Miniature Valve Addresses Space and Portability Challenges

Parker Hannifin’s newest miniature proportional valve VSO LowPro for OEMs offers innovation in portability, comfort and manufacturability when controlling the flow rate of inert gases in medical equipment. Just 16mm (0.63 in.) wide by 14 mm (0.55 in.) tall, the new valve addresses a key requirement for small portable devices where installation space is at a premium, while benefiting from a miniature valve that doesn’t compromise on performance due to size. Typical applications for the new to world VSO LowPro valve include pressure control, volumetric flow control and pulse dose control in devices such as portable oxygen concentrators, ventilators and patient monitors. In addition to miniature size, another key requirement for the medical device industry is reliability of operation.

The VSO LowPro is qualified for up to 25 million cycles and offers typical flow rates of up to 50 SLPM with a maximum of 1.5W power at room temperature which allows designers to reduce power or battery size supply. With an orifice of up to 2.03mm and a weight of 12g, the VSO LowPro can perform the function of valves three times its size without sacrificing power.
Its low-profile design simplifies mounting and eliminates cartridge configurations that are complex, expensive, and require machining. Engineers can choose between three orifice sizes, three voltage levels, and manifold mount accessories to handle air, oxygen or any non-reactive, non-condensing gases, while complying with Reach, RoHS, CE, and ISO 15001 regulations.