What is a NAMUR Valve
Publish Time: 2025-04-26 Origin: Site
What is a NAMUR Valve? A Complete Guide for Industrial Automation
In industrial automation, NAMUR valves have become an essential standard for pneumatic systems. Whether you are working in chemical processing, oil and gas, or water treatment, understanding NAMUR valves can greatly improve your efficiency and reliability.
In this guide, we’ll explain everything you need to know about NAMUR valves — what they are, how they work, why they matter, and how to choose the right one for your application.
What Does "NAMUR" Mean?
NAMUR stands for the German organization
"Normenarbeitsgemeinschaft für Mess- und Regeltechnik in der Chemischen Industrie"
(Standardization Association for Measurement and Control in the Chemical Industry).
In the valve industry, the term NAMUR refers to a standardized mounting interface for solenoid valves and pneumatic actuators.
What is a NAMUR Valve?
A NAMUR valve is a pneumatic solenoid valve designed to mount directly onto an actuator without the need for extra tubing or brackets.
The valve ports align perfectly with the actuator’s ports according to the NAMUR standard, creating a clean, compact, and highly reliable setup.
Simply put:
A NAMUR valve is a solenoid valve built for direct connection to pneumatic actuators, making control systems faster, more efficient, and easier to maintain.
Key Features of NAMUR Valves
| Feature | Benefit |
|---|---|
| Standardized | Quick and easy installation |
| Compact Design | Saves space and |
| High Reliability | Direct mounting |
| Versatile Control | Suitable for single-acting and double-acting actu |
| Simple Maintenance | Easy removal |
How Does a NAMUR Valve Work?
A NAMUR valve typically uses electrical signals to shift airflow to the actuator, causing it to open or close the attached valve (like a ball valve or butterfly valve).
Basic operation:
Signal On → Air supplied to actuator port → Actuator moves → Valve opens or closes.
Signal Off → Spring or air returns actuator to original position.
Depending on the valve design, NAMUR solenoid valves can be:
2/2-way, 3/2-way (for single-acting actuators)
5/2-way, 5/3-way (for double-acting actuators)
Types of NAMUR Solenoid Valves
Direct-acting NAMUR valves: Small, fast, low flow applications.
Pilot-operated NAMUR valves: Larger, higher flow, using pilot air to shift the main spool.
Function types:
Normally Closed (NC) – default closed position when de-energized.
Normally Open (NO) – default open position when de-energized.
Bistable (Latching) – stays in last switched position without continuous power.
Why Choose a NAMUR Valve?
Choosing a NAMUR valve offers many advantages over traditional tubing-mounted solenoids:
✅ Simplified Installation — Just bolt it onto the actuator
✅ Enhanced System Reliability — Fewer connections mean fewer leak points
✅ Faster Maintenance — Swap valves easily without touching the pipework
✅ Compliance with Industry Standards — Suitable for ATEX and hazardous areas
Especially for industries where uptime and safety are critical, NAMUR valves are the preferred choice.
Common Applications for NAMUR Valves
Chemical and petrochemical plants
Water and wastewater treatment
Food and beverage industry
Pharmaceutical manufacturing
Oil and gas pipelines
Power generation facilities
In any situation where automated valve control is needed, NAMUR valves deliver speed, reliability, and easy integration.
Choosing the Right NAMUR Valve
When selecting a NAMUR valve, consider:
Actuator type (single or double-acting)
Electrical requirements (voltage, protection ratings)
Operating environment (standard, explosion-proof, or corrosive areas)
Air pressure and flow rate
Material compatibility (body materials like aluminum, stainless steel)
Tip: Always choose a NAMUR valve that matches both your actuator and your environment to ensure safe, long-lasting operation.
FLOWX – Your Trusted Source for High-Quality NAMUR Valves
At FLOWX, we specialize in producing high-quality NAMUR solenoid valves engineered for industrial durability and precision control.
✅ Certified to international standards
✅ Designed for easy installation and long service life
✅ Available for both standard and hazardous areas
✅ Supported by expert technical service and fast delivery
Whether you are upgrading your pneumatic systems or building a new automation line, we have the perfect NAMUR valve solution for your needs.
Contact us today to get a quote or technical advice tailored to your project!
Conclusion
Understanding what a NAMUR valve is — and why it matters — can significantly improve your automation systems' performance and reliability.
By selecting the right NAMUR valve, you streamline your operations, reduce downtime, and maintain safety across your processes.
Explore our range of top-quality NAMUR valves today — built to keep your operations moving with confidence.