ASCO where flow control meets pneumatics to create

fluid automation solutions that maximize efficiencies,

optimize applications, and enable customers to fulfill
their true potential.
Our extensive product lines include a broad range of
solenoid valves, angle body piston valves, valve
manifolds, cylinders, filters, regulators, lubricators and
accessories.
ASCO has been designing and manufacturing quality
fluid control products since 1910. Leading the valve
technology, our wide range of solenoid valves ensures
smooth operation of processes.
When it comes to pneumatics and motion control
products, our Numatics range provides the best solutions
to meet the requirements of your application.
Within the Asia Pacific region, we have over 75 offices
to cater for the needs of your business. Our worldwide
manufacturing facilities, engineering specialists and
distribution network are ready to meet your requirements
for fluid control valves, pneumatic components and
accessories to meet your applications.

Solenoid Valves, Pneumatic Valves, Cylinders &

Actuators, Air Preparation & Accessories from ASCO &
Numatics
Wherever manufacturing or processing happens, more
and more customers are encountering challenges that
demand the comprehensive fluid automation solutions
that only ASCO can deliver. By combining innovative
technologies and cross-applications expertise, ASCO's
people create fluid control and pneumatic products and
services that help customers maximize efficiencies,
optimize applications, and transform ideas into
measurable outcomes.
ASCO's fluid automation product lines include a wide
variety of solenoid valves, angle body piston valves,
pneumatic valves and manifolds, cylinders, filters,
regulators, lubricators and a complete range of
accessories. We develop engineered solutions that set the
standards for a broad range of markets and applications
continually identifying opportunities for customers to
realize their true potential.
A solenoid valve is
an electromechanically operated valve. The valve is
controlled by an electric current through a solenoid: in

the case of a two-port valve the flow is switched on or

off; in the case of a three-port valve, the outflow is
switched between the two outlet ports. Multiple solenoid
valves can be placed together on a manifold.
Solenoid valves are the most frequently used control
elements in fluidics. Their tasks are to shut off, release,
dose, distribute or mix fluids. They are found in many
application areas. Solenoids offer fast and safe
switching, high reliability, long service life, good
medium compatibility of the materials used, low control
power and compact design.
Besides the plunger-type actuator which is used most
frequently, pivoted-armature actuators and rocker
actuators are also used.
There are many valve design variations. Ordinary valves
can have many ports and fluid paths. A 2-way valve, for
example, has 2 ports; if the valve is open, then the two
ports are connected and fluid may flow between the
ports; if the valve is closed, then ports are isolated. If the
valve is open when the solenoid is not energized, then
the valve is termed normally open (N.O.). Similarly, if
the valve is closed when the solenoid is not energized,
then the valve is termed normally closed.[1] There are
also 3-way and more complicated designs.[2] A 3-way
valve has 3 ports; it connects one port to either of the
two other ports (typically a supply port and an exhaust
port).
Solenoid valves are also characterized by how they
operate. A small solenoid can generate a limited force. If
that force is sufficient to open and close the valve, then
a direct acting solenoid valve is possible. An
approximate relationship between the required solenoid
force Fs, the fluid pressure P, and the orifice area A for a
direct acting solenoid value is:[3]
Where d is the orifice diameter. A typical solenoid
force might be 15 N (3.4 lbf). An application might
be a low pressure (e.g., 10 psi (69 kPa)) gas with a
small orifice diameter (e.g., 38 in (9.5 mm) for an
orifice area of 0.11 in2 (7.1105 m2) and
approximate force of 1.1 lbf (4.9 N)).

[5]

Comparatively, an industrial 1/2" 10000 psi valve,

intended for 12, 24, or 120 VAC systems in high
pressure fluid and cryogenic applications, has an
inrush of 300 VA and a holding power of 22 VA.
[6]
Neither valve lists a minimum pressure required
to remain closed in the unpowered state.
Internally piloted[edit]
While there are multiple design variants, the
following is a detailed breakdown of a typical
solenoid valve design.

The solenoid valve (small black box at the top of

the photo) with input air line (small green tube)
used to actuate a larger rack and
pinion actuator (gray box) which controls the
water pipe valve.
When high pressures and large orifices are
encountered, then high forces are required. To
generate those forces, an internally pilotedsolenoid
valve design may be possible.[1] In such a design, the
line pressure is used to generate the high valve
forces; a small solenoid controls how the line
pressure is used. Internally piloted valves are used in
dishwashers and irrigation systems where the fluid
is water, the pressure might be 80 pounds per square
inch (550 kPa) and the orifice diameter might
be 34 in (19 mm).

A solenoid valve has two main parts: the solenoid

and the valve. The solenoid converts electrical
energy into mechanical energy which, in turn, opens
or closes the valve mechanically. A direct acting
valve has only a small flow circuit, shown within
section E of this diagram (this section is mentioned
below as a pilot valve). In this example, a
diaphragm piloted valve multiplies this small pilot
flow, by using it to control the flow through a much
larger orifice.
Solenoid valves may use metal seals or rubber seals,
and may also have electrical interfaces to allow for
easy control. A spring may be used to hold the valve
opened (normally open) or closed (normally closed)
while the valve is not activated.

In some solenoid valves the solenoid acts directly on

the main valve. Others use a small, complete
solenoid valve, known as a pilot, to actuate a larger
valve. While the second type is actually a solenoid
valve combined with a pneumatically actuated
valve, they are sold and packaged as a single unit
referred to as a solenoid valve. Piloted valves
require much less power to control, but they are
noticeably slower. Piloted solenoids usually need
full power at all times to open and stay open, where
a direct acting solenoid may only need full power
for a short period of time to open it, and only low
power to hold it.
A direct acting solenoid valve typically operates in 5
to 10 milliseconds. The operation time of a piloted
valve depends on its size; typical values are 15 to
150 milliseconds.[4]
Power consumption and supply requirements of the
solenoid vary with application, being primarily
determined by fluid pressure and line diameter. For
example, a popular 3/4" 150 psi sprinkler valve,
intended for 24 VAC (50 - 60 Hz) residential
systems, has a momentary inrush of 7.2 VA, and a
holding power requirement of 4.6 VA.

A- Input side
B- Diaphragm
C- Pressure chamber
D- Pressure relief passage
E- Electro Mechanical Solenoid
F- Output side
The diagram to the right shows the design of a basic
valve, controlling the flow of water in this example.
At the top figure is the valve in its closed state. The

water under pressure enters at A. B is an elastic

diaphragm and above it is a weak spring pushing it
down. The diaphragm has a pinhole through its
center which allows a very small amount of water to
flow through it. This water fills the cavity C on the
other side of the diaphragm so that pressure is equal
on both sides of the diaphragm, however the
compressed spring supplies a net downward force.
The spring is weak and is only able to close the inlet
because water pressure is equalized on both sides of
the diaphragm.
Once the diaphragm closes the valve, the pressure
on the outlet side of its bottom is reduced, and the
greater pressure above holds it even more firmly
closed. Thus, the spring is irrelevant to holding the
valve closed.
The above all works because the small drain
passage D was blocked by a pin which is the
armature of the solenoidE and which is pushed
down by a spring. If current is passed through the
solenoid, the pin is withdrawn via magnetic force,
and the water in chamber C drains out the
passage D faster than the pinhole can refill it. The
pressure in chamber C drops and the incoming
pressure lifts the diaphragm, thus opening the main
valve. Water now flows directly from A to F.
When the solenoid is again deactivated and the
passage D is closed again, the spring needs very
little force to push the diaphragm down again and
the main valve closes. In practice there is often no
separate spring; the elastomer diaphragm is molded
so that it functions as its own spring, preferring to be
in the closed shape.
From this explanation it can be seen that this type of
valve relies on a differential of pressure between
input and output as the pressure at the input must
always be greater than the pressure at the output for
it to work. Should the pressure at the output, for any
reason, rise above that of the input then the valve
would open regardless of the state of the solenoid
and pilot valve.
Solenoid

An illustration of a solenoid

Magnetic field created by a seven-loop solenoid (crosssectional view) described using field lines.
A solenoid (from the French solnode, derived in turn
from the Greek solen "pipe, channel" + combining form
of Greek eidos "form, shape"[1]) is a coil wound into a
tightly packed helix. The term was invented
by French physicist Andr-Marie Ampre to designate a
helical coil.[2]
In physics, the term refers to a coil whose length is
substantially greater than its diameter, often wrapped
around a metallic core, which produces a
uniform magnetic field in a volume of space (where
some experiment might be carried out) when an electric
current is passed through it. A solenoid is a type
of electromagnet when the purpose is to generate a
controlled magnetic field. If the purpose of the solenoid
is instead to impede changes in the electric current, a
solenoid can be more specifically classified as
an inductor rather than an electromagnet. Not all
electromagnets and inductors are solenoids; for example,
the first electromagnet, invented in 1824, had a
horseshoe rather than a cylindrical solenoid shape.
In engineering, the term may also refer to a variety
of transducer devices that convert energy into linear
motion. The term is also often used to refer to a solenoid
valve, which is an integrated device containing an
electromechanical solenoid which actuates either
a pneumatic or hydraulic valve, or a solenoid switch,
which is a specific type of relay that internally uses an
electromechanical solenoid to operate an electrical
switch; for example, an automobile starter solenoid, or a
linear solenoid, which is an electromechanical
solenoid. Solenoid bolts, a type of electronic-mechanical
locking mechanism, also exist.
Pneumatics
"Pneumatic" redirects here. For the highest order of
humans in Gnosticism, see Pneumatic (Gnosticism).

The valve body is arranged to fit into the particular

pipeline and houses the valve and seat assembly. Valve
operation may be direct acting where increasing pressure
on the diaphragm closes the valve.
A reverse acting valve opens as pressure on the
diaphragm increases. The diaphragm movement is
opposed by a spring which will close or open the valve
in the event of air supply failure depending upon the
action of the valve.
Preserved Porter Locomotive CompanyNo. 3290 of
1923.
Pneumatics is a branch of engineering that makes use of
gas or pressurized air.
Pneumatic systems used extensively in industry are
commonly powered by compressed air or
compressed inert gases. A centrally located and
electrically powered compressor powers cylinders, air
motors, and other pneumatic devices. A pneumatic
system controlled through manual or automatic solenoid
valves is selected when it provides a lower cost, more
flexible, or safer alternative toelectric
motors and actuators.
Compressed air is air kept under a pressure that is
greater than atmospheric pressure. It serves many
domestic and industrial purposes.
In Europe, 10 percent of all industrial electricity
consumption is to produce compressed airamounting
to 80 terawatt hours consumption per year.

Pneumatic control valves working principle for marine

use
Many pneumatic devices use a nozzle and flapper
system to give a variation in the compressed air signal.A
typical pneumatic control valve is shown in Figure . It
can be considered as made up of two partsthe actuator
and the valve. In the arrangement shown a flexible
diaphragm forms a pressure tight chamber in the upper
half of the actuator and the controller signal is fed in.
Movement of the diaphragm results in a movement of
the valve spindle and the valve. The diaphragm
movement is opposed by a spring and is usually
arranged so that the variation of controller output
corresponds to full travel of the valve.

Fig: A pneumatically controlled valve

The valve disc or plug may be single or double seated
and have any of a variety of shapes. The various shapes
and types are chosen according to the type of control
required and the relationship between valve lift and
liquid flow.
A non-adjustable gland arrangement is usual. Inverted Vring packing is used to minimise the friction against the
moving spindle. In order to achieve accurate valve disc
positioning and overcome the effects of friction and
unbalanced forces a valve positioner may be used. The
operating principle is shown in Figure .
The controller signal acts on a bellows which will move
the flapper in relation to the nozzle. This movement will
alter the air pressure on the diaphragm which is supplied
via an orifice from a constant pressure supply. The
diaphragm movement will move the valve spindle and
also the flapper. An equilibrium position will be set up
when the valve disc is correctly positioned. This

arrangement enables the use of a separate power source

to actuate the valve.

Pneumatic artificial muscles

Speciality actuators that combine rotary and linear
motionfrequently used for clamping operations
Vacuum generators

Fig: Valve positioner

Actuator operation
The control signal to a correcting unit may be
pneumatic, electric or hydraulic. The actuating power
may also be any one of these three and not necessarily
the same as the control medium. Electrical control
signals are usually of small voltage or current values
which are unable to effect actuator movement.
Pneumatic or hydraulic power would then be used for
actuator operation.
A separate pneumatic power supply may be used even
when the control signal is pneumatic, as described in the
previous section. Hydraulic actuator power is used
where large or out of balance forces occur or when the
correcting unit is of large dimensions itself. Hydraulic
control with separate hydraulic actuation is a feature of
some types of steering gear.
A pneumatic actuator converts energy (typically in the
form of compressed air) into mechanical motion. The
motion can be rotary or linear, depending on the type of
actuator. Some types of pneumatic actuators include:
Tie rod cylinders
Rotary actuators
Grippers

A Pneumatic actuator mainly consists of a piston, a

cylinder, and valves or ports. The piston is covered by a
diaphragm, or seal, which keeps the air in the upper
portion of the cylinder, allowing air pressure to force the
diaphragm downward, moving the piston underneath,
which in turn moves the valve stem, which is linked to
the internal parts of the actuator. Pneumatic actuators
may only have one spot for a signal input, top or bottom,
depending on action required. Valves require little
pressure to operate and usually double or triple the input
force. The larger the size of the piston, the larger the
output pressure can be. Having a larger piston can also
be good if air supply is low, allowing the same forces
with less input. These pressures are large enough to
crush objects in the pipe. On 100 kPa input, you could
lift a small car (upwards of 1,000 lbs) easily, and this is
only a basic, small pneumatic valve. However, the
resulting forces required of the stem would be too great
and cause the valve stem to fail.

This pressure is transferred to the valve stem, which is

hooked up to either the valve plug (see plug valve),
butterfly valve etc. Larger forces are required in high
pressure or high flow pipelines to allow the valve to
overcome these forces, and allow it to move the valves
moving parts to control the material flowing inside.
Valves input pressure is the "control signal." This can
come from a variety of measuring devices, and each
different pressure is a different set point for a valve. A
typical standard signal is 20100 kPa. For example, a
valve could be controlling the pressure in a vessel which
has a constant out-flow, and a varied in-flow (varied by
the actuator and valve). A pressure transmitter will
monitor the pressure in the vessel and transmit a signal
from 20100 kPa. 20 kPa means there is no pressure,
100 kPa means there is full range pressure (can be varied
by the transmiters calibration points). As the pressure
rises in the vessel, the output of the transmitter rises, this
increase in pressure is sent to the valve, which causes the
valve to stroke downward, and start closing the valve,
decreasing flow into the vessel, reducing the pressure in
the vessel as excess pressure is evacuated through the
out flow. This is called a direct acting process.

Rodless actuators with magnetic linkage or rotary

cylinders

Pneumatic cylinder

Rodless actuators with mechanical linkage

Pneumatic cylinder(s) (sometimes known as air

cylinders) are mechanical devices which use the power

of compressed gas to produce a force in a reciprocating

linear motion.[1]:85

Valve Manifold for Pressure Instrument

Like hydraulic cylinders, something forces a piston to

move in the desired direction. The piston is a disc or
cylinder, and the piston rod transfers the force it
develops to the object to be moved.[1] :85 Engineers
sometimes prefer to use pneumatics because they are
quieter, cleaner, and do not require large amounts of
space for fluid storage.

Valve manifold is a standard accessory for pressure

transmitter and differential pressure transmitter. By
providing a valve manifold in the instrument, it will
allow a calibration or change the instrument without the
necessity of plant shutdown. In particular application
there are three type of valve manifold, 2-way valve
manifold, 3-way valve manifold, and 5-way valve
manifold.

Because the operating fluid is a gas, leakage from a

pneumatic cylinder will not drip out and contaminate the
surroundings, making pneumatics more desirable where
cleanliness is a requirement. For example, in the
mechanical puppets of the Disney Tiki Room,
pneumatics are used to prevent fluid from dripping onto
people below the puppets.

2-way valve manifold is used for pressure transmitter

only. The typical 2-way valve manifold consists of 1
block valve and 1 drain or test valve. If we want to
calibrate the pressure transmitter, we just need simply
close the block valve and open the drain valve. Then
connect the drain valve connection to the pressure
generator to give some test pressure.

Angle seat piston valve

Pneumatic filter
A pneumatic filter is a device which removes
contaminants from a compressed air stream. This can be
done using a number of different techniques, from using
a "media" type that traps particulates, but allows air to
pass through to a venturi, to a membrane that only
allows air to pass through.

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

An angle seat piston valve is a pneumatically-controlled
valve with a piston actuator providing linear actuation to
lift a seal off its seat. The seat is set at an angle to
provide the maximum possible flow when unseated.
Angle seat piston valves are particularly suited to
applications where high temperatures and large flowrates
are required, such as steam or water. When used in
reverse some models of angle seat piston valve will
eliminate water hammer when operated.
Operation[edit]
Pneumatic valves are operated by a pilot medium under
pressure, usually compressed air but also oil or water.
The valve is equipped with a pneumatic actuator
supplied by a three-way solenoid valve. The pressure of
the pilot medium enters the actuator cylinder and acts on
the piston, which allows the seal to open or to close
through the stem. The return of the seal into its rest
position is usually achieved by a return spring that can
be found in the pneumatic actuator.
In the double-acting configuration there is no return
spring and the pilot medium is used both for opening and
for closing the valve.
A red indicator becomes visible through the sight dome
that is found on the top of the actuator when the valve is
in the open position.
The pressure range depends on the pressure of the pilot
medium and the controlled medium and on the direction
of the flow, but also on construction parameters of the
valve, such as the diameter of the orifice, the diameter of
the actuator cylinder and the spring force.

t is now common to have various stages of filtration

employed in a filter-regulator-lubricator form factor,
usually with the different filter housings connected. Air
filtration applications are diverse and include end-user
sectors such as cleanroom environments, biomedical,
analytical instrumentation, food processing, marine and
aviation, agriculture, manufacturing, food and beverage
packaging and a host of other uses.
Typical commercial pneumatic filters will remove
particles as small as 5 micrometres from the air. The
filters protect pneumatic devices from damage that
would be caused by these contaminants. These
contaminants include lubricant particles ejected by the
compressor, dirt particles, small water droplets or
aerosols.
Pneumatic Pressure Regulators
Pressure regulators, commonly called pressure-reducing
valves, maintain constant output pressure in compressedair systems regardless of variations in input pressure or
output flow. Regulators are a special class of valve
containing integral loading, sensing, actuating, and
control components. Available in many configurations,
they can be broadly classified as general purpose, special
purpose, or precision.

General-purpose or utility regulators have flow and

regulation characteristics that meet the requirements of
most industrial compressed-air applications. Such
regulators provide long service life and relative ease of
maintenance at competitive prices. Precision regulators
are for applications where regulated pressure must be
controlled with close tolerances. Such regulators are
used when the outcome of a process or the results of a
test depend on accurate pressure control.

on the valve. The amount that output pressure changes

with variations in supply pressure is called the regulation
characteristic and is influenced by the ratio of diaphragm
area to valve area and the degree of valve unbalance.

Special-purpose regulators often have a unique

configuration or special materials for use with fluids
other than compressed air. Regulator construction can
range from simple to complex, depending on the
intended application and the performance requirements.

Minimum and maximum regulated pressure required:

Regulators can have a broad adjustment range and may
require a specific spring or accessory to match the
requirements. Also, minimum and maximum pressure
should be within the middle third of the regulator range.

However, the principle of operation and the loading,

actuating, and control components are basic to all
designs. Most regulators use simple wire coil springs to
control the downstream pressure. Various size springs
are used to permit regulation of the secondary pressure
within specific ranges. Ideally, the required pressure
should be in the center one-third of the rated outlet
pressure range. At the lower end of the pressure range,
the spring loses some sensitivity; at the high end, the
spring nears its maximum capacity.

Maximum flow required at regulated pressure.

Regulators can use either a piston or diaphragm to sense

downstream pressure. Diaphragms are generally more
sensitive to pressure changes and react more quickly.
They should be used where sensitive pressure settings
are required (less than 0.04 psi). Pistons, on the other
hand, are generally more rugged and provide a larger
effective sensing area in a given size regulator. The
functional difference between precision and generalpurpose regulators is the degree of control accuracy of
the output pressure. Output pressure accuracy is
determined by the droop due to flow changes (regulator
characteristics).
Pressure droop is most pronounced when the valve first
opens. Factors contributing to droop are: load change
with spring extension, effective area change with
diaphragm displacement, and unbalance of area forces

When selecting a pressure regulator, the important

factors to consider are:
Normal line pressure.

Pipe size: Not all regulators are available in all pipe

sizes; note where adapters are required. Also, pipe size
should be consistent with flow requirements.
Regulator adjustment frequency: A number of different
adjusting methods are possible. When selecting a
regulator, consider the location, application, adjusting
method, and user.
Degree of pressure precision required.
Accessories or options include gages and panel
mounting.
Environmental or fluid conditions that could be
incompatible with materials used in the regulator.
Special features such as high relief or remote control.
The consequences of a regulator malfunction or failure:
A damper or relief valve might be needed to protect
personnel or equipment. Also, dead-end service or
intermittent actuation may require positive valve shutoff,
bleed units, or close control of pressure-relief points.
Filters, lubricators, relief devices, and other system
options should be considered in the selection process.