VICI Selectors (multiposition) Standard electric - Manual (Page 3)


General Description
Valco multiposition valves are used to select a flow from a number of
different streams in gas and liquid chromatography and in process stream
applications. Switching them to the desired position can be done manually,
but is best done automatically with either a Valco multiposition air actuator
or the random access Valco multiposition electric actuator described in this
manual. For most laboratory uses, especially where a laboratory computer
is available for control but compressed air is not, the Valco multiposition
electric actuator is the best choice for switching multiposition valves.
The Valco multiposition electric actuator is designed around a highly-
integrated microcontroller, and is capable of detecting the number of valve
positions for which it is configured as well as a number of faults. Actuators
are available in 110 VAC or 220 VAC models for any 4, 6, 8, 10, 12, or 16
position Valco multiposition valve. The model numbers of the actuators are
respectively E4, E6, E8, E10, E12, and E16. (Or E4-220, etc.) An electric
actuator can replace an existing air actuator, and is compatible with most
Valco close mount and standoff assembly hardware.
The actuator consists of (a) the actuator itself, (b) a control box with LED
display, and (c) a 20 conductor interface cable. An actuator typically takes
four seconds to complete 360°; that is, a 4 position valve takes one second
to move the 90° from Position 1 to Position 2.
A computer or data system with external event capacity can be used to
control the actuator using the supplied interface cable. In such a quickly
developing field it would be futile to try to give specifics for each possible
application, but the chapter entitled “Controlling the Actuator with a Computer”
on page 3 provides some general instructions which will be sufficient for
most situations. Consult the factory if additional help is needed.