Valves

Construction Features:

One secret to the superior performance of AAA valves is the large spool diameter. The diameter is 25% to 50% larger than competitive valves, giving more positive shifting on pilot operated and solenoid valves, less wear and longer life on the standard O-ring seals, and larger flow area in a given size because so many more flow grooves can be cut around the larger diameter spools.

FULL RATED PRESSURE - The use of O-ring seals between ports permits the application of full rated pressure on any port. O-rings are standard commercial sizes and compounds available world wide from any supply house. The valve is constructed to confine the O-rings in a manner making it impossible to pinch, bite, or pop them out under the most adverse operating conditions.

SYMMETRICAL CONSTRUCTION - The valve body and the spool are completely symmetrical end to end. This means that the spool and/or end caps may be reversed in/on the valve body. This is sometimes a great convenience in mounting or plumbing.

METERING - The double taper of the flow grooves gives AAA valves much better throttling characteristics on manual valves than is usual for spool valves, and tends to reduce shifting shock on solenoid and pilot operated models.

FULL FLOW - Flow area through the valve is generously designed, exceeding in most cases the size rating of the valve. Consequently, the flow losses though the valves are lower than might be expected.

HARD SPOOL - By a special process, the surface of the spool is treated to have a very hard and slick finish to give millions of trouble-free cycles. And yet, the spool is feather-light for fast response. For example, the 1/4" valve spool weighs only 1-1/4 ounce. On solenoid, pilot operated, and button bleeder models, the light spool gives extremely fast response with a minimum of shock on the end caps.

METERED EXHAUST - AAA valves have dual exhaust ports. A needle valve screwed into each exhaust port (except B-Series stack valves), will permit adjustment of speed in both directions of a cylinder or air motor.

FULL FLOW — MINIMUM PRESSURE LOSS - AAA soft seal valves use a unique valving principle. Specially contoured grooves have a combined flow area equal to or greater than the size rating of the valve in most cases. Groove shape is responsible for smoother action of AAA valves as compared with ordinary spool valves.

Since the O-ring seals are always confined, vacuum or pressure may be applied to any port, and flow through the valve may be in either direction.