ASCO Numatics introduces stainless steel pilot valves for offshore applications
20 January 2012
361 series stainless steel pilot valves feature a unique design that
eliminates “sticking” problems
ASCO Numatics introduces the 361 series of stainless steel pilot valves featuring a unique design that eliminates “sticking” problems in low cycle demand applications. These problems can occur in control valves installed in the pneumatic logic panels used to control safety monitoring systems in offshore oil and gas production facilities.
Corrosion-resistance and reliability are essential for safe operation in harsh offshore environments and the 361 series is designed to provide the highest reliability, with minimal maintenance, and lowest cost of ownership. The valve’s body is made entirely in 316L stainless steel and the Elgiloy and stainless steel springs are designed for corrosion resistance and severe service beyond 1 million cycles.
The 361 series feature innovative, highly reliable and proven T-seal technology that resists the dormancy issues that plague current valves using O-ring seals. O-ring designs can stick upon actuation in low-demand control valve applications. Research carried out by ASCO Numatics found that many users routinely hammer the sides of these valves to ensure they function properly.
The 361 series 1/4", 3-way and 316L stainless steel valves are ATEX and IECEx approved (Ex d) and can be fitted with an explosion proof (low power) operator for use in Zone 1 and 2 hazardous areas. The 361 series is offered in manually operated, air piloted, and solenoid piloted versions and can be configured as breathing and non-breathing. The non-breathing version isolates internal components from the atmosphere and is internally vented, preventing contaminants such as salt and dust from entering the valve and corroding the internal components.
The valve’s balanced design maintains the same flow characteristics when the valve is used in a normally open or normally closed configuration. This provides symmetrical flow that enables more flexible setup of the control panel’s pneumatic logic. The 1.2 Kv provides almost double the flow of comparable spool technology. In addition, the valve’s innovative pilot-selector design allows the same unit to be used as an internally or externally piloted solenoid valve, simplifying ordering and reducing inventory.
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