SMC’s New Lever Valve Sees Increased Flow Rate in a Compact Design

SMC has released a new pneumatic lever hand valve, the VHL210D, an upgrade from previous models. Compared to earlier models, the VHL210D has a smaller footprint and reduced weight, making it suitable for tight spaces and retrofitting existing systems. Compressed air is often considered the “fourth utility,” so controlling its flow to and from devices can significantly reduce energy costs.

The VHL210D (left) features a significantly smaller footprint and weight than SMC’s earlier lever hand valve models. Image used courtesy of SMC

Manual Air Control

Lever hand valves are used to manually control the flow of process fluids. They can be used as a shutoff mechanism to prevent the flow as a first step to locking out equipment. Besides this, they provide operators a means of ensuring obvious, visible control of the process fluid, as the lever indicates whether the valve is open or closed. In itself, the lever acts as an indicator to operators that can be evaluated at a glance.

SMC’s VHL210D Series

The new VHL210D lever hand valves series is available in three, four, or five ports and can be ordered in several configurations. This newest series of valves is up to 45% lighter and can occupy 58% less space than SMC’s previous valve models. The flow rate through the VHL210D valve is also 73% higher than previous models, meaning reduced frictional losses and wasted energy. The valve can be mounted directly or panel-mounted, and the instruction manual provides very detailed, easy-to-follow directions for each mounting scheme.

The VHL210D lever hand valve can be direct or panel mounted to best suit application needs. Image used courtesy of SMC

Three Ways To Operate

The VHL210D can be ordered with one of three lever mechanisms: a spring return, a detent, and a detent with a shift prevention lock. The spring return model acts as a momentary switch, returning to the original position once pressure is released. This is great for providing momentary air, such as for air cleaning of components or other tasks that require a “normally off” position. The detent model is a binary switch, on or off, secured by a small detent spring. This detent requires a little more effort to shift between positions and gives the user a positive tactile position.

For ultimate security and prevention against accidental lever operation, SMC also makes a shift prevention lock model that features a large button in the handle. This button resembles a parking brake lever, where one must push the button to change valve positions. Because of this locking mechanism, the valve will never be opened because someone’s clothes got snagged on the lever.

Several VHL210D models are available, including ones with a locking mechanism. Image used courtesy of SMC

Lever Valves for Pneumatic Systems

The valve itself is suitable for clean, compressed air, and is fitted with several different port sizes for maximum usability. It can withstand an operating pressure of 1 MPa (145 psi), and a negative pressure (reverse flow) of -0.1 MPa (-14.5 psi). It guarantees operation from -10 °C to 60 °C (14 °F to 140 °F), provided it is not exposed to moisture that will freeze. The dust jacket around the base prevents particles from entering the valve body, making it a low-maintenance control for virtually any pneumatic system.