SAMSON Type 3963 Solenoid Valve for Pneumatic Actuators
Overview
The SAMSON Type 3963 is a solenoid valve designed to control pneumatic actuators in hazardous areas. Made by SAMSON (originally under the SAMSOMATIC name), it combines a low-power electropneumatic pilot with a pneumatic booster valve, so intrinsically safe binary signals from automation systems or fieldbus outputs can switch large actuators quickly and reliably. SAMSON highlights a high level of operating safety, short actuating times, a service life of over 20 million switching cycles and optional SIL capability to IEC 61508. Different switching functions, flow rates and connection types allow the SAMSON Type 3963 to be configured for almost any on/off or safety duty on linear and rotary valves.
Seven Star LLC supplies the SAMSON Type 3963 in its many versions, together with connection blocks, NAMUR adapter plates and spare parts, to control valve workshops, EPC contractors and maintenance departments in Muscat, the Sultanate of Oman and the GCC. We provide engineering support in Muscat for decoding article codes and selecting the right switching function.
Operating Principle
The SAMSON Type 3963 pilot valve is an electropneumatic binary converter with a flapper/nozzle assembly. Because it does not need to lift a heavy armature directly in the main air path, the power demand is extremely low, between 6 and 27 mW for DC versions or 0.04 to 0.46 VA for AC versions, depending on the nominal signal. When the coil is energised, the pilot pressure switches the booster valve, which has either a diaphragm actuator with return spring or a spool actuated on one or both sides. The booster then connects supply air to the actuator or vents it, depending on the function.
Booster valves are available with 3/2, 5/2, 5/3 and 6/2-way functions. Spring-return versions go back to the rest position when the coil is de-energised, which is the basis of the fail-safe action used on control valves. Detented versions actuated on both sides keep their operating position until the opposing signal arrives, and spring-centred 5/3-way versions move to a mid-position with ports closed or vented. Switching time is 65 ms or less, and optional supply and exhaust restrictors allow opening and closing times to be set in a ratio of up to 1:15. An optional exhaust air feedback returns clean exhaust air to the actuator spring chamber.
Engineering Design of the SAMSON Type 3963
The SAMSON Type 3963 enclosure is made of black glass-fibre reinforced polyamide PA 6-3-T-GF35, with a connecting plate in powder-coated AlMg, 1.4404 stainless steel or polyamide depending on the version. Screws are 1.4571, springs 1.4310, and diaphragms are chloroprene rubber for −20 to +80 °C or silicone rubber for −45 to +80 °C. Degree of protection is IP 54 with a filter, or IP 65 and NEMA 4 with a filter check valve. Electrical connection uses an M20 x 1.5 cable gland to terminals or a DIN EN 175301-803 device connector, optionally with LED, and a manual override can be supplied as a pushbutton or switch.
Pneumatic connections are G 1/4 or G 1/2 (or 1/4 and 1/2 NPT) threads, or a NAMUR interface of 1/4 or 1/2 inch to VDI/VDE 3845. Mounting options include rail, wall or pipe mounting, connection blocks for direct attachment to the SAMSON Type 3277 actuator together with Type 3730, 3766, 3767 and 378x positioners, NAMUR rib attachment to linear actuators to IEC 60534-6-1, and direct mounting on rotary actuators. Weights range from about 570 g for the standard small versions to around 1.8 kg for the larger KVS versions.
Key Features
Key features of the SAMSON Type 3963 given in SAMSON data sheet T 3963 are:
- Nominal signals of 6, 12 or 24 V DC or 115 or 230 V AC with very low power consumption.
- Intrinsically safe II 2G Ex ia IIC T6 version for Zone 1 and Ex nA or Ex ic version for Zone 2.
- 3/2, 5/2, 5/3 and 6/2-way functions with KVS coefficients from 0.16 to 4.3.
- Optional safety function with SIL to IEC 61508 and TUV approval for emergency venting.
- Switching time of 65 ms or less and over 20 million switching cycles at −20 to +80 °C.
- Threaded or NAMUR interface connections for linear and rotary actuators.
- Corrosion-resistant enclosure with IP 54, or IP 65 and NEMA 4 with filter check valve.
- Adjustable supply and exhaust restrictors and optional exhaust air feedback.
Industrial Applications
The SAMSON Type 3963 is used wherever a control valve or on/off valve must be moved to a defined position by an electrical command. Typical tasks include emergency shutdown and venting of control valve actuators, on/off control of quarter-turn ball and butterfly valves, batch switching in chemical plants, tank filling and isolation, burner management and fuel gas shut-off, and switching of double-acting actuators with 5/2 or 5/3-way functions. When mounted on a positioner-equipped control valve, the SAMSON Type 3963 can override the positioner output and drive the valve to its safe position independently of the control signal.
In Oman and the GCC, the SAMSON Type 3963 is found on oil and gas wellhead and gathering facilities, gas plants, refineries, petrochemical units in Sohar and Duqm, LNG and storage terminals, and power and desalination plants, where Zone 1 and Zone 2 classifications are common. Its low power demand suits intrinsically safe barriers and fieldbus outputs, and the silicone diaphragm option covers outdoor installations. Seven Star LLC supplies the SAMSON Type 3963 matched to your actuator, switching function and hazardous area requirements.
Technical Specifications
The SAMSON Type 3963 data below are taken from SAMSON data sheet T 3963 EN; the full ordering code and version tables are in the data sheet.
| Parameter | Specification |
|---|---|
| Model | SAMSON Type 3963 solenoid valve |
| Design | Solenoid with flapper/nozzle pilot and booster valve |
| Nominal signal | 6, 12, 24 V DC; 115, 230 V AC (48 to 62 Hz) |
| Power consumption | 6 to 27 mW (DC) or 0.04 to 0.46 VA (AC), depending on signal |
| Switching functions | 3/2, 5/2, 5/3 (spring-centred) and 6/2-way; spring return or detent |
| KVS coefficients | 0.16, 0.32, 1.4, 2.0, 2.9 and 4.3 depending on version |
| Supply / operating pressure | 1.4 to 6 bar (2.7 to 6 bar for KVS 2.0 and 4.3 NAMUR versions) |
| Medium | Instrument air free from corrosive substances or nitrogen |
| Switching time | 65 ms or less |
| Service life | 2 x 107 cycles (−20 to +80 °C); 2 x 106 cycles (−45 to +80 °C) |
| Explosion protection | II 2G Ex ia IIC T6…T4 Gb (PTB 01 ATEX 2085); II 3G Ex nA II T6 Gc / Ex ic IIC T6 Gc; FM; CCC Ex |
| Ambient (Ex ia, T6/T5/T4) | −45 to +60 / +70 / +80 °C |
| Connections | G 1/4, G 1/2, 1/4 NPT, 1/2 NPT; NAMUR interface 1/4 or 1/2 inch |
| Degree of protection | IP 54; IP 65 / NEMA 4 with filter check valve |
| Enclosure | Polyamide PA 6-3-T-GF35; connecting plate AlMg, 1.4404 or polyamide |
How to Order
For a quotation on the SAMSON Type 3963, send Seven Star LLC the full article code if available, or the nominal signal, explosion protection, switching function, KVS, connection type, mounting method and whether a SIL safety function is required. The SAMSON data sheet T 3963 can be downloaded from this page. Seven Star LLC supplies SAMSON valve accessories in Oman and the GCC with engineering support in Muscat. Related products include the SAMSON Type 3725 Electropneumatic Positioner, the SAMSON Type 3271 Pneumatic Diaphragm Actuator and the Samson 3730-3 Electropneumatic Smart Positioner.
- Datasheet SAMSON Type 3963 Solenoid Valves Data Sheet T 3963 EN (manufacturer) Download
Samson valve, actuator and positioner types
Samson builds a control valve from modules. The Type 3241 globe valve is the general-service body of Series 240, and the Type 3251 is the Series 250 body for higher pressure ratings. Either one is combined with a Type 3271 pneumatic diaphragm actuator or a Type 3277, whose yoke allows the positioner to be attached directly with a concealed travel linkage. The positioners listed are the Type 3725 and the Type 3730 family: the 3730-1 as the basic electropneumatic version, sold in its current generation as TROVIS 3730-1, and the 3730-3 with HART communication and valve diagnostics. Samson also makes PROFIBUS PA and FOUNDATION fieldbus variants in the same family, plus self-operated pressure and temperature regulators.Where Samson valves are used
Samson control valves throttle steam, gas and liquids in chemical and petrochemical units, refineries, gas processing, power stations, water and desalination plants, and food production. Many reach site as part of a skid or package, so the plant instrument team often meets them first when a positioner or actuator needs replacing. We supply these items to end users and contractors throughout the GCC.Ordering Samson parts: what we need
Every Samson device has a nameplate with the type, a configuration ID (Var-ID) and a serial number. A photo of that plate is the surest route to an exact match. Without it, please send:- Valve: type, DN or NPS, pressure rating, body and trim material, Kvs or Cv, plug and seat style, packing and bonnet type
- Actuator: type, effective area in cm², bench range, fail action and travel
- Positioner: full type code including Ex protection, communication and options such as limit switches or position transmitter
Browse Samson products by category: Control Valves, Valve Positioner, Valve Actuator.
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