Valves

General Information:

AAA valves are spool-type with 4-way action, and are intended primarily for control of air cylinders, or air motors.

Soft seal models, which include all listings are for air service only. They are offered in a complete size range from 1/4" to 2". O-rings give tight sealing between all ports. They may be used on air or inert gas or on low vacuums up to 26" Hg. Soft seal valves should not be used on liquid service.

BODY SIZES - Soft seal valves, which include all listings, are built in 5 body sizes. The 1/4" and 3/8" valves are housed in the smallest body. Both are identical except for a slight difference in flow capacity. The 1/2" valves are in the next larger body. The 3/4" and 1" valves are in a still larger body. They are identical in appearance but have a slightly different flow capacity. A still larger body is used for 1-1/2" and 2" valves. These two sizes are the same except for NPTF body ports on the 1-1/2" models and 2" subplate ports on the 2" models.

MOUNTING - AAA valves in general can be mounted in any position. But for safety, any valve which does not have springs or detents to hold the spool in position should be mounted with the spool horizontal unless pressure is continually applied to hold the spool in position.

MODELS FOR SUBPLATE MOUNTING - Subplate mounting is offered in all body sizes except B-Series stack valves. Small body valves can mount on subplates with 1/4" or 3/8" connections. 3/4" and 1" valves can mount on subplates with 3/4" or 1" connections.

4-WAY ACTION - AAA valves have 4-way spools for control of reversible cylinders and similar devices. Soft seal models can be used as 3-way valves by plugging the unused cylinder port, or as 5-way valves by using the dual exhaust ports as inlets and the inlet port as a single exhaust.

PRESSURE RATINGS - On air service, valves will tolerate surge pressures to 1000 psi without permanent damage to bodies or seals, but for safety and reliable operation they should not be used above rated 250 psi pressure. Solenoid valves are limited to 150 psi unless converted to external piloting. Button bleeder models will not operate on vacuum nor on line pressure less than 25 psi (50 psi on spring models).

MATERIALS OF CONSTRUCTION - Bodies of 1/4" and 3/8" sizes are pressure cast aluminum. Larger bodies are heat treated aluminum castings. Spools are machined from light-weight aluminum alloy bar stock, and specially treated to produce a glass-hard surface finish. End caps are steel or aluminum. Viton O-rings are standard on 1/4" and 3/8" bodies; Buna-N O-rings are standard on larger bodies. O-rings are installed in body grooves, not around the spool.