What Are NAMUR Valves?

Depending on the circles you move in, it's not unusual to hear the question, What are NAMUR valves? NAMUR is one of those strange acronyms that appear to bear no relationship whatever to their meaning. Today, it represents an international association of member companies in the process industries. The association publishes informative worksheets and recommendations on automation technology. These recommendations are used in the drawing up of process industry standards and are universally recognised. The association was originally founded in Germany in 1949 and had an immensely long title; the letters NAMUR headed some of its component words. Its modern name is the User Association of Automation Technology in Process Industries.

Usage

NAMUR standards apply to various process control elements, including sensors, digital interfaces, valves, and their mountings. NAMUR valves are used as pilot valves to control the actuator in many flow processes. These include dosing and releasing, mixing and distributing, and shutting off the supply of gases, liquids and bulk materials, such as powders or grains. They are widely used in many industry sectors, including water/wastewater, food processing, biotech, pharmaceuticals and chemicals.

NAMUR valves are highly reliable and have a long service life. They provide fast and safe switching in a compact design, which can be directly mounted in any position on a NAMUR mounting plate or interface. Multiple valves can also be mounted on a manifold to supply a number of process control actuators. NAMUR valves demand low control power and offer good medium compatibility between the process materials. They are often designed with a spring return to provide fail-safe operation in the event of unexpected power loss and may be protected for outdoor use with a screened exhaust nut.