Low-profile, high-density manifolds

A line of low-profile, high-density manifolds developed by Humphrey Products Co., Kalamazoo, Mich., feature an elliptical-shaped gallery that provides the same internal volume as a traditional round gallery but in a thinner package. The manifolds can be used with direct-acting 19-mm-wide solenoid valves.

The manifolds are available in two-gallery styles to accept the 315 Series three-way valves, and in a three-gallery design with common pressure and individual exhaust ports that accept both the three-way valves and 415 Series, five-port, four-way valves. Both manifolds permit mounting valves for either normally closed or normally open operation. Options include block-off plates, isolator plugs, separate air-supply plates, sandwich-style speed control, and brackets for DIN-rail mounting.

The 315/415 valves are only 19-mm wide, yet have a 0.42 C_v flow rate -- 35% higher than conventional poppet valves of the same size, according to the company. They feature a lip-seal design that uses air pressure within the valve to assist the spring in creating a tight seal that enables higher flow rates.