Improvements to system are…manifold

We first saw the Isonic air valve in late ’99, and we were impressed by the deceptive simplicity of its design. All components were neatly packaged within two mirror-image molded body sections ultrasonically welded together, which in turn permitted flow paths, solenoids and other components to be designed directly into the valve body. This allowed the air passages to be shaped with minimal angles, unlike valve bodies that are made from a block of material with passage bored in. Eliminating the sharp corners reduced air turbulence and energy loss, with resulting flow potential up to 0.8 Cv. Size of a valve could be kept to a minimum, along with unit cost. So how does one improve on a good thing?

Four years later, Mead, Chicago, IL, has rolled out the MOD 3 series, configured for use with a 4- or 8-station universal manifold of their own design. The manifold provides air passage porting as each module is plugged in, plus an edge connector on the module makes the necessary electrical link-up. Electrical supplies for all stations are routed to a single SubD connection. Control for the manifold can then be handled by a standard bus system like DeviceNet, ProfiBus or InterBus. Manifold segments can be combined to create a single large bank, and the segments can be mounted on a panel or DIN rails.

With its separate mains and pilot air feed, the MOD 3 manifold will accept any combination of different function valves. Isonic modules are now offered as 2/2 or 3/2 direct acting, normally closed; 3/2 direct acting, normally open; and 4/2 single or double solenoid, pilot operated. A simple release enables the operator to remove a valve with the press of a finger, and a replacement valve can be pushed in place as easily as plugging in an electrical cord. The installation system virtually eliminates downtime, providing further cost savings.

The valves have also received upgraded internal wiring. Other specifications include supply and exhaust ports on the manifold equipped with 3/8 in. or 10 mm push-in fittings, and a pilot supply port with a ¼ in. or 6 mm push-in fitting (metric sizes are used on the DIN manifold). Three orifice sizes are offered to handle pressures from vacuum to 120 psi. The valve solenoids can be ordered as 12 or 24 VDC, or 24 or 110 VAC. The valve body is made from a GE thermoplastic for operation in 0º to 120ºF environments, with Viton and Nitrile seals.

—RM