6 A white paper - Manifold Assemblies
Manifolds allow for the internal connection
of flow paths through straight or
complex three-dimensional channels
Manifold
Construction
One of the benefits of manifolds is reducing the number of
connections compared to mounting individual components.
One way to visualize this is to think of an ice cream
bar with a selection of five toppings. While each could
have its own dispense nozzle, it is more efficient for the
ice cream eater if the five feed into one dispenser.
In a valve manifold, the same effect is achieved by cross
drilling – drilling holes that intersect so multiple channels
lead to or from a single opening. One challenge in cross
drilling is to keep the intersections free of debris or burrs
caused when the drill passes through the manifold material
into empty space. Just this little bit of material can get
caught in a valve and cause a failure. The reliability of
two identical assemblies can vary widely depending on
the quality of the machining, and this impacts the overall
reliability of the finished machine or instrument. A designer
sourcing a manifold assembly should investigate the
supplier's techniques and track record for reliability.
