How to Select the Right Pneumatic Valves
Any pneumatic system uses compressed air to power anything. This is why you can find pneumatic valves in a wide range of industrial applications. With almost all pneumatic systems, you will always find a pneumatic valve of a specific type.
Pneumatic valves are responsible for controlling the compressed air, the rate of this air, and the pressure of the air that goes through the pneumatic system. While there is a numerous variety of pneumatic valves available for every industrial application, the two main purposes for a pneumatic valve are either to change the direction of the airflow or to completely stop the airflow.
Method of valve actuation
Choosing the right type of pneumatic valve will depend on the application it is needed for. For instance, with valve actuation, this is how a valve is open or closed. The most common of this type is the solenoid pneumatic valve, controlled by an electric current. But you can also find manually operated pneumatic valves that can be controlled with a lever, foot pedal, and a push button. There are also remote air-operated schematic valves.
Valve configuration
- 2-way valve – A valve with one outlet and one inlet port.
- 3-way valve – Aside from the two-way inlet/outlet ports, there is an additional port for the exhaust if the inlet port is blocked.
- 4-way valve – This valve has a second outlet and a second exhaust in addition to the outlet/inlet. This type of valve is used to control double acting pneumatic actuators.
Valve size
Commonly referred to as the flow capacity, valve size is important because it cannot be too large or too small. Either defect will create waste in the system. Knowing the exact or estimated maximum load capacity that the application will experience to select the best valve size to handle the system efficiently.
All pneumatic valves on the market have a flow capacity. You only need to make sure that the valve you choose will be able to take the specific volume within a certain time based on the application.
MasterMac 2000
Although this can act as a guide to help you choose the right pneumatic valves for your specific application, you can ask for help from the distributor (such as MasterMac2000) while also assigning valve purchases to your head engineer. Whether you’re in the machinery, transportation, medical, or robotics control industries, MasterMac2000 can provide the high-quality pneumatic components that are needed. Call us now on 07 3344 4711 or visit https://mastermac2000.com.au/suppliers/.
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.