Plastic Industry Today

Pneumatic Actuators are available with full line of accessories. The 4- and 3-way solenoid valves provide electrical operation of on-off functions, while pneumatic positioners automatically position output shaft to valve angles between 0-90[degrees]. Electro-pneumatic positioners offer direct or reverse operating modes. Valve status monitor signals actuator and valve position to local and remote stations. Proximity position indicator provides 2 inductive proximity switches in sealed enclosure.

Houston, TX-Augst 12, 2004-Ultraflo has introduced new accessories for their complete line of pneumatic actuators. New accessories include 4 and 3-way solenoid valves, pneumatic positioners, electro-pneumatic positioners, valve status monitor and proximity position indicator. All pneumatic actuator accessories from Ultraflo mount directly to Ultraflo pneumatic actuators and comply with NAMUR recommendations (VDI/VDE 3845) as standard.

4 and 3-way solenoid valves provide electrical operation of pneumatic actuator on-off functions. 4-way solenoids are direct mounted to the actuator by a NAMUR interface, with no external tubing required. Both waterproof (NEMA 4) and explosion proof (NEMA 4,7,9) housings are standard. NPT and IP65 DIN connections are offered with both single and dual coils. The air supply connection is 1/4" NPT and the electrical connection is 1/2" NPT. A manual override is located on the top of the valve body. A 3-way solenoid is also available.

Modular pneumatic positioners automatically position the output shaft to precise valve angles between 0[degrees] and 90[degrees] with a standard positioner input signal of 3-15 psi. They function with double acting or spring return actuators and feature selectable speed control, fast and accurate calibration, 2 NPT conduit entries, reversible and split range functions. Waterproof and intrinsically safe housings are available.

Electro-pneumatic positioners feature a modular design that allow actuators and accessories to be freely combined. For use with either double or single acting actuators, they provide direct or reverse.

Pneumatic actuators are selected by their ability to do work and the most common factor that limits productivity is using an undersized actuator. Follow these tips to select the right actuator for the job:

* Determine the force

* Subtract the piston rod area, if applicable

* Know the true operating pressure

Pneumatic actuators are available in a variety of shapes, sizes, and types, as well as with a multitude of standard options. At first glance, the number of permutations can be overwhelming. The good news is that each actuator type and configuration has a place in today's automation environment.