Pilot valves for tough, harsh environments

Festo has launched the VOFD, a robust pilot valve for process automation applications.The valve is claimed to be exceptionally tough and provides excellent performance even the pharmaceutical, chemical, petrochemical and oil and gas industries, enabling operations managers to improve uptime and productivity.

The valve is suitable for the actuation of butterfly valves, cylinders, diaphragm drives and rotary drives.It is also suited for emergency shut-down functions and for safety-orientated systems up to Safety Integrity Level 4 as per IEC 61508.

The VOFDs have a titanium dioxide plated surface which gives a high abrasion resistance and makes it 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.

The 3/2-way valve ensures that no atmosphere or environmental contaminants such as dust, ice or snow can enter the valve and degrade the exhaust.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 by turning a screw depending on the function required.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 said to be quick and easy to install.