What are NAMUR Pneumatic Valves?
Pneumatics is an engineering domain that is rife with different standards. But we owe our progress in pneumatics to standardisation, as they have united various manufacturers such as Airtac, Camozzi, or API in producing parts that are readily interchangeable. Moreover, the designs themselves can be modular such that any complex of parts can be built from parts from different manufacturers, resulting in the opportunity for specialisation. As a result, manufacturers of goods employing these parts, end users, and the like can benefit.
What are the specifications of the NAMUR Solenoid Valve in Pneumatics?
NAMUR is a standard that applies to pneumatic solenoid valves and some electrical parts associated with pneumatics. It is an acronym stemming from the organisation in Germany that chartered this standard: User Association of Automation Technology in Process Industries.
The standard specifies that the solenoid valves are to have a body size that is within a certain range. However, more crucially, it defines the size and position of two of the in and out ports on the base of the valves. This allows for the valves to be mounted directly on an actuator (most commonly, rotary actuators) or ins ome cases manifold bases. Without this standardisation, the valves would not fit on the actuators or manifold.
Spacing between the centre of the two bottom ports are 21.5mm under the NAMUR specification.
Voltage is unspecified by the NAMUR Standard and, thus can be found in any voltage. However, the usual culprits are AC220v, AC110v, DC24v, and DC12v. This voltage relates to the solenoid coil on the valve, and is not defined by the NAMUR standard.
What are NAMUR valves used for?
They are most often used in factories that manufacture other goods. They are involved in processes, such as controlling the actuation of certain devices (linear cylinders, guided cylinders) et cetera. Engineers and process control technicians design systems that can push, grip, and/or mix objects in a particular stage of manufacturing.
NAMUR valves are not likely to be found in the end goods themselves.
Our most popular Namur valve is the Airtac 4m310-08