Explosion-proof valves

Explosion-proof hydraulic valves are used in environments where flammable liquids, gases, vapors, and dusts are present. In such hazardous environments, even the smallest spark can trigger an explosion. Therefore, industries like oil & gas, shipping & offshore, chemical processing, mining and even woodworking or grain mills require explosion-proof technology to ensure the safety of their personnel and equipment.

Compliance and certification are crucial. Explosion-proof hydraulic valves must adhere to stringent international standards like ATEX, IECEx, or UL/CSA to be deemed safe for use in hazardous areas. Choosing certified valves ensures they meet the necessary safety requirements for such demanding applications.

Explosion-proof hydraulic valves are often used outside in harsh environmental conditions, such as ambient temperatures down to -60°C or up to +90°C, or exposed to salt water, corrosive gases, and substances. In such environments, hydraulic valves require specific corrosion protection with zinc-nickel coating or even stainless-steel for the most severe conditions.

Wandfluh Ex d explosion-proof valves

The Wandfluh Ex d explosion-proof program offers a comprehensive range of solenoid-operated valves: spool valves (on/off and proportional), poppet valves, proportional pressure valves, and proportional flow control valves. These valves are available in both CETOP and cartridge constructions and come in a wide selection of commonly used sizes.

All Wandfluh Ex d explosion-proof hydraulic valves are zinc-nickel coated providing an excellent corrosion protection (500-1000 hours in salt spray test ISO 9227). For environments requiring even greater corrosion resistance (>1000 hours), Wandfluh Ex d explosion-proof hydraulic valves can be manufactured in acid-resistant AISI 316L stainless steel.

For extreme cold environments, Wandfluh Ex d explosion-proof hydraulic valves are available in -40°C and -60°C executions. These valves utilize special low-temperature steels and sealing materials to ensure operations with high pressures and loads even in the most frigid conditions.

Wandfluh Ex d explosion-proof hydraulic valves offer enhanced functionality with a range of optional features:

• Mechanical hand levers to provide manual control of the valve.
• Manual overrides allowing operation in case of electrical power loss.
• Ex-certified inductive proximity switches to monitor the valve position for precise control and feedback in the system.
• Low power coils to reduce energy consumption.

All Wandfluh Ex d explosion-proof hydraulic valves are equipped with the pressure tight encapsulated Ex d solenoid MKY45/18x60. Its flameproof enclosure prevents an explosion in the interior from getting outside and an ignitable surface temperature. The steel housing can be either zinc-nickel coated or in stainless steel AISI 316L.

 II 2 G Ex db IIC T6, T4
 II 2 D Ex tb III C T80°C, T130°C
 I M2 Ex db I Mb
Class I Division 1, Group A, B, C, D T4

Class II & III, Division I, Group E, F, G T4

Available certificates: ATEX, UKEX, IECEx, CCC, EAC, Australia, MA, USA/Canada, India.

Wandfluh Ex ia explosion-proof valves (intrinsically safe)

The Wandfluh Ex ia intrinsically safe program offers a complete range of directional valves (spool valves) in NG4-Mini, NG6 and NG10 sizes. Poppet valve cartridges M18x15, are also available with the intrinsically safe execution.

Intrinsic safety is achieved by limiting the electric energy in the solenoid by means of a separate intrinsically safe power supply. Wandfluh Ex ia intrinsically safe hydraulic valves are equipped with the intrinsically safe Ex ia M_Z45 solenoid. These solenoids work with such little amount of electric power that ignition or sparking is prevented.

These valves are suitable for the most hazardous mining environments (underground or open cast), where explosive gas mixtures, like methane or coal dust, are a constant threat.

Ex ia I Ma
Ex ia II C T5/T6 Ga
 II 1 G Ex ia II C T6, T5
 I M1 Ex ia I Ma

Available certificates: ATEX, UKEX, IECEx, CCC

Customised explosion-proof hydraulic valves

At Wandfluh, we understand that every project has unique needs. That's why we offer more than just standard valves. We are committed to partnering with clients worldwide to develop high-quality, custom-engineered explosion-proof hydraulic valves for the most technically demanding applications.

Wandfluh valves are modular in structure and can therefore be put together very flexibly. This allows different standard functional elements to be combined, so that individual solutions can be easily realized:

• Valves for operation with low-viscosity fluids such as HFC/HFA.
• Valves for operation with high external pressure (underwater ROVs).
• Miniature valves (NG3-Mini and NG4-Mini), for space-constrained systems.
• Valves that can be either remotely actuated or manually actuated on site.
• Valves with detent function, mechanical unlock system, or with redundant additional solenoid.
• Valves actuated by rare electrical voltages (125 VDC, 220 VDC, 48VAC, etc.).
• Valves with specific electrical connectors (Deutsch, AMP, Bayonet connectors, flying leads, etc.).

If your project requires hydraulic valves with special features, then Wandfluh is your preferred partner. Please contact us at [email protected] to discuss your project requirements.

Wandfluh explosion-proof hydraulic valves

Wandfluh explosion-proof hydraulic valves are manufactured in Switzerland according to highest quality standards. Wandfluh hydraulic valves are designed for the most challenging applications, providing exceptional reliability and durability. Please choose your Wandfluh explosion-proof valve with the filters offered in this website.