Posted to News on 17th Sep 2013, 13:29
Specifying valves and terminals: new white paper
Festo is publishing a new white paper, Quality and an attractive price - the right way to buy valves / valve terminals, to help engineers and designers improve the electro-pneumatic control of their machines, as well as reducing the total cost of ownership. The free white paper provides advice and guidance on how to choose the optimum valves and valve terminals, and dispels some common myths and misconceptions.
The white paper is free to download and highlights some of the key factors affecting the total cost of ownership. There are a number of questions that engineers should consider to ensure they are making the right choice of valves and valve terminals.
First, it is essential that valves and valve terminals meet the necessary technical requirements such as flow rate, function, installation space and IP class. The white paper also advises on other factors that are equally important. For example, much fuss has been made lately regarding electrical energy costs of solenoid valves. However, while power-saving solenoid functions are a good idea in that they cut down on heat generation and a small amount of wasted energy, the biggest potential for cutting energy costs relates to the sealing principles applied. Some valves, including many with power-saving solenoids, require a permanent leakage to operate, and also need a 5 micron fine filter that creates a bigger pressure drop than a conventional 40 micron filter. Costs associated with these factors can be many times higher than the electrical savings.
The key aim of the white paper is to ensure designers are more aware of all of the issues involved, and not misled by headlines promising dramatic savings that only consider one narrow aspect of their design and operation.
Jacqui Hanbury, product manager at Festo, says: "Today's global market for valves and valve terminals is so large that it is almost impossible for engineers to maintain an overview. Often price seems the only buying criterion, but it pays to look more closely, particularly with regard to total cost of ownership, higher productivity and process reliability. Here at Festo, we make it easy for our customers by offering attractively priced and long-lasting high-quality valves, and our new white paper makes it easier for engineers and designers to make an informed decision about how to specify valves and valve terminals."
To download a copy of the white paper go to www.festo.co.uk/valve-whitepaper, or for more information about Festo's pneumatic and electric automation products visit www.festo.co.uk.
