Pneumatic Product & Application Articles

This page provides an overview of articles related to pneumatic applications. Pneumatics is the science of transmitting power using compressed air or inert gas. A pneumatic system consists of a compressor, a receiver or air vessel, air treatment devices, pipes and valves and the equipment to be regulated, such as grippers or cylinders. The most commonly used valve-types are solenoid valves, which control the supply of air to the actuators. Because atmospheric air contains airborne dirt, water vapor, and other contaminants, filters and air dryers are recommended to be used in pneumatic systems to keep the compressed air clean and dry. This improves reliability and service life of the components and the system.

Air Preparation

Air Transportation

Pneumatic Solenoid Valves

Pneumatic Cylinders

Pneumatic Actuators

Additional Pneumatic Components

Compressor unloader valves

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Selection Wizard

Complete the questions to find suitable valves directly:

2-way
3-way

Type:

2-Way Solenoid Valve

2-Way Electric Ball Valve

Solenoid Valve or Ball Valve?

Solenoid Valves: 2-Way Solenoid Valve

The valve is actuated with an electric current through the solenoid (electromagnet).

Switches directly.
From 1/8 inch up to 2 inch.
Normally Closed or Normally Open.
Only for clean media.
Uses energy as long as electrically energized.
(Semi-)direct operated: from 0 bar pressure differential.
Indirect operated: from ±0.5 bar pressure diff.
Only one direction of pressure.
Brass, Stainless Steel or Plastic housing.
EPDM, FKM, NBR of PTFE seals.

Electric Ball Valves: 2-Way Electric Ball Valve

The flow is controlled with a drilled sphere (ball) which rotates around its axis, perpendicular to the bore. The ball rotates with the help of an electric motor.

Operates from 0 bar.
Close gradually (±10s).
Energy efficient.
1/2, 3/4 or 1 inch.
For both flow directions.
Brass Housing / PTFE sealing.
Less sensitive to dirt.

Function:

NC = Normally Closed (most chosen): The valve is closed when the coil is not electrically energized.
NO = Normally Open: The valve is open when the coil is not electrically energized.

System:

Indirect operated solenoid valves need a pressure differential over the inlet and outlet port for proper operation. If the pressure differential is too low (f.e. a gravity fed system or a closed circuit), only (semi-)direct operated solenoid valves can be used. These operate from a zero bar pressure differential.

Medium:

The type of medium defines the material choice of the valve body and seals. By selecting 'Other', you can choose the material for the valve body and seals.

Tip: Use the material table.

Valve:

Seal:

Port:

1/8 inch

1/4 inch

3/8 inch

1/2 inch

3/4 inch

1 inch

1½ inch

2 inch

Most valves are provided with internal thread (BSPP = British Standard Pipe Parallel). Use the table as a guideline for sizing:

Valve	Pipe ∅
1/8 inch	± 4 - 8 mm
1/4 inch	± 6 - 12 mm
3/8 inch	± 8 - 15 mm
1/2 inch	± 10 - 16 mm
3/4 inch	± 15 - 22 mm
1 inch	± 20 - 30 mm
1½ inch	± 25 - 50 mm
2 inch	± 40 - 60 mm

Voltage:

Solenoid valves are supplied with a coil of choice for alternating current (AC) or direct current (DC).

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Control:

On/Off

3-point