Versatile and safe

The newly added flange versions LVM07/13 (left in the picture, LVM07) and the pipe version LVM09 (right) of the compact and directly operated 2/2- and 3/2-way solenoid valves expand the application profile of the reliable LVM series and thus offer even more options for innovative machine designs. (Photo: SMC Deutschland GmbH)

The newly added flange versions LVM07/13 (left in the picture, LVM07) and the pipe version LVM09 (right) of the compact and directly operated 2/2- and 3/2-way solenoid valves expand the application profile of the reliable LVM series and thus offer even more options for innovative machine designs. (Photo: SMC Deutschland GmbH)

Especially in the fields of Life Science and the chemical industry, aggressive media are frequently used. To control processes with liquids, powerful and highly resilient solenoid valves are required that also ensure high process safety. With the LVM series, SMC already offers a variety of compact and directly operated 2/2- and 3/2-way solenoid valves—and has now expanded the range with a pipe version and two flange versions. Users benefit from numerous models with advantages such as high operational safety, low maintenance, and energy savings. Additionally, they receive solutions designed for particularly easy assembly/disassembly with additional operational indicators or protective wiring.

In analysis or diagnostic devices, where aggressive media are used on one hand and contamination of the medium must be prevented on the other, only valves with media-separated design are suitable. At the same time, users need to consider performance and cost aspects. With the compact and directly operated 2/2- and 3/2-way electromagnetic valves of the LVM series, SMC has already met these requirements for various applications. Now, the specialist for pneumatic and electrical automation has further expanded its reliable series with an additional pipe version and two more flange variants. Besides the existing benefits such as an isolated design, low power consumption, and minimal dead volume, features like visual indication of the switching state and newly available versions with electrical connector connections also impress.

More process-safe analyses

To prevent the anchoring of the plunger or corrosion in the valve, which ensures a long service life, the actuator housing of the coil in all variants of the LVM series is separated from the media area by a membrane. In this isolated design, both the membrane and the flange seal or O-ring are made of EPDM (ethylene propylene diene rubber), FKM (fluororubber), or Kalrez® (perfluoroelastomers), making them chemically inert. The lower housing part or housing plate is made of PEEK (polyether ether ketone), which has high chemical resistance.

Thanks to the lever action of a toggle valve, there is hardly any volume change (0.01 μl or less) between the ON/OFF states, so no medium is displaced at the outlet side of the valve during switching. This reduces reagent consumption and thus costs. Additionally, the two new variants, LVM09 as a pipe version and LVM13 as a flange version, feature a status indicator or protective wiring, enabling immediate visual inspection of the valve state and thus providing additional process safety.

Space-saving, simple, and quick to install

The compact design of the 2/2- and 3/2-way electromagnetic valves of the LVM series allows designers to save space in their systems, especially when using a multi-connection plate. The new flange variant LVM07 stands out in particular: With a width of only 7 mm and a height of 31 mm, the space requirement has been significantly reduced. The weight has also been reduced by 70%, now weighing only 7 g, offering further advantages in device development for POC diagnostics. The optional connector available for the newly added variants LVM09 and LVM13 makes wiring and disassembly/assembly particularly easy and quick. At the same time, the optional reverse mounting pin for all three new flange versions (not available for LVM09 pipe version) prevents installation errors.

Climate-friendly energy savers

All three new solenoid valves can be equipped with an energy-saving switching circuit. This significantly reduces the holding power consumption: from 0.8 W (LVM07) to 0.9 W (LVM09) and 1 W (LVM13). As a result, the valves can be operated over a longer period while consuming very little energy. This not only benefits the wallet but also helps protect the climate thanks to low energy consumption. Additionally, the heat input to the operating medium is minimized.