Clippard SCPV-1-3 Stepper-Controlled Proportional Needle Valve

The Clippard SCPV-1-3 is a high-flow, stepper-controlled proportional needle valve with 1/8 inch NPT inlet and outlet ports in an anodized aluminum in-line body. A stepper-driven linear actuator with an acme lead screw positions a 3.5 degree stainless steel needle through a 0.152 inch (3.9 mm) orifice in 0.001 inch (0.03 mm) steps, giving up to 280 l/min of linear, repeatable flow control on air and inert gases.

Position-holding flow control for gas delivery

Solenoid proportional valves need continuous power to hold an opening. The SCPV does not: it consumes about 3.85 W only while moving, and holds its position at zero power consumption, including at a loss of power. That makes it attractive for battery or power-limited equipment and for processes where a valve must not drift to closed or open on a supply failure. Clippard lists gas delivery, medical, analytical and industrial automation as the applications that need high resolution, high flow and low hysteresis.

Technical specification

Choosing a drive and a body style

The valve cannot run from a plain supply; it needs a bipolar chopper-type stepper driver, and Clippard offers the SCPVD-1 with an I/O manual. In-line, cartridge and manifold bodies are drawn in the data sheet. This code is the standard in-line 1/8 inch NPT model; Clippard’s part list also carries -R, -KR, C and M variants and metric (M-) versions, so confirm which one matches your order. For OEM work the data sheet lists custom flow profiles up to 5,800 l/min, PEEK or stainless steel materials, FFKM seals, water service, zero-leak shutoff and an encoder motor, all on request.

Commissioning notes

Keep supply within vacuum to 100 psig, and limit the media to air and compatible gases unless a custom version is agreed. Because flow is a function of step count, calibrate the flow curve at your own pressure; the data sheet curve is for the SCPV-1-3 at 100 psig, rising roughly in line with steps up to the 400-step axis shown. Keep the body inside 32 to 184 F.

Where it is used

Clippard names gas delivery, medical, analytical and industrial automation as the applications that need high resolution, high flow and low hysteresis. In Gulf installations the 184 F limit allows enclosure use, but not hot process lines. No hazardous-area approval is printed in the data sheet. For on-off alternatives see the Instrument Valves & Fittings range.

Technical limits and custom options

Positioning accuracy comes from the step count: 400 steps span the flow range shown on the chart, and each step changes flow by about 0.7 l/min on the standard valve. The data sheet lists custom options for OEM use, including flow profiles, other seat and body materials, special seals, water service, tight shutoff and test procedures, so a standard code is a starting point rather than a limit. Specify the supply pressure, the target flow and the medium when asking for a custom version. The standard valve is limited to 100 psig and to air or compatible gases, with FKM seals and an acetal seat.

For wiring, the data sheet lists a connector with wiring harness and a replacement cable, part 25978, and a separate SCPV control-data sheet and driver I/O manual are published by Clippard for the SCPVD-1 driver. The logic input is selectable between 3.3 V and 5 V by jumper, and supply is 7 to 35 VDC, so a typical 12 V or 24 V machine supply is within range. The flow curve in the data sheet is given for the SCPV-1-3 at 100 psig.

SCPV-1-3 questions

What flow does the SCPV-1-3 give?

Up to 280 l/min, with 0.7 l/min flow resolution per step.

Does it use power to hold position?

No. It uses 3.85 W nominal only while adjusting and holds position with zero power.

What driver does it need?

A bipolar chopper drive such as the Clippard SCPVD-1, with 3.3 V or 5 V jumper-selectable logic.

What accuracy figures are given?

Linearity under 2.5% of full scale, hysteresis under 2% and repeatability under 0.5% of full scale.

Which media can it handle?

Air or compatible gases at vacuum to 100 psig.

Using it in Oman and the GCC

Stepper-controlled needle valves are used in the region in gas delivery, analytical and laboratory equipment, and test rigs, where flow must be set precisely and held without power. Supply the valve with clean, dry, filtered gas, because particles can damage the needle and orifice. Check that the stepper driver matches the motor data in the datasheet, and keep the valve within the stated ambient temperature in hot equipment rooms.

Record the step settings at commissioning, so a replacement valve can be set up the same way and spares can be ordered quickly.

Information to send with an enquiry

• Gas, flow range and pressure
• Drive and control interface
• Quantity

Documents and quotation

The SCPV data sheet is available from this page. Seven Star LLC supplies Clippard valves from Muscat; send the part number and quantity for a quotation.