An explanatory publication describes how pneumatic systems are affected by the new ATEX 95 directive on explosive atmospheres, which replaced ATEX 100a
An explanatory publication has been compiled by Hoerbiger-Origa on how pneumatic systems are affected by the new ATEX 95 directive on explosive atmospheres, which replaced ATEX 100a in July 2003. Under the new regime responsibility for safety of newly built plant with potentially explosive atmospheres no longer lies only with the manufacturer of explosion proof equipment, but also with the builders and operators of the plant. The use of electrical equipment in explosive environments has long been covered by safety laws.

ATEX 95 extends the legislative requirements to also cover non-electrical equipment such as pneumatic cylinders and valves, fittings and tubing.

Hoerbiger-Origa's authors provide an overview of the classification of machinery types and environments types as defined in ATEX 95, and of the markings used to signify levels of safety.

They provided a good introduction to the subject, creating a good basis for further reading and/or investigation in specialist areas.

The publication concludes with a review of Hoerbiger-Origa products and their ATEX classification.

The ability of compact cylinders to reduce space requirements on machines by 65%, when compared to standard cylinders, is being extended further now that ports are integrated at the same end.
The ability of Asco Joucomatic's Compact PEC range of cylinders to reduce space requirements on machines by 65%, when compared to standard cylinders, is being extended further with the launch of a new design that integrates both ports on the same end of the cylinder. The new design enables OEMs to reduce component and installation costs and also makes the task of installation itself much easier. As a result, designers are able to produce smaller and therefore more economical machines and systems.

The new integrated design of the PEC cylinders is both functional and sturdy.

In terms of functionality the design not only reduces size, but also offers the designer cleaner lines, industry standard mounting facilities and compact, flush mounting positional detectors.

The cylinders are strong due to the fact that the front and rear ends are fixed with screws into the profiled barrel.

They are also extremely reliable as their concept is based on Asco Joucomatic's long experience in cylinder design and manufacturing.

In terms of endurance, PEC cylinders offer a long service life of 3000 km.

PEC compact cylinders are compatible with ISO 6431, VDMA 24562 NF E 49 003-1 and UNI 10290 standards.

This feature enables them to be equipped with the same mountings and accessories as for ISO 6431 cylinders; thus providing an effective way to reduce stock levels and costs (i.e one range of mountings for all cylinder needs).

Even with addition of positional detectors, PEC cylinders remain compact.

Asco Joucomatic's new detectors with integral mountings fit right into the cylinders dovetail grooves, enabling them to save space and still monitor position control.

In addition, due to their reduced size, two detectors can be mounted on the same side of a cylinder for end of stroke position detection.

The PEC cylinders are available in a wide range of bore sizes from 32mm to 100mm, and strokes from 5mm to 400mm.

Through-rod versions are available as a special option and these, in common with the standard cylinders, are suitable for operation at pressures up to 10bar, on air or neutral gas, filtered lubricated or dry.

The reduced size, light weight and reliability of the PEC cylinders means that they are perfectly suited to assembly, packaging, handling and robotics applications, among many others.

Easy to use, compact, stand-alone programmable controller gives simple, inexpensive, low level control for industrial as well as domestic applications.
SMC Pneumatics is introducing a new addition to the PneuAlpha the easy to use, compact, stand-alone programmable controller. The PneuAlpha concept is to give simple, inexpensive, low level control for industrial as well as domestic applications. Programming the controller is simple - Windows based Visual Logic Software is utilised, on a CD-ROM, this can be manipulated via a personal computer.

Anyone can drag, drop, point and click their way through a complete programme - perfect for the novice and yet sophisticated for the more demanding user.

Helpful on-screen hints and tips, as well as a 'wizard', are included, together with simulation and monitor modes, allowing the software to be proved prior to installation.

If control is required quickly, the PneuAlpha allows programming, editing, accessing data, or inputting data by using the keys on the front panel.

This is also ideal in areas where a computer would not be available.

The PneuAlpha has the greatest level of functionality for any controller in its class, combined with compact size, with DIN rail or screw type mounting enhancing its ability to be installed wherever required.

The new addition, the PneuAlpha2, gives expanded functions and capabilities in comparison to the early PneuAlpha, with basic I/O of 14 and 24, which can be expanded as an ASi slave or either 4 I/O 220-240V AC, 24VDC, 100-240V AC, or 24V DC.

With a maximum number of 28 I/O.

Also, the PneuAlpha2 now gives and expanded program to 200 function blocks, 1kHz high-speed counter input, wide operating temperature (-25 to 55degC), mobile connectivity with GSM, and other varied expansion options.

The PneuAlpha2 also features a larger liquid crystal display, allowing an increase of 4 lines and 12 characters per line, and it is now backlit.

Special characters supporting German, French and Spanish, are also new, together with enhanced screen management, numeric value calculation function, and PWM (pulse-width modulation) output instructions.

All PneuAlpha models have many, and various applications, a few examples are: - Repetitive function tests, pressure testing and sequence control, including pressure/vacuum tests.

Plant control, such as compressor control, receiver drains, and filtration systems.

Machine automation - high frequency welding control, special vehicle equipment, and gas control systems.

Domestic applications such as air conditioning and lighting control, irrigation, simple security systems.

The list is endless.

For example, one of SMC's customers has recently installed the PneuAlpha as part of their control system, to control a special purpose jig.

SMC cylinders were used for clamping, and to move an air powered die grinder.

The jig is used to remove burrs from waterways inside cylinder heads.

As well as controlling the jig, the PneuAlpha gives the end user batch counts per shift, and the ability to easily change the number of passes the die grinder makes per operation.

The ability to maximise continuous automated production processes in all sectors of industry is provided by simple to set up digital proportional valves.
The ability to maximise continuous automated production processes in all sectors of industry is provided by Asco Joucomatic's new digital Sentronic D proportional valves. Simple to set-up, and highly dynamic and transparent in operation, the Sentronic D valves enable PID control loops to be optimised quickly with extreme levels of sensitivity and with minimum levels of hysteresis. The new digital valves are a further development of Asco Joucomatic's highly successful Sentronic range, which provides market leading solutions to proportional problems with air and gases in all industry sectors, including food, chemical, testing, medical, military, automotive, general industrial, simulation, bottling and many more.

The flexibility of a digital architecture enables the Sentronic D proportional valves to provide many advantages.

Firstly, with its integrated display and keys Sentronic D can be installed without a PC.

Secondly, in more involved systems, the Sentronic D can be used with data acquisition Software and a PC with RS232 interface to provide quick and easy adaption into PID control loops.

In this mode of operation system transients are logged by the Sentronic D scope function and can read out immediately via an integrated digital display.

In addition, once optimal parameters are determined, they can be stored in a project file for use in fault detection, routine maintenance or future serial production.

In common with analogue Sentronic versions, the Sentronic D operates on normal filtered air (50 micron), and offers users all the high response rate benefits of a direct operating poppet valve design.

This design benefits from internal balancing of all of its internal components.

As a result, the valve is not subject to internal forces and can control pressures across a wide range, up to 10 bar.

In addition, it can also accommodate large orifice sizes, a feature that provides for excellent linear operating characteristics when both increasing or decreasing pressure/ flow.

The Sentronic D series is available in sizes DN 4mm with G1/8 and G1/4 thread connections as well as DN 8mm with G1/4 and G3/8.

In addition, a sub-base-mounted version will be available shortly to complete the range.

Four basic types are available: * With display and two push-buttons, offering pressure readout, manual pressure manipulation and LED diagnosis.

* Without display and push-buttons - a low cost solution.

* Nominal diameter DN 4mm - with 470 Nl/min airflow.

* Nominal diameter DN 8mm - with 1300 Nl/ min airflow.

Asco Joucomatic has just published a new comprehensive 25-page booklet, which covers all aspects of proportional valve technology.

Illustrated with many industry specific examples, the booklet outlines proportional control methodology, provides explanation of symbols and terminology and lists the wide range of controllers available from Asco Joucomatic, each with industry specific features.

For use in the most demanding process environments, PremiAir pneumatic actuators have been engineered to provide reliable and economical operation for all types of quarter turn valves
For use in the most demanding process environments, PremiAir pneumatic actuators from Tyco Valves and Controls have been engineered to provide reliable and economical operation for all types of quarter turn valves. One of the primary causes of performance deterioration in pneumatic actuators is internal corrosion. To combat this, the lightweight aluminium body of each PremiAir is hard anodised both inside and out.

For extra durability and resistance to environmental corrosion, PremiAir actuators are also coated with an Electrostatic Powder Coating.

If the application is hygienic or highly corrosive, such as caustic wash down areas or saline atmospheres, the PremiAir also can be specified with an optional Special Nickel Protection finish both internally and externally.

Available in Double Acting or Spring Return models, the PremiAir compact body design is available in one standard size for both configurations.

Suitable for use with all quarter turn valves, the actuator can be fitted either with a bracket and detachable mounting plate or directly onto the valve, in accordance with ISO 5211.

This design feature combined with the industry perferred square/ star output drive allows direct interchageability with other actuator brands.

The double rack and pinion design delivers a reliable, linear torque output of between 27 - 2054 Nm for Double Acting configurations and between 15 - 1414 Nm for Spring Return models.

PremiAir's features also include adjustable travel stops on all models, for precise travel setting in either direction.

Over-travel adjustment (at each end) is +/- 5 degrees and under-travel adjustment (at each end) +/- 10 degrees, with increased under-travel available on request.

Operating temperatures extend from -30§C to +90§C.

Tyco Valves and Controls manufactures a wide range of control accessories which are compatible with the modular design of PremiAir actuators.

A comprehensive selection of solenoid valves is available, with specifications including weatherproof rating IP65, explosionproof to E Ex m II T and E Ex ed IIC T5 and intrinsically safe to E Exia IIC T6.

For integration into - and control by - a network, the PremiAir can be connected to the AVID range of position monitoring equipment, which includes analogue and smart positioners.

The AVID range facilitates communication with AS Interface, DeviceNet, Fieldbus Foundation and profibus network protocols.

SMC Corporation has announced a new Electro-Pneumatic Regulator to fill a gap in a range which has been a big hit with customers due to its precision operation
SMC Corporation has announced the release of the ITV1000 Electro-Pneumatic Regulator. The ITV1000 fills the gap between SMC's super compact ITV0000 and the larger ITV2000 and 3000, all of which have been a big hit with customers due to their precision operation. The ITV1000's max flow rate is 250L/min (ANR) when a set pressure of 0.5MPa is applied, making it ideal for applications that require a flow rate between the ITV0000's 7L/min and the ITV2000's 1500L/min.

'One of the many advantages of using ITV regulators is SMC's decision to go with a dual pilot valve design, reduces both cost and air consumption.

The more typical flapper nozzle design prevalent in many competitors require a constant air bleed-off to operate properly.' stated C Brion Kidder, Senior Product Manager for SMC Corporation of America.

The ITV regulators offer step free control of air pressure proportional to an electrical signal.

Internal circuitry pulses supply and release valves to maintain the desired output air pressure.

Compatible inputs are: 4-20mADC, 0-20mADC, 0-5VDC, and 0-10VDC analog inputs; 4-wire digital input.

ITV2000 and 3000 are available in 10-point or 16-point digital input devicenet network-compatible types and are available with 5 monitor output options.

They have a sensitivity of 0.2 kPa, linearity within 1%, and hysteresis within 0.5%.

All but the ultra compact ITV0000 have an easy-to-read digital LED display.

All SMC ITV regulators have earned the CE and IP65 rating.

SMC Corporation manufactures high quality actuators and cylinders, airline and air preparation equipment, high-purity products, vacuum components, instrumentation, and a host of fittings and accessories applicable to the pneumatic automation industry.

SMC has a total of 14 production facilities, 3 of which are in North America -Indiana, California, and Ontario, Canada.

SMC's global presence enables it to provide quality customer service in any part of the world.

Modular air preparation system can be supplied fully configured from the most basic requirements up to specialist assemblies.
Automation specialist Festo introduced its latest modular air preparation system at the recent PPMA show. Called the Modular Series (Type:MS), the new system can be supplied fully configured from the most basic requirements up to specialist assemblies. Specific applications such as breathing air sets and the HACCP standards imposed upon food machine builders and equipment users can be fully met with custom configured modular systems specified by a single part no.

Optimised usage of compressed air is critical for the cost effective utilisation of pneumatics.

With stringent efficiency targets it makes no sense to waste energy with a one-size-suits-all approach.

By configuring an MS air preparation set from the wide range of modular elements it is possible to make considerable savings in compressed air costs.

Specific zones of machines can be supplied with the correct degree of filtration, dryness, lubrication and pressure.

Aimed at OEMs in particular, the modular MS Series permits multiple configurations to address all their requirements in a single air preparation range.

The range is also ideal for the end user market for plant upgrades, retro fitting either to replace outdated units or to bring the plant equipment up to the new ISO air quality standards.

The range includes an array of filter modules from the standard coarse 40_$B and L_(Jm for high flow rates down to a super-fine 0.01 '$B and L' (Jm micro filter, plus activated carbon filters to eliminate micro particulates and vapours.

A modular combination of units is delivered pre-assembled and tested from a single part number.

To re-order exactly the same configuration only the part number and description needs to be called up.

As ever, comprehensive Festo software is available free of charge online to assist with configuration and ordering.

Festo also offers the most popular preconfigurations as boxed set standards.

However, even the individual parts of these are configurable: they can be specified as functional 'blocks' in any order required.

Safety is also a prominent attribute of the MS Series.

A range of isolating valves feature padlocks; regulators can also be locked to prevent tampering and permit economies to be made - supplying only the pressure needed by a machine; and slow-pressure-build-up valves allow the machine to reach operating pressure in a controlled and safe manner.

With the latter devices, air bleeds into the system at start-up until the correct pressure is reached, at which point full pressure is switched in.

MS Series components feature high-grade aluminium die cast bodies - a material that is lighter, more corrosion resistant and produces more precise castings than zinc, which is traditionally employed.

In turn, this precision enables the diaphragms inside a regulator to be more sensitive.

Two family sizes of modular MS Series components are already available: MS4 and MS6, equating to a grid size of 40mm and 60mm respectively, though Festo reports that the range will continue to grow.

Costs for the OEM or end user are reduced over comparative air preparation equipment through highly competitive pricing, itself facilitated by advanced manufacturing techniques at Festo that drive production costs down, as well as savings available through fast and easy configuration, installation and commissioning - plus the Festo pre-assembled services.

The problem of obtaining process samples from reactor vessels without requiring process shutdown has been solved by the PV vessel sampling device from Neotecha.
The problem of obtaining process samples from reactor vessels without requiring process shutdown has been solved by the PV vessel sampling device from Neotecha. The sampling device is designed specifically to lift samples from reactor vessels under process conditions, producing more accurate results. The PV is capable of extracting even highly corrosive or toxic media, while its design eliminates the possibility of any hazardous liquid or gaseous release to atmosphere.

The PV's vacuum operation lifts liquid from the reactor through a heavy duty PFA suction hose, which is located within the dip tube inside the vessel.

The media flows upward into the sight glass through a ball valve, which can be supplied in a dead-spot free 'C-ball' design that prevents retention of residual media after sampling is completed.

A PTFE hollow ball inside the sight glass rests on the top of the rising sampled liquid, and interrupts the vacuum when the sight glass is full, preventing over-extraction or liquid entering the vacuum line.

Once in the sight glass, the sample passes at atmospheric pressure through a transfer device to the sample bottle for testing.

The PV is suitable for either manual or automatic operation.

Neotecha also offers the option of a failsafe bottle-sensing device.

The device senses if the bottle has been correctly attached before undertaking sample transfer, eliminating the possibility of accidental spillage.

For periodic pH measurement, a probe adapter can be fitted.

Liquid can be simply drawn from the vessel into the sight glass, tested, and replaced into the reactor without needing to expose the pH probe to potentially corrosive substances for long periods.

The PV is available either in stainless steel or lined, with wetted parts in pfa, PTFE, or glass.

It is pressure rated to 10bar, and temperature rated to +200§C.

PV is available with a sample volume of either 150, 250, 500 or 1000ml.

Neotecha products are available from Tyco Valves and Controls.

Membrane air dryers provide pure, dry compressed air for sensitive applications requiring a guaranteed 35degF (2degC) dewpoint and flow rates up to 600ft3/min (1019m3/hr).
Parker Balston has introduced the new Smart Dryer 3000 Series Membrane Air Dryers that provide pure, dry compressed air for sensitive applications requiring a guaranteed 35degF (2degC) dewpoint and flow rates up to 600ft3/min (1019m3/hr). Two Smart Dryer 3000 Series Membrane Air Dryers are available - models SMRT3100 and SMRT3600 - both supplied complete with prefilters, auto drains and membrane modules all assembled in a cabinet with inlet and outlet ports mounted on top for easy installation. Parker Balston Smart Dryers offer low operating costs and better performance than both non-cycling and cycling refrigerant air dryers - and contain no refrigerants or freons.

Another advantage is that no condensate is produced.

An average 100 SCFM (170m3/hr) compressor, for example, can produce up to 1800 gallons (6800 litres) of oily condensate a year, with its inherent disposal costs because the oily condensate cannot just be poured down wastewater drains.

The Balston drying system produces a guaranteed dewpoint of 35degF (2degC) and removes all other compressed air contaminants down to 0.01 micron in size.

The dewpoint produced by some cycling refrigerant dryers may vary considerably because their design incorporates a cold storage heat sink reservoir that cycles between upper and lower limits.

A major advantage of the Smart Dryer is that maintenance is minimal.

All that is required is to change-out the prefilters twice a year - a job that should take around five minutes.

This is compared to other types of dryer with compressors that need servicing and cooling coils that need to be cored and cleaned.

The first Smart Dryer was installed at the Melton Corporation Cranston, RI.

Vice President, Wayne Etchells, said, 'Our compressed air system is now completely dry at a very reasonable cost.

An innovative FRL system is predicted to revolutionise the way users think about selecting air preparation systems in the future.
The new and innovative Moduflex FRL System from Parker Pneumatic is predicted to revolutionise the way users think about selecting air preparation systems in the future. Parker Pneumatic has gone back to basics and taken a fresh and unbiased look at how FRLs are used and have designed-in a host of new and user-friendly features. Suitable for virtually all compressed air preparation applications, from Mini FRLs to ring main installations, the new modular Moduflex FRL System features one-piece body units that simply fit together using Parker1s patented Cliplok system.

The unique Cliplok fastener enables combinations of units to be built in a fraction of the time taken for more traditional systems.

Units can be connected together, face to face, without the use of pipe connectors - saving space whilst providing constant mounting centres.

For combination assemblies, a captive OTop-Hat1 seal inflates under pressure to achieve seal and deflates when pressure is relieved to facilitate easy removal.

Construction of Moduflex FRL units is from marine grade aluminium for strength and the added advantage of light weight.

The first series in the family to be launched is the Moduflex60 FRL which features a 60 mm square body size.

The range will eventually comprise four body sizes: 40 mm, 50 mm, 60 mm and 80 mm; with respective ports of 1/8 - 1/4 inch, 1/4 - 3/8 inch, 3/8 - 1/2 inch, and 1/2 - 3/4 - 1.0 inch.

Filters - filter units provide pneumatic systems with clean, dry air and feature a unique one-piece body and condensate bowl design that overcomes the need for a separate bowl.

The one-piece design is safer to use, less likely to be damaged and can be used in more demanding applications.

Units are body ported as standard with a choice of BSPP, BSPT and NPT threads.

An easy 1/8 turn base plate facilitates filter element removal, and a positive latch ensures correct and safe fitting.

Designed for one-hand operation, the one-piece, snap fit filter element cartridge is easily removed and replaced for servicing - without tools.

Moduflex60 FRL series filters feature 5 micron elements as standard with a 40 micron option.

Filter flow rates are 3000 litre/min Regulators - regulator units are available with a choice of p2 pressure and feature rolling diaphragms for longer service life than flat diaphragms designs.

The self relieving rolling diaphragm technology ensures consistently maintained downstream pressure, but a non-relieving valve is also available for inert gas operation.

The regulators feature an ergonomically designed, easy to adjust non-rising knob with snap-lock, which prevents accidental change of set pressure.

Flow rates are 3600 litre/min, and secondary pressure ranges are 2, 4, 8 and 16 bar.

Combined Filter-Regulators - combined Filter-Regulators provide all the performance, features and options of the individual units with the additional benefit of space saving.

Lubricators - Moduflex60 FRL series oil mist type lubricators have double the oil capacity of traditional designs and provide constant, controlled lubrication to downstream equipment, increasing service life and reducing downtime.

A fully removal top, and large diameter oil filling orifice, simplify lubricant filling under pressure.

Flow rates are 3000 l/min.

Accessories - the full range of Moduflex60 FRL series accessories includes Combined Soft Start-Dump Valves, Ball Valves, Optional Port Block Kits and Diverter Manifolds - combined Soft Start-Dump Valves provide the safe introduction of pressure to machines or systems.

When set, they allow the pressure to gradually build to the set point before fully opening to deliver full flow at line pressure.

The controlled introduction of pressure can be an important safety factor and prevent damage to tooling when air pressure is introduced at machine or system start up.

Moduflex60 FRL series Dump Valves enable the depressurisation of downstream air in the event of an emergency or system failure.

They feature large, high visibility red striker knobs and vent through the exhaust port.

Ball Valves provide shut off line pressure with non-sticking 90deg turn handle locking versions to prevent unauthorised adjustment.

Diverter Manifolds allow a unit to be oriented in 90deg increments to suit the application, provide four extra outlet ports and can be assembled at any position in a combination.

They can be assembled before the lubricator to provide oil free take-off, or at the end of a combination to provide extra outlet ports.