How to Adjust a Flow Control Valve
A flow control valve is used on many gas, plumbing, and mechanical dispensing systems and devices. The best example of a flow control valve is the crank valve on a garden hose that regulates the flow of water when the valve is turned in the open direction. Flow control valve adjustments are similar on most valves, by turning the valve in the open or closed position. Some specialised valve controls are automatic or remote to prevent any unwanted manual adjustments.
For pneumatic systems, first check the pressure of the air line to ensure it is at the recommended level for the pneumatic cylinder’s operation.
In most pneumatic air flow lines, there are usually two pneumatic flow control valves with the air cylinders. One gate valve is usually located at the base of the cylinder while the other one is at the top. Both valves are connected to the air supply pipe.
Remove the adjustment screw access cap located at the base of the cylinder on the flow control. Turn the cap counterclockwise to remove it. Use lock-jaw pliers if the cap is tight.
Turn the adjustment screw in a counter-clockwise motion to increase the airflow to the cylinder. This raises the rate of extension of the actuator arm. Turn the screw slowly with a flathead screwdriver to make small adjustments with every 1/8 turn.
Turn the adjustment screw in a clockwise direction to decrease the airflow. This will result in a decrease in the actuator arm extension rate.
Check the rate of the arm speed as adjustments are made to the flow valve until the rate is satisfactory. Use the recommended number of turns or fractional turns needed to open to the desired pressure. Replace the flow control screw access cap and tighten the cap. Repeat the whole process for the flow control valve on top of the cylinder.
Make sure that the valve controls are tightened or locked using an adjustment retainer. Make some hand and wrench adjustments if necessary to tighten up any screws, valve controls, or the screw cap to prevent any nuts from coming loose under normal use.
MasterMac2000
Univer has been making original flow control valve sub-bases, systems, and standard pneumatic valves since 1980. MasterMac2000 P/L is the exclusive distributor in Australia of Univer valves, cylinders, and accessories. Contact us for more information or for enquiries at 07 3344 4711 or visit https://mastermac2000.com.au/.
About MasterMac2000: Your Trusted Pneumatic & Process Automation Partner.
LEADING THE INDUSTRY: Established in 1989, MasterMac2000 has grown to become one of Australia's largest privately owned pneumatic and process automation companies. We stock top-quality brands like Univer, Mack, Tolomatic, Mac, Piab, American, and Rotoflux in Brisbane.
SERVING QLD & NORTHERN NSW: We proudly service Queensland and Northern New South Wales for all your pneumatic and process equipment needs. Our mission is to provide the best pre and post-sales support while actively expanding our client base.
SOURCING HARD-TO-FIND PARTS: Not only do we stock quality components, but we also excel at sourcing those elusive, hard-to-find parts. With our extensive database and global network of contacts, getting the parts you require is as easy as a call to our highly skilled, professional sales team.
DEDICATED TO YOUR SUCCESS:
- Decades of expertise in pneumatics & process automation
- Carefully curated selection of world-class brands
- Exceptional sourcing capabilities for speciality parts
- Knowledgeable sales staff dedicated to finding solutions
- Unwavering commitment to customer service excellence
About The Author
Stuart Havill
Stuart Havill is the owner and manager of MasterMac2000, Queensland's largest privately owned pneumatic and process valve company.
With his early working career as a maintenance fitter for Boral in 1992, Stuart has spent his life in the field of pneumatics and process equipment. He gained extensive experience in plant design, maintenance, repairs, fabrication, and site management.
In 1996, he transitioned to a pneumatic sales technician role at MasterMac2000, where he excelled in key account management, providing cost-effective solutions, and managing a sales team of 9 employees.
Since 2002, Stuart has been the manager at MasterMac2000, overseeing the company's growth and establishing it as a leader in pneumatic automation and process valve engineering. His expertise spans customer training, CRM setup, industrial compressor sizing and installation, and turn-key project management.
Under Stuart's leadership, MasterMac2000 has been servicing the industry since 1988, with 5 full-time sales representatives covering northern rivers NSW, Queensland, Northern Territory, and PNG. The company prides itself on providing the best-priced solutions to all customers in the marketplace.
View Stuart’s LinkedIn profile to learn more about his expertise in pneumatics and process equipment.