SMC Releases Dual-speed and Water-resistant Controllers for Flow Control
SMC has released two new flow control valves for controlling the speed of pneumatic devices, one fit for wash-down environments and one that offers metering-in and metering-out in one valve.
Adding to its portfolio of pneumatic technology, SMC has released two new flow control devices to manage actuator speed and airflow.
SMC has released two new products to manage the speed of actuators and airflow. Image used courtesy of Wikimedia Commons
Flow Control in Pneumatic Systems
Pneumatic systems such as actuators are a great way to provide motion to automation. Pneumatic actuators are economical and easy to integrate into most applications. One downside to pneumatic devices is that actuation speed can only be controlled with flow control devices. A simple pneumatic valve is only open or closed—there is no in-between. To solve this problem, most pneumatic device manufacturers offer flow control fittings that restrict the opening in the port and slow down the air entering or exiting the actuator.
SMC’s ASD-A Series push-lock type dual speed controller with one-touch fitting allows for bi-directional flow control. Image used courtesy of SMC
ASD-A Series Dual Speed Controller
The ASD-A series flow control fitting is a new product from SMC with a design that allows for meter-in and meter-out control at the same time. The term metering refers to controlling the speed of the medium that is causing motion in the system. For a pneumatic system, the airflow rate is restricted. In metering-in applications, the flow control valve restricts the flow going into the device. For example, a pneumatic cylinder that performs work on the extend motion and has metering-in will have a flow control valve on the extend port.
Typically, pneumatic systems have metering on both ports to control both motions. With a spring return cylinder, only one port is used; typically, the extend port is piped to a control valve. A standard flow control valve will not restrict flow in the reverse direction. With the ASD-A valve, both metering-in and metering-out can be achieved with one connector. Essentially, two opposed flow control valves in one can be individually set to different flow rates.
The ASD-A Series speed controller is designed for meter-in and meter-out control at the same time. Image used courtesy of SMC PneuDraw
Simultaneous Meter-in/Meter-out Flow Control
SMC’s ASD-A Series dual speed controller has two knobs that are color coded to represent their function: blue for meter-in and gray for meter-out. A standard push-lock type connector for pneumatic hoses is used for the inlet and common thread sizes for the outlet.
Each ASD-A version has a feature that allows the user to turn off or fully close the valve without adjusting the flow control knob. The valve's body can be rotated to close the flow rate, and a stopper face is provided to confirm that the valve is closed. The ASD-A can be ordered with different threads to accommodate different port sizes. All the variations are designed to work with air as a medium, with an operating pressure of 1.0 MPa and an operating temperature of -5 to 60°C.
SMC’s HF2A-ASG-V Series water-resistant stainless steel speed controller is suitable for wash-down environments. Image used courtesy of SMC
HF2A-ASG-V Stainless Steel Speed Controller
Equipment used in the production or handling of food, beverages, or drugs must go through a washing-down process. This process utilizes high-pressure water and cleaning solvents to clean and sanitize the equipment. There are even FDA requirements that the equipment use food-safe grease and avoid lubricants or rust-proofing agents.
The HF2A-ASG Series speed controller from SMC is a stainless steel flow control fitting designed for FDA-controlled equipment. The entire body is made of 316 stainless steel, and the internal grease is NSF H1 grease. The knob and lock nut are designed to prevent water pooling, and an FDA-approved seal is used to seal out water from entering the valve.
Like other flow control valves offered by SMC, the HF2A-ASG Series can be ordered in popular port sizes and is designed for use with compressed air. The maximum operating pressure of all variations is 1.0 MPa, and the operating temperature is 0 to 150°C.
