ASCO 8320 Valve Series: Complete Technical Analysis
The ASCO 8320 Series represents a comprehensive line of 3-way direct-acting solenoid valves
designed for broad industrial process control applications. Cthinst Emerson These general service
valves are manufactured by ASCO Valve Inc. (now part of Emerson) and provide reliable flow control with
extensive configuration options. Lesman +6 The series offers exceptional versatility with SIL-3 safety
capability, international hazardous area certifications, and proven reliability across demanding
industrial environments. Lesman
Valve type and fundamental design
The ASCO 8320 is a 3-way direct-acting solenoid valve featuring a poppet valve design. Lesman +2 The
valve operates as a general service unit with three pipe connections and two orifices - when one orifice is
open, the other is automatically closed. Valveman +2 This direct-acting mechanism requires no minimum
operating pressure differential, providing reliable operation across wide pressure ranges from vacuum to
150 PSIG. Lesman +3
The valve functions by alternately switching outflow between two outlet ports, making it ideal for
applications requiring flow diversion or alternating supply/exhaust operations. Flotech +3 The direct-
acting design incorporates a coil, core tube, core, and enclosure assembly that provides fast response
times and reliable cycling capability up to 20 million cycles in dry air/gas applications. Valveman +2
Technical specifications and operating parameters
Pressure and temperature ratings span broad operational envelopes. Maximum operating pressure
reaches 115-150 PSIG depending on the specific model configuration, with some variants rated up to
175 PSI. Valin Corporation +3 Temperature capabilities include fluid temperatures up to 200°F (93°C) for
stainless steel constructions and 150°F (66°C) for standard service applications. Lesman +6
Flow characteristics vary by port size and orifice configuration. The 1/8" NPT models provide Cv values
of 0.06-0.09, while 1/4" NPT configurations offer 0.12-0.25 Cv depending on orifice sizing.
Valin Corporation +3 Available orifice sizes include 3/64", 1/16", 3/32", and 1/8" to match specific flow
requirements. Valin Corporation +2
Electrical specifications encompass comprehensive voltage options. AC models operate on 24V, 120V,
240V, and 480V at 60 Hz, plus 110V and 220V at 50 Hz. DC versions include 6V, 12V, 24V, 120V, and
240V options. HMFT +6 Power consumption ranges from 10.1W to 22.6W for AC models and 11.6W to
17.1W for DC versions, with specialized low-power variants consuming as little as 0.55W. Valin Corporation
Yumpu
Materials of construction and durability
Body materials include brass for standard general service applications and 303 stainless steel for
corrosive environments. Lesman +7 Internal components feature NBR (Nitrile Butylene Rubber/Buna-
N) seals and discs, Midwest Supply Valveman 305 stainless steel core tubes, 430F stainless steel cores and
plugnuts, and 302 stainless steel core springs. Valveman +6 This materials combination provides excellent
corrosion resistance and long service life.
The valve design accommodates air, inert gases, water, and light oils up to 300 SSU viscosity,
Slater Controls with special constructions available for harsh environments including low-temperature
operation down to -40°F (-40°C) ambient temperature. Lesman +7
Complete product line variants and configurations
The 8320 series offers extensive configuration options through systematic model numbering. Standard
models (8320G series) provide watertight enclosures rated NEMA Types 1, 2, 3, 3S, 4, and 4X.
Control-specialties Explosionproof versions (EF8320G series) add Types 6, 6P, 7, and 9 ratings for
hazardous environments. Valin Corporation +2
Valve configurations include normally closed (NC), normally open (NO), and universal (U) operations.
Lesman +2 The universal configuration provides field-convertible operation for either normally open or
closed function. Size options span 1/8" and 1/4" NPT connections with various orifice combinations to
optimize flow characteristics. Lesman +8
Specialized versions include NAMUR-mount models for direct actuator mounting, Lesman SIL-3 rated
versions for safety instrumented systems, and long-life constructions eliminating metal-to-metal contact.
Lesman Control-specialties Hazardous area versions carry ASCO EV 8320 designations with comprehensive
international certifications. Heating and Process
Industries and applications
Oil & gas and petrochemical industries represent primary applications, utilizing explosion-proof
versions certified for ATEX Zone 1 and Zone 2 hazardous areas. Heating and Process Heating and Process These
valves provide process control in upstream, midstream, and downstream operations, plus emergency
shutdown capabilities with SIL-3 functional safety ratings per IEC 61508. Lesman +2
Chemical and process industries leverage the valves' compatibility with corrosive media and harsh
environments. Heating and Process Heating and Process Applications include pilot operations, high-flow
processes, and safety systems requiring stainless steel construction and specialized temperature ratings.
Heating and Process +2
Power generation facilities use 8320 valves in auxiliary systems, safety instrumented systems (SIS), and
general process control. Heating and Process Heating and Process The SIL-3 capability makes them suitable for
critical safety applications in power plants. Lesman Heating and Process
Manufacturing and industrial equipment applications encompass pneumatic system control, valve
actuator piloting, and single-acting cylinder control. Flotech +2 The valves' direct-acting design and
NAMUR mounting capability facilitate integration with spring-return actuators and automated
manufacturing systems. Control-specialties +4
Additional industries include water treatment (flow diverting and purification control), HVAC systems
(temperature control and flow mixing), analytical equipment (laboratory and diagnostic applications),
mining (dust control and hazardous area applications), and marine systems (ship automation and
offshore platforms). Heating and Process +6
Key features and competitive advantages
No minimum operating pressure differential distinguishes the 8320 series from pilot-operated
alternatives, enabling operation from vacuum to maximum pressure without performance degradation.
Lesman +2 Fast response times and continuous energization capability support rapid cycling applications
and emergency shutdown systems. Heating and Process +4
Comprehensive mounting options include standard NPT connections for in-line piping Lesman
Slater Controls and NAMUR interface compatibility for direct actuator mounting. Control-specialties Lesman
This flexibility eliminates hard piping requirements and simplifies installation in automated systems.
Control-specialties +2
International safety certifications provide global deployment capability. The extensive approval
portfolio includes UL, CSA, CE, ATEX, IECEx, NEPSI, INMETRO, and TR CU certifications, plus SIL-3
functional safety rating certified by EXIDA and TÜV. Heating and Process +2
Certifications and regulatory compliance
Hazardous area approvals encompass comprehensive international standards. ATEX certification (LCIE
00 ATEX 6008 X) enables European explosive atmosphere applications, while IECEx certification (IECEx LCI
07.0015X) provides global hazardous area deployment. Heating and Process Heating and Process Additional
regional approvals include NEPSI (China), INMETRO (Brazil), and TR CU (Russia). Heating and Process
Heating and Process
Functional safety certifications include SIL-3 capability per IEC 61508 on normally closed constructions,
with EXIDA third-party certification validating design and engineering processes. Heating and Process +3 TÜV
certification provides additional European safety validation. Heating and Process
Environmental ratings include IP67 protection on certain configurations, plus various NEMA enclosure
ratings (Types 1 through 9) depending on application requirements. Yumpu Class I, Division 2 electrical
classifications accommodate hazardous electrical environments. Butlerandland
Conclusion
The ASCO 8320 valve series delivers exceptional versatility for industrial process control through
comprehensive technical specifications, extensive configuration options, and rigorous safety certifications.
Cthinst Valveman The combination of direct-acting operation, broad pressure/temperature
capabilities, and SIL-3 functional safety rating establishes these valves as industry-standard
solutions for demanding applications. Lesman Valveman With proven reliability across oil & gas,
chemical processing, power generation, and manufacturing industries, the 8320 series provides engineers
with flexible, certified, and dependable flow control technology backed by global support infrastructure.
Heating and Process +3
