NAMUR is the name of the User Association of Automation Technology in Process Industries. In the valve industry, the term ‘NAMUR standard’ almost always refers to VDI/VDE 3845, which defines a standard interface for mounting solenoid valves and accessories on pneumatic actuators. A NAMUR solenoid valve, therefore, is directly mounted to pneumatic actuator inlet/outlet ports via the NAMUR mounting pad defined by VDI/VDE 3845. In this blog post, we look at some different types of NAMUR solenoid valves.
⚙️ Key Takeaways
- "NAMUR standard" refers to the VDI/VDE 3845 interface, which allows NAMUR solenoid valves to mount directly onto pneumatic actuators without extra tubing or custom brackets
- Direct mounting simplifies and speeds up installation, reduces piping damage risks, lowers overall costs, and makes retrofitting components much easier
- These solenoid valves control airflow to operate pneumatic actuators using either 3-way configurations (typically for single-acting actuators) or 4-way configurations (typically for double-acting actuators)
- Bonomi offers a variety of standard-compliant 3-way and 4-way NAMUR solenoid valves designed for low power consumption (2.5 Watts), including standard DIN connections and explosion-proof NEMA 7 rated options.
What is a NAMUR Valve?
A NAMUR valve is a standardized pneumatic directional control valve that has been engineered to mount directly onto rotary pneumatic actuators without needing any extra external tubing or brackets and uses the VDI/VDE standard interface, an example of which is shown below.
What are the Benefits of a Using a NAMUR Valve?
Direct mounting and standard interfaces not only lower installation costs, but is quicker and simpler compared to remotely integrated pneumatic solenoid systems. Damage possibilities to piping are kept to a minimum, and installers are given more room to retrofit products together as opposed to being locked into a one-way scenario. While NAMUR solenoid valves still require installers to follow installation recommendations, they provide plenty of benefits, making applications more numerous.
What are NAMUR Solenoid Valves?
The function of a NAMUR solenoid valve is to control media flow: the valve itself is controlled by an electric solenoid, which opens or closes the valve by controlling the amount of air--via a pilot--to the pneumatic actuator. A pneumatic actuator converts energy--compressed air--into motion. The solenoid and actuator work in tandem to control flow speed, flow amount, and flow direction. Likewise, the valve is operated in either the normally closed or normally open position.
Solenoid valves are available in several configurations, including 3-way and 4-way. A 3-way solenoid valve typically consists of 1 inlet, 1 outlet, and 1 exhaust port, and 2 seats for fluid control. A 4‑way solenoid valve typically has one supply port, two work ports (to the actuator), and two exhaust ports, and is commonly used to operate double‑acting rack‑and‑pinion actuators.
Bonomi 3-Way Solenoid Valves
The Bonomi NMR3-C1 is a 3 way solenoid valve used to operate single action actuators. This solenoid valve is made for a 100% continuous duty cycle at 2.5 Watts in a pressure range of 20 to 120psig and a temp. range of 30° to 130°F (0° to 130°F with dry media). Ports are 1/4" NPT.
Bonomi 4-Way Solenoid Valves
Bonomi Series NMR1-4 Way DIN
The Bonomi Series NMR1-4 Way DIN has a 100% continuous duty cycle at 2.5 Watts. Its pressure range is from 0 to 120 psig with a temperature range from 35° to 130°F (from 0° to 130°F with dry media). Its Cv=1.68 . 1/4" NPT. The Bonomi Series NMR1-4 Way Conduit shares the same specs as the DIN model.
Bonomi Series NMR1-4 Way Conduit/Explosion Proof
This 4 Way single solenoid NAMUR shares specs with the previously mentioned solenoid valves but carries a NEMA rating of 7, and is explosion-proof. It only uses 2.5 Watts of power for continuous duty; various voltage options. 1/4" NPT.
Conclusion
By conforming to NAMUR standards, Bonomi can offer solenoid valves utilizing standard interfaces, making optional mounting easy. Bonomi manufactures both pneumatic and electric solenoid valves, which can be viewed via Bonomi Actuated Ball Valves for further reading. To learn more about the Bonomi valves we carry here at ValveMan, contact us today!
NAMUR Solenoid Valves Frequently Asked Questions
What is a NAMUR solenoid valve and how does it connect to an actuator?
A NAMUR solenoid valve is a standardized directional control valve designed to mount directly onto a rotary pneumatic actuator's inlet/outlet ports using the VDI/VDE 3845 standard interface, eliminating the need for external tubing or extra mounting brackets.
What are the main advantages of using a NAMUR-compliant valve?
Direct mounting lowers installation costs, speeds up assembly, reduces potential damage to piping, and provides flexibility for retrofitting components rather than locking installers into a rigid setup.
When should you use a 3-way vs. a 4-way NAMUR solenoid valve?
A 3-way solenoid valve (1 inlet, 1 outlet, 1 exhaust port) is typically used for single-acting actuators, while a 4-way solenoid valve (1 supply port, 2 work ports, 2 exhaust ports) is commonly used to operate double-acting rack-and-pinion actuators.
What options does Bonomi offer for hazardous or heavy-duty environments?
Bonomi provides low-power (2.5 Watt continuous duty) 3-way and 4-way NAMUR solenoid valves, including models with NEMA 7 ratings for explosion-proof applications, as well as options featuring standard DIN connection types.
