Posted to News on 20th Sep 2014, 15:43
Festo's MPA-C valve terminal meets IP69K and CRC4 requirements
Festo is launching the MPA-C valve terminal as the latest addition to its 'Clean Design' portfolio, with the company claiming that this product sets a new industry standard by meeting the requirements for protection class IP69K and CRC4 (Corrosion Resistance Class 4). Developed in conjunction with Tetra Pak, the MPA-C boasts many innovative valve functions and the modular sub-base design facilitates flexibility to easily expand to a maximum of 32 valves or solenoid coils. According to Festo, in many cases mounting the IP69K MPA-C valve terminal directly on the machine will be more cost-effective than installing lower-specification valve terminals in an IP69K control cabinet, so the new product has the potential to save money for machine builders and system integrators.
Jacqui Hanbury, Product Manager at Festo, explains: "Safety in food production is ensured by international directives and standards such as the EC Directive 2006/42/EC for Machinery and EN 1672-2 and EN ISO 14159 for hygiene requirements. To help system builders and food producers meet these requirements as simply as possible, Festo has developed a range of automation components for use in hygienically critical environments and those subject to intensive cleaning."
FDA approval
With FDA approval for all external materials and the valves being lubricated using NSF-H1 food-grade grease, the MPA-C valve terminal can be used in both food and splash zones. A redundant seal system ensures trouble-free, intensive cleaning with high-pressure jets or foam, so the terminals can be installed in locations with harsh environmental conditions subject to cleaning in accordance with IP69K.
Offered with the electrical interface on the front or back, the MPA-C supports multi-pin, fieldbus or Ethernet communications. Individual sub-bases are combined to provide between two and 32 valve positions, offering the right number of valves for each application, and individual valves can be in separate pressure zones if required. In addition, dependent on the level of protection required, each position can be supplied with or without a manual override. Valve types include: a 5/2-way single solenoid valve, which for safety applications can have a mechanical spring return; a 5/2-way valve with double solenoid; and a 5/3-way valve, which can be exhausted, pressurised or closed in mid-position. Dual versions of 3/2 and 2/2-way valves are also available, and the MPA-C 3/2-way valve can accommodate a specific air supply connection per valve if required. Beneath the IP69K exterior, the MPA-C terminals utilises proven valves from Festo's extensive range, so customers can be assured of reliability and longevity. Furthermore, if the IP69K cover is opened, the exposed valves are still sealed to IP65.
IP69K application areas
Already Tetra Pak has committed to using the MPA-C valve terminal and Festo anticipates that other customers will adopt it for use in the food, beverage, pharmaceutical, cosmetics, semiconductor and animal feed industries, as well as others where cleanliness is important.
Festo's 'Clean Design' portfolio is a complete range of components and systems. In addition to the MPA-C valve terminal, Festo offers FDA-certified tubing and fitting combinations (NPCK with PFAN), NEBV electrical connecting cables and stainless steel cylinders, such as the CRDSNU or DSBF.
Follow the link for more information about the MPA-C valve terminal.
