SMC Networks VTA301 Series User manual

Doc. no. VT301∗∗-OMH0007-B
PRODUCT NAME
3 Port Air Operated Valve
MODEL / Series / Product Number
VTA301 Series

Contents
Safety Instructions --------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 2, 3
Design / Selection ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 4
Mounting ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 4
Piping -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 5
Lubrication ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 5
Air Supply -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 6
Operating Environment --------------------------------------------------------------------------- 6
Maintenance ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 6
Specific Product Precautions ------------------------------------------------------------------- 7
Troubleshooting ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ 8
- 1 - VT301∗∗-OMH0007-B

Safety Instructions
These safety instructions are intended to prevent hazardous situations and/or equipment damage.
These instructions indicate the level of potential hazard with the labels of “Caution,” “Warning” or “Danger.”
They are all important notes for safety and must be followed in addition to International Standards
(ISO/IEC)*1) , and other safety regulations.
*1) ISO 4414: Pneumatic fluid power -- General rules relating to systems.
ISO 4413: Hydraulic fluid power -- General rules relating to systems.
IEC 60204-1: Safety of machinery -- Electrical equipment of machines .(Part 1: General requirements)
ISO 10218: Manipulating industrial robots -Safety.
etc.
Caution
Caution indicates a hazard with a low level of risk which, if not avoided, could result
in minor or moderate injury.
Warning
Warning
indicates a hazard with a medium level of risk which, if not avoided, could
result in death or serious injury.
Danger
Danger
indicates a hazard with a high level of risk which, if not avoided, will result
in death or serious injury.
Warning
1. The compatibility of the product is the responsibility of the person who designs the equipment or
decides its specifications.
Since the product specified here is used under various operating conditions, its compatibility with specific
equipment must be decided by the person who designs the equipment or decides its specifications based on
necessary analysis and test results.
The expected performance and safety assurance of the equipment will be the responsibility of the person who
has determined its compatibility with the product.
This person should also continuously review all specifications of the product referring to its latest catalog
information, with a view to giving due consideration to any possibility of equipment failure when configuring the
equipment.
2. Only personnel with appropriate training should operate machinery and equipment.
The product specified here may become unsafe if handled incorrectly.
The assembly, operation and maintenance of machines or equipment including our products must be
performed by an operator who is appropriately trained and experienced.
3. Do not service or attempt to remove product and machinery/equipment until safety is confirmed.
1.The inspection and maintenance of machinery/equipment should only be performed after measures to
prevent falling or runaway of the driven objects have been confirmed.
2.When the product is to be removed, confirm that the safety measures as mentioned above are implemented
and the power from any appropriate source is cut, and read and understand the specific product precautions
of all relevant products carefully.
3. Before machinery/equipment is restarted, take measures to prevent unexpected operation and malfunction.
4. Contact SMC beforehand and take special consideration of safety measures if the product is to
be used in any of the following conditions.
1. Conditions and environments outside of the given specifications, or use outdoors or in a place exposed to
direct sunlight.
2. Installation on equipment in conjunction with atomic energy, railways, air navigation, space, shipping,
vehicles, military, medical treatment, combustion and recreation, or equipment in contact with food and
beverages, emergency stop circuits, clutch and brake circuits in press applications, safety equipment or
other applications unsuitable for the standard specifications described in the product catalog.
3. An application which could have negative effects on people, property, or animals requiring special safety
analysis.
4.Use in an interlock circuit, which requires the provision of double interlock for possible failure by using a
mechanical protective function, and periodical checks to confirm proper operation.
- 2 - VT301∗∗-OMH0007-B

Safety Instructions
Caution
1. The product is provided for use in manufacturing industries.
The product herein described is basically provided for peaceful use in manufacturing industries.
If considering using the product in other industries, consult SMC
beforehand and exchange
specifications or a contract if necessary.
If anything is unclear, contact your nearest sales branch.
Limited warranty and Disclaimer/Compliance Requirements
The product used is subject to the following “Limited warranty and Disclaimer” and “Compliance
Requirements”.
Read and accept them before using the product.
Limited warranty and Disclaimer
1.The warranty period of the product is 1 year in service or 1.5 years after the product is
delivered,whichever is first.
∗
2)
Also, the product may have specified durability, running distance or replacement parts. Please
consult your nearest sales branch.
2. For any failure or damage reported within the warranty period which is clearly our responsibility,
a replacement product or necessary parts will be provided.
This limited warranty applies only to our product independently, and not to any other damage
incurred due to the failure of the product.
3. Prior to using SMC products, please read and understand the warranty terms and disclaimers
noted in the specified catalog for the particular products.
∗
2) Vacuum pads are excluded from this 1 year warranty.
A vacuum pad is a consumable part, so it is warranted for a year after it is delivered.
Also, even within the warranty period, the wear of a product due to the use of the vacuum
pad or failure due to the deterioration of rubber material are not covered by the limited
warranty.
Compliance Requirements
1.
The use of SMC products with production equipment for the manufacture of weapons of mass
destruction(WMD) or any other weapon is strictly prohibited.
2. The exports of SMC products or technology from one country to another are governed by the
relevant
security laws and regulation of the countries involved in the transaction. Prior to the
shipment of a SMC product to another country, assure that all local rules governing that export
are known and f
ollowed.
Caution
SMC products are not intended for use as instruments for legal metrology.
Measurement instruments that SMC manufactures or sells have not been qualified by type approval tests
relevant to the metrology (measurement) laws of each country.
Therefore, SMC products cannot be used for business or certification ordained
by the metrology
(measurement) laws of each country.
- 3 - VT301∗∗-OMH0007-B

Caution
Warning
Warning
Design / Selection
1. Confirm the specifications.
Products represented in this manual are designed only for use
in compressed air systems.
Do not operate at pressures or temperatures, etc., beyond the
range of specifications, as this can cause damage or malfunction.
Please contact SMC when using a fluid other than compressed air.
We do not guarantee against any damage if the product is
used outside of the specification range.
2. Actuator drive
When an actuator, such as a cylinder, is to be driven using a valve,
take appropriate measures (cover installation or approach
prohibition) to prevent potential danger caused by actuator
operation.
3. Effects of back pressure when using a manifold
Use caution when valves are used on a manifold, because an
actuator may malfunction due to back-pressure. For single
acting cylinder, take appropriate measures to prevent malfunction
by using it with an individual exhaust manifold.
4. Holding of pressure
Since the valves are subject to air leakage, they cannot be
used for applications such as holding pressure in a pressure
vessel.
5. Not suitable for use as an emergency shut-off valve,
etc.
VTA301 series are not designed for safety applications such
as an emergency shutoff valve. If the valves are used for the
mentioned applications, additional safety measures should be
adopted.
6. Release of residual pressure
For maintenance purposes install a system for releasing
residual pressure.
Ensure that the residual pressure between the valve and the
cylinder is released.
7. Operation in a vacuum condition
This product cannot be used for vacuum. If installed in a
vacuum piping, it will cause vacuum leakage.
8. Ventilation
Provide ventilation when using a valve in a confined area,
such as in a closed control panel.
9. Do not disassemble the product or make any
modifications, including additional machining.
It may cause human injury and/or an accident.
1. Operation in a low temperature condition
It is possible to operate a valve in an extreme temperature, as
low as -10 oC. Take appropriate measures to avoid freezing of
drainage, moisture etc. in low temperature.
2. Mounting orientation
Mounting orientation is free.
3. Initial lubrication of main valve
Grease has been applied to the main valve as initial lubricant.
Mounting
1. Operation in a low temperature condition
Install the products and operate them only after reading the
operation manual carefully and understanding its contents.
Also, keep the manual where it can be referred to as
necessary.
2. Ensure sufficient space for maintenance activities.
When installing the products, allow access for maintenance
and inspection.
3. Tighten threads with the proper tightening torque.
When installing the products, follow the listed torque
specifications.
4. If air leakage increases or equipment does not
operate properly, stop operation.
Initial function and leakage tests should be performed after
installation.
5. Painting and coating
Warnings or specifications printed or affixed to the product
should not be erased, removed or covered up.
VTA301 Series
3 Port Air Operated Valve / Precautions 1
Be sure to read before handling
.
- 4 -VT301**-OMH0007-B

Caution
Warning
Piping
1. Preparation before piping
Before piping is connected, it should be thoroughly blown out
with air (flushing) or washed to remove chips, cutting oil and
other debris from inside the pipe.
2. Wrapping of pipe tape
When screwing piping or fittings
into ports, ensure that chips from
the pipe threads or sealing
material do not enter the piping.
Also, if pipe tape is used, leave 1
thread ridge exposed at the end
of the threads.
3. Connection of fittings
1) For a fitting with sealant R or NPT, first, tighten it by hand,
then use a suitable wrench to tighten the hexagonal
portion of the body an additional two or three turns. For
the tightening torque, refer to the table below.
Connection thread size(R, NPT)
Proper tightening torque (N·m)
1/8
3 to
5
1/4
8 to 12
Follow the procedure of the manufacturer when fittings
other than SMC fittings are used.
2) If the fitting is tightened with excessive torque, a large
amount of sealant will seep out. Remove the excess sealant.
3) Insufficient tightening may cause seal failure or loosen the
threads.
4) For reuse
(1) Normally, fittings with a sealant can be reused up to 2
to 3 times.
(2) To prevent air leakage through the sealant, remove any
loose sealant stuck to the fitting by blowing air over the
threaded portion.
(3) If the sealant no longer provides effective sealing, wind
sealing tape over the sealant before reusing. Do not
use any form of sealant other than the tape type of sealant.
(4) Once the fitting has been tightened, backing it out to its
original position often causes the sealant to become
defective. Air leakage will occur.
4. Uni thread fittings
1) First, tighten the threaded portion by hand, then use a
suitable wrench to tighten the hexagonal portion of the
body further at wrench tightening angle shown below. For
the reference value for the tightening torque, refer to the
table below.
2) The gasket can be reused up to 6 to 10 times. It can be
replaced easily when it has sustained damage. A broken
gasket can be removed by holding it and then turning it in
the same direction as loosening the thread. If the gasket
is difficult to remove, cut it with nippers, etc. In such a
case, use caution not to scratch the seat face because
the seat face of the fitting’s 45° gasket is the sealing face.
Lubrication
1. Lubrication
1) The valve has been lubricated for life by the factory and
does not require any further lubrication.
2) If a lubricant is used in the system, use class 1 turbine oil
(no additives), ISO VG32. For details about lubricant
manufacturers’ brands, refer to the SMC website.
Additionally, please contact SMC for details about class 2
turbine oil (with additives) ISO VG32.
Once lubricant is utilized within the system, since the
original lubricant applied within the product during
manufacturing will be washed away, please continue to
supply lubrication to the system. Without continued
lubrication, malfunctions could occur.
If turbine oil is used, refer to the Safety Data Sheet (SDS)
of the oil.
2. Lubrication amount
If the lubrication amount is excessive, the oil may accumulate
inside the valve, causing malfunction or response delay.
So, do not apply a large amount of oil.
Connection Female Thread: Rc, NPT, NPTF
Uni thread size
Wrench tightening angle
after tightened by hand
(deg)
Tightening torque
(N·m)
1/8
30 to 60
3 to
5
1/4
30 to 60
8 to 12
Connection Female Thread: G
Uni thread size
Wrench tightening angle
after tightened by hand
(deg)
Tightening torque
(N·m)
1/8
30 to 45
3 to 4
1/4
15 to 30
4 to 5
VTA301 Series
3 Port Air Operated Valve / Precautions 2
Be sure to read before handling.
- 5 -VT301**-OMH0007-B

Warning
Caution
Warning
Warning
Caution
Caution
Air Supply
1. Type of fluids
Please consult with SMC when using the product in applications
other than compressed air.
2. When there is a large amount of drainage
Compressed air containing a large amount of drainage can
cause the malfunction of pneumatic equipment.An air dryer or
water separator should be installed upstream from filters.
3. Drain flushing
If condensation in the drain bowl is not emptied on a regular
basis, the bowl will overflow. This may cause the malfunction
of pneumatic equipment.
If the drain bowl is difficult to check and remove, the
installation of a drain bowl with an auto drain option is
recommended
For compressed air quality, refer to SMC’s Best Pneumatics
catalog.
4. Use clean air.
Do not use compressed air that contains chemicals, synthetic
oils that include organic solvents, salt, corrosive gases, etc.,
as it can cause damage or malfunction.
1. When extremely dry air is used as the fluid, degradation
of the lubrication properties inside the equipment
may occur, resulting in reduced reliability (or reduced
service life) of the equipment. Please consult with
SMC.
2. Install an air filter.
IInstall an air filter upstream near the valve. Select an air filter
with a filtration size of 5 μm or smaller.
3. Take measures to ensure air quality, such as by
installing an aftercooler, air dryer, or water separator.
Compressed air that contains a large amount of drainage can
cause the malfunction of pneumatic equipment, such as valves.
Therefore, take appropriate measures to ensure air quality, such
as by providing an aftercooler, air dryer, or water separator.
4. If an excessive amount of carbon powder is present,
install a mist separator on the upstream side of the
valve.
If excessive carbon dust is generated by the compressor, it
may adhere to the inside of a valve and cause it to malfunction.
For compressed air quality, refer to SMC’s Best Pneumatics
catalog.
Operating Environment
1. Do not use in an atmosphere containing corrosive
gases, chemicals, sea water, water, water steam, or
where there is direct contact with any of these.
2. Do not use in an environment where flammable gas
or explosive gas exists. Usage may cause a fire or
explosion. The products do not have an explosion
proof construction.
3. Do not use in a place subject to heavy vibration
and/or shock.
4. The valve should not be exposed to prolonged
sunlight. Use a protective cover. Note that the valve
is not for outdoor use.
5. Remove any sources of excessive heat.
6. If it is used in an environment where there is possible
contact with oil, weld spatter, etc., exercise preventive
measures.
1. Temperature of ambient environment
Use the valve within the range of the ambient temperature
specification of valve. In addition, pay attention when using the
valve in environments where the temperature changes drastically.
2. Temperature of ambient environment
If the humidity rises, take measures to prevent the adhesion of
water droplets on the valve.
Maintenance
1. Perform maintenance and inspection according to
the procedures indicated in the operation manual.
If handled improperly, human injury and/or malfunction or
damage of machinery and equipment may occur.
2. Removal of equipment, and supply/exhaust of
compressed air
Before components are removed, first confirm that measures
are in place to prevent workpieces from dropping, run-away
equipment, etc. Then, cut off the supply air and electric power,
and exhaust all air pressure from the system using the
residual pressure release function.
When the equipment is operated after remounting or
replacement, first confirm that measures are in place to
prevent the lurching of actuators, etc. Then, confirm that the
equipment is operating normally.
3. Low-frequency operation
Valves should be operated at least once every 30 days to
prevent malfunction. (Use caution regarding the air supply.)
4. If the volume of air leakage increases or the valve
does not operate normally, do not use the valve.
Perform periodic maintenance on the valve to
confirm the operating condition and check for any
air leakage.
1. Drain flushing
Remove drainage from the air filters regularly.
2. Lubrication
In the case of rubber seals, once lubrication has been started,
it must be continued.
Use class 1 turbine oil (with no additives), VG32. If other
lubricant oil is used, it may cause a malfunction. Please
contact SMC for information on the suggested class 2 turbine
oil (with additives), VG32.
3. Protection
Make sure that dust and/or other foreign matter cannot enter
the valve from the unused port (e.g. exhaust port).
VTA301 Series
3 Port Air Operated Valve / Precautions 3
Be sure to read before handling
.
- 6 -VT301**-OMH0007-B

Warning
Caution
Caution
Caution
Manifold Specification
Mounting
When mounting a valve on the manifold base, N.C. and N.O. can
be reversed by a function plate orientation. Also, since cylinder
acts reversely, confirm if the function plate is correctly mounted or
not.
Specifications
Function plate
N.C.
3-CL
N.O.
3-CP
1. Each valve is fixed to the manifold base with two M4 mounting
screws. Tighten the screws evenly when re-mounting.
2. For mounting, tighten M4 or equivalent screws evenly into the
mounting holes of the manifold base.
Tightening torque of the mounting screw (M4): 1.4N・m
Changing from N.C. to N.O.
If N.O. valve is needed, remove mounting screws of the required
valve and turn over the function plate. (Make sure that there are
gaskets on both sides of the plate.)
Then, tighten the mounting screws to fix the valve to the manifold
base.
∗ This product is delivered as N.C. valve.
Port Direction
1. For the common exhaust type, pressurization or evacuation of
the R port can cause a malfunction.
2. In the case of 6 stations or more, supply pressure from both
sides of P port. In the case of common exhaust type, exhaust
air from both sides of R port as well.
Figure: For N.C.
N.O. specifications
N.C. specifications
Function plate
VTA301 Series
Specific Product Precautions 1
Be sure to read before handling
.
- 7 -VT301∗∗-OMH0007-B

Faulty operation
(5)
Leakage
Failure phenomenon
Possible causes
Excessive amount of lubricant
(2)
(3)
(4)
Swollen spool valve
Low pilot pressure
(1)
Though pilot valve does
shift, main valve will not shift
or will be sluggish.
Foreign matter caught in the spool valve
(2)
Poor seal on actuator (cylinders, etc.) side
Spool has not completely shifted
Intrusion of foreign matter
Leakage from the
connecting port.
Leakage from the gasket
(manifold)
(2)
(6)
Wear of packings of the spool valve
Countermeasures
(7)
Inferior tightening of installation screw
Troubleshooting
Should any trouble be found during operation, trace the source of the trouble in the following order and take
corrective action.
No.
Countermeasures
(1)
Adjust pressure so that pilot pressure will fall within operating pressure range during operation.
(2)
In case of intrusion of foreign matter, to remove foreign matter by air blow of piping and then replace valve.
(3)
If incorrect oil has been used for lubrication, remove the oil with air blow and replace the valve with a new one.
If a lubricant is used in the system after the replacing the valve, use turbine oil Class 1 (ISO VG32).

If there is a large amount of condensate or condensate cannot be removed completely, mount an auto
drain or install a dryer and replace the valve.
(4)
Reduce the amount of lubricant to the degree that no oil splashes out of the air exhaust port (R port).
(5)
Repair or replace actuators.
(6)
Replace the valve.
(7)
After stopping air and re-tighten the bolts.
If no improvement is achieved in spite of the above countermeasure, inside of the valve may have some abnormality.
In this case, stop using the valve immediately.
If any of followings are carried out, inside of the valve may have some failure. In this case, stop using the valve immediately.
The oil supplied was not the specified type.
Lubrication was stopped during operation. Or, lubrication was interrupted temporarily.
The product was directly exposed to water.
Severe impact was applied.
Foreign matter such as condensate or dust has entered the product.
Other than the cases mentioned above, any usage which falls into the precautions given in this Operation Manual.
∗If the product has failed, then please return the valve as it is.
- 8 - VT301∗∗-OMH0007-B

Revision
□
BE ARenewal 2018. 9
4-14-1, Sotokanda, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo 101-0021 JAPAN
Tel: + 81 3 5207 8249 Fax: [phone]
URL http://www.smcworld.com
Note: Specifications are subject to change without prior notice and any obligation on the part of the manufacturer.
© 2018 SMC Corporation All Rights Reserved
VT301∗∗-OMH0007-B