1. Manual Vacuum Control in ATEX-Rated Powder Handling Facilities
In pharmaceutical or chemical plants handling combustible powders, operators often require manual intervention to engage suction cups for lifting bags or clearing line blockages. Electrical solenoids pose an ignition risk in these explosive dust environments [1.3]. The Festo VHEF-LT-M32-M-G18 toggle lever valve provides purely mechanical control of the vacuum line. Rated for ATEX Zones 1, 2, 21, and 22, it operates safely in hazardous areas. Its operating pressure range of -0.95 bar to 10 bar allows it to seamlessly control vacuum generation, while the 14 N actuating force ensures ergonomic manual operation for facility workers.
Problem SolvedEliminates the ignition risk of electrical solenoids in explosive dust zones while allowing operators to safely and manually control vacuum-assisted lifting mechanisms.
ATEX Zone 21/22-0.95 bar operating pressureManual actuation14 N actuating force3/2-way monostable
2. Rapid Manual Exhaust for Single-Acting Cylinders in Conveyor Systems
Automated material handling conveyors use large single-acting pneumatic cylinders to divert products. During maintenance lockouts or power failures, trapped compressed air can cause unexpected cylinder movement, posing a severe safety hazard. By integrating the Festo VHEF-LT-M32-M-G18 as a manual override dump valve, technicians can manually toggle the lever to vent the trapped air. The valve's high standard nominal flow rate of 750 l/min ensures the cylinder retracts almost instantly. Its poppet seat design with zero overlap prevents cross-contamination of ports during switching, and the mechanical spring reset guarantees the valve returns to its safe closed state once released.
Problem SolvedProvides a reliable, non-electrical method to rapidly dump trapped compressed air from pneumatic cylinders during maintenance procedures, preventing hazardous uncontrolled movements.
750 l/min nominal flow ratePoppet seat designZero overlapMechanical spring resetG1/8 pneumatic working port
3. Reversible Air-Blast Control for Quality Inspection Stations
At manual quality control stations in packaging lines, operators need to eject defective parts using a targeted burst of compressed air. Depending on the product run, the air-blast system may need to be configured as normally open (to continuously clean a sensor) or normally closed (for targeted manual ejection). The Festo VHEF-LT-M32-M-G18 solves this with its reversible flow direction capability, allowing the 3/2-way valve to function in either NO or NC modes. The robust anodised wrought aluminium alloy housing handles up to 10 bar operating pressure, while its compact 20 mm construction width allows multiple valves to be densely mounted on a single operator control panel.
Problem SolvedAllows operators to manually trigger high-pressure air blasts for part ejection while offering the flexibility to reconfigure the valve between Normally Open and Normally Closed setups without replacing hardware.
Reversible flow direction10 bar operating pressure20 mm construction widthAnodised wrought aluminium alloy3/2-way function
