Edwards C41901000 24V Solenoid Valve for Vacuum and Pneumatic Control

The Edwards C41901000 is a 24V DC direct-acting solenoid valve engineered for precise control of vacuum, air, and inert gases. It belongs to Edwards’ range of industrial valves commonly used in vacuum systems, semiconductor equipment, and laboratory automation. The valve features a compact anodized aluminum body, a robust solenoid coil with low power consumption, and a sealing material compatible with a wide range of media. Its design ensures fast response times and high cycle life, making it suitable for integration with PLC-controlled systems.

Technical Specifications

The valve operates on a nominal voltage of 24 VDC ±10%, with a power consumption of 2.5 W (holding) and 5 W (inrush). The orifice size is 4 mm, and the flow coefficient (Cv) is 0.25. Maximum operating pressure is 10 bar (145 psi) for air and 1 bar (14.5 psi) for vacuum applications. The valve is a 2-way, normally closed (NC) design, with a response time of ≤10 ms. The body is made of aluminum with NBR (nitrile) seals, suitable for temperatures from -10°C to +60°C. Electrical connection is via a DIN 43650A connector (form A).

Construction and Materials

The Edwards C41901000 features a hard-anodized aluminum body for corrosion resistance and durability. The armature and plunger are made of stainless steel, and the spring is made of music wire with anti-corrosion coating. The seal material is NBR (nitrile rubber), which is compatible with air, inert gases, light oils, and vacuum applications. For more aggressive media, other seal options are available upon request. The solenoid coil is encapsulated in a flame-retardant epoxy resin, providing insulation class F (155°C). The valve body has G1/8 threaded ports (BSPP) on both inlet and outlet.

Electrical and Connection Details

The solenoid coil is rated for continuous duty (100% ED). It includes a built-in surge suppression diode (for DC operation) to protect the PLC output module from back EMF. The DIN 43650A connector provides IP65 protection when mated with a suitable cable plug (not included). The valve draws 0.1 A during holding, which is compatible with most PLC transistor outputs (sink or source). For inductive loads, it is recommended to add an external freewheeling diode or use a PLC output module with built-in suppression.

Vacuum Performance

In vacuum applications, the Edwards C41901000 can achieve an ultimate pressure of 1.3 × 10⁻³ mbar (absolute) when properly installed. The leak rate is less than 1 × 10⁻⁶ mbar·L/s (helium tested). The valve is suitable for rough vacuum and medium vacuum systems, including vacuum chambers, load locks, and backing lines. It can be used to isolate vacuum pumps or to admit vent gases. The direct-acting design ensures reliable operation even at zero pressure differential.

Environmental and Mechanical Ratings

Operating temperature: -10°C to +60°C (ambient), storage -20°C to +80°C. Humidity: 0% to 95% non-condensing. The valve is rated IP40 (body) and IP65 (connector when mated). Vibration resistance: 10-55 Hz, 1.5 mm amplitude. The valve dimensions: 55mm (H) x 30mm (W) x 65mm (D) excluding coil. Weight: 0.25 kg. The valve meets CE and RoHS requirements. It is designed for pollution degree 2 environments.

PLC Integration and Typical Applications

The Edwards C41901000 is directly controlled by a PLC digital output (24 VDC). Typical applications include: vacuum system venting, pneumatic actuator control, sample injection in analytical instruments, and coolant flow control in laser systems. In semiconductor manufacturing, it is used for purge lines and load lock chambers. Its fast response makes it suitable for high-speed packaging machinery where precise air bursts are required. For fail-safe operation, the normally closed configuration ensures that the valve closes upon loss of power.

Installation and Maintenance

Mount the valve with the coil oriented upward to prevent condensation ingress. Use PTFE tape or liquid sealant on threaded connections (do not use excess). The valve can be mounted in any orientation, but vertical with coil up is recommended. Do not exceed the maximum pressure rating. For vacuum service, ensure all connections are vacuum-tight. The solenoid coil does not require maintenance; however, periodic cleaning of the valve interior may be necessary if media contains particulates. The seal kit (Edwards part number C41902000) is available for replacement.

Ordering Information

Order number: C41901000 (valve body with coil). The mating cable connector (DIN 43650A, 2-pin + ground) must be ordered separately. Edwards provides a 1-year warranty against manufacturing defects. For OEM quantities, custom voltage options (12V, 110V) are available under different part numbers. Always verify media compatibility before installation. The valve is also known as part of the Edwards RV series vacuum system accessories.