluoroelastomer. All wetted materials are compatible with most hydrocarbons.
Swagelok Co.
www.swagelok.com
Tags on metal
Direct metal-mount or “M-M” Radio Frequency Identification system delivers track-and-trace capability to any manufacturing, assembly or closed-loop logistics process using a non-contact, ISO 15693 compliant passive data carrier technology. This new technology allows the RFID “tag” to be mounted directly on any alloy or metal surface without the typical interference or loss in range.

The tags and heads offer a range of 52 mm to 65 mm regardless of the alloy content of the metal, including aluminum, which tends to cause the most loss in range for passive RFID.
These new tags are in a robust, compact housing to allow flexible mounting and sustainability. They operate in temperatures ranging from -25° C to as high as 130° C for up to 1000 hours of continuous operation. There are two industrial head options to choose from, both designed for maximum read/write performance. One is a self-contained processor and read/write head with a built-in RS-232 serial interface. The other is a read/write head in an identical housing but it can be connected to any of Balluff’s several remote processors. Using a remote processor expands the communication options to include DeviceNet, Profibus, Ethernet/IP and TCP/IP, Modbus-IP or even the new ProfiNet Ethernet bus.
Balluff
www.balluff.com/M-M
::Design World::
AutomationDirect Extends Pneumatics Line
September 3, 2009 by Pneumatics Editor
Filed under Featured, Fittings, Valves
The NITRA line of pneumatic components now includes additional fittings and valves for use with polyurethane and nylon tubing.

The ME and MS series fittings include two additional male straight and two male elbows with #10-32 thread. Added sizes include 5/32” and ¼” and are sold in packages of five starting at $4.25.
The MEL series includes two additional long male elbow fittings. The 5/32” and ¼” fittings feature #10-32 threads and prices start at $10.00 for a five-pack. The MSR series fittings are push-to-connect male straight round fittings available in ten sizes ranging from 5/32” to ¼” and 4mm to 6mm. These fittings feature a nickel-plated brass body with an internal hex socket, stainless steel gripping claws and pre-applied Teflon thread sealant. Prices start at $4.00 for a pack of five.
The HVU series of three-way hand valves is available in seven sizes ranging from ¼” to ½” and 6mm to 12mm; the valve blocks upstream pressure when closed and vents downstream pressure. Sold in packs of two, prices start at $12.75.
CVU series union check valves have been added ranging from 5/32” to 3/8” and 6mm to 8mm sizes. The check valves allow air flow in one direction and block air flow in the reverse direction. Sold in packages of five, prices start at $28.75. Stop valves are now available in sizes ranging from 5/32” to ½” and 6mm to 12mm diameters. Designed to block upstream air pressure when the downstream tube is removed, union stop valves are sold in packages of five starting at $26.75. A pneumatic tubing cutter designed for use with 1/8” to ½” and 4mm to 12mm flexible plastic tubing is available for $4.25.
See the full line of NITRA pneumatic parts at www.automationdirect.com/pneumatic-fittings.
AutomationDirect
www.automationdirect.com


