Eaton Unveils Proportional Pressure Relief Valve

Eaton Corporation has introduced a high-flow proportional pressure relief valve with integrated control electronics. This plug-and-play unit has an industry-standard seven-pin connector hook-up. The new valve, designated KBCG5-3, complements Eaton's KB proportional valve series by extending the flow capability up 40 litres per minute while offering all the same features and functions of the range.

Colin Cooper, product manager of industrial controls for the EMEA region, said: 'This new valve is designed to help extend the flow rate options within our KB series and thereby broaden the scope of potential applications. 'It has all the features offered by the other units in the range plus an onboard pre-programmed amplifier to ensure the maximum consistency of functionality,' he added.

Features offered by the new KBCG5-3 valve and common to all units in the KB range as standard include: onboard digital electronics with ramp adjustment; IP65/67 environmental protection; a choice of voltage and current command supply; five different pressure settings; hysteresis and linearity stability; and electrical power-down 'failsafe' protection.

In addition to these features, the KBCG5-3's integral amplifier is pre-programmed with preset pressure ratings to help ensure consistent pressure gain settings and valve-to-valve performance repeatability. Options include voltage or current command supply and an external valve-enable function.

Proportional Valve Saves Space, Weight And Power

Lee Products has introduced a miniature proportional valve that helps designers to make smaller, lighter and more energy-efficient products. Compared with traditional solenoid-type proportional valves, the Lee proportional valve saves space, weight and power consumption in analytical machines.

The Lee valve uses shape-memory wire technology to vary flow and provide actuation, as opposed to a spring. When a current is applied, the shape-memory alloy-wire heats up in the valve and changes shape; this causes deformation and results in the valve opening up in proportion to the current applied. This eliminates the need for a magnet, coil wire or steel armature; these are typically used in traditional miniature solenoid valves.

This makes the design suitable for designers of portable, hand-held battery-powered instruments such as gas detectors used in OEM, medical, laboratory and similar applications, including: mass flow controllers, blood-pressure cuff monitors, ventilators and oxygen concentrators. These Lee proportional-valves are suitable for use with non-corrosive and non-flammable air or gases. These are two-way NC configuration valves.

They weigh 1.2g, have a maximum power consumption of 1.5V DC (battery powered) and a current draw of 600mA (max). They have a flow capacity of 8 SLPM at 15psig, operating pressure of 15psig and operating temperature-range of 40 to 105F (4.4 to 40.46C). The valves are constructed from elastomer FKM with wetted materials, including polycarbonate, brass, elastomer, PEEK, 316 SS, Flexinol and epoxy.