In many industrial environments, particularly within sectors such as oil and gas, chemical processing and energy generation, equipment must operate safely in locations where flammable gases or vapours may be present. These environments are classified as hazardous areas and require carefully designed components that can operate reliably without creating ignition risks.
One important part of these systems is the solenoid valve. Solenoid valves play a critical role in controlling pneumatic actuators and automation processes, helping operators manage valves, flow control systems and plant operations remotely.
At Heaps, we work closely with engineers and operators who need dependable automation equipment for hazardous environments. One solution widely used across industry is the Pneumatrol solenoid valve range, designed for both safe and hazardous areas and supported by a full range of certified solenoid operators.
Pneumatrol Solenoid Valves for Hazardous Areas
Pneumatrol solenoid valves are pneumatic control valves used to operate valve actuators and automation systems. In hazardous environments, these valves must comply with strict safety standards that minimise the risk of ignition in explosive atmospheres.
Pneumatrol is a leading British manufacturer of high quality solenoid, air pilot and manual control valves. The product range includes both safe area and hazardous area pneumatic solenoid valves supported by a comprehensive range of approved pilot solenoid operators.
These valves are widely used in industries where automation equipment must operate safely around potentially explosive gases or vapours. Applications include chemical plants, oil and gas facilities, fuel handling systems and energy infrastructure.
By combining robust valve design with internationally recognised hazardous area approvals, Pneumatrol solenoid valvesprovide reliable automation control in challenging industrial environments.
What Are Pneumatrol Solenoid Valves?
Pneumatrol solenoid valves are electrically operated pneumatic valves used to control the movement of compressed air within automation systems. When energised, the solenoid coil creates a magnetic field that shifts the valve mechanism, allowing air to flow to a pneumatic actuator.
This process enables operators to control industrial valves remotely through automated control systems.
Because many process plants operate in hazardous environments, these valves are often paired with certified hazardous area solenoid coils designed to prevent ignition risks.
This combination allows Pneumatrol solenoid valves to be safely used in explosive atmospheres while maintaining reliable automation performance.
Understanding Hazardous Area Requirements
Hazardous areas are locations where flammable gases, vapours or combustible dust may be present. In these environments, electrical equipment must be carefully designed to prevent sparks, excessive heat or electrical faults that could ignite the surrounding atmosphere.
To operate safely in these environments, equipment must meet recognised certification standards such as:
- ATEX
- IECEx
- FM
- GOST CU TR
- NEPSI
These certifications confirm that the equipment has been designed and tested to operate safely within defined hazardous area zones.
The Pneumatrol solenoid valve range includes solenoid operators designed to meet these standards, allowing engineers to integrate automation systems safely within hazardous environments.
Pneumatrol Solenoid Valve Configurations
The Pneumatrol range includes several valve configurations designed to suit different installation requirements and automation systems.
Namur Mounted Pneumatrol Solenoid Valves
Namur mounted valves are designed for direct mounting onto quarter turn pneumatically operated valve actuators.
This mounting method simplifies installation and reduces the need for additional pipework between the actuator and the solenoid valve.
Key features include:
- Designed to meet recognised Namur mounting standards
- Port sizes available in 1/8″, 1/4″, 3/8″ and 1/2″
- 3/2 or 5/2 valve functions available using interface plates
- Exhaust to spring (ETS) feature in 3/2 versions to protect actuator springs from corrosion
- High flow valve versions available for demanding applications
These valves are commonly used in automated valve systems controlling process equipment across industrial plants.
Remote Mounted Pneumatrol Solenoid Valves
Remote mounted valves provide greater installation flexibility when the solenoid valve cannot be mounted directly onto the actuator.
These valves are suitable for larger automation systems where multiple actuators may be controlled from a centralised panel.
Key features include:
- Port sizes ranging from M5 to 1″
- Heavy duty valves available up to 1 1/2″ ports
- 3/2, 5/2 and 5/3 valve functions
Remote mounted Pneumatrol solenoid valves are widely used in process automation systems where space or installation constraints require alternative mounting options.
Additional Pneumatrol Mounting Options
The Pneumatrol range also includes several additional mounting configurations designed to support complex automation systems.
These include:
- Banjo mounted valves – Types E52, E14, E53
- Manifold mounted valves – Types E15, E23, E25 V Series
- Sub-base mounted valves – Types E15, E25 T Series
- Cnomo interface configurations
These installation options allow engineers to integrate Pneumatrol solenoid valves into a wide range of pneumatic automation systems.
Hazardous Area Solenoid Coils
An important component of hazardous area valve systems is the solenoid coil. The coil generates the electromagnetic force required to operate the valve, and in hazardous environments it must be designed to prevent ignition risks.
The Pneumatrol range includes both safe area and hazardous area solenoid coil options.
Safe Area Coils
Safe area coil options include:
- MC30 plug and socket moulded coil
- Plug and socket safe area coil
- Terminal box coil with screwed terminal connections
These coils are suitable for installations outside classified hazardous zones.
Hazardous Area Solenoid Coil Types
For hazardous environments, Pneumatrol provides several coil types designed for different zone classifications.
These include:
- EXNA – Non-incendive coil suitable for Zone 2 areas
- EXD – Flameproof coil suitable for Zones 1 and 2
- EXM – Encapsulated coil suitable for Zones 1 and 2
- EXME – Encapsulated coil suitable for ATEX Category Ex II 2G
- EXIA – Intrinsically safe coil suitable for Zones 0, 1 and 2
These hazardous area solenoid operators are available with multiple international approvals including ATEX, IECEx, FM, GOST CU TR and NEPSI, allowing Pneumatrol solenoid valves to be used across global industrial facilities.
Industries Using Pneumatrol Solenoid Valves
Pneumatrol solenoid valves are widely used in industries where reliable automation and hazardous area protection are essential.
Common industries include:
- Oil and gas processing facilities
- Chemical and petrochemical plants
- Power generation systems
- Pharmaceutical manufacturing
- Industrial automation and processing plants
In these environments, automated valves are often required to operate continuously while maintaining strict safety compliance.
Why Engineers Choose Pneumatrol Solenoid Valves
In many industrial plants, automated valves must operate continuously under demanding conditions. Whether controlling gas systems, chemical processes or energy infrastructure, equipment reliability is essential.
Engineers frequently specify Pneumatrol solenoid valves because they offer:
- Robust construction suitable for industrial environments
- Hazardous area certified solenoid operators
- Multiple mounting configurations for flexible installation
- High flow valve options for demanding applications
- Compatibility with pneumatically operated valve actuators
These features make the valves suitable for both new installations and upgrades to existing automation systems.
Pneumatrol Solenoid Valves from Heaps
At Heaps, we supply a wide range of Pneumatrol solenoid valves designed for both safe and hazardous area applications.
Our team works closely with engineers and plant operators to help specify solenoid valves that integrate reliably with pneumatic valve actuators and control systems.
Whether the requirement is for Namur mounted valves, remote mounted control valves or hazardous area certified solenoid operators, we can support projects across a wide range of industrial sectors.
Our experience working with process industries allows us to provide practical guidance on valve selection, hazardous area compliance and system integration.
Pneumatrol Solenoid Valve FAQs
What are Pneumatrol solenoid valves used for?
Pneumatrol solenoid valves are used to control pneumatic valve actuators and automation systems in industrial plants such as oil and gas facilities, chemical processing sites and power generation systems.
Are Pneumatrol solenoid valves suitable for hazardous areas?
Yes. Pneumatrol provides hazardous area solenoid coils with certifications such as ATEX, IECEx, FM, GOST CU TR and NEPSI for use in explosive atmospheres.
What is the difference between EXD and EXIA solenoid coils?
EXD coils are flameproof and suitable for hazardous Zones 1 and 2, while EXIA coils are intrinsically safe and suitable for Zones 0, 1 and 2.
What industries commonly use Pneumatrol solenoid valves?
Industries such as oil and gas, chemical processing, energy production and pharmaceutical manufacturing frequently use Pneumatrol solenoid valves for automated valve control systems.
Speak to Heaps About Pneumatrol Solenoid Valves
Selecting the correct Pneumatrol solenoid valve is essential when designing safe automation systems for hazardous environments.
Our engineers can assist with:
- Hazardous area valve selection
- ATEX compliant solenoid valves
- Pneumatic actuator automation systems
- Replacement Pneumatrol solenoid valves
Contact Heaps today to discuss your Pneumatrol solenoid valve requirements.
