Posted to News on 4th Dec 2015, 16:29
New Festo pilot valves are tough for harsh environments
Festo is launching a new robust pilot valve - the VOFD - for process automation applications. The valve is exceptionally tough and provides excellent performance even in harsh environments found in the pharmaceutical, chemical, petrochemical and oil and gas industries, enabling operations managers to improve uptime and productivity.
The valve is suitable for actuation of butterfly valves, cylinders, diaphragm drives and rotary drives. It is also well suited for emergency shut-down functions and for safety-orientated systems up to Safety Integrity Level 4 (SIL 4) as per IEC 61508. The VOFDs have a titanium dioxide plated surface which guarantees a high abrasion resistance and makes it very resilient within highly aggressive and chemical atmospheres. Furthermore, it is available with several Ex-protection methods to best serve the needs of each application and it provides ATEX protection for zone 1/21 (gas and dust).
Reliability of the 3/2-way valves is exceptional as an exhaust protector ensures that no atmosphere or environmental contaminants such as dust, ice or snow can enter the valve and degrade it. This ensures it provides a long service life even in demanding applications.
With the VOFD, internal and external pilot air functions have been integrated in a single valve and it can be converted simply by turning a screw depending on the function required. As a result, machine builders and engineers only need to stock one part and can simplify their stock management and make associated cost savings. The valve has two connection options: a NAMUR-port for direct installation on an actuator as well as G and NPT threads for in line connection. The NAMUR interface valves are exceptionally quick and easy to install. No tubing is required, and as the valves are installed directly on a drive, engineers can save further set-up time and costs.
Steve Sands, product manager at Festo says: "Festo is committed to the expansion of our Process Automation portfolio and helps customers in this sector to maximise their productivity. Following the introduction earlier in the year of our VSNC low-cost NAMUR solenoid valve for standard applications, we are now expanding the range to address the more demanding applications. The VOFD sets the highest standards of performance and reliability. We are very excited that our significant investment in new products for this sector is really starting to come through to the market. I am confident that for the next few years there will be a continuous flow of new product developments in this area, putting Festo at the forefront of innovation in core and specialist area, continuous flow processes."
For more information on the VOFD pilot valves, please visit www.festo.co.uk/vofd.
