The Type 8697 pneumatic control unit is designed for decentralised automation of ELEMENT Type 21xx pneumatic process valves. Mechanical or inductive limit switches record the valve position. The integrated pilot valve controls single-acting actuators. The design of the control unit and the actuator permits an integrated pilot air duct without external piping. As well as the electrical position feedback, the device status is displayed by LEDs on the pneumatic control unit itself. The housing is easy to clean and features proven IP protection and chemically resistant materials for use in hygienic processing in the food, beverage and pharmaceutical industries. Combined with Bürkert ELEMENT actuators, the pneumatic actuating system enables spring chamber aeration that avoids actuator chamber contamination from the environment.