Pneumatic Automation Components

One of the primary methods of air isolation for cleaning, maintenance and set-up of machinery is LockOut/TagOut (LOTO). This procedural system provides a physical device for blocking and exhausting air and ensuring various people are responsible for the disconnection and reconnection.  Standards vary in different states, territories and countries however most stipulate the following requirements for a LOTO device:

• should be easy to identify
• should be easy to operate
• must have exhaust port larger or equal to supply port size
• should only be capable of being locked in the off position
• should have provision for a visual pressure indicator

A simple LOX* valve can help acheive safe Lock Out & eXhaust.  These are designed to be easy to identify & operate, and allow rapid exhausting of downstream air.  They feature provision to fit a padlock and a visual pressure indicator.  They are also available with built-in Soft Start function for gradual re-application of air pressure.

Click here for catalogue info on LOX valves.

For simple electrical feedback, the SV27 series are a range of valves available in 2/2 or 3/2, air pilot or solenoid operation.  They incorporate safety-rated electrical switching for positional feedback.  This can then be linked with safety control circuitry to interface the electrical and pneumatic portions of machinery.  If a problem occurs, the safety circuit will know.

They are available in sizes up to 2 1/2" ports.  

For applications demanding the highest degree of safety, a control-reliable double valve can easily comply with Cat 4 standards.  

Double valves are a design which has 2 valve elements in a "redundant" formation so that either has the capability to perform the valve's function.  This "doubling up" of capability ensures air isolation is carried out even in the event of a failure.  Furthermore, the best control-reliable units incorporate fully dynamic onboard monitoring and memory.  They are specifically engineered for safety and monitored for diminished performance -which is especially important where stopping times must be maintained.  Both the prevention of unexpected start-up and the duty of acknowledging any failure are supported by the built-in memory.

There are various types & styles to suit a wide range of applications.  

For catalogue info on Air Isolation valves;

Click here for the DM2C series (nominal sizes 4, 8, 12 and 30).

Click here for the DM2E series (nominal size 2).

Click here for the DM1E series (nominal size 2 -no memory).

See also Press Safety Valves

Where a safety application demands a 4 way valve (5 port, 2 position configuration), it is often critical that in the event of a failure, the air pressure will default to a specific port.

The 77 series CrossMirror* valve offers double valve redundancy and directs pressure to port 2 (exhausting port 4) in the event abnormal operation is detected.  This makes it ideal for cylinder control in safety applications.  It is a base mounted design in 1/2" and 3/4" port sizes.

In some cases it is important to have controlled re-application of air pressure after energy isolation.  This is particularly true where gravity can affect equipment which is without air (eg. cylinders that may sag away from their normal rest position).  In order to prevent violent jolting motion which could be dangerous or harmful to the machinery or personnel, an "ease-on" facility can allow gradual pressure build-up.  An EEZ-ON* valve provides adjustable "soft start" ensuring all components return to their proper rest positions in an orderly fashion with minimal force and speed.

EEZ-ON* valves are available as separate components or integrated with an exhaust capability & remote control, or a full LOX* capability.

Click here for catalogue info on EEZ-ON and LOX/EEZ-ON valves.

Metal stamping presses are amongst the most dangerous of machinery.  They have special safety requirements detailed in specific standards.  These requirements are in addition to the more general safety requirements of other plant & machinery.  Where many presses use a pneumatic valve to release the brake & engage the clutch to cycle the press, a special valve is needed.

DM2 series valves incorporate a comprehensive array of design features to ensure press safety is simple and easy-to-acheive.

• Double or dual valve elements
• Flowpaths are SerPar* (series pressure, parallel exhaust)
• Full Dynamic Monitoring
• Built-in Dynamic Memory
• Incorporates Lockout mechanism
• BG approved
• Suitable for category 4 applications
• Accidental reset is precluded
• Sub-base mounted
• Dual porting allows flexible plumbing
• Oversize non-clog muffler included

Ask about the new ROSS DM2D series double valves.   Designed & built to comply with the world's newest international safety standards.

For safety situations where pneumatic load holding is required (with or without air pressure or electrical power), a pilot operated check valve with sensing can be used.

These function as a 2 port / 2 position check valve.  Safety-rated force-guided positive-break electrical switching is built-in.  

Available in air pilot or solenoid operation.  Port sizes from 1/2" to 1 1/2".

For more demanding applications, a REDUNDANT Pilot Operated Check valve can be used.

Suitable for Cat 3 applications, this unit functions the same as the single valve, but with redundant operation and electrical sensing.

In many instances, safety can depend on the speed at which air is exhausted.  Critical problems can result from undersized or dirt-clogged exhaust silencers which delay response times.  In addition, noise associated with rapid high volume exhausting of air can cause safety and OHS issues.

High flow anti-clog exhaust mufflers enable trouble-free operation for valves of all sizes.  It is vitally important that safety circuits have correctly sized and fitted mufflers.

To protect against accidents & injuries caused by air hose whip, the hose fuze will detect a blown fitting and reduce airflow to a trickle.  This also prevents wastage of air exhausting to atmosphere.