1. Fragile Carton Detection on Dusty Packaging Conveyors
In facilities handling lightweight cartons, dust frequently blinds optical sensors. The Festo FVSO-3-1/8 whisker valve [1.8] is mounted along the guide rails to detect boxes. Thanks to its internal pilot air supply, the mechanical whisker requires an exceptionally low actuating force, allowing it to sense fragile or irregularly positioned workpieces without pushing them off the belt. Operating at a standard 6 bar pressure within the 0.35 MPa to 0.8 MPa range, the valve shifts from its 3/2 normally open state, exhausting the downstream air to instantly signal a pneumatic logic controller.
Problem SolvedProvides reliable physical detection of lightweight, misaligned, or fragile objects in dusty environments where optical sensors fail and traditional roller lever valves apply too much damaging force.
3/2 open, monostablePilot air supply: InternalType of actuation: MechanicalOperating pressure (MPa): 0.35 MPa ... 0.8 MPaDesign: Poppet seat
2. Pneumatic Web Sag Monitoring in Textile and Paper Mills
Monitoring the tension and sag of a continuous fabric or paper web is critical, but airborne lint easily fouls photoelectric sensors. The FVSO-3-1/8 whisker valve is positioned beneath the web loop. If the material loses tension and sags, it gently deflects the flexible whisker. The soft sealing principle and mechanical spring reset ensure reliable performance without damaging the web. When triggered, the valve's 175 l/min standard nominal flow rate quickly exhausts the 5 bar supply line to a pneumatic clutch, stopping the feed rollers before the delicate material tears.
Problem SolvedDelivers a zero-electrical, low-impact physical limit switch that safely detects the presence of sagging delicate webs from unpredictable angles without causing material tears.
Standard nominal flow rate: 175 l/minType of reset: Mechanical springSealing principle: SoftCorrosion resistance class CRC: 2 - Moderate corrosion stressPneumatic working port: G1/8
3. Explosion-Proof Overtravel Detection for Industrial Safety Gates
Industrial safety gates in ATEX or hazardous washdown areas cannot use electrical limit switches. Additionally, heavy doors often suffer from track misalignment, which can snap rigid roller switches. The completely pneumatic FVSO-3-1/8 valve uses a multi-directional whisker to absorb misaligned strikes safely. Operating with compressed air to ISO 8573-1:2010, the pilot actuated poppet valve safely cuts off pilot pressure to the locking cylinders when the gate fully opens. Its anodised housing and NBR seals withstand the moderate corrosion stress of the facility across ambient temperatures of -10 °C to 60 °C.
Problem SolvedEliminates spark hazards in explosive atmospheres while providing a flexible, multi-directional overtravel limit switch that will not break under mechanical door misalignment.
Operating medium: Compressed air to ISO 8573-1:2010 [-:-:-]Material housing: AnodisedMaterial seals: NBRType of piloting: Pilot actuatedAmbient temperature: -10 °C ... 60 °C
