FLORHAM PARK, NEW JERSEY, USA, March 18, 2010 – ASCO Numatics, the world’s leading manufacturer of comprehensive fluid automation, flow control, and pneumatics solutions, has introduced an ASCO low-power solenoid valve series that offers .55 watt power consumption while providing highly reliable operating performance.

The new valve is ideal for process applications in the refining, upstream oil and gas, chemical, pharmaceutical, food and beverage, and power generation industries.

“ASCO’s new low-power valve is an attractive choice for project and application engineers designing processing systems in remote locations or who want to install more devices on their bus networks,” said Robert W. Kemple, Jr., Executive Vice President, Sales and Marketing - Americas, ASCO Numatics. “No other solenoid valve on the market delivers higher performance per watt.”

The new solenoid valve is an optimal solution for applications powered by renewable energy sources such as solar panels. Its low-power consumption permits the use of smaller battery packs and enables extended operation on the existing back-up energy source.

The low-power valve is designed to be wired directly into a plant’s bus network I/O interface without the need for auxiliary power source. This means more discrete devices can be installed on a network segment. In addition, on PLC or DCS installation using traditional wiring, the need for an additional relay is eliminated, plus a smaller power supply can be used – reducing the installation and operating costs.

The highly flexible valve comes in multiple options for flow efficiency and maximum and minimum temperature and pressure ratings. It has ATEX, FM, CSA, and UL approvals and is SIL-3 certified.

“Our new valve combines ASCO’s renowned reliability and availability with the industry’s lowest power consumption levels to offer an exceptional flow control solution that can accommodate virtually any low-power application,” said Kemple.