Aignep Evo FRL Series Soft Start Valve

Aignep Evo FRL Series Soft Start Valve

Personnel Safety | Equipment Protection | Controlled Pressurization

Protect your employees and prolong the life of your pneumatic machinery with the Aignep Evo FRL Series Soft Start Valve. Designed to prevent the dangerous “shock” of sudden air introduction, this valve gradually ramps up downstream pressure, ensuring a safe and controlled system restart.

When an air system is repressurized after maintenance or an emergency stop, cylinders can instantly slam to their end positions—a hazard known as “cylinder whip” or rapid actuation. The Evo Soft Start Valve mitigates this risk by slowly feeding air into the system. Once the downstream pressure reaches approximately 50% of the inlet pressure, the valve snaps fully open to allow 100% flow, allowing the machine to resume normal operation safely.

How It Works

1. Phase 1 (The Ramp): Upon activation, air enters through a precision needle valve. This restricts the flow, causing cylinders to move slowly and gently towards their home positions.
2. Phase 2 (Full Flow): Once the system detects back-pressure (usually ~40-60% of line pressure), the internal main poppet opens completely.
3. Result: Full air volume is restored instantly for normal machine operation, but only after the dangerous initial motion is controlled.

Key Features & Benefits

• Adjustable Ramp Speed: Features a top-mounted regulation screw that allows you to customize the pressurization time. Tune it for a fast reset or a very slow, gentle startup depending on your machine’s sensitivity.
• Prevents “Air Hammer”: Eliminates the sudden shock waves that damage gauges, sensors, and seals during startup.
• Modular Integration: Designed to mount perfectly inline with other Aignep Evo components (Filters, Regulators, Shut-Offs) using the Evo modular clamp system, or can be installed as a standalone unit.
• Technopolymer Construction: Built with the Evo Series signature high-resistance technopolymer body, offering superior corrosion resistance and a lightweight footprint compared to metal alternatives.
• High Flow Capacity: Once fully open, the valve provides full flow rates (up to 3100 Nl/min for Size 2) ensuring no restriction during machine operation.

Technical Specifications

Ideal Applications

• Robotics & Automation: Prevents robot arms from jerking violently upon power-up.
• Complex Cylinder Logic: Ensures multi-cylinder machines reset to “Home” position gently to avoid jamming.
• Safety Compliance: An essential component for safety protocols in pneumatic machine guarding to prevent injury during restarts.