DM Series E Electropneumatic Double Valves – Operating Instructions (Discontinued)

Overview

The ROSS Controls® DM Series E Operating Instructions (RC-DME-OI) cover both the DM1 Series E and DM2® Series E electropneumatic double valves. These control-reliable double valves incorporate dynamic monitoring to detect asynchronous operation of their two redundant internal valve elements. The DM1 Series E uses automatic reset suitable for Category 3 applications; the DM2® Series E adds a memory function with dedicated manual reset for Category 4 applications. Both valve types function overall as 3-way, 2-position (3/2) normally closed valves.

When both solenoids are energized simultaneously, the valve supplies air from inlet port 1 to outlet port 2. If one valve element fails to shift synchronously within the preset discordance time, the valve enters a lockout/abnormal condition – exhausting downstream pressure to atmosphere through port 3 with an audible leak indication. The DM Series E valves are protected by U.S. Patents 6840258 and 6840259, with further patents filed worldwide.

Note: DM Series E double valves are discontinued products. Contact ROSS Controls at 1-800-GET-ROSS or visit www.rosscontrols.com for replacement product recommendations and the current equivalent MCSE Series.

Key Features

Dual Redundant Valve Elements with Dynamic Monitoring

Both DM Series E variants use two independent solenoid pilots (a and b) and two sets of valve elements for redundancy. Dynamic monitoring detects asynchronous movement – if either element fails to shift correctly, the valve enters a fault condition. Both solenoids must be energized virtually simultaneously for normal actuation. This simultaneous-actuation requirement prevents single-solenoid inadvertent machine actuation.

Memory Function and Reset – DM2® Series E

The DM2® Series E includes a memory function: once the valve enters lockout, it remains locked out even after power removal until an explicit reset signal is applied. Reset requires momentarily energizing the dedicated reset solenoid (c) for at least 200 milliseconds, with both main pilot solenoids de-energized. The anti-tie-down feature requires both main solenoids to be de-energized during reset, preventing unintended pressure output upon valve reset.

Optional Status Indicator Pressure Switch

An optional status indicator pressure switch is available for both DM Series E variants. The switch has 4 electrical contacts (Contact 4 is ground). During normal operation the switch is pressurized (contacts 1 and 3 closed – normally open). A lockout condition depressurizes the switch (contacts 1 and 2 closed – normally closed), signaling the machine controls of a fault condition.

Technical Specifications

The following specifications are drawn from the official ROSS Controls DM Series E Operating Instructions (Doc ID 383):

Models: DM1 Series E (automatic reset, Category 3); DM2® Series E (memory/manual reset, Category 4)
Construction: Dual poppet valve elements
Basic Size: 2
Pilot Solenoids: a (main), b (main), c (reset – DM2® Series E only)
Mounting hardware: 2x M5 bolts, max torque 4.2 Nm per ISO 4762
Dimension B (Size 2): 9.48" (240.7mm)
Dimension C/D (Size 2): 4.95" (126.1mm)
Dimension H (Size 2): 4.87" (123.6mm)
U.S. Patents: 6840258 and 6840259
Documentation: multilingual (EN/DE/FR/IT/ES/SV)
Not for press clutch/brake applications
Discontinued – consult ROSS for replacement

Applications

Safety Category 3 and 4 Machine Protection

DM Series E valves are designed for safety-rated pneumatic applications requiring Category 3 (DM1) or Category 4 (DM2®) performance per EN ISO 13849-1. Typical applications include pneumatic presses, injection molding machines, robot safety circuits, and other industrial machinery where pneumatic energy must be reliably controlled and fault conditions must be detected and communicated to the machine control system.

Applications Requiring Lockout Memory

The DM2® Series E is appropriate for Category 4 applications where a fault must not be cleared automatically. The memory function ensures every lockout requires a deliberate, overt reset action by qualified personnel before the machine can resume operation. This is critical where an undetected momentary lockout represents an unacceptable safety risk.

Safety and Compliance Standards

DM Series E valves are designed for Category 3 (DM1) and Category 4 (DM2®) safety applications per EN ISO 13849-1. CE Declaration of Conformity is available at www.rosscontrols.com. These valves are expressly not intended for press clutch/brake applications. For press applications, use ROSS DM2® Series D or other configurations specifically designed for that purpose.

Installation and Setup Guide

DM1 Series E Testing Procedure

(A) Energize both pilot solenoids simultaneously – port 2 pressurized, port 3 no flow. (B) De-energize one solenoid – lockout: port 2 exhausts to port 3 with audible flow. (C) Re-energize de-energized solenoid – valve must remain in lockout. (D) De-energize both solenoids – DM1 returns to ready-to-run: no pressure at port 2, no audible exhaust. (E-H) Repeat steps A-D with the other solenoid. DM1 uses automatic reset – lockout clears when power is removed from both solenoids.

DM2® Series E Testing and Reset Procedure

Before testing, ensure supply pressure present and both pilots de-energized, then momentarily energize reset solenoid (≥200 ms). Perform same actuation/de-actuation sequence as DM1 test. After each lockout step, both pilots must be de-energized and the reset solenoid momentarily energized (≥200 ms) to return to ready-to-run. Allow at least 200 ms delay between reset solenoid de-energization and applying power to main solenoids.

Why Choose ROSS Controls

ROSS Controls pioneered control-reliable double valve technology for industrial safety applications. For current control-reliable double valve solutions including the MCSE Series, contact ROSS at 1-800-GET-ROSS or visit www.rosscontrols.com.

Download This Document

The official ROSS Controls DM Series E Double Valves Operating Instructions (Doc ID 383) can be downloaded from the ROSS Controls document library.

PDF Download URL: https://ross-admin-global-us-east.s3.amazonaws.com/production/uploads/document_language_file/file/383/ROSS_DM_Series_E_Double_Valves_Operating_Instructions_RC-DM-E-OI.pdf

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What is the difference between DM1 Series E and DM2® Series E?

A: The DM1 Series E uses automatic reset (clears when power removed from both solenoids) – Category 3. The DM2® Series E has a memory function requiring a dedicated reset solenoid signal – Category 4. Category 4 prevents silently cleared faults.

Q: Can DM Series E valves be used in press clutch/brake applications?

A: No. DM Series E valves are expressly not for press clutch/brake applications. ROSS produces the DM2® Series D specifically for press clutch/brake use.

Q: What does a DM Series E lockout condition sound like?

A: During a lockout or abnormal condition, there is a small but audible flow of air from exhaust port 3 as long as the valve remains in the locked-out state. This audible leak is a designed fault indication.

Q: How do I reset a DM2® Series E after a lockout?

A: With supply pressure present and both main pilots de-energized, momentarily energize the reset solenoid for at least 200 ms. After successful reset there should be no pressure at port 2 and no audible exhaust flow. Allow at least 200 ms before applying power to main solenoids.

Q: What patents protect the DM Series E design?

A: The DM Series E design is protected by U.S. Patents 6840258 and 6840259, with further patents filed worldwide.

Q: What is the status indicator pressure switch configuration?

A: The optional status indicator has 4 contacts (Contact 4 is ground). Contacts 1 and 3 closed = pressurized/normal. Contacts 1 and 2 closed = depressurized/lockout. This allows the machine control system to detect a lockout and stop machine operation.

Q: Are DM Series E valves still available?

A: DM Series E valves are discontinued. Contact ROSS Controls at 1-800-GET-ROSS or www.rosscontrols.com for current replacement products.

Q: What solenoid is used for reset on the DM2® Series E?

A: The DM2® Series E uses dedicated reset solenoid c (a 3/2 normally closed valve). Reset signal must be momentary (at least 200 ms) and the correct voltage; both main solenoids must be de-energized during the reset operation.