ASCO Valves

ASCO Valves

By Chris Dodds | Estimated reading time: 5 minutes

ASCO ATEX Solenoid Valves for Hazardous Areas

ASCO solenoid valves provide fluid control solutions for a wide range of industrial applications. Selected models are available with hazardous-area certifications, including ATEX and other market-specific approvals.

Choosing the right valve for a potentially explosive atmosphere requires you to check the certification, equipment marking and suitability for the intended application. Explore our range of ATEX-certified solenoid valves for hazardous areas to find out more.

Hazardous Area Classifications

Below, we answer common questions about ASCO Numatics ATEX solenoid valves, including accessories, assembly, traceability and maintenance.

Frequently Asked Questions About ATEX Solenoid Valves

Can I fit accessories to ATEX-certified valves?

Yes, but you must check that the accessories are suitable for the valve and its intended hazardous-area application. ASCO Numatics assesses the risks associated with compatible accessories. If you want to use an accessory outside the manufacturer’s approved combinations, assess its suitability on a case-by-case basis.

Can I assemble ATEX-certified valves with other equipment?

You can assemble ATEX-certified components, such as a pneumatic valve with a CNOMO interface solenoid valve, or a cylinder with an electro-pneumatic valve. However, you must check the suitability of the complete assembly before installing it in a hazardous area.

Consider the following points:

• Certification: Check the certification and documentation for each component and determine whether the assembled equipment meets the requirements for the intended application.
• Hazardous-area suitability: Confirm that the equipment’s category, protection level and temperature classification are appropriate for the classified area.
• Earthing and bonding: Check electrical continuity and provide appropriate measures to control static electricity where required.

ASCO ATEX Valves – Contact Thorne & Derrick for Advice

Can manufacturers trace ATEX-certified valves?

Manufacturers maintain product information to support traceability throughout the equipment lifecycle. The original ASCO Numatics information identifies records such as customer details, product codes, serial numbers, manufacturing dates and order numbers.

Keep the valve’s identification and supporting documentation available so you can confirm its specification and service history when required. For product-specific traceability requirements, consult the manufacturer’s current documentation.

How should I replace older valves that use previous certification methods?

Before replacing a valve on an existing installation, check its certification, condition and suitability for the hazardous-area classification. Review the equipment documentation and the installation’s risk assessment to determine whether the valve remains suitable.

If the existing valve does not meet the requirements for the application, select a suitable replacement with the correct certification and protection level. Explore ATEX solenoid valve options or contact Thorne & Derrick for help identifying suitable equipment.

Can I repair or maintain ATEX-certified valves?

You may be able to maintain or repair an ATEX-certified valve using the manufacturer’s approved spare parts and procedures. Always follow the instructions for the specific model and ensure the work does not compromise its certified protection.

Before carrying out repairs, check that:

• You follow the manufacturer’s installation, maintenance and repair instructions.
• You use the correct spare parts and approved repair procedures.
• The person carrying out the work has the necessary training and competence.
• You retain records of the repair and maintain the equipment’s traceability.
• You inspect the equipment marking and follow the manufacturer’s requirements for any repair or modification labels.

Do not return equipment to service until a competent person has confirmed that it remains suitable for its intended hazardous-area application.

ASCO Solenoid Valves for Potentially Explosive Atmospheres

ASCO manufactures fluid-control equipment for industrial applications, including solenoid valves designed for use in specified hazardous areas. The suitability of each valve depends on its exact model, certification, marking and operating conditions.

ATEX Solenoid Valves

When selecting an ATEX solenoid valve, check the requirements of the installation and confirm that the certification covers the equipment supplied. For electrically operated valves, this includes checking the solenoid coil and valve assembly against the manufacturer’s documentation.

Some electro-pneumatic configurations use a separate CNOMO solenoid pilot. In these cases, check the documentation and certification requirements for both the solenoid operator and the pneumatic valve.

ASCO Hazardous-Area Solenoid Valves

Other equipment installed in a zoned hazardous area may also need to meet applicable requirements. Always assess each component according to its construction, intended use and the conditions in the hazardous area.

Thorne & Derrick can help you identify hazardous-area solenoid valves for your fluid-control application.

ASCO Valve Supply and Delivery

Thorne & Derrick can help source ASCO solenoid valves for industrial fluid-control applications. Availability and delivery times depend on the model and current stock position.

Ask Thorne & Derrick About ASCO Valve Availability and Delivery

Watch the video below to learn more about ASCO valve solutions.

Further Reading About ASCO Valves

• ATEX Solenoid Valves – ASCO Valves for International Hazardous-Area Installations
• ASCO Valves – How to Select and Order the Correct Valve
• Browse ASCO Valves and Manufacturer Information

Contact Thorne & Derrick About ATEX Solenoid Valves

Thorne & Derrick supplies electrical and process instrumentation equipment for potentially explosive atmospheres. We support onshore and offshore oil and gas, petrochemical and process industries, as well as infrastructure and maintenance projects.

Our team can help you identify suitable equipment for new installations, maintenance requirements and planned replacement of legacy products. Always confirm the equipment’s certification and suitability against the hazardous-area classification and the manufacturer’s documentation.

Explore related product categories:

• Hazardous-Area Control Panels
• ATEX Plugs and Sockets
• Hazardous-Area Isolators
• ATEX Enclosures and Junction Boxes
• Hazardous-Area Lighting
• ATEX Control Stations
• Explosion-Proof Motor Starters
• Heat-Tracing Cables and Systems
• Gas Detection Equipment
• Electrical Heating for Hazardous Areas

Explore process instrumentation:

• Ashcroft Pressure Gauges
• ASCO Valves
• Katronic Flow Meters
• KROHNE Flow Meters
• VEGA Level Sensors
• Rotronic Temperature and Humidity Sensors
• SIKA Digital Pressure Gauges

Join the Process & Hazardous Area Industries LinkedIn group to connect with professionals working across heat tracing, gas detection, fluid control and flow measurement.

Hazardous Area Valves With ATEX Certification

• By Chris Dodds : estimated reading time 3 minutes

ATEX Solenoid Valves

For Hazardous Areas   

uploaded by Chris Dodds - Sales & Marketing Manager (Thorne & Derrick)

Thorne & Derrick are an ASCO Numatics Authorised Distribution Channel and suppliers of ASCO Solenoid Valves to the oil, gas, chemical and process industries – this includes the most extensive range of hazardous area solenoid valves for all Zone, Class & Division with ATEX and IECEx certifications

T&D are pleased to present the new ASCO Hazardous Area Location Solutions Catalogue : the publication assists, informs and supports the specification and selection of the correct solenoid valve with ATEX certification for hazardous area locations and process industry applications, including Ex d flameproof valves and explosion proof solenoid operators. 

What is ATEX?

“ATEX” is an acronym for “ATmosphere EXplosive” i.e. explosive atmosphere. An explosive atmosphere is a mixture of flammable gases, vapours, mists or dusts with air, under specific atmospheric conditions in which, after ignition has occured, combustion propagates to the flammable mixture.

In order for a potentially explosive atmosphere to form, the flammable substances must be present in a certain concentration. If the concentration is too low (lean mixture) or too high (rich mixture), no explosion occurs: instead there is just a slow combustion reaction or no reaction at all.

To summarise, the explosion can occur only in the presence of an ignition source and when the concentration is within the explosive range of substances i.e. between the lower explosive limit (LEL) and upper explosive limit (UEL). The explosive limits depend on the ambient pressure and the percentage of oxygen in the air.

ATEX Directives

The European Union has implemented two harmonized hazardous area directives, known as ATEX 94/9/EC (also ATEX 100a, which, as of April 2016, will be replaced by the new directive 2014/34/UE and ATEX 99/92/EC (also ATEX 137).

For further information about ATEX click here.

ASCO

ASCO manufacture globally approved three-way and four-way solenoid valves for a wide variety of process applications in hazardous areas or potentially explosive environments. The majority of the valves included in the catalogue are part of the ASCO Express Shipping Program and can be shipped by T&D within five days or less.

ASCO – don’t delay, call T&D today. 2000+ ASCO products ready for immediate shipment.

Here is a Slideshare of the Hazardous Area Valve Guide – a download version is at the bottom of this page.

Hazardous area solenoid valves from ASCO include : EX Proof, Intrinsically Safe, Non-Incendive Field Wiring and Harsh Environment valves with UL, CSA, FM, ATEX, IECEx, NEPSI and TR CU approvals.

T&D – The Specialist Supplier of ASCO ATEX Solenoid Valves

ASCO Valves for Hazardous Areas

ASCO Valves – Stainless steel spool valves for hazardous area oil and gas projects

Fluid automation equipment must operate flawlessly in hazardous areas and explosive environments. Solenoid-operated valves from ASCO are essential flow control components in these challenging applications. Solenoid valves must comply with the strictest safety regulations while staying up and running, cycle after cycle, year after year.

ASCO offers the world’s most comprehensive family of ATEX solenoid valves that hold approval from the leading global hazardous area certification agencies – UL, CSA, FM, ATEX, and IECEx.

In addition, ASCO valves are inspected and certified to ATEX in Europe, NEPSI in China, INMETRO in Brazil, and TR CU in Russia.

ASCO users can specify highly reliable ASCO valves in their designs and be assured they are approved for use in dangerous conditions — anywhere in the world.

ASCO Hazardous Area Solenoid Valves – ATEX • CSA • FM • UL • IECEx • INMETRO • TR CU

Solenoid Valves : International Hazardous Area Classifications

ATEX – Definition of a Location Where A Potentially Explosive Atmosphere May Occur

ATEX Certified Valves

The hazardous area classification of an installation into distinct zones has two objectives (according to ATEX 1999/92/EC) : –

1. To define the categories of equipment, including solenoid valves, used in the zones indicated, provided they are suitable for gases, vapours or mists and/or dusts.
2. To classify hazardous places into zones to prevent ignition sources and be able to select the correct electrical and non-electrical equipment accordingly. The zones are defined on the basis of the occurrence of explosive gaseous or dusty atmospheres.

Consult T&D Technical Sales Engineers for specification support in determining the correct ATEX solenoid valves.

For expert technical support in Hazardous Area Valve selection, just call T&D.

ASCO Valves – History & Future Innovation

Age builds trust.

ASCO, in 1888 started out manufacturing elevator, compressor and generator controls.

In 1910 ASCO became the first company to develop and manufacture a new electrically operated control device known as the solenoid valve.

Since then, ASCO have pioneered and patented many designs of ATEX solenoid valves for flow control in hazardous areas – a track record that extends back decades but continues to innovate in the field of flow control today.

ASCO offers hundreds of solenoid valve constructions, many with ATEX certification and various global approvals that can be exported worldwide.

ASCO solenoid valves are famous for their robust operator heads and extended service lives – the valves are ideal for the mission-critical demands of power generation, chemical processing, oil, gas, and refining applications, plus general machinery, wellhead control, mining equipment and measuring and controlling devices.

Hazardous Area ATEX Solenoid Valves

ASCO 551 

ASCO 551 solenoid valves are primarily used for valve piloting applications. The pilot exhaust is collected in the main valve exhaust for dust and water protection. Valve actuator and pilot valve are isolated from the main environment.

Hazardous Area Classification – Useful Links

• ATEX
• CSA 
• FM
• UL 
• IECEx
• INMETRO 
• TR CU (GOST-TRCU) 
• NEPSI

more asco reading

 ➡ ASCO Valves – Selecting & Ordering The Correct Valve    

Hazardous Area Knowledge & Experience

All T&D Sales Engineers hold CompEx Certificates (Hazardous Awareness Course EX F) and undertake advanced and ongoing technical training with suppliers – we can be safely trusted to specify and supply Electrical, Mechanical, Process & Instrumentation Equipment for use in hazardous areas and explosive atmospheres.

The CompEx Scheme is now the global solution for validating core competency of employees and contract staff of major users in the gas, oil & chemical sectors, both with offshore and onshore activities – designed and developed by industry for industry.

T&D UK & International: Project Suppliers To The Onshore & Offshore Oil, Gas, Petrochem & Hazardous Area Industries.

Invitation – network, engage, promote

Thorne & Derrick are inviting you to join LinkedIn’s fastest growing Discussion Group – Process & Hazardous Area Industries : Heat Tracing, Gas Detection, Fluid Control & Flow Measurement. News, projects, videos, promotions, whitepapers, jobs, webinars, press plus much more. 

THORNE & DERRICK

Electrical & Process Instrumentation Equipment for Explosive Atmospheres

Thorne & Derrick are Specialist Distributors of Hazardous Area & Explosion Proof Equipment with IECEx & ATEX Certifications to the onshore and offshore oil, gas, petrochemicals and process industries.

We supply major UK and international infrastructure projects and also MRO (Maintenance, Repair, Operations) requirements for both planned and unplanned plant shutdowns – we react with a rapid response to customer demand to ensure downtime is minimised and reliable Power, Light & Heat is restored or provided.

Working closely with clients and our supply chain we can assess the condition and degradation of your hazardous area installations and implement specifications to manage the planned replacement of legacy equipment conformant with international classifications including ATEX and IECEx.

Key Product Categories: Control Panels | Plugs & Sockets | Isolators | Enclosures & Junction Boxes | Lighting | Control Stations | Motor Starters | Heat Trace Cables & Systems | Gas Detection & Detectors | Fire Detection & Detectors | Heat Detectors | Electrical Heating & Heaters 

➡ Also Process Instrumentation Products: Ashcroft Pressure Gauges | ASCO Valves | Katronic Flow Meters | KROHNE Flow Meters | VEGA Level Sensors | Rotronic Temperature & Humidity Sensors | SIKA Pressure Gauges