A pneumatic manifold allows multiple pneumatic solenoid valves to be installed in a centralized location where a power source and air outlet are common to all valves. The compact design of the manifold reduces the cost of valve installation by eliminating much of the piping in the system, resulting in minimal system complexity, faster disassembly, less leakage, and lower overall maintenance costs. Shorter currents due to the use of the manifold reduce the pressure drop and overall energy consumption of the system. Pneumatic manifolds are used for applications that require multiple valves, such as moving machinery and heavy industrial equipment.
Pneumatic manifolds allow the installation of a pneumatic valve in a centralized location that shares a supply and air outlet among all valves. The compact design of the manifold reduces the purchase of valves by eliminating a large part of the pipes in the system, if the complexity of the system, faster disassembly, less leakage and overall higher maintenance costs. Shorter currents from the use of the manifold reduce the pressure drop and overall energy consumption of the system. Pneumatic manifolds are used for applications that require different valves such as moving machinery and heavy industrial equipment.
Types of manifolds
Pneumatic manifolds are divided into two general categories: single piece design and modular block design. The one-piece design can accommodate a specific number of valves with a predetermined port geometry. A modular block design, on the other hand, is more customizable and consists of single blocks that usually support a valve, and a series of similar blocks provide the manifold.
Single piece manifold
The most common is a metal block drilled out of steel, aluminum, or cast iron to create the required channels and ports. The figure below shows an example of a single fabric manifold design. Because they are single-piece designs, they have minimal leakage paths, making them a robust solution even for high-pressure applications. However, due to their drilling, they have design limitations as the flow path must be straight. Typically, you can install between 2 and 10 pneumatic solenoid valves on a single-piece manifold. They should be specified for multiple ports (for example, for a 3/2 or 2/5 pneumatic solenoid valve) and multiple valves. Blank pages are available to close ports.
Modular manifold
Multidimensional block manifolds, as their name suggests, are designed in a modular way and can be seen in the figure below. As each manifold has a tap, you can add or subtract additional blocks for ease of modification, maintenance and mixing of different tap sizes. They consist of the main building blocks as well as connecting, dividing and spacer plates. These pages are usually installed between the main modules and each one performs its own function. Connecting plates can divert current from one bus to another between main modules. Separator plates have the ability to block a passage by plugging it in, and the separator plates simply adjust the dimensions between the main modules when using a larger valve and needing extra space.
blanking plate
If the manifold has more ports than solenoid valves, a blanking plate is required to close each unused port. The blanking plate, as seen in the figure below, ensures that air does not escape through unused ports and is easily secured in place. They are either brand specific or comply with ISO 5599 or ISO 15407 standards.
standards
Manifolds that allow changing valves from different manufacturers are designed according to ISO standard interfaces. These standards specify the dimensions of valve ports and mounting interfaces, as well as the required electrical connections.
ISO 5599
ISO 5599 specifies the mounting interface level requirements for five port directional pneumatic control valves, for use at a maximum nominal pressure of 1.6 MPa (16 bar). It provides dimensions and tolerances of the interface characteristics, port identification and identification of the result of the activation of the control mechanism.
ISO 1, 2, 3, and 4
There are sizes 1, 2, 3 and 4 in the ISO 5599 standard, so valves and manifolds are often labeled ISO 5599-1 (or 2/3/4). These numbers correspond to the size of the valve (1 is the smallest), so the manifold must match the corresponding ISO number to install the valve correctly.
ISO 1: 42 mm wide
ISO 2: 52 mm wide
ISO 3: 65 mm wide
ISO 4: 76 mm wide
ISO 5599 sizes for ISO 1, 2, 3 and 4
ISO 15407
ISO 15407 specifies the dimensions and tolerances of the interface characteristics, port identification, identification of the result of the control mechanism operation, dimensions, tolerances and specifications of the installation and electrical connection interface for five-port directional pneumatic control valves, size 18 mm and 26. mm, for use at a maximum nominal pressure of 1.6 MPa (16 bar).
ISO 01 and 02
There are 01 and 02 sizes in the ISO 15407 standard, so valves and manifolds are often labeled with ISO 15407-01 (or 02). These numbers correspond to the size of the valve (02 is the smallest), so the manifold must match the corresponding 01 or 02 to install the valve correctly.
ISO 01: width 26 mm
ISO 02: width 18 mm
Manifold selection criteria
If the manifold is thought to make the application simpler and easier, they are easy to choose. The main selection criteria are:
• Number of valve stations : If a certain number of valves is known, a one-piece design manifold with a certain number of valve stations is a good solution. If it is unknown and subject to change, a modular design may be the simplest.
• Number of valve ports: The number of your valve ports must match the number of manifold ports.
• Materials : Depending on your budget and media, this determines the content.
• Pressure rating : Ensure that the manifold can withstand sufficient pressure for all connected valves and additional pressure manifold if required.
• Installation : Make sure the manifold is either brand-specific for installation or follows the correct ISO standard and size.