Chemical industry
New valve release to improve efficiency in hydrogen applications
The Instrumentation Products Division , Europe ( IPDE ) of Parker Hannifin announces the availability of the Hi-Pro Series ball valves and the HNV Series needle valves with fully integrated O-LOK ® O-Ring Face Seal ( ORFS ) fitting connections . This release augments the valve offerings that utilise A-LOK ® twoferrule connections .
Text and images by Parker Hannifin
The Instrumentation Products Division , Europe ( IPDE ) of Parker Hannifin , the global leader in motion and control technologies , announces the availability of the Hi-Pro Series ball valves and the HNV Series needle valves with fully integrated O-LOK ® O-Ring Face Seal ( ORFS ) fitting connections . This release augments the company ’ s highly successful valve offerings that utilise A-LOK ® two-ferrule connections .
New connection
Like the A-LOK ® connection , the O-LOK ® connection is ideally suited for use in safetycritical hydrogen applications . Where users have specific needs for assembly-by-torque or zero clearance installation , the O-LOK ® connections provide these capabilities . Additional benefits include a soft-seal leak-free design , unlimited reusability , and vibration resistance . The connection features a flat face design , incorporating a Captive O-ring Groove ( CORG ) with an elastomeric seal , which , when mated to a flanged tube or hose end , ensures an effective leak-free connection .
Streamlined maintenance
The zero-clearance feature of the O-LOK ® connections significantly simplifies the installation process , allowing rapid drop-in assembly without needing to dismantle adjacent components . This simplified approach reduces rework expenses and maintenance time , thus lowering the total cost of ownership ( TCO ). Fully integrated into the valves , these connections eliminate the need for thread tape or sealant , thereby reducing leak paths and enhancing reliability . Parker ’ s O-LOK ® connection technology is ideal for mass production in automotive and other hydrogen applications . Tubing assembly can be delivered to the production line , and automatic torquing removes connection tightness uncertainty . The face seal connections also simplify maintenance in confined spaces . They can be assembled and disassembled multiple times without compromising the integrity of the connection , and valves can be replaced with ease .
Expanded range
“ With the launch of a range of O-LOK ® ended valves , we are meeting the demands of those customers who require zero-clearance and assembly-by-torque solutions , making a substantial addition to our successful valve offerings that feature A-LOK ® two-ferrule connections ,” said Lloyd Cooper , OEM Business Unit Manager at Parker IPDE . “ This addition to our range provides our customers with more options when choosing valves ,
Hi-Pro ball valve with O-LOK ® ends . Image courtesy of Parker Hannifin .
Needle valve with O-LOK ® ends .
assuring them that assembly line technicians will experience an increase in productivity and consistency , thanks to the zero-clearance feature and assembly-by-torque methodology .” Available in an array of inlet and outlet sizes and manufactured from 316 stainless steel , these ball and needle valves come with various soft seal O-ring material options . The hydrogen-ready valves are pressure rated to 10,000 psi ( 689 bar ) and can be used near vibrating machinery or onboard vehicles without risk of loosening or leakage .
About Parker ’ s Instrumentation Products Division , Europe The Instrumentation Products Division , Europe provides highly engineered pressure and temperature process control instrumentation and systems . These range from compression tube fittings , cone and thread fittings , needle valves , ball valves and compact stream-switching valves to modular process and instrument valve packages . These items are all developed and manufactured to increase customers ’ up-time , maintain safety , and improve production and quality control .
20 Valve World March 2024 www . valve-world . net