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Solenoid Valves for Pneumatic Controls
"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.
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
s.c.f.m.
13.5
44
125
367
*Measured at 90psig air supply, and with 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 Range -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.
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
A variety of different coil and coil housing combinations are available to meet different applications. However, it should be noted that valves for use in hazardous locations usually require a very specific coil assembly that has been established as part of the approval or certification process. This will often include a specific operating voltage. The most common choices are listed below - consult Exloc for others.
Code
Application
Style
Alternative
P
General purpose, plug & socket
1
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
A
Intrinsically safe, ATEX EEx ia
4
Style 3, stainless steel
W
Intrinsically safe, SAA (Australia) EEx ia
4
D
Flameproof, Ex d
3
9
Encapsulated, ATEX EEx m, EEx me
2
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 Funcionality
There are two conventions in common use describing the pneumatic function of a given valve design.
U.S.
Convention
Euro
Convention
Description of Valve Function
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
Click here for an overlapping page with valve schematics, part numbering codes, etc.
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Exloc Instruments, Inc.
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