Solenoid valves: adequate documentation
This question is a multi part question, all regarding specifications or sourcing of pneumatic solenoid valves.
Preface: We are trying to buy more valves: the goal being to find one with a Cv (<.32) AND with an 1/8" port.
I started by investigating the KOP Festo valve. The Festo valve KOP part number specifies an M5 port size. That is larger than 1/8" and seems to violate the 1/8" rule.
Point 1: The KOP M5 festo valve does not seem to meet the requirements of Cv <.32 and port <= 1/8". This means that if I buy more of them (which I can't because there is no inventory available), they don't meet the rules.
The Festo valve we RECEIVED in our KOP was an M7 port size - an even larger port than the potentially-too-large M5 port, further contradicting the rules. The increased flow rate can be seen in the datasheets for the M5 and M7 valves.
Point 2: It doesn't seem fair to use our KOP M7 valve since it does meet the rules.
Festo does not document the Cv of any valve, therefore it seems impossible to adequately document use of any Festo valves - even the one we received in the KOP because it's a different part number than it should have been.
Point 3: It seems impossible to provide documentation that satisfies the rules for Cv and port size when using Festo valves.
If the Festo M7 valve (or M5 valve) is used, the adapter provided for the metric fitting only provides a proper fit when 6mm metric tubing is used. This adapter is not the correct size for the 1/4" tubing provided (and mandated) in the rules.
Point 4: It seems that we are intended to use the metric fitting provided in the KOP valve to connect with a tubing size that it is not rated for. (Since an M5 (or M7) to 1/4" adapter is not available to purchase anywhere.) Confirmation of this would be appreciated.
Question 1: The non-existent Cv specification for the Festo valve, coupled with the M7 KOP SUPPLIED valve conflicting with the KOP description of an M5 and conflicting with the 1/8" requirement in the rules, FINDING legal valves has been difficult for teams, and our rookie team is finding it even harder as most of the forum postings do not provide specific part numbers of parts other teams have found - and when they do specify a part number it implies that there is no inventory available, etc. I know it is up to our team to locate these parts, but finding parts that are both IN STOCK AND DOCUMENTED WITH Cv values is proving very hard. One thing that would help would be guidance: For valves that do not specify a Cv (like Festo) what OTHER specification or documentation can be used in place of a Cv value?
A very frustrated mentor would appreciate some guidance here. Thanks!
