SMC VQC2101-5 Plug-in 5-Port Solenoid Valve VQC2000

The mid-flow plug-in valve of the VQC range

VQC2101-5 is a base-mounted, plug-in 5-port solenoid valve of the SMC VQC2000 series, in the 2-position single solenoid form with rubber seal. It plugs onto a VV5QC21 manifold base, which carries the air supply, the exhaust and the electrical connection, so the valve can be taken out for service without disturbing the tubing to the cylinders.

The code reads VQC2 (series), 1 (2-position single solenoid; 2 is double, 3 closed centre, 4 exhaust centre, 5 pressure centre), 0 (a fixed digit in the catalogue type code), 1 (rubber seal; 0 is metal seal) and 5 (24 VDC; 6 is 12 VDC). No suffix letters are added for function, light/surge voltage suppressor or manual override, so the valve is the standard type (0.4 W coil in the current catalogue) with a light/surge voltage suppressor and a non-locking push type manual override.

Technical specifications

Between the VQC1000 and the VQC4000

The VQC range has three sizes. In the same catalogue table, the VQC1101 has a flow coefficient of 0.85 and the VQC4101 has 7.2 dm3/(s.bar) in the 1 to 4/2 direction, against 2.2 for the VQC2101, so the VQC2000 is the middle step. It is a suitable choice for cylinders of medium bore where the smaller valve would slow the stroke and the larger one is more than needed.

Flow figures in the catalogue are measured with a cylinder port size of C8 and no back-pressure check valve, so use the same port size when you compare.

Manifold and system notes

The valve is used on a VV5QC21 manifold, which the catalogue shows with one-touch fittings for 4, 6 or 8 mm tube on the cylinder ports, and with kits for flat ribbon, D-sub, terminal blocks and serial communication. Options such as a back-pressure check valve, a DIN rail, external pilot and a direct-exhaust silencer can be added to the manifold.

Confirm the manifold, the number of stations and the wiring kit separately; they are different part numbers from the valve.

Related SMC products: SMC VQC1101-5 Plug-in 5-Port Solenoid Valve VQC1000, SMC VQC4101-5 Plug-in 5-Port Solenoid Valve VQC4000, SMC SY7120-5LZD-02 5-Port Solenoid Valve SY7000, SMC SY5120-5LZD-01 5-Port Solenoid Valve SY5000, SMC VK3120-5G-M5 Direct Operated 5-Port Solenoid Valve and SMC SY3120-5LZD-M5 Compact 5-Port Solenoid Valve.

Documents and quotation

The SMC VQC2000 catalogue linked below includes how-to-order for valves and manifolds, specifications, flow data and dimensions. Please confirm manifold type, station count, voltage and options before ordering. See also Solenoid Valves. Seven Star LLC is an independent supplier and quotes the exact part number on request.

VQC2101-5 Ordering Code Options in the Current Catalogue

The current SMC VQC2000 catalogue builds the valve code from the series, the type of actuation, the seal, the coil voltage and optional suffixes. The VQC2101-5 is the base code; the options below change it to another part number.

How the VQC2101-5 Works

The VQC2101-5 is a pilot-operated spool valve. When the 24 VDC coil is energised, the pilot valve sends supply air to the piston, which shifts the spool. Port 1(P) then connects to 4(A), and 2(B) exhausts through 3(R2). When the coil is switched off, the spool returns to its normal position, so P connects to 2(B) and A exhausts through 5(R1). In the rubber-seal design the spool seals with HNBR in an aluminium body, which allows a little more flow than the metal seal VQC2100 (C 2.2 against 2.0 dm³/(s·bar) from P to A/B). Lubrication is not required.

The valve plugs into the manifold, so the electrical connection is made through the manifold base and no lead wires go to the valve. Its pitch on the VQC2000 manifold is 16 mm, and SMC lists the VQC2000 as suitable for cylinders up to Ø80.

Manifold & Wiring Kits

• F kit (D-sub connector), P kit (flat ribbon cable), T kit (terminal block box), L kit (lead wire) and M kit (circular connector).
• S kit for serial transmission, with SI units of the EX126, EX245, EX250, EX260, EX500 and EX600 families, and the EXW1 compact wireless system.
• The S kit accepts 24 VDC valves only, so the VQC2101-5 (24 VDC) can be used on it.

Installation & Maintenance

• Supply clean, dry air through a filter; use dry air at low temperatures to prevent condensation.
• Mount the valve on its manifold station and tighten the mounting screws evenly so the gasket seals the ports.
• Operate the manual override only after checking that the cylinder movement is safe.
• Replace a worn pilot valve assembly with the part listed in the catalogue replacement parts page.
• Keep within 0.15 to 0.7 MPa for the rubber-seal single type.

Typical Applications in Oman & the GCC

Valve islands on packaging, bottling and food lines, water treatment skids, cement and building materials plants, and assembly machines across Oman and the GCC.

Why Source the VQC2101-5 from Seven Star LLC

Seven Star LLC supplies SMC VQC valves, manifolds and serial interface units across Oman and the GCC. Request a quote, and our team can help confirm the correct ordering code for the valve and the matching VV5QC21 manifold.