Solenoid Valves for Pneumatic Controls

SOLENOID VALVES FOR PNEUMATIC CONTROLS

Provide Safe Operation in Hazardous Locations and Extreme Environments

“EP” SERIES SOLENOID VALVES

Intrinsically safe, non-incendive, flameproof, and general purpose versions
Sizes from 1/8″ to 1″
2, 3 & 4-way functionality
Single and dual solenoid actuators
Low power consumption
Optional materials of construction
NAMUR, CNOMO, manifold, body ported and remote mounting options

A minimum of moving parts and simplicity of design results in long term, trouble free operation. A low power solenoid assembly provides direct action in the 1/8″ models, and is used as a servo in the larger pilot operated versions — in piloted models air pressure is applied to a sliding spool which opens and closes the pneumatic control ports. Some of the coils meet intrinsic safety codes — see specifications below.

Our spool design features low-friction operation within annular seals. It has a self-cleaning wiping action to minimize the effects of potentially contaminated air. This contrasts with other competitive designs which have delicate sealing surfaces, plus many intricate parts. Size for size, this efficient design makes for some of the highest flow ratings in the industry.

How Does Black Ghost ISAW Work?

At its core Black Ghost ISAW leverages data sent from an intrinsically safe version of the body worn EQ02 LifeMonitor to provide real-time safety, welfare and location information of workers within a given facility. This information is sent using Radio/Satcom/GSM/GPRS/WiFi and can be viewed by key stakeholders locally or remotely.

Black Ghost ISAW also integrates other relevant data sources including environmental data, sensor data and subject data to provide contextualized actionable information in real time and during data analysis. The Black Ghost ISAW web service can be accessed via desktop and mobile devices ensuring ease of use and anytime access. The web service can include customized data sources and bespoke real time and analytics dashboards tailored by user type.

Flow Capacity
Nominal Valve Size		1/8″	1/4″	1/2″	1″
Cv Factor		0.4	1.2	3.5	10
Flow Rate*	litres/min.	382	1,246	3,534	10,384
Flow Rate*	s.c.f.m.	13.5	44	125	367
*at 90psig air supply, and 15psig pressure drop across the valve

Mechanical Specifications (typical)
Working Pressure	Direct-acting models: 0-120 psig Pilot-operated models: 45-120 psig
Ambient Temperature	-4 to +176°F / -20 to +80°C except where upper limit is dictated by hazardous location certification.
Body Material	Standard: black anodized aluminum alloy. Options: 316 stainless steel, brass.
Monitored Resistance	10 ohms upper limit.
Spool Material	Standard: hard anodized aluminum, PTFE impregnated. Option: 316 stainless steel.
Seal Material	Standard: nitrile. Options: silicon, fluorosilicon, natural rubber or styrene for low temperature operation down to -40°F (-40°C), viton for high temperature operation on certain models.
Spacer Material	Glass filled acetal
Spring Material	Stainless steel
Pilot Jet Material	Standard: brass; Option: stainless steel
Pipe Threads	NPT, BSP
Coil Housing	Rated NEMA4X / IP65, materials application dependent. NEMA7 / IP66 options available in some cases.
Cable Entry	Standard: M20 thread. Options: 1/2″ NPT thread, or 1/2″ NPT adapter to fit M20 thread on terminal box type coils.

Electrical Specifications (typical)
Standard Operating Voltages	24, 110, 230V AC 50/60Hz; 24V DC Others available by request.
Voltage Tolerance	+/-10%
Coil Rating	Class F rated coil with Class H rated wire
Power Consumption	0.4 to 5W, application dependent.
Wire Termination	Flying leads, screw terminals, plug & socket (may be application specific).
Hazardous Location Certifications (Confirm for specific valve configurations)	North America	Global
	FM: intrinsic safety, CFM: intrinsic safety.	ATEX: EEx ia, EEx ia (10mA), EEx d, EEx m, EEx me, EEx nA CEPEL INMETRO: Ex d IECEx: Ex d, Ex ia SAA: intrinsic safety GOST: Ex d

COIL ASSEMBLIES

Coil assemblies are available to meet different applications. However, valves for use in hazardous locations usually require a specific coil assembly chosen during the approval or certification proces and this will often dictate the operating voltage. The most common choices are listed below — consult Exloc for others.

Code	Application	Style	Alternative
P	General purpose, plug & socket	1	S
B	General purpose, terminal box	4	Style 3, stainless steel
U	Intrinsically safe, FM (USA)	4	Style 3, stainless steel
V	Intrinsically safe, CFM (Canada)	4	S
A	Intrinsically safe, ATEX EEx ia	4	Style 3, stainless steel
W	Intrinsically safe, SAA (Australia) EEx ia	4	S
D	Flameproof, Ex d	3	S
9	Encapsulated, ATEX EEx m, EEx me	2	S
N	Non Incendive (Type N), ATEX EEx nA	4	Style 3, stainless steel


Style 1 Zinc alloy with epoxy coating. GRP connector. Rated IP65/NEMA4.	Style 2 Zinc alloy with epoxy coating. Integral cable. Rated IP65/NEMA4.	Style 3 Stainless steel with epoxy coating. Threaded entry. Rated IP66/NEMA4X.	Style 4 Zinc alloy with epoxy coating. Threaded entry. Rated IP65/NEMA4.

Valve Functionality
U.S. Convention	Euro Convention	Description
2-WAY	2/2	Two port, two position. Simple on-off function. This is not a common requirement in pneumatic control applications. If it is required, select a 3/2 valve type and plug the exhaust port.
3-WAY	3/2	Three port, two position. Most commonly used with single-acting spring-return cylinders to alternatively apply and exhaust air pressure.
4-WAY 2-position	5/2	Five port, two position. Used with double-acting cylinders required to take up one of two extremes of travel under air pressure.
4-WAY 3-position	5/3	Five port, three position. Used with double-acting cylinders required to be driven to one of two extremes of travel or be held in mid-position. There are two sub-designs in this category which permit exhaust air to be either held or released in mid-position.

VALVE SELECTION GUIDE & ORDERING CODES

Expand this section to review the valve election guide and see the ordering codes

REMOTE MOUNTING VALVES: 3-WAY (3/2) VALVE CODES

3-way (3/2) valves have a single pressure port for connection to an air cylinder or actuator, an air supply port, and an exhaust port. Both single and dual solenoid designs are available. The pilot operated versions may be built with an internal pilot air passage from the main air supply port (most common), or with an external pilot air connection.

Valve Function Code for Pilot Operated Valves characters 4 & 5 Normally-closed versions shown. Ask us for normally-open codes.	Spring Return Internal Pilot	Spring Return External Pilot	Dual Solenoid Internal Pilot	Dual Solenoid External Pilot
	18	80	19	90

REMOTE MOUNTING VALVES: 4-WAY, TWO-POSITION, (5/2) VALVE CODES

4-way, two-position, (5/2) valves have two pressure ports for connection to double-acting air cylinders and actuators, two exhaust ports, and a common air supply port. Both single and dual solenoid designs are available. Pilot operation is accomplished with an internal air passage from the main air supply port, or alternatively with an external pilot air connection(s).

Basic Valve Build Code characters 1, 2, & 3	1/8″	1/4″	1/2″	1″
Basic Valve Build Code characters 1, 2, & 3	E15	E25	E45	E85

Valve Function Code characters 4 & 5	Spring Return Internal Pilot	Spring Return External Pilot	Dual Solenoid Internal Pilot	Dual Solenoid External Pilot
Valve Function Code characters 4 & 5	18	80	19	90

REMOTE MOUNTING VALVES: 4-WAY, THREE-POSITION, (5/3) VALVE CODES

4-way, three-position, (5/3) valves have two pressure ports for connection to double-acting air cylinders and actuators, two exhaust ports, and a common air supply port. They employ dual solenoids, and have spring return to center with a choice of exhaust port status in the mid-position as shown in the schematics below. Pilot operation is accomplished with an internal air passage from the main air supply port, or alternatively with an external pilot air connection(s).

Basic Valve Build Code characters 1, 2, & 3	1/8″	1/4″	1/2″	1″
Basic Valve Build Code characters 1, 2, & 3	N/A	E25	E45	E85

Valve Function Code characters 4 & 5	All ports sealed in mid-position. Internal Pilot	All ports sealed in mid-position. External Pilot	Inlet sealed and exh. ports open in mid-position. Internal Pilot	Inlet sealed and exh. ports open in mid-position. External Pilot
Valve Function Code characters 4 & 5	14	40	15	50

SUB BASE MOUNTED SOLENOID VALVES

Most of the remote mounting valves detailed above are available for mounting on a sub-base which becomes the termination point for piping. The valve proper can then be removed from the sub-base without breaking the pipe connections. An air shut off valve is incorporated into the sub-base for this purpose. For stand-alone valves using this option specify Valve Body Style Code T.

MANIFOLD MOUNTED SOLENOID VALVES

Multiple valves mounted on sub-bases can be bolted together to create a manifold with common air supply and exhaust connections. Pipework is reduced, and space saved. Main air supply and exhaust ports are duplicated at each end of the manifold for convenience, and are sized appropriately. Provision to add valves to expand a system can be made at the outset by including extra sub-bases fitted with blanking plates. Banks of up to ten valves are possible. Specify Valve Body Style Code V and the number of valves to be ganged together.Example shows three Model E2318 valves manifold mounted.

‘NAMUR’ DIRECT-MOUNT SOLENOID VALVES

These valves conform to the NAMUR standard for direct mounting to air actuators. The flange interface provides for dimensions and location of airways and fixing holes between the solenoid valve and the actuator. The included mating seal plate enables the valve function to be switched between 3-way and 4-way (3/2 and 5/2). Thus, one valve model may be stocked for these alternative functions. Consult with Exloc for your NAMUR valve requirements…

‘CNOMO’ DIRECT-MOUNT SOLENOID VALVES

We can also supply solenoid valves engineered to the CNOMO standard for direct mounting to actuators.