Configuring A Valve Body

 

When configuring a valve, one of the most important steps is the body type.  The body of the valve is the portion that your process connections (piping, tubing, manifold) will attach to.  Gems Sensors Solenoid Valves have a few different options that are explained below. 

 

 

1. Ported Body

The ported body option is the most common, so we’ll start here.  The ported body is as it sounds, it’s a cylindrical body, typically stainless steel or brass, with threaded ports on them.  The common thread types are NPT in 1/8” and 1/4” sizes but can go up to 3/8”.  Other thread types are available depending on the valve series selected. 

For 2-Way Normally Closed valves, the ports are normally on the side of the cylindrical body but can be placed on the bottom as well.  For 2-Way Normally Open valves, one port will be on the body, and the other port is on the top of the valve.  And for 3-Way valves, it will have two ports on the body, plus a third port out the top.  Ported bodies are convenient because they are standard for most valves, so changing out another manufacturer’s valve for a Gems Solenoid Valve is quick and easy. 

 

2. Manifold Mount

The Manifold Mount option is exactly what it sounds like, it provides the ability to mount the valve directly onto a manifold.  Manifolds are an excellent pairing with valves for several reasons.

-          Provide a more compact solution by eliminating piping runs.

-          Allow for the ability to easily remove a valve for repair or replacement without having to undo two or three plumbing connections.

-          Eliminate unnecessary plumbing fittings which saves cost and decreases potential leak points.

3. Operator/ Omit Body (OB)

The omit body means exactly that, the body is removed so the valve is only provided with the coil, the guide tube and plunger assembly.  Similar to a Manifold Mount, where it requires a manifold or fitting to thread into.  However, an OB style eliminates the need for the actual Manifold Mount body, and threads directly into a customer’s manifold.  Below are a few benefits of the OB style.

-          Saves crucial space as the coil sits flush on the manifold

-          Saves cost as the manifold mount body is eliminated

-          Saves weight since material is eliminated

-          Improves flow and decreases pressure drop from flow path turns

-          Reduces leak points as only one o-ring seal is needed versus three on a Manifold Mount

Please visit Gems Online Configurator to construct a valve for your application.

Click HERE to learn more about Valves.