Festo MFH-5-1/4-B-EX Solenoid Valve

Technical Overview

The Festo MFH-5-1/4-B-EX is a high-performance 5/2-way monostable solenoid valve from the Tiger 2000 series. Designed for reliability in demanding environments, it features a poppet seat design with a mechanical spring reset. This electrically actuated valve is certified for use in explosion-prone areas (ATEX/UKEX) and is suitable for both gas and dust hazardous zones. It supports a flow rate of up to 1300 l/min and is constructed with a durable die-cast aluminium housing and soft sealing principle for robust pneumatic control.

Key Features

5/2-way monostable valve function
Poppet seat design for high flow and durability
Electric actuation with manual override (non-detenting)
Internal pilot air supply
IP65 degree of protection
ATEX category II 2G and II 2D certified
RoHS-compliant materials
Optional mounting position

Technical Specification Matrix

Parameter	Value
Valve function	5/2-way, monostable
Type of actuation	Electric
Construction width	32 mm
Standard nominal flow rate	1300 l/min
Pneumatic working port	G1/4
Operating pressure (MPa)	0.2 MPa ... 1 MPa
Operating pressure (bar)	2 bar ... 10 bar
Design	Poppet seat
Type of reset	Mechanical spring
CE mark	To EU Explosion Protection Directive (ATEX)
Explosion protection certification outside the EU	EPL Db (GB), EPL Gb (GB)
UKCA marking	To UK EX instructions
ATEX category gas	II 2G
ATEX category dust	II 2D
Explosion ignition protection type for gas	Ex h IIC T4 Gb
Explosion ignition protection type for dust	Ex h IIIC T130°C Db
Explosion ambient temperature	-5 °C <= Ta <= +40 °C
Degree of protection	IP65
Nominal size	7 mm
Grid dimension	33 mm
Exhaust-air function	With flow control option
Sealing principle	Soft
Mounting position	optional
Manual override	Non-detenting
Type of piloting	Pilot actuated
Pilot air supply	Internal
Flow direction	Non-reversible
Symbol	00991035
Lap	Underlap
b value	0.29
C value	5.5 l/sbar
Max. switching frequency	3 Hz
Switching time off	36 ms
Switching time on	12 ms
Max. positive test pulse with 0 signal	2200 µs
Max. negative test pulse with 1 signal	3700 µs
Explosion protection zones	Zone 1 (ATEX), Zone 1 (UKEX), Zone 2 (ATEX), Zone 21 (ATEX), Zone 21 (UKEX), Zone 22 (ATEX)
Operating medium	Compressed air to ISO 8573-1:2010 [7:4:4]
Corrosion resistance class CRC	1 - Low corrosion stress
LABS (PWIS) conformity	VDMA24364-B1/B2-L
Storage temperature	-40 °C ... 60 °C
Media temperature	-10 °C ... 60 °C
Ambient temperature	-5 °C ... 40 °C
Product weight	360 g
Electrical connection	Via F coil, to be ordered separately
Type of mounting	With through-hole
Pilot exhaust port 84	M5
Pneumatic connections (Ports 1-5)	G1/4
Material seals	NBR, TPE-U(PU)
Material housing	Die-cast aluminium

Industrial Applications

1. Combustible Dust Diverter Flap Control in Grain Milling Facilities

In agricultural processing and grain milling facilities, the operational environment often contains high concentrations of highly combustible airborne dust. The Festo MFH-5-1/4-B-EX solenoid valve is utilized to pneumatically actuate heavy-duty diverter flaps and routing gates that direct the flow of grain through chutes. Its specific ATEX certification for explosive dust atmospheres ensures that mechanical or electrical operations do not spark an explosion, while its high flow rate easily drives the large double-acting cylinders required for heavy grain gates.

Problem Solved

Safely and reliably operating double-acting pneumatic cylinders for material routing in environments with continuous combustible dust hazards, preventing catastrophic atmospheric ignition.

ATEX Zone 21Ex h IIIC T130°C Db1300 l/min nominal flow rateIP65 degree of protection5/2-way, monostable

2. Automated Pneumatic Actuation for Robotic Paint Spraying Booths

Automotive and heavy machinery paint spray booths contain dense concentrations of volatile, flammable solvent vapors, presenting a severe explosion risk. This valve controls the double-acting pneumatic linear actuators responsible for positioning robotic spray arms or lifting fixtures within the hazardous zone. Critically, its LABS (PWIS) conformity guarantees that it does not release silicone or other paint-wetting impairment substances that could cause paint defects, while its ATEX gas rating actively prevents the ignition of solvent fumes.

Problem Solved

Eliminating the risk of paint finish contamination (such as fisheyes or craters) while safely driving automated pneumatic positioning systems in highly explosive, solvent-rich zones.

LABS (PWIS) conformity VDMA24364-B1/B2-LATEX Zone 1Ex h IIC T4 GbDie-cast aluminium housingG1/4 pneumatic working port

3. Fast-Response Dosing Valve Actuation in Chemical Processing Plants

In chemical manufacturing, rapidly routing or shutting off the flow of volatile chemicals requires reliable, fast-acting pneumatic process valves. This Festo valve serves as the pilot controller for larger double-acting process valves. Its 12 ms turn-on and 36 ms turn-off switching times ensure high-speed dosing precision, while its explosion protection compliance (EPL Gb and ATEX Zone 1) safeguards the facility against the ignition of hazardous chemical vapors during continuous high-frequency cycling up to 3 Hz.

Problem Solved

Achieving high-speed, precise pneumatic actuation for chemical dosing processes in hazardous areas without violating stringent EU/UK explosion protection directives.

12 ms switching time on36 ms switching time offMax. switching frequency 3 HzEPL Gb (GB) explosion protection2 bar ... 10 bar operating pressure