K Series Direct Acting Solenoid Valves Product Catalog

Key Features and Design Benefits

The K Series incorporates several notable features. The direct acting solenoid design enables operation at zero pressure differential, which is critical for vacuum and low-pressure applications. Weather-proof coils are hermetically sealed as integral, water-tight molded units with robust enclosures capable of functioning in rugged environments. The optional manual override allows the valve to be used manually in case of electrical failure or for quick cycle testing, with both push non-locking and extended turn-locking override options available. Mounting flexibility is provided through sub-base and manifold configurations.

Safety Certification and SIL Rating

The K Series valves are certified by SGS-TÜV Saar in accordance with IEC 61508 for Safety Integrity Level 2 (SIL 2) in singular application with HFT = 0, and SIL 3 and PL e in redundant application with HFT greater than or equal to 1. This makes the K Series suitable for use in safety-critical control systems where functional safety requirements must be met. The valves also carry a Declaration of Conformity and a Certificate of Compliance.

K02 Series Specifications and Configurations

The K02 Series valves are available in cast aluminum valve stations for building stacking manifolds and in bar stock aluminum for individual valve-with-base or valve manifold configurations. The cast aluminum valve stations use 1/8-inch NPTF ports and offer a flow capacity of CV 0.1 (100 Nl/min) with a lightweight design weighing approximately 0.3 lb (0.14 kg). The bar stock aluminum valves are available in 1/8-inch and 1/4-inch port sizes with the same flow capacity.

Operating pressure for the K02 Series ranges from 0 to 150 psig (0 to 10.3 bar), and the standard temperature range spans -20°F to 123°F (-29°C to 50°C) for both ambient and media conditions. A high temperature option extends the upper range to 180°F (82°C). Body material options include aluminum bar stock, Grade 303 stainless steel, and Grade 316 stainless steel, making the K02 suitable for corrosive environments.

2/2 Valve Station and Bar Stock Options

The 2/2 valve stations in cast aluminum feature 1/8-inch NPT ports and are designed to stack together to form valve block manifolds with a single inlet feeding multiple outputs. Each valve station attaches to the adjacent station using a single screw and O-ring, both of which are included. Bar stock aluminum 2/2 valves are available as valve-only units or valve-with-base configurations in 1/8-inch and 1/4-inch port sizes.

3/2 Valve Station and Manifold Configurations

The 3/2 valve stations offer 1/8-inch NPT in-out ports with M5 exhaust ports. As with the 2/2 versions, they can be stacked into manifold banks. The bar stock aluminum 3/2 valves are available in 1/8-inch and 1/4-inch port sizes with M5 exhaust. The catalog provides detailed model number configurators covering valve function (normally closed or normally open), actuation type (direct solenoid), voltage selection, manual override options, body material, exhaust nut options, and coil type selections.

K03 Series Specifications and Configurations

The K03 Series offers 2/2 and 3/2 direct acting solenoid valves with 1/4-inch NPT ports. The flow capacity is CV 0.2 (200 Nl/min), approximately double that of the K02 Series. The K03 weighs about 1.3 lb (0.57 kg). The operating pressure range is 0 to 100 psig (0 to 6.9 bar), slightly lower than the K02 Series.

Coil type options include the standard 1/2-inch conduit coil with 24-inch leads, a potted solenoid variant, and a high-temperature option with 1/2-inch conduit coil and 30-inch leads. Seal material choices include Buna-N as standard and fluoroelastomer for enhanced chemical resistance. The K03 Series uses a 1/2-inch NPS conduit coil with 30-inch leads as an electrical connection option.

Electrical Data and Solenoid Options

Across the K Series, DC solenoid options include 24-volt and 12-volt models. AC options include 120-volt 60 Hz and 240-volt 60 Hz. Power consumption varies by configuration, with DC options at 4.5, 2.5, or 0.7 watts and AC options at 6.5 VA or 2.5 watts depending on the selected coil. All solenoids are rated for continuous duty.

The enclosure rating is NEMA 4X, IP65, providing protection against windblown dust and rain, splashing water, and hose-directed water. Electrical connection options for the K02 Series include DIN EN 175301-803 Form B connectors, molded coils with 18-inch flying leads, and 1/2-inch NPT conduit coils with 30-inch leads. A full range of electrical connectors and prewired cable assemblies with optional LED indicator lights is available as accessories.

Bases, Manifolds, and Accessories

For K02 Series bar stock valves, individual bases are available for 1/8-inch and 1/4-inch port sizes. Manifold options provide 2, 4, 6, or 8 stations with 1/4-inch inlet and 1/8-inch NPTF outlet ports. Manifold cover plates are available for unused stations. Electrical connectors include DIN EN 175301-803 Form B connectors with cable grip (with or without LED indicator light), 1/2-inch NPT conduit connectors, and prewired cable assemblies in 6-foot lengths with flying leads.

Dimensional Data and Engineering Resources

The catalog provides comprehensive dimensional drawings for all K02 and K03 Series configurations. K02 cast aluminum valve stations measure approximately 0.94 inches (23.88 mm) per station width, making it easy to calculate overall manifold dimensions. The K02 bar stock valve-with-base dimensions are approximately 1.03 inches (26.2 mm) per station, with 3.14 inches (79.8 mm) in height. K03 Series valve stations are slightly taller at 2.81 inches (71.37 mm).

Downloadable CAD models are available for all valve configurations, bases, and manifolds to assist engineers in integrating these valves into their system designs. The dimensional data covers all critical measurements including port locations, mounting hole positions, and overall envelope dimensions.

Frequently Asked Questions

What makes K Series valves suitable for vacuum and low-pressure applications?

The K Series valves use a direct acting solenoid mechanism that does not require a pressure differential to shift the spool. This means they can operate reliably at zero gauge pressure and in negative-pressure (vacuum) circuits, unlike pilot-operated valves that depend on system pressure to function.

What is the difference between the K02 and K03 Series?

The K02 Series is available in cast aluminum and bar stock aluminum with 1/8-inch or 1/4-inch ports and a flow capacity of CV 0.1 (100 Nl/min), operating up to 150 psig. The K03 Series uses bar stock aluminum bodies with 1/4-inch ports, a higher flow capacity of CV 0.2 (200 Nl/min), and operates up to 100 psig. The K03 also offers potted solenoid and high-temperature coil options.

Can the K02 Series be configured as a multi-valve manifold?

Yes. The K02 cast aluminum valve stations are specifically designed to stack together into valve block manifolds. Each station attaches to the next using a single screw and O-ring, included with each valve station. This creates a compact multi-output bank with a single inlet. Bar stock manifolds are also available in 2-, 4-, 6-, and 8-station configurations.

What safety integrity level do the K Series valves support?

The K Series valves are certified to SIL 2 in singular (non-redundant) application and SIL 3 in redundant application per IEC 61508. They also achieve Performance Level e (PL e) in redundant configurations, making them suitable for safety-critical pneumatic control systems.

Are stainless steel body options available?

Yes. The K02 Series bar stock valves are available in Grade 303 and Grade 316 stainless steel body options, in addition to the standard aluminum bar stock. This makes them suitable for corrosive environments such as washdown areas, food processing, and chemical handling applications.