Automation Solutions Overview

Directional Control Valves

Automatic Valve's directional control valve portfolio covers NAMUR interface, ISO 5599, and in-line valve configurations. These solenoid pilot-controlled valves are ideal for applications across a wide range of industries and environments, and are standard specifications within many world-class international companies. Solenoid operators are interchangeable across the range of valve bodies to enhance flexibility, and Automatic Valve designs and manufactures custom control systems for key process valve manufacturers and distributors.

Key capabilities include Cv ratings up to 72, internal or external pilot supply options, single or double solenoid pilot control, multiple manual override options, and construction in cast aluminum or 303/316 stainless steel. The directional control valves support 3/2, 5/2, and 5/3 functions across various valve series, with inlet port sizes ranging from 1/8-inch to 2-1/2-inch depending on the valve type.

The in-line spool series handles ports from 1/8-inch to 1-inch with 3/2, 5/2, and 5/3 functions and spool design. The in-line poppet series covers 1/4-inch to 2-1/2-inch ports with 2/2, 3/2, and 4/2 functions. Direct-acting valves serve 1/8-inch and 1/4-inch ports with 2/2 and 3/2 functions. The ISO 5599-1 series accommodates 1/4-inch to 1/2-inch ports with 5/2 and 5/3 functions, while the NAMUR interface series handles 1/4-inch ports with 3/2, 5/2, and 5/3 functions.

Valve Series Comparison and Certifications

The automation solutions overview includes a detailed comparison chart showing which certifications and enclosure ratings apply to each valve series. All six valve types (in-line spool, in-line poppet, direct acting, ISO 5599-1, NAMUR, and redundant valve manifold) carry general-purpose and ATEX certifications. CSA/UL and FM approvals are available across in-line spool, in-line poppet, direct acting, ISO, and NAMUR types. SIL (Safety Integrity Level) compliance is supported by in-line spool, in-line poppet, direct acting, NAMUR, and redundant valve manifold products. IECEx certification applies to in-line spool, direct acting, NAMUR, and redundant valve manifold types. The chart also covers Class I and Class II division ratings, NEMA 4, 4X, 7, and 9 enclosures, and intrinsically safe (Ex ia, Ex c, Ex d, Ex m, Ex me, Ex nA) classifications.

Air Preparation: Integrated Filter/Regulators

Automatic Valve's air preparation products feature integrated filter/regulator assemblies that combine filtration and pressure regulation into a single consolidated unit. These assemblies simplify pneumatic circuit design and reduce the number of individual components, fittings, and potential leak points in the air supply system.

Key specifications include port sizes from 1/8-inch to 3/4-inch, flow capacities up to 230 SCFM, and both modular and in-line mounting options. The filter element is available in 5, 20, or 40 micron rated polyethylene options to match the required air quality level. Bowls are offered in high-strength polycarbonate with a zinc shatter guard for visibility, or as a metal bowl for demanding environments.

The integrated filter/regulators feature internal automatic or manual drain options, self-relieving or non-relieving piston-type regulators, and a removable regulator adjusting knob for tamper resistance. An optional manual lockout L-O-X valve can be integrated for applications requiring lockout/tagout capability directly at the air preparation unit.

Energy Isolation: Lockout Tagout (LOTO) Valves

Automatic Valve's lockout/tagout (LOTO) valves are purpose-built energy isolation devices for pneumatic systems. They provide a safe, reliable means of isolating compressed air energy during maintenance, repair, and equipment changeover operations, supporting compliance with OSHA lockout/tagout regulations.

The LOTO valve lineup spans port sizes from 1/4-inch through 2-inch with Cv ratings up to 40. Construction materials include cast aluminum and 316 stainless steel, making these valves suitable for both standard industrial and corrosive environments. The design features fluorocarbon slipper seals for easy shifting, an integrated sensing port for downstream pressure verification, and lockability only in the OFF position to prevent unauthorized re-energization.

The full-size exhaust port, equal to or larger than the supply port, ensures rapid and complete depressurization of downstream equipment. The large handle design enables simple push/pull operation with minimal effort, even while wearing heavy gloves. These lockout valves work alongside Automatic Valve's directional control products to create complete pneumatic control and safety systems.

Redundant Control Systems: Redundant Valve Manifolds

For safety-critical applications requiring high reliability, Automatic Valve offers redundant valve manifolds that provide multiple levels of redundancy. These manifolds support 1oo2 (one-out-of-two), 2oo2 (two-out-of-two), 2oo3 (two-out-of-three), and 3oo4 (three-out-of-four) voting architectures, each accepting 1, 2, 3, or 4 input signals respectively.

The redundant valve manifold design requires that valves or input signals be de-energized to close the output, providing a fail-safe operating philosophy. Visual or electrical indication of valve failure alerts operators to degraded conditions. Individual valve isolation allows single-valve maintenance without shutting down the entire manifold, eliminating the need for a system bypass.

A critical advantage of the redundant manifold design is the ability to replace individual valves safely while the system remains in service. This maintains redundancy throughout the maintenance operation and minimizes process downtime. Both high-flow and low-flow options are available, with inlet port sizes from 1/8-inch to 1/2-inch and base mounting for clean, organized installations.

Global Support and Custom Solutions

Automatic Valve maintains a worldwide presence through the ROSS Controls global network. Direct offices are located in the United States (Automatic Valve Industrial LLC and ROSS Controls), Canada (ROSS Controls Canada Ltd.), Brazil (ROSS do Brasil LTDA), Germany (ROSS Europa GmbH), France (ROSS France SAS), the United Kingdom (ROSS Pneumatrol Ltd.), India (ROSS Controls India Pvt. Ltd.), China (ROSS Controls China Ltd.), and Japan (ROSS Asia K.K.).

In addition to standard products, Automatic Valve designs and manufactures custom control systems tailored for key process valve manufacturers and distributors. This custom capability allows Automatic Valve to address specialized application requirements that extend beyond standard product configurations. Solenoid operators are interchangeable across the range of valve bodies, providing flexibility for system designers to mix and match components as needed.

For a current list of countries and local distributors, engineers and procurement professionals can visit the Automatic Valve website at www.automaticvalve.com. Distributors are located throughout the world, and guidance is available for both first-time fluid power users and those designing complex pneumatic control systems.

Frequently Asked Questions

What products are covered in the Automatic Valve Automation Solutions Overview?

The Automatic Valve Automation Solutions Overview covers four main product categories: directional control valves (NAMUR, ISO 5599, and in-line types with Cv up to 72), integrated filter/regulators for air preparation (1/8-inch to 3/4-inch ports, up to 230 SCFM), lockout/tagout (LOTO) energy isolation valves (1/4-inch to 2-inch ports, Cv up to 40), and redundant valve manifolds supporting 1oo2, 2oo2, 2oo3, and 3oo4 voting architectures.

What hazardous location certifications do Automatic Valve products support?

Automatic Valve products are available with a wide range of hazardous location certifications including ATEX, IECEx, CSA/UL, FM, and SIL ratings up to SIL 3. Specific classifications include Class I Division 1 and 2 (Groups A through D), Class II and III Division 1 and 2 (Groups E through G), NEMA 4, 4X, 7, and 9 enclosures, and intrinsically safe (Ex ia, Ex d, Ex m, Ex nA) certifications. The availability of specific certifications varies by valve series.

What valve configurations does Automatic Valve offer for process control?

Automatic Valve offers in-line spool valves (1/8-inch to 1-inch, 3/2, 5/2, 5/3), in-line poppet valves (1/4-inch to 2-1/2-inch, 2/2, 3/2, 4/2), direct acting valves (1/8-inch and 1/4-inch, 2/2, 3/2), ISO 5599-1 valves (1/4-inch to 1/2-inch, 5/2, 5/3), NAMUR interface valves (1/4-inch, 3/2, 5/2, 5/3), and redundant valve manifolds (1/8-inch to 1/2-inch, 1oo2 through 3oo4 architectures).

Does Automatic Valve offer lockout/tagout (LOTO) valves for pneumatic systems?

Yes. Automatic Valve manufactures dedicated LOTO energy isolation valves in port sizes from 1/4-inch through 2-inch with Cv up to 40. These valves feature cast aluminum or 316 stainless steel construction, fluorocarbon slipper seals, integrated sensing ports, and lockability only in the OFF position. The full-size exhaust port ensures complete downstream depressurization.

Can Automatic Valve provide custom pneumatic control solutions?

Yes. In addition to standard product offerings, Automatic Valve designs and manufactures custom control systems for key process valve manufacturers and distributors. Solenoid operators are interchangeable across valve body types for flexibility. Automatic Valve's global engineering team, supported by offices in nine countries, can develop tailored solutions for specialized application requirements.