Proportional valve with an external sensor input.

A new proportional valve VPPX with an external sensor input has been launched by Festo. It offers users improved performance, maximum flexibility and excellent process quality.

The valve is a proportional integral derivative (PID) controller ideal for use in industrial control systems found in process, packaging and water and wastewater applications. The incorporation of an external sensor, means friction, hysteresis and leakage are effectively cancelled out which enables engineers to build faster and more accurate machines and systems, while enhancing the quality and efficiency of their processes. Significant time savings can also be made, even in simple pressure regulation, with the sensor integrated into the system.

The VPPX valve is easily programmable using Festo Configuration Tools (FCT) and the user can select the control circuit (internal/external), the control behaviour (direct/inverted), the setpoint value, actual value and sensor signals (current/voltage). Previously, users had to specify whether the control signals were provided as current or voltage when designing the system. However, now users have increased flexibility as they can decide at the last minute how the signal should be transferred to the control system.

The setpoint value, initial pressure and external sensor’s signal can be viewed in real time on the oscilloscope, and parameters can be easily adjusted for the optimum control characteristics, with set values recorded for future use.

“The valves can be easily adapted to specific tasks, and its simple operation with self-explanatory graphical support reduces the effort required during programming and speeds up commissioning,” says Steve Sands, product manager at Festo. “Plant managers and operators can now be constantly aware of the internal pressures of their systems, and as such, use this valuable data to ensure they are operating efficiently. The VPPX gives users increased freedom and flexibility and can also be used for more complex applications with FCT.”

The proportional valve VPPX is ideal for use in many applications, for example, it can be used as a level controller in bottling systems, to control reservoirs, or for powders and granules with the aid of a pinch valve. The valve is also suitable for use in simple positioning tasks in process automation, for speed adjustment in pneumatic motors, and for pressure control with internal or external sensor, force, torque, vacuum and flow control.