FUTURA soft-start valves, check valves and manifold modules for ATEX up to 16 bar
The FUTURA soft-start valve fills the machine gradually after the air is switched on. The cylinders move into their initial position slowly and without jolts, and only then does the valve release the full flow.
The same range includes soft-start units with a switching valve, check valves and manifold modules, also with a pressure switch. All come in four sizes with G 1/4" to 1" threads.
What you will find in this category
Soft-start valve
After switching on, it fills slowly through a throttle orifice. At roughly half the inlet pressure, it switches to full flow.
Electrically operated soft-start unit
A soft-start valve and a 3/2 valve in one block. You switch the filling on with a 24 V DC, 115 V AC or 230 V AC coil.
Air-operated soft-start unit
The same unit without a coil. Filling is started by pilot air applied to the G 1/8" port.
Check valve
Lets air through only in the direction of the arrow and closes against backflow. The side ports branch off before the valve.
Manifold module
A through-flow module with two to four side ports. All of them have the supply pressure.
Manifold module with pressure switch
On the top port there is a switch with a range of 0.2–16 bar and a changeover contact. It monitors the air line pressure.
Soft-start valves and soft-start units
| FUTURA soft-start units by actuation and thread | ||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Size | Thread | 24 V DC | 230 V AC | 115 V AC | Air-operated | Flow (l/min) |
| 0 | G 1/4" | BFMCL014-24VDC | BFMCL014-230VAC | BFMCL014-115VAC | BFPCL014 | 1,300 |
| 1 | G 1/4" | BFMCL14-24VDC | BFMCL14-230VAC | BFMCL14-115VAC | BFPCL14 | 1,300 |
| 1 | G 3/8" | BFMCL38-24VDC | BFMCL38-230VAC | BFMCL38-115VAC | BFPCL38 | 1,300 |
| 2 | G 3/8" | BFMCL382-24VDC | BFMCL382-230VAC | BFMCL382-115VAC | BFPCL382 | 3,400 |
| 2 | G 1/2" | BFMCL12-24VDC | BFMCL12-230VAC | BFMCL12-115VAC | BFPCL12 | 3,400 |
| 4 | G 3/4" | BFMCL34-24VDC | BFMCL34-230VAC | BFMCL34-115VAC | BFPCL34 | 8,750 |
| 4 | G 1" | BFMCL10-24VDC | BFMCL10-230VAC | BFMCL10-115VAC | BFPCL10 | 8,750 |
Soft-start valves and air-operated soft-start units work with an inlet pressure of 2.5–16 bar, electrically operated units 2.5–10 bar, size 0 at most 12 bar. For G 3/4" there is also a 24 V AC unit, BFMCL34-24VAC. The coil has a power of 2.5 W, or 3 VA with AC voltage, and protection IP 65.
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How the soft-start valve works
After switching on, the air flows through a throttle orifice and the pressure after the valve rises gradually. When it reaches roughly half the inlet pressure, the valve switches to full flow. Meanwhile, the cylinders move slowly into their initial position.
You set the build-up speed with the adjusting screw: turning it clockwise lengthens the filling, anticlockwise shortens it. Without a soft-start valve, the machine is pressurised all at once after start-up, and cylinders that are not in their end position can move out abruptly.
The shut-off valve, for example a FUTURA ball valve, goes before the soft-start valve.
Check valves
The check valve lets air through only in the direction of the arrow, from supply P to outlet A. When the supply pressure drops, the valve closes. The side ports branch off before the valve, on the supply side.
| FUTURA check valves | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Size | Thread | Flow P → A (l/min) | Side ports | Height × width (mm) | Order number |
| 0 | G 1/4" | 750 | bottom G 1/4" | 66 × 43 | RCL014-F |
| 1 | G 1/4" | 1,250 | rear G 1/4" | 67 × 52 | RCL14-F |
| 1 | G 3/8" | 1,250 | rear G 1/4" | 67 × 52 | RCL38-F |
| 2 | G 3/8" | 4,500 | top G 1/4", bottom G 1/2", front and rear G 3/8" | 81 × 63 | RCL382-F |
| 2 | G 1/2" | 4,500 | top G 1/4", bottom G 1/2", front and rear G 3/8" | 81 × 63 | RCL12-F |
| 4 | G 3/4" | 16,000 | see the product page | height 112 | RCL34-F |
| 4 | G 1" | 16,000 | see the product page | height 112 | RCL10-F |
Inlet pressure 0–16 bar, size 0 0–12 bar. When mounting, follow the direction of the arrow on the body.
Manifold modules
The manifold module is a through-flow module without a valve. All side ports have the supply pressure, so you can take air from the unit at several points. Make an oil-free branch with a manifold module before the lubricator.
| FUTURA manifold modules | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Size | Thread | Side ports | Flow P → A (l/min) | Without switch | With pressure switch |
| 0 | G 1/4" | top and bottom G 1/4" | 2,700 | VBCL014-F | VBCL014-F-PE |
| 1 | G 1/4" | top, bottom and front G 1/4" | 2,700 | VBCL14-F | VBCL14-F-PE |
| 1 | G 3/8" | top, bottom and front G 1/4" | 3,600 | VBCL38-F | VBCL38-F-PE |
| 2 | G 3/8" | top G 1/4", bottom G 1/2", front and rear G 3/8" | 7,250 | VBCL382-F | VBCL382-F-PE |
| 2 | G 1/2" | top G 1/4", bottom G 1/2", front and rear G 3/8" | 7,250 | VBCL12-F | VBCL12-F-PE |
| 4 | G 3/4" | top and bottom G 3/4" | 18,000 | VBCL34-F | VBCL34-F-PE |
| 4 | G 1" | top and bottom G 3/4" | 18,000 | VBCL10-F | VBCL10-F-PE |
The pressure switch sits on the top port, so there is one free port fewer. Setting range 0.2–16 bar, one changeover contact, DC voltage 12–30 V up to 3 A or AC voltage 12–250 V up to 5 A, four-pin connector. Inlet pressure 0–16 bar, size 0 0–12 bar.
Potentially explosive atmospheres
Soft-start valves and manifold modules without switch in sizes 1, 2 and 4 and check valves in sizes 1 and 2 are mechanical devices with no ignition source of their own. According to the declaration regarding Directive 2014/34/EU, you can use them in zones 1 and 2 (gases IIA, IIB, IIC) and 21 and 22 (dust IIIA, IIIB), temperature class T4, under the conditions described for the entire FUTURA range. The declaration also lists the air-operated soft-start units in sizes 1, 2 and 4.
Manifold modules with pressure switch and electrically operated soft-start units, whose pilot valve with coil would need its own design for explosive atmospheres, are not for use in potentially explosive atmospheres. Nor is size 0.
Mounting
Mount all components in the direction of the arrow on the body. You fix them to a wall with a mounting bracket and to other components of the same size with a connection kit, regardless of the thread.
The soft-start units have a pilot valve with coil that is the same for all sizes, supplied as a spare part: MCL-F24VDC, MCL-F230VAC and MCL-F115VAC. The silencer for the exhaust is included.
Mounting parts by size
Neither the mounting bracket nor the connection kits are included; you choose them by size.
Ventilek’s tip
The soft-start valve protects people and the machine. After the air is switched on, the cylinders move into their initial position slowly. Put a ball valve before it so that you can shut off and lock the machine during maintenance.
- When does the soft-start valve switch to full flow?
- When the pressure after it reaches roughly half the inlet pressure.
- How do I set the filling speed?
- With the adjusting screw: clockwise lengthens the filling, anticlockwise shortens it.
- What is the difference between a soft-start valve and a soft-start unit?
- The soft-start valve starts filling as soon as air arrives. The soft-start unit also has a 3/2 valve, so you switch the filling on electrically or with pilot air.
- What pressure does the soft-start valve need?
- At least 2.5 bar at the inlet. The electrically operated soft-start unit works up to 10 bar, the others up to 16 bar, size 0 up to 12 bar.
- What pressure is at the manifold module ports?
- The same as at its supply. After a regulator, it is therefore the set pressure.
- Are they suitable for potentially explosive atmospheres?
- Soft-start valves, manifold modules without switch and air-operated soft-start units in sizes 1, 2 and 4, and check valves in sizes 1 and 2, are. Size 0, manifold modules with switch and electrically operated units are not.
Soft-start valves and units: inlet pressure 2.5–16 bar, electrically operated units 2.5–10 bar. Check valves and manifold modules 0–16 bar. Size 0 at most 12 bar. Working temperature −10 to +50 °C, lubricated or non-lubricated compressed air and neutral gases.
Product sorting
List of products
Manifold module FUTURA VBCL12-F, size 2: G 1/2" thread, flow 7,250 l/min, side ports top G 1/4", bottom G 1/2", front and rear G 3/8", inlet pressure up to 16 bar, for ATEX...
Manifold module FUTURA VBCL38-F, size 1: G 3/8" thread, flow 3,600 l/min, side ports top, bottom and front, G 1/4", inlet pressure up to 16 bar, for ATEX environments.
Manifold module FUTURA VBCL382-F, size 2: G 3/8" thread, flow 7,250 l/min, side ports top G 1/4", bottom G 1/2", front and rear G 3/8", inlet pressure up to 16 bar, for ATEX...
Manifold module FUTURA VBCL10-F, size 4: G 1" thread, flow 18,000 l/min, side ports top and bottom, G 3/4", inlet pressure up to 16 bar, for ATEX environments.
Check valve FUTURA RCL14-F, size 1: G 1/4" thread, flow 1,250 l/min, side ports at the rear, G 1/4", inlet pressure up to 16 bar, for ATEX environments.
Check valve FUTURA RCL38-F, size 1: G 3/8" thread, flow 1,250 l/min, side ports at the rear, G 1/4", inlet pressure up to 16 bar, for ATEX environments.
Check valve FUTURA RCL382-F, size 2: G 3/8" thread, flow 4,500 l/min, side ports top G 1/4", bottom G 1/2", front and rear G 3/8", inlet pressure up to 16 bar, for ATEX...
Manifold module FUTURA VBCL34-F, size 4: G 3/4" thread, flow 18,000 l/min, side ports top and bottom, G 3/4", inlet pressure up to 16 bar, for ATEX environments.
Soft-start valve FUTURA BF12-F, size 2: G 1/2" thread, flow 4,500 l/min, inlet pressure up to 16 bar, for ATEX environments.
Soft-start valve FUTURA BF382-F, size 2: G 3/8" thread, flow 4,500 l/min, inlet pressure up to 16 bar, for ATEX environments.
Soft-start valve FUTURA BF14-F, size 1: G 1/4" thread, flow 2,000 l/min, inlet pressure up to 16 bar, for ATEX environments.
Soft-start valve FUTURA BF38-F, size 1: G 3/8" thread, flow 2,000 l/min, inlet pressure up to 16 bar, for ATEX environments.
Soft-start unit FUTURA BFMCL382-230VAC, size 2: G 3/8" thread, flow 3,400 l/min, 230 V AC coil, inlet pressure up to 10 bar.
Soft-start unit FUTURA BFMCL382-24VDC, size 2: G 3/8" thread, flow 3,400 l/min, 24 V DC coil, inlet pressure up to 10 bar.
Manifold module FUTURA VBCL14-F, size 1: G 1/4" thread, flow 2,700 l/min, side ports top, bottom and front, G 1/4", inlet pressure up to 16 bar, for ATEX environments.
Soft-start unit FUTURA BFMCL12-230VAC, size 2: G 1/2" thread, flow 3,400 l/min, 230 V AC coil, inlet pressure up to 10 bar.
Soft-start unit FUTURA BFMCL12-24VDC, size 2: G 1/2" thread, flow 3,400 l/min, 24 V DC coil, inlet pressure up to 10 bar.
Soft-start unit FUTURA BFMCL14-230VAC, size 1: G 1/4" thread, flow 1,300 l/min, 230 V AC coil, inlet pressure up to 10 bar.
Soft-start unit FUTURA BFMCL14-24VDC, size 1: G 1/4" thread, flow 1,300 l/min, 24 V DC coil, inlet pressure up to 10 bar.
Soft-start unit FUTURA BFMCL38-230VAC, size 1: G 3/8" thread, flow 1,300 l/min, 230 V AC coil, inlet pressure up to 10 bar.
Soft-start unit FUTURA BFMCL38-24VDC, size 1: G 3/8" thread, flow 1,300 l/min, 24 V DC coil, inlet pressure up to 10 bar.
Soft-start valve FUTURA BF10-F, size 4: G 1" thread, flow 10,000 l/min, inlet pressure up to 16 bar, for ATEX environments.
Manifold module FUTURA VBCL014-F, size 0: G 1/4" thread, flow 2,700 l/min, side ports top and bottom, G 1/4", inlet pressure up to 12 bar.
Air-operated soft-start unit FUTURA BFPCL014, size 0: G 1/4" thread, flow 1,300 l/min, inlet pressure up to 12 bar.
Air-operated soft-start unit FUTURA BFPCL10, size 4: G 1" thread, flow 8,750 l/min, inlet pressure up to 16 bar, for ATEX environments.
Air-operated soft-start unit FUTURA BFPCL12, size 2: G 1/2" thread, flow 3,400 l/min, inlet pressure up to 16 bar, for ATEX environments.
Air-operated soft-start unit FUTURA BFPCL14, size 1: G 1/4" thread, flow 1,300 l/min, inlet pressure up to 16 bar, for ATEX environments.
Air-operated soft-start unit FUTURA BFPCL34, size 4: G 3/4" thread, flow 8,750 l/min, inlet pressure up to 16 bar, for ATEX environments.
Air-operated soft-start unit FUTURA BFPCL38, size 1: G 3/8" thread, flow 1,300 l/min, inlet pressure up to 16 bar, for ATEX environments.
Air-operated soft-start unit FUTURA BFPCL382, size 2: G 3/8" thread, flow 3,400 l/min, inlet pressure up to 16 bar, for ATEX environments.
Check valve FUTURA RCL014-F, size 0: G 1/4" thread, flow 750 l/min, side ports at the bottom, G 1/4", inlet pressure up to 12 bar.
Check valve FUTURA RCL10-F, size 4: G 1" thread, flow 16,000 l/min, inlet pressure up to 16 bar.
Check valve FUTURA RCL12-F, size 2: G 1/2" thread, flow 4,500 l/min, side ports top G 1/4", bottom G 1/2", front and rear G 3/8", inlet pressure up to 16 bar, for ATEX...
Check valve FUTURA RCL34-F, size 4: G 3/4" thread, flow 16,000 l/min, inlet pressure up to 16 bar.
Manifold module with pressure switch FUTURA VBCL014-F-PE, size 0: G 1/4" thread, flow 2,700 l/min, side ports top and bottom, G 1/4", inlet pressure up to 12 bar.
Manifold module with pressure switch FUTURA VBCL10-F-PE, size 4: G 1" thread, flow 18,000 l/min, side ports top and bottom, G 3/4", inlet pressure up to 16 bar.
Manifold module with pressure switch FUTURA VBCL12-F-PE, size 2: G 1/2" thread, flow 7,250 l/min, side ports top G 1/4", bottom G 1/2", front and rear G 3/8", inlet pressure up...
Manifold module with pressure switch FUTURA VBCL14-F-PE, size 1: G 1/4" thread, flow 2,700 l/min, side ports top, bottom and front, G 1/4", inlet pressure up to 16 bar.
Manifold module with pressure switch FUTURA VBCL34-F-PE, size 4: G 3/4" thread, flow 18,000 l/min, side ports top and bottom, G 3/4", inlet pressure up to 16 bar.
Manifold module with pressure switch FUTURA VBCL38-F-PE, size 1: G 3/8" thread, flow 3,600 l/min, side ports top, bottom and front, G 1/4", inlet pressure up to 16 bar.