The new, TUV certified (IEC 61508) 327 series of poppet valves from ASCO satisfies the requirements for the highest levels of operating safety SIL-4/AK-7 in explosive and hazardous environments. The 327 series is intended for high flow applications in oil, gas and chemicals industries, where there is a requirement for large process valves and actuators (especially diaphragm types) to be opened and closed, quickly and safely. The 327 series is manufactured with either stainless steel (AISI 316) or brass bodies, and stainless steel internals, for use on a wide range of fluids including air, inert gas, water and oil.

It is designed for pilot applications in hazardous environments: those requiring, high flow, wide pressure ranges and no minimum operating pressure.

In these applications, the direct operating mechanism of these valves ensures greater reliability over periods of prolonged operation.

This is the result of a design that obviates the requirement for bleed holes that could introduce corrosion inducing air into the valve.

An additional advantage of the design is that the direct acting mechanism operates on zero pressure differentials, so the valve has no required minimum operating pressure.

Complementing this design feature, special seals and PTFE rider ring ensure that the valves will reset reliably, without sticking, after long periods of energisation.

The 327 valves are supported by one of the widest ranges of ATEX approved enclosures and operators available.

These range from epoxy moulded units (IP65 /II 3G/2D EEx nA II) to IP67- rated, stainless steel epoxy coated enclosures (EEx em II), which meet all the requirements of EN 50019, EN 50028 and 50281-1-1.

Also designed for use with the 327 valves is the new ASCO (WS)NF/NL family of flameproof operators.

Meeting Category 2 requirements of the ATEX directive (II 2 G/D EEx d IIC), the operators are manufactured in stainless steel (WSNF), cast iron (NL), and lightweight aluminium (NF), which is epoxy coated to combat corrosion.

All of the new operators are available as both push or pull type solenoids and can be supplied on a wide range of ASCO valves including direct acting solenoid and solenoid pilot operated types in 2/2, 3/2 and 5/2 configurations.

They offer ingress protection to IP67 and are easy to install via a combination of a screw terminal coil and the provision of an industry standard 0.5'NPT threaded cable entry, the latter also being offered in an M20 option.

KV Process Controls have introduced a new addition to their type 63 series of angle seat valves. The actuator offers 3 positions - fully open, fully closed and fully adjustable mid-position. This allows the user to 'fast fill'; then when required 'slow fill' to prevent spillage.

The established type 63 angle seat valves are suited to cleaning and sterilisation of pipe systems and are used for fluid temperatures up to 200C and pressures up to 25bar.

The design of the body, combined with the metal actuator means that these angle seat valves are ideal for use in applications were pipe systems need to be cleaned and/or sterilised, such as those found in the food, pharmaceutical, brewing and chemical industries.

The type 63 series valves are available in red brass for use on neutral gases and fluids and stainless steel for aggressive liquids and fluids.

The type 63 has a range of actuators (which can be removed, without taking the valve out of line): normally open, normally closed, double acting and 3 position.

Durapipe UK has appointed Simon Merckel as national sales manager for its industrial division to strengthen its position within this sector. Previously a field sales manager for Durapipe UK, Simon will be taking on the role of heading up the industrial division. Simon's previous sales experience and in-depth knowledge of Durapipe UK products will be invaluable in his new position, which will see him responsible for increasing the Durapipe UK industrial sales, particularly through maximising sales of manual and actuated valves.

The industrial division is in place to both exploit an increased presence in the industrial sector and to promote the Durapipe UK extensive range of flow control products for use within a variety of applications in the industrial market.

Commenting on Simon's appointment, Chris Broughton, sales and marketing director for Durapipe UK said: 'We want to further raise the awareness of Durapipe UK and its products within the industrial sector and have appointed Simon to focus on this task.

Simon has achieved some fantastic results during his time at Durapipe UK and we are confident he can transfer his skills into the industrial market and help to increase our sales in this area.'

A new range of 316 stainless steel enclosures complies with the ATEX directive for use in gaseous and dust-laden environments, and has an integral LED visual indication

Complementing their range of ATEX approved products, KV Process Controls have introduced a NEW range of 316 stainless steel enclosures complying with the ATEX directive for use in gaseous and dust-laden environments. The modular II 2 G/D EExd IIC stainless steel enclosures have an integral LED visual indication that meets the needs of all industry types. This visual indication is extremely useful for the commissioning engineer during installation.

The 51424NC NAMUR valve is convertible from 3/2 to 5/2 way, suitable for spring return or double acting actuators, and is ex-stock at KVPC.

The enclosure can be fitted to the complete ROTEX range of 2/2, 3/2 and 5/2 way valves.

They are designed for use in the petrochemical, water and process industries, piloting large actuators, or to directly operate large diaphragm or diverter valves.

Crane Process Flow Technologies (CPFT) has launched an engineered polymer bonnet assembly which is compatible with the full range of CPFT Saunders HC4 aseptic and sanitary diaphragm valves. Manufactured in high performance Polyaryl Amide polymer (Para), the bonnet has been designed to meet the exacting needs of the clean processing industries. Capable of withstanding normal washdown protocols, the bonnet provides a compact, lightweight solution to complement Saunders' extensive range of diaphragm valves.

'Current processing trends indicate a growing requirement for an engineered bonnet that streamlines product selection and provides a cost effective solution,' says David Birch, CPFT HC4 product manager.

'The new Para bonnet range effectively meets this demand and improved specifications ensure reliable, repeatable performance'.

The Saunders Para series of manual diaphragm valve bonnets is available in sizes ranging from DN15 (0.5'') to DN50 (2.0'') and is suitable for use with Saunders standard two way, Zero Deadleg and Bio Block diaphragm valve solutions.

Crane Process Flow Technologies (CPFT) has completed a major refurbishment programme of its finishing suite, dedicated to the CPFT Saunders HC4 range of aseptic and sanitary diaphragm valves. The unit itself has been expanded to cover an area of 875sqm. A new clean area has been added to house the final assembly and test facilities as well as designated storage areas for work in progress.

A double door system at all entry and exit points eliminates potential foreign body contamination and the entire floor area has been re-covered in a self-levelling Teflon resin.

All internal walls can be reconfigured to accommodate additional assembly facilities and special plastic stillage units have been incorporated to adhere to the strict 'no wood or iron' regulations.

Services are supplied under the floor and emerge into the clean assembly environment through special ports.

Operators must wear dedicated workwear at all times whilst in contact with components or finished valves.

'Everything we've done here is aimed at creating a clean assembly environment that meets, and in many cases exceeds, the needs and expectations of our customers in the biopharmaceutical and aseptic processing industries,' says Nigel Wood, CPFT operations manager.

'For example, stainless steel is the only material allowed in the suite, unless it has been coated beforehand.

'It's a completely self-contained unit, so the team can retain full control over all assembly and testing procedures.

In effect, we've streamlined the entire Saunders HC4 process so the manufacture to customer route will flow much quicker'.

A viewing area has been added so customers can observe the aseptic assembly procedures of their own Saunders HC4 valves without having to enter the suite and risk affecting the integrity of the products.

It also clearly demonstrates to all visitors that CPFT is very serious about the aseptic valve business sector.

Rotork Fluid System (RFS) has announced a number of senior management appointments that will further strengthen the company and help to achieve the vision of becoming the market leader in medium and heavy duty fluid power valve actuation. Nigel Willis - Sales and Marketing Director. Nigel Willis is the new Rotork Fluid System Sales and Marketing Director, following his promotion from International Sales Manager.

Nigel has fifteen years of experience in the valve actuator business, initially joining Rotork as Fluid System Regional Sales Manager for the Middle East.

More recently he has been responsible for sales into Scandinavia, Eastern Europe, the Middle East, India, Pakistan and the Far East .

Nigel, who has recently achieved a Masters Degree in Business Administration (MBA), will now focus on the continued expansion of RFS sales activities throughout the world in both traditional and new market areas.

Alex Busby - Business Development Director.

Alex Busby brings over twenty years of experience in fluid power actuation to this new position in the organisation.

Before joining Rotork in 2003 Alex was working as a General Manager for Europe, Middle East and Africa, having previously operated in the SE Asian market, setting up and running a regional office in Singapore .

He originally entered the industry fulfilling technical, application and engineering management roles, having achieved a BSc honours degree in Technology.

Alex's new responsibilities encompass product and market development, the creation of strategic alliances in existing and new markets and the identification, assessment and management of acquisition opportunities.

Stefan Davis - Operations Director.

As Operations Director, Stefan's responsibilities now encompass the Fluid System worldwide manufacturing operations.

The aim of this new position is to further utilise the capacity of the three main production plants and the Centres of Excellence, whilst also establishing further operations to support continued growth.

Stefan joined Rotork in 1991 in the Systems and Service division of Exeeco, moving into the Exeeco Fluid Power division after two years and becoming Engineering and Production Manager in 1995.

Since 2000 he has been General Manager at the main Rotork Fluid System factory in Lucca.

Howard Mutters - UK and Ireland General Manager.

Howard Mutters has been appointed UK and Ireland General Manager for Rotork Fluid System, based at the Leeds Centre of Excellence.

Howard joined Rotork Controls in 1988 and worked in UK and international sales, becoming Middle East Area Manager, based in Bahrain, in 1998.

From 2001 he was Valvekits Sales Director before moving to Rotork Africa as General Manager in 2003.

Vittorio Stefani - General Manager Sales (Italy).

Vittorio Stefani is promoted to the position of General Manager of Sales at the main Fluid System manufacturing plant in Lucca.

This new position is designed to strengthen sales, after sales and contracting activities at Lucca, where Vittorio has been Italian Sales Manager since 2003.

Vittorio has worked in valves and actuators since 1975, when he joined the Rotork electric actuator company in Italy.

From 1980 onwards he worked in export sales management for a number of valvemakers, eventually achieving Sales and Marketing Director level before starting his own consultancy business.

Process industry and PET machine builder requests for both 2 and 3 port, pilot operated solenoid valves, with high pressure performance, are now answered with the launch of the SMC Series VCH range. Designed for use with air or inert gas, these new valves can operate up to a maximum pressure of 5.0 MPa thereby substantially exceeding the existing SMC VXH high pressure series. With large flow passages, and ISO1179-1 conforming port thread sizes of G1/2 to G1, high flow rates are ensured - and due to a reduction in the overall volume of the pilot chamber their responsiveness can now only be measured in milliseconds.

Additionally, the VCH range offers enclosure protection equivalent to IP65 and a DIN type electrical connector as standard.

With a unique collision-less armature construction, with rubber buffers and urethane diaphragm, early indications have confirmed that the valves operation life time will exceed 10 million cycles.

Currently the VCH Series is available in four different valve configurations; 2 port valve normally closed - VCH41, 2 port valve normally open - VCH 42, the 3 port option - VCH410, plus a check valve - VCHC40.

New to the UK, Norgren has unveiled its FAS series of 10 and 15mm miniature solenoid valves that are ideally suited for applications where space is at a premium. From the simplest piloting and motion control projects, through to the most arduous and demanding fluid and gas control requirements, Norgren miniature valve expertise can make a real difference. Designated as Picosol (10mm) and Microsol (15mm) this Swiss engineered range of valves is reliable, durable and proven in a wide variety of applications such as piloting, water quality monitoring, printing, sanitation, medical, packaging and automation.

Suitable for use with a wide variety of mediums the valves can also be utilised with aggressive gases and liquids.

What you get with the new ranges are solenoid valve solutions that feature a high performance to size ratio which are extremely reliable, cost-effective and are able to address challenging pressure requirements.

Both the Microsol and Picosol valves offer extremely high flow rates with the Picosol capable of delivering 32 l/min and the Microsol delivering 194 l/min.

The low power consumption of the devices reduces energy costs and both models have a long life span in excess of 100 million cycles.

Dependant on the model chosen, the valves feature extremely fast response times, typically the range can deliver figures between 8 and 10ms thus optimising machine performance.

Also part of the new series, Norgren offers the Microsol Interface.

This device can aid in optimising high flow performance, as it is a pilot operated valve, which utilises the standard Microsol version as the pilot.

The Microsol Interface is essentially a pneumatic amplifier that produces high flow rates and is capable of competing with much larger system valves.

The Microsol and the Picosol are available as pre-assembled ready to use valve manifolds.

Designated as the VE10 (10mm) and the VE15 (15mm) the manifolds deliver flow rates up to 32 and 194 l/min respectively and are ideal for use where a extremely compact, fast switching valve is required for motion or pilot control.

A prime example of engineering advantage, these products have earned several awards and an international reputation as a result of their innovative design and miniaturisation.

In order to satisfy its customers' most rigorous requirements, Norgren offers a large range of electrical connections and as an optional extra, these valves can be equipped with integrated electronic functions such as spike and hold circuit, surge suppression diodes, LED, with or without manual override etc.

Asco Joucomatic announces an expanded range of high flow pilot valves for critical applications, including Safety Instrumented Systems, with a new range of 0.25'' - 0.5'' Series 327 poppet valves

The new range of Asco Joucomatic Series 327 poppet valves have outstanding reliability and are ideal for critical applications including Safety Instrumented Systems (SIS). Asco Joucomatic has announced that it has expanded the scope of its Series 327 3/2-way pilot valves to include 0.25'' and 0.5'' high flow (Kv 1.5) versions. The new valves meet the growing demand for direct acting valves with high reliability and low (<10 Watts cold) power consumption.

Based on the principle of a balanced poppet type construction, the new valves have the same outstanding reliability as the popular 0.25'' basic flow models and are ideal for demanding applications in the chemical, petrochemical and oil and gas industries.

The new, multi-purpose pilot valves are suitable for normally open, normally closed and universal operation, and for the selection or diversion of flow.

The valves can also be used for 2/2 way operation by closing one of the ports.

Suitable for use with air and inert gas, they feature a brass or stainless steel body, stainless steel internals, and are recommended for pilot applications that require high flow, wide pressure ranges and no minimum operating pressure.

Typical applications include the control of single acting, spring return actuators driving all kinds of process valves.

The 316 stainless steel construction is resistant to highly corrosive atmospheres and special low friction seals and guiding rings eliminate sticking and provide exceptional service life.

The core movement is guided to ensure optimum alignment and the special low friction seal provides a balanced operation over a wide temperature and pressure range, at minimum power levels.

Series 327 solenoid valves satisfy all relevant EC Directives and are suitable for global use in demanding applications where high reliability is essential.

There are no bleed holes or bleed channels which could become blocked by contamination, compromising valve reliability.

This makes the Series 327 suitable for critical applications such as Safety Instrumented Systems (SIS).

The 0.25'' version has been successfully tested by TUV and is suitable for use in safety applications up to SIL4, with PFD < 4x10-7.

This is the highest achievable rating.

The range comprises both basic flow and high flow models rated from 3.6 watts with a high flow (Kv up to 1.5).

They are lightweight and their compact, rectangular shape saves panel space.

Integral mounting holes make fixing quick and easy.

The 0.25'' basic flow version with NAMUR pad mount body is available in both aluminium and 316 stainless steel for direct installation on pneumatic actuators.

Asco Joucomatic can supply a wide range of explosion proof solenoid operators with ATEX approval.

Many other approvals are available to meet different standards worldwide including NEMA, UL, CSA, Gost, and NEPSI.

International service and support is available through a global network of over 1000 sales offices and distributors.

Gems Sensors has acquired Precision Dynamics, a leading manufacturer of custom miniature solenoid valves, manifolds assemblies, and fluidic systems. Gems Sensors will become Gems Sensors and Controls. PreDyne valves and manifold assemblies will continue to be manufactured at its Connecticut, USA facility, and Precision Dynamics sales and engineering staff will join Gems to support the product line.

With Gems current leadership position in level, flow and pressure sensors, the acquisition gives OEMs a major new source for custom miniature solenoid valves.

This new option brings together 30 years of valve experience and the depth of Gems product development and manufacturing process.

OEMs can now select one company with extensive design and manufacturing capabilities to build complete custom gas and liquid handling systems.

'More and more our OEM customers and the marketplace are asking for custom pre-assembled solutions that integrate sensors and other components of a fluidic system such as valves and manifold assemblies' said Evan Berns, Vice President, Gems Sensors and Controls.

'Before the acquisition, both Gems and PreDyne customers had to go through numerous vendors, quality inspections, testing, and even design changes, which put sensitive lead times and cost control at risk.

The combination of Gems and PreDyne allows us to fulfill our customers needs with complete pre-assembled and tested fluidic systems, designed specifically to their application requirements'.

Mr Berns continued, 'The merger is a natural fit.

Both companies similarly meet OEM needs by providing, innovative tailor-made solutions driven by years of application experience and knowledge, and the personal attention that assures the critical requirements for each customer are completely and accurately understood.

Our combined manufacturing facilities and lean methodologies will reduce lead times and deliver cost effective, made-to-order systems for OEMs around the world exactly when they are needed'.

Witt Gas Techniques , the Warrington based gas safety, control, mixing and analysis equipment supplier has enhanced its range of gas safety relief valves, by introducing the new SV809 and SV810 models to vent excess gas pressures up to 100 bar in storage tanks, receivers, vessels, pipelines and other gas storage systems used in a wide variety of industries. Until recently these spring loaded, direct acting safety valves were only available for pressures ranging from 0,5 - 45 bar. The new models are suitable for all pressure levels between 45 and 100 bar covering a wide range of gases.

The SV810 model also has manual venting so that the safety function can be checked after the valve has been fitted.

The opening pressure for each valve can be set by Witt Gas engineers to meet on-site requirements.

The valves are small in size, are easy to install, are available in either brass or stainless steel and can be fitted in any orientation.

An adapter for connecting the safety valve to a ventilation pipe is also available The operational temperature range for these valves is from -196C to approx +150C.

They can be supplied with a range of inlet connections, with or without a condensation outlet and a protective dust cap.

Each safety valve is supplied with a TUV test certificate stipulating the opening pressure specified by the customer.

Sealant Equipment and Engineering has launched the new Model 2200-396-026 heated fluid-control valve, designed for precision control of low to high-viscosity materials. It is used in a wide variety of applications for the transfer, delivery and dispensing of heated adhesives, sealants and lubricants. The heated flow-control valve is typically used to start and stop the flow of material on the outlet of supply pumps, on the inlet and outlet of pipe manifolds and headers, on the inlet and outlet ports of metering assemblies and on the inlet of dispense hoses.

It is also used as a high-flow dispense valve.

The unique No-Drip high-flow valve design is ideal for controlling the flow of heated adhesives and sealants such as acrylics, epoxies, polyurethanes, silicones, lubricants and warm-melt materials requiring elevated temperatures.

The valve opens and closes its carbide needle and seat to precisely start and stop material flow up to 5000 psi.

The 60:1 air-to-fluid power ratio provides instantaneous on-off control of material flow.

The heated flow-control valve is double-air-operated through 1/4''-NPT ports to ensure positive start and stop of material flow.

The valve has 1/2''-NPT fluid inlet and outlet ports for high-volume flow of viscous materials.

The valve includes two holes for easy mounting.

More information about fluid-control valves is available on the website.

Sealant Equipment, a leading manufacturer of precision meter-mix dispense systems and fluid-dispense valves, is registered to ISO 9001:2000.

The company designs, manufactures and integrates precision-engineered systems and equipment to supply, proportion, control, meter, mix and dispense a wide variety of one, two and three-component adhesives, sealants, lubricants and other materials.

Sensortechnics presents a new series of isolated diaphragm solenoid valves, for precision control of aggressive media, from Parker Life Sciences. Liquid X valves are high-performance, 2-way normally closed or 3-way universal fluidic control devices. Liquid X is designed for compatibility with a wide range of aggressive liquid and gaseous media, such as bleach, acids and chlorinated solvents.

The media isolating diaphragm is optionally made of EPDM or FFKM elastomer and separates the flowing medium from the internal valve components.

These compact products feature a manifold sub-base with only 12 mm centreline spacing to allow for maximum design flexibility and overall system size reduction.

Additional manifolds with 10-32 or 0.25-28 female threaded ports are also available.

Liquid X valves offer operating pressures from vacuum to 3.5 bar (50 psi) with flow rates of 20 slpm air at 50 psi and meet all specifications over their entire lifetime.

Additional performance characteristics include low internal volume, less than 32 microlitres to manifold interface and 2 watts maximum power consumption for 12 and 24 VDC supply.

Typical applications for the Liquid X valves can be found in clinical diagnostics devices, such as liquid chromatographs, as well as in medical and bio-analytical instruments.

Bio-Chem Valve and Omnifit miniature isolation valves are fully customisable, providing engineers and product designers with maximum flexibility. The series of five quick-response valves for handling aggressive and high-purity fluids feature a range of materials, configurations and performance characteristics. The valves have a flexible 'mix and match' construction that is determined by solenoid shell size, manifold mountability and flow configuration.

The innovative isolation design restricts fluid contact to only the valve diaphragm and valve body, which are made of inert materials.

The standard isolation valves are constructed with chemically inert PTFE wetted materials.

For other mechanical and chemical compatibility requirements PEEK, PPS or Tefzel are available for the body material and EPDM, Viton or perfluorelastomer are available for the diaphragm material.

Valve shell diameters are available in 9.7mm, 19mm and 25mm to correspond to orifice diameters from 0.8mm to 3.2mm within a broad range of applications.

A selection of two-way normally open, 2-way normally closed and 3-way configurations is offered.

The isolation valves, designed for applications in which space is limited, are also available in manifold-mountable versions.

Omni-Lok Fittings provide a strong, secure connection with superior thread engagement in the shallow ports of Bio-Chem isolation valves.

Mounting clips, rings and flanges are available for mounting standalone valves.

Emerson Process Management has recently renewed the licence with MCE as an approved repairer of Fisher products for workshop-based repairs. Based in Stockton-on-Tees in the UK, MCE has a wealth of capabilities and experience serving blue chip clients in the UK and overseas. The company specialises in offering quality engineering support to a variety of industries and clients - onshore, offshore and internationally.

Only companies that meet the highest technical, quality and business standards are appointed as approved repairers of Fisher products for workshop-based repairs, and each company is subject to a stringent vetting process and quality audit.

As part of the scheme, technical personnel from MCE have completed specialised Fisher valve maintenance training and all repairs will be completed to factory specifications using only genuine Fisher parts.

As an approved repairer, engineers from MCE have access to original Fisher factory specifications, maintenance instructions and service reference manuals, ensuring that repairs are completed to the highest standards.

The company is accredited to ISO 9001 and has received many other performance awards.

Commenting on the licence renewal, Ian Richardson, the Emerson UK service director said, 'We are delighted to renew the licence with MCE as an approved repairer of Fisher products for workshop-based repairs.

Their background and experience makes them an ideal organisation for this important customer support initiative'.

'We are delighted with our continued status as one of the Emerson approved repairers,' said Peter Cone, sales director of MCE.

'We have many years of experience repairing Fisher valves and are pleased to continue with this important relationship'.

Emerson will continue to provide on-site valve services, including control valve diagnostic testing and data analysis.

These are part of the extensive Emerson PlantWeb services offering, enabling customers to maximise the benefits they get from their investment in process and control assets.