Lead-Free, Regulation Compliant Water Valves from ASCO and Mead O'Brien

Lead is extremely toxic. Tight US safety regulations affect manufacturers of products such as drinking water fountains, reverse osmosis systems, coffee machines. and commercial kitchen equipment. A lead-free system cannot contain soldering flux with greater than 0.2% lead content, or more than a weighted average of 0.25% lead in the wetted surfaces of pipes, pipe fittings, plumbing fittings, and fixtures. Under the law, lead free is a cumulative concept. Let's take an example. A manufacturer who makes dishwashers performs the lead content calculation, averaging all of the models relevant components. A brass valve has 2.5% lead content in the brass parts, well over the 0.25% limit. But the small wetted surface area of the valve is outweighed by the large wetted surface of the stainless steel tank with zero lead content. No design changes are needed to comply with the law.

Considerations for Solenoid Valve Selection

• Brass can have 2.5% lead content, so you must do a calculation to ensure compliance.
• Lead-free brass products are now available.
• Composite and plastic components are lead free.
• Stainless steel is lead free, but it remains expensive.
• NSF approved valves are often the preferred choice and may even be mandated in the future

ASCO Lead-Free Valve Solutions

ASCO Series 212 Composite Valves - These composite valves are designed for use in potable water applications and come with NSF certifications. Installation is made easy through the FasN system, with multiple end connector options. Download the Series 212 Brochure for more information.

ASCO Series 210 Solenoid Valves - ASCO has introduced new lead-free brass solenoid valves to the market that are aimed at providing a safer alternative to standard brass valves. The new products meet the EPA’s Safe Drinking Water Act Section 1417 low lead requirements. 

DOWNLOAD THE ASCO LEAD-FREE SOLUTIONS CATALOG, THE SERIES 212 CUT-SHEET, AND THE SERIES 210 CUT-SHEET FROM THIS MEAD O'BRIEN WEB PAGE

For more information about ASCO products, contact Mead O'Brien. Call them at (800) 892-2769 or visit their website at https://meadobrien.com.

Tutorial on Installing the ASCO 212 Series Valve Using the FasN Connection System

This video is a tutorial on how to install the ASCO series 212, using ASCO's FasN connection system. It includes instructions for all three types of connections, namely NPT thread connection, turn and lock, and solvent bond.

The ASCO series 212 composite valve is designed for use in water purification and water treatment applications, specifically within the membrane based filtration system application. The series 212 composite valve is ideal for use in mid-size Reverse Osmosis Systems applications where lead free and NSF approved constructions are required. The series 212 composite valves are available in 3/8", 1/2", 3/4", and 1" pipe sizes. The series 212 composite valve also handles pressure up to 150 PSI and operates at up to 180° F.

For more information about the ASCO 212 series valve, contact:
Mead O'Brien
(800) 892-2769
https://meadobrien.com

Selecting the Proper ASCO Solenoid Valve

This catalog is designed to make it easier to select and order the right valve for your application from ASCO. It provides very handy tables of part numbers, port configurations, sizes, and materials.

Download the PDF version here and keep available when when specifying ASCO solenoid valves.

Selecting the Right ASCO Solenoid Valve from Mead O'Brien, Inc.

Industrial Valve Actuators

Valve actuators are selected based upon a number of factors including torque necessary to operate the valve and the need for automatic actuation. Types of actuators include manual handwheel, manual lever, electrical motor, pneumatic, and solenoid. All actuators except manual handwheel and lever are adaptable to automatic actuation.

Handwheel (Metso)

Manual Actuators

Manual actuators are capable of placing the valve in any position but do not permit automatic operation. The most common type mechanical actuator is the handwheel. This type includes handwheels fixed to the stem and handwheels connected to the stem through gears.

Electric Motor Actuators

Electric Actuator (Limitorque)

Electric motors permit manual, semi-automatic, and automatic operation of the valve. Motors are used mostly for open-close functions, although they are adaptable to positioning the valve to any point opening. The motor is usually a, reversible, high speed type connected through a gear train to reduce the motor speed and thereby increase the torque at the stem. Direction of motor rotation determines direction of disk motion. The electrical actuation can be semi-automatic, as when the motor is started by a control system. A handwheel, which can be engaged to the gear train, provides for manual operating of the valve. Limit switches are normally provided to stop the motor automatically at full open and full closed valve positions. Limit switches are operated either physically by position of the valve or torsionally by torque of the motor.

Pneumatic Actuators

Pneumatic Actuator
(Metso Neles)

Pneumatic actuators provide for automatic or semi-automatic valve operation. These actuators translate an air signal into valve stem motion by air pressure acting on a vane, diaphragm, or piston connected to the stem. Pneumatic actuators are used in throttle valves for open-close positioning where fast action is required. When air pressure closes the valve and spring action opens the valve, the actuator is termed direct-acting. When air pressure opens the valve and spring action closes the valve, the actuator is termed reverse-acting. Double acting actuators have air supplied to both sides of the vane, diaphragm, or piston. The differential pressure across the diaphragm positions the valve stem. Automatic operation is provided when the air signals are automatically  controlled by circuitry. Semi-automatic operation is provided by manual switches in the circuitry to the air control valves.


Hydraulic Actuators

Hydraulic actuators provide for semi-automatic or automatic positioning of the valve, similar to the pneumatic actuators. These actuators use a piston to convert a signal pressure into valve stem motion. Hydraulic fluid is fed to either side of the piston while the other side is drained or bled. Water or oil is used as the hydraulic fluid. Solenoid valves are typically used for automatic control of the hydraulic fluid to direct either opening or closing of the valve. Manual valves can also be used for controlling the hydraulic fluid; thus providing semi-automatic operation.

Solenoid Actuated Valves

Solenoid Valve (ASCO)

Solenoid actuated valves provide for automatic open-close valve positioning. Most solenoid actuated valves also have a manual override that permits manual positioning of the valve for as long as the override is manually positioned. Solenoids position the valve by attracting a magnetic slug attached to the valve stem. In single solenoid valves, spring pressure acts against the motion of the slug when power is applied to the solenoid. These valves can be arranged such that power to the solenoid either opens or closes the valve. When power to the solenoid is removed, the spring returns the valve to the opposite position. Two solenoids can be used to provide for both opening and closing by applying power to the appropriate solenoid.

Single solenoid valves are termed fail open or fail closed depending on the position of the valve with the solenoid de-energized. Fail open solenoid valves are opened by spring pressure and closed by energizing the solenoid. Fail closed solenoid valves are closed by spring pressure and opened by energizing the solenoid. Double solenoid valves typically fail "as is." That is, the valve position does not change when both solenoids are de-energized.

One application of solenoid valves is in air systems such as those used to supply air to pneumatic valve actuators. The solenoid valves are used to control the air supply to the pneumatic actuator and thus the position of the pneumatic actuated valve.

Mead O'Brien can handle any valve actuation requirement you have. Contact them by calling (800) 892-2769 or by visiting https://meadobrien.com.

Voltage Ranging Solenoid Valve Coils are Rewriting Industry Standards

Voltage Ranging Solenoid Valves (ASCO)

New power management technology is rewriting industry standards for reliability and power consumption of solenoid valve coils. The new technology solenoid valves accepts both AC and DC voltages while improving performance. Available in 2-way, 3-way and 4-way, these solenoid valves are designed to handle most fluid control applications.

The enhanced valves are designed to be drop in replacements for existing valves. There is no change to functional attributes such as flow, pressure, ambient & fluid temperatures or physical attributes such as envelope size and face-to-face dimensions. If you're looking to just switch out a coil, enhanced coil kits are direct replacements for the old coil kits.

Here are the benefits to end customers:

Lower Power Consumption

• 1.0 watt (DC version) & 1.5 watts (AC/DC versions)
• Lowers energy cost up to 80% compared to standard solenoid valves 

RoHS 2 Compliant

• Satisfies CE Directives 2002/95/EC and 2001/65/EU (RoHS 2) for the restriction of hazardous substances 

Supervisory Current Compatible

• Suitable for systems employing supervisory currents not exceeding the following drop-out currents:
  • 20mA (12-24V DC), 15mA (24-120V AC/DC) and 7mA (100-240V AC/DC) 
• Also suitable with devices having leakage currents not exceeding the drop-out currents noted above. 

Broad Voltage Ranges Reduce Inventory

• Available in 24-120V AC/DC, 100-240V AC/DC & 12-24V DC 
• Covers hundreds of global voltage requirements
• Simplifies product selection and reduces complexity
• Lowers inventory cost by eliminating need to stock both AC & DC products
• Includes 125VDC battery (AC/DC versions) & 24VDC battery (DC version) 

DC Performance Increased Up to 500% To Match AC Ratings 

• Transition from AC to DC without sacrificing performance
• Eliminates the need for separate AC & DC output cards
• Simplifies control schemes 

Integrated Surge Suppression

• Prolongs the life of the coil by suppressing external voltage spikes
• Lowers system cost by eliminating the need for additional surge protection 

Fit For Use In Rugged and Demanding Environments

• Wide ambient temperature range for hot and cold environments
• Enclosure Types 1 through 4X for indoor and outdoor applications o Optional Class 1, Division 2 coils available for hazardous locations 

No AC Hum

• Ideal for applications requiring quiet operation

Contact Mead O'Brien at (800) 892-2769 or visit http://www.meadobrien.com for more information.

Typical ASCO Fluid Automation Applications in Power Plants

Here is a partial listing of typical applications in a power plant where ASCO products provide reliable solutions.

ASCO Solenoid Valves
Ideal for steam, air, or liquid flows. Throughout the power plant, our solenoid valves provide superior service in areas such as SO2 scrubbing, turbine lubrication systems, and igniter burner No. 2 fuel lines to name a few.

Numatics FRLs
Filters, regulators, and lubricators treat air quality and pressure in your plant’s pneumatic system. Apply them to control pressure or meet filtration requirements for your pneumatic equipment. These high-performance products are available in multiple configurations, including electronic regulators.

ASCO Angle-Body Piston Valves
Well suited to replace ball valves in air, water, and steam applications with pipe sizes 2 1/2" or smaller and up to 150 psi. This compact solution reduces cost of ownership, eliminates water ham- mer, and creates tight shutoff in both directions. Available with limit switches, AS-interface®, and DeviceNetTM protocols, Class I, Div. 2 HS Series position indicators, and low power solenoids.

ASCO Dust Collector Valves
ASCO integral or remote pilot valves are especially designed for dust collector applications, combining high flow, long life, and extremely fast opening and closing to produce reliable and economical operation. Valves with quick mount connections eliminate time consuming thread cutting and sealing.

ASCO Pressure Sensors
A range of high-quality sensors with long-life designs and ensured repeatability, these signal when process media reach pressure set points. They play a vital part throughout the entire power generation process.

ASCO Redundant Control System
The ASCO RCS is a redundant pilot valve system that acts as a single 3-way valve. Features include the ability to perform automatic online testing of the redundant solenoid valves, automatic partial stroke testing of the process valve, and online maintenance capabilities. Use this product in high reliability or critical applications. Certified per IEC 61508 Parts 1 and 2 and are SIL 3 capable.

ASCO Solenoid Pilot Valves
Designed to operate at high cycles or for long periods of dormancy, these 3 and 4-way models provide ensured action in demanding applications. Features include, manual operators, high flows, and explosion-proof options. Plus new 0.55 W models are perfect for networks with low power limitations. Brass and stainless steel versions available.

Numatics Cylinders
A large range of high quality Numatics cylinders that can withstand the harsh environment of power generation systems. Whether you are operating a scrubber, bag house, or damper controls, Numatics cylinders are used to open and close large orifices in these systems. Available in 17 bore sizes from 1 1/2" to 24".

For more information about any ASCO product, contact:

Mead O'Brien
www.meadobrien.com
(800) 892-2769

Fluid Automation Solutions for Power Generation Market from Mead O'Brien, Inc.

Applying the ASCO 212 Composite Solenoid Valve for Reverse Osmosis Water Systems

ASCO Series 212 Composite Solenoid Valves
for Reverse Osmosis Water Systems

Reverse osmosis (RO) is one of the most popular methods for effective water purification. It has been used for years to purify contaminated water, including converting brackish or seawater to drinking water.

Reverse osmosis is a process in which dissolved inorganic solids (such as salts) are removed from a solution (such as water). This is accomplished by pushing the water through a semi permeable membrane, which allows only the water to pass, but not the impurities or contaminates.

Reverse Osmosis can deliver bottled-water quality safety and taste by removing over 99% of dissolved minerals, chlorine and contaminants. Many leading bottled-water companies actually use large-scale RO to produce their water.

Reverse osmosis systems are found in several drinking water applications from restaurant, food and beverage equipment to grocery store produce misting.

The ASCO Series 212 solenoid valve is designed for these type systems. The valves come with NSF approvals for use in drinking water systems and also is design with unique “FasN” quick connection system. The valves are designed to handle 150 psi up to 180 deg. F. and has low wattage coils in both AC and DC.

See the video below for an illustration of where these valves are used in RO systems.

Safety Compliance White Paper for Solenoid Valves

Discussion of safety when
selecting solenoid valves.

(White paper courtesy of ASCO Valve)

Regulatory modifications have raised important issues in design and use of industrial safety systems. Certain changes in IEC 61508, now being widely implemented, mean that designers and users who desire full compliance must give new consideration to topics such as SIL levels and the transition to new methodologies. 

In particular, these issues can impact users’ selection of solenoid valves and prepackaged redundant control systems (RCS) for implementation in a safety instrumented system (SIS). Such selections may also be affected by how experienced valve suppliers are at dealing with complex new compliance methodologies.

These issues are especially applicable to the oil, gas, chemical, and power industries - in applications such as safety shutdown systems, boilers, furnaces, high-integrity protection systems (HIPS), and more. They’re of concern to safety engineers and reliability engineers, as well as to process engineers, engineering executives, and plant managers.

This report will address these issues in developing a compliant SIS using valves and RCSs. Making the right choices in safety system planning and in valve supplier selection can affect design time, costs, and effort — as well as the safety of the plant itself.

Effective Compliance with IEC 61508 When Selecting Solenoid Valves for Safety Systems from Mead O'Brien, Inc.