Clippard EV-3M-12 3-Way Miniature Solenoid Valve, 12 VDC

The Clippard EV-3M-12 is a 3-way, manifold-mount, 12 VDC member of the EV series, the “spider” valve that Clippard describes as its original electronic valve design. A single spider armature spring is the only moving part and travels just 0.007 inch, which is why the data sheet claims more than 1,000,000,000 cycles in ideal applications, response of 5 to 10 ms and only 0.67 W of power.

Why the spider valve suits compact, fast switching

Low voltage DC moves the armature, so the valve runs cool, quietly and with little vibration; at 12 V the coil is 218 ohm and draws 0.055 A (the 24 V coil is 864 ohm at 0.028 A). Leakage is rated at 0.1 sccm. The photo on this page is a family picture of the EV series, not an exact picture of this code. The valve is small and light at 0.17 lb and 1.716 inch long, which is why it appears inside analysers, dispensers and portable instruments.

Technical specification

Reading the EV order code

The code is connection letter, E, function digit, optional units and mounting letters, then voltage, pressure-range letter, top-port option and seals. The example in the data sheet is EC-3-12. For EV-3M-12: V is radial wire leads, 3 is 3-way, M is manifold mount and 12 is 12 VDC; a blank pressure letter means vacuum to 105 psig. Add L for 50 psig at 14 l/min, H for 25 psig at 12.5 l/min, K for Krytox lubricant or D for a diode (pin connector models only). Pick the pressure variant that matches your supply, because the orifice changes with it. The flow figures printed for the series are 17 l/min at 100 psig, 14 l/min at 50 psig and 12.5 l/min at 25 psig, matching the blank, L and H pressure letters, and the operating pressure range runs from 28 inches of mercury vacuum up to those limits. Seal options other than nitrile (FKM, EPDM and silicone) carry a minimum order quantity according to the data sheet, so plan lead time for them separately.

Fitting and operating notes

Bolt the valve to a manifold through the two #6-32 or M3 holes and torque it with the installation socket Clippard lists. Do not exceed 105 psig, run it on filtered dry air or compatible gas, and give the coil its rated 12 V window of 90 to 150 percent. Because 3-way versions have a common port arrangement, check port numbering on the data sheet drawing before piping the exhaust. The data sheet adds that a user whose application goes beyond the printed limits should contact Clippard about a modified valve, rather than operating outside them. A 40 micron filter upstream is the single most useful protection for the 0.007 inch armature travel and the small orifice, and clean, dry gas is the stated medium.

Typical uses

Pilot control of larger valves, sample selection in gas analysers, pneumatic dispensing, medical and laboratory devices and pressure venting are typical. Gulf OEMs building instrument skids use such valves where size and power are limited; no hazardous-area rating is printed in the data sheet, so none is stated here. Related variants listed by Clippard include high-flow, oxygen-clean, analytical, corrosion-resistant, normally-open manifold and proportional versions; see also the Solenoid Valves range.

Dimensions and variants of the EV series

The data sheet drawings show an in-line body of 1.560 inch (39.6 mm) and a manifold body of 1.722 inch (43.7 mm), both on a 0.870 inch (22.1 mm) diameter, with two #6-32 (M3 x 0.5) mounting holes 0.218 inch (5.5 mm) deep on a 0.500 inch (12.7 mm) centre spacing. Ports are #10-32 or M5, and 3-way versions come as normally-open, normally-closed or universally ported. Beyond the standard valve, Clippard lists high-flow, oxygen-clean, analytical, corrosion-resistant, normally-open manifold and proportional variants of the same spider design. Contact Clippard if your application exceeds the printed limits, since the manufacturer states the valve can be modified to suit.

EV-3M-12 questions

What voltage and power does the EV-3M-12 use?

12 VDC, 0.67 W nominal, with a 218 ohm coil and 0.055 A current.

How fast does it switch?

Response time is 5 to 10 ms nominal.

What pressure can it handle?

The standard pressure range is vacuum to 105 psig; L and H variants cover 50 and 25 psig.

What does the M in the part number mean?

It denotes manifold mounting; blank would be in-line.

What temperature range applies?

32 to 180 F (0 to 82 C).

Using it in Oman and the GCC

Miniature solenoid valves are used in the region in medical and analytical equipment, packaging machines, test rigs and small automation systems. Supply them with clean, dry, filtered air, because water and dust in compressed air are common in hot and humid coastal plants and shorten valve life. Check the coil voltage and duty against the control system, and keep the valve within the stated ambient temperature.

Fit a small filter upstream where the air quality is uncertain.

Information to send with an enquiry

• Valve function, voltage and porting
• Manifold or body mounting
• Quantity

Documents and quotation

The EV series data sheet is attached for download. Seven Star LLC supplies Clippard valves from Muscat; send the complete part number and quantity for a quotation.