New Parker Viking Lite directional control valve is smaller, faster with twice the operating life

Parker Hannifin already offers an extensive family of pneumatic directional control valves. With the launch of the Viking Lite this family is extended still further, enabling the company to offer new products that allow engineers to increase the performance, reliability and productivity of pneumatics systems without a penalty in terms of cost, footprint or weight.

Parker’s unique wear compensating system (WCS) is a key feature of the new Viking Lite directional control valves. The WCS utilises dynamic nitrile bidirectional spool seals that, unlike conventional static or o-ring seals held in a fixed position, are free-floating within specially machined grooves, which effectively form the land areas on the spool. Each seal has a narrow profile enabling it easily to expand radially when air pressure is applied, and creating an extremely efficient seal against the highly polished valve bore. The seal is formed at low pilot pressures, helping to minimise the energy required and ensuring low levels of sticktion; in turn this reduces breakaway forces and improves the speed at which the spool responds to control signals.

This simple but reliable method of construction also means that Viking Lite can be used in pneumatic circuits where high cylinder speeds are required, typically up to 1.0m/sec, while wear is significantly reduced, when compared with conventional valves, giving a considerable increase in operating life. Although Viking Lite does not require lubrication it can be used in circuits where other components require the use of oil injected into the air flow.

To extend operating life still further each valve body is manufactured from anodised aluminium, providing excellent resistance to corrosion, with die cast end covers and stainless steel fixing screws. In addition, the combination of integral mounting holes with smooth outer faces prevent dirt or contamination from accumulating, making Viking Lite ideal for use in clean applications.
The new Viking Lite uses direct body porting, available in G1/8, G1/4 and G3/8 port sizes, and can be supplied for solenoid/solenoid or solenoid/spring operation. Each valve is suitable for use in systems with pressures up to 10 bar, and can be used in applications where operating at temperatures are typically between -10°C and +50°C. Options include a choice of manifolds and pressure bars.