Skinner Valves

Skinner Valve Division of Parker Hannifin Corporation (now Parker Fluid Control Division (FCD) has been manufacturing solenoid valves since 1949. Today, the Skinner product line includes 2-way, 3-way and 4-way solenoid valves. Skinner valves control fluid media  including air, inert gas, water, light oil, steam and hot water in  wide range of industrial applications.

Skinner Valve Series

Parker Skinner makes valves in the following series:

• Skinner 7000 Series
• Skinner A, B, C, MB, and V9 line
• Skinner Intrinsically Safe
• Skinner 3000 Series

Each of these series has its own benefits. 

Skinner 7000 Series

The Skinner 7000 Series offers more standard features than any other competitive line. Therefore, this series is by far the most popular.

Skinner A, B, C, MB, and V9 line

These general-purpose valves come in 2, 3, and 4-way valve options and offer a variety of sizes, types, and functions to choose from. They are meant to be used in pneumatic and hydraulic systems. Their price range and versatility make Skinner A, B, C, MB, and V9 line popular option for many MROs and OEMs. 

Skinner Intrinsically Safe

The Skinner Intrinsically Safe valves work best for hazardous applications when watertight construction, low-power consumption as well as low-temperature rise features matter. Further, these valves come in a wide range of sizes and mounting positions. Skinner intrinsically safe valves are suitable for use with flammable gases, vapors, liquids, combustible dusts, or easily ignitable fibers.

Skinner 3000 Series 

The 3000 Series comes in hand when you are looking for a compact valve that is affordable and reliable. Additionally, the interchangeable components in these series provide flexibility. Skinner 3000 Series are available in two and three-way options.  

Skinner Valve Types and Materials

Valves bodies come in brass, stainless, and aluminum (less common). Three main types include:

• Two-Way
• Three-Way
• Four-Way

Specifying a Valve

When selecting a solenoid valve, the media flowing through the valve and the environmental conditions are major considerations. You also need to know the operation (Normally Closed vs. Normally Open),  port size, and the pressure. Choosing a sealing material that is compatible with the application prevents leaks and reduces maintenance costs.

Available Seal Types

The elastomeric sealing material on Skinner valves is available as NBR (nitrile rubber) and FKM (short for fluorocarbon and also known as Viton), EPDM rubber, and PTFE. The operating conditions dictate the ideal sealing material. 

Nitrile 

Nitrile rubber and fluorocarbon are the most commonly used sealing materials. Nitrile, or Buna-N, are suitable for applications using oil or petrol products where temperatures range from -30°F to 250°F. Seals made of nitrile degrade much faster at higher temperatures than Viton, which resists temperatures up to 400°F.

Viton more durable than Nitrile

Viton also does well with oils and solvents, especially corrosive ones. Not sure which one to use? Although nitrile rubber is the more economical choice, exposure to chemicals, UV and weather can cause nitrile to degrade and eventually fail. That said, Viton is a better choice than nitrile in most situations, but you won’t receive an appreciable benefit if the application doesn’t call for weather, chemical, or temperature resistance.

EPDM and PTFE for highly demanding applications

EPDM rubber and PTFE seal types are highly durable and usually used in applications that are highly demanding, such as those with extreme temperatures or aggressive medias. EPDM has excellent resistance to cold temperatures and both acidic and alkaline solutions. It does have limited resistance to temperatures exceeding 300°F, and EPDM does not fare so well against oils and hydrocarbons. PTFE seals are best suited for extremes in temperatures in combination with harsh media. 

The Hope Group is an authorized distributor of Skinner valves in New England. Contact us if you have questions or want to place an order.

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