Low power, intrinsically safe Ex ia pilot valve with ATEX and IEC Ex approvals

18 June 2010

ASCO Numatics has introduced the low power LI and WSLI pilot with Ex ia certification for the compact 551, 552 and 553 series pilot valves. The company can now offer both intrinsically safe (LI and WSLI series) and flameproof/explosion proof (WS LPKF series) low power pilot valves for aggressive environments across the process industry.

Available with either an aluminium or stainless steel enclosure rated to IP 67, the pilot has a power consumption of just 0.5W at 24Vdc. The low wattage coil reduces battery drain and heat rise, minimises wiring costs and provides energy savings.

The pilot is compatible with the ASCO Numatics 551, 552 and 553 ranges in aluminium, brass (551 range only) and stainless steel. These valves have a large flow range of up to 860litre/min for the 551 valve and 3,800litre/min for the 553 valve. The pilot is certified to ATEX, Zone 1-21 (aluminium enclosure) and Zone 0-21 for the stainless steel, and is IEC Ex approved and certified to IEC 61508 functional safety (SIL 3).

The housing and cover of the pilot enclosure are in 316L stainless steel or painted aluminium and the operator can be rotated 360° to select the best position for cable entry. Electrical connection is via either a shielded or unshielded cable gland (½in NPT) for easy access to screw terminals.