Pneumatic valve | Efficient for saving compressed air
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A significant part of the compressed air potential remains unused in many industrial applications. Studies and investigations show that in typical compressed air systems up to 30% of the generated compressed air can be lost through leaks, inefficient systems and poor maintenance. By implementing efficient Pneumatic valves and regular system checks, this unused potential can be significantly reduced. This article presents a few innovations for this purpose.
Content
- Double flow soft start valve saves 80% energy
- Pressure and flow control valves save up to 40% compressed air
- Fail Freeze proportional valve receives Atex certification
Double flow soft start valve saves 80% energy
24.01.2020 | SMC presents the improved Soft start valve Series AV-A (picture above) for the Pneumatics. The valves are very compact and offer a flow rate that is up to 2,2 times higher. They require 80% less energy than the previous models. The application possibilities of the revised soft start valves are significantly increased with a flow rate of up to 13.400 l/min. They are ideal for slowly building up pressure, e.g. during commissioning. This also applies to the fast Venting pneumatic systems like turning off.
The duration of the pressure build-up can be adjusted with a needle valve to adjust. The increased volume shortens the filling time by 50%. The integration of the silencer into the housing saves 37 to 92 mm of installation space, depending on the size. The power consumption of the soft start valves is extremely cautious. Only 0,35 W is compared to the 1,8 W of the predecessor. This significant improvement is largely due to a new pilot valve and an improved internal design.
The current AV-A series comprises a total of four model series in sizes 20, 30, 40 and 50 with connection sizes 1/4 ", 3/8" and 1/2 "as well as 3/4" and 1 "in size 50 . Of the Flow varies with a max. Flow rate of 13.400 l / min in the largest version. The information applies to an inlet pressure of 0,6 MPa (relative pressure) and a pressure drop of 0,1 MPa. The improvements in the inner workings of the soft start valves help with particularly slow ventilation. The improved needle valves can be adjusted much more sensitively.
Equipment of the soft start valves with integrated Silencer or pressure gauge is optionally possible. Three pilot valve variants to choose from: DIN terminal with or without plug and a version with a molded cable. There is also a tactile manual override with the order option. This implements the use for the safety function "Safe energy-free switching" according to ISO 13849.
Combination with soft start valve with maintenance unit
The soft start valves AV-A were developed for use in Compressed air lines designed. Media and ambient temperatures should be between 0 ° and 50 ° C. SMC recommends 0,2 to 1,0 MPa as the operating pressure. Due to their properties, the soft start valves of the AV-A series are suitable for use in compressed air lines of every application in all industries. Especially in combination with complete maintenance units, SMC sees an important area of application for soft start valves. The maintenance units can be ordered from SMC ready for installation.
Pressure and flow control valves save up to 40% compressed air
05.01.2017 | If users combine the pressure control valve ASR and the flow control valve ASQ from SMC Pneumatics on the cylinder of their electric drives, they can reduce their own air consumption by 40%. The response time during the return stroke can also be significantly shortened.
In addition, the Control valve series ASR and ASQ In vertical applications, they help to harmonize the stroke movement and prevent jerky starts. In press applications, they can ensure a rapid supply of compressed air at the end of the stroke. The valve body and plug connection of the new control valves can be swiveled 360°, ensuring quick and easy installation.
In total, the ASR/ASQ range includes 5 models each for the port sizes R1/4, R3/8, R1/2 and for hose diameters from 6 to 12 mm. Customers can choose between valves with fixed or variable setting pressure. While the optional variant is fixed at a pressure of 0,2 MPa, the pressure in the variable standard models can be adjusted to suit the specific application between 0,1 and 0,3 MPa. The setting is made manually using a rotary knob with a three-part scale.
Pressure control valve and flow control valve are mounted together on cylinders. The flow control valve ASQ is located on the working stroke side and the pressure control valve ASR on the return stroke side. The two valve series differ only slightly in their construction: The pressure control valves of the ASR series consist of a regulator with check valve and throttle check valve. The Flow control valves The ASQ series contains a quick supply valve, a vent valve and a throttle check valve. The screw-in thread is coated with fluoropolymer. The valve body and plug connection can each be rotated 360°.
Fail Freeze proportional valve receives Atex certification
01.04.2016 | IMI Precision Engineering has introduced the world's only "Fail Freeze" proportional valve (pressure retention in the event of a supply voltage failure) that is Atex (IS) certified for use in hazardous environments. The 422IS series valve allows the use of flammable gases as the control medium instead of compressed air. This eliminates the need for compressed air generation at remote locations.
The valve of the brand IMI Norgren already regulates the safe and uninterrupted gas supply to some of the UK's largest cities. Even in the event of a power failure or signal failure, the last set output pressure is maintained precisely.
The 422IS Fail Freeze proportional valve can be operated in a temperature range of -10° to +70 °C with a supply pressure of 4 bar. It consumes no power when regulated and less than 0,15 W when the output pressure changes. For optimum performance, linearity and hysteresis are designed to be less than 0,5% of the maximum adjustable output pressure. Vibrations and installation position have almost no influence on the control behavior of the valve.
Stephen Turner, Product Manager at IMI Precision Engineering, explains: "For many chemical and process engineering applications, consistent control pressure is essential. In many processes, unexpected closure of a control valve can result in at least loss of end product - in some cases it can lead to unsafe conditions such as back pressure in the gas pressure system. The 422IS limits these risks and eliminates the risk of overpressure, allowing designers to eliminate the danger at the source."
Atex-IS certification There is no need to install additional pneumatic systems on site. The gas used as a control medium can be taken directly from the pipeline. The 422IS thus shortens commissioning time and reduces the operating and maintenance costs of the entire system.
Source: This article is based on information from the following companies: IMI Precision Engineering, SMC.
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