Valve terminal is intrinsically safe
Festo is launching an intrinsically safe version of its CPV10 valve terminal. Designated the CPV10 Ex-i, the new model is designed specifically for use in potentially explosive atmospheres in accordance with ATEX equipment category 2 (Gas Zone 1).
It can be mounted in close proximity to the pneumatic actuators and drives that it controls, resulting in short tubing lengths and, therefore, short cycle times. The valve terminal is said to be particularly suitable for automation systems employing decentralised control schemes.
The CPV10 Ex-i valve terminal can accommodate up to sixteen 3/2-way valves and offers a wide variety of valve functions, including two 3/2-way, 5/2-way, single- and double-solenoid, and two 2/2-way. All the valves feature intrinsically safe solenoid actuators to ensure that only low voltages and energy levels can occur; they are rated for 0-10bar operating pressure and can handle flow rates as high as 400 litres/minute.
Festo says its new valve terminal uses a novel pneumatic multi-plate connector, which simplifies installation in IP65-rated control cabinets; instead of using a number of bulkhead fittings and tubing connections, the connector enables all pneumatic connections to be made via a single multi-way plate that incorporates its own sealing ring and only requires one rectangular cut-out in the cabinet. This helps minimise installation time and contributes to a very neat appearance.
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