Buyers’ Guide To The Types Of Directional Valve

In Pneumatic frameworks, directional control valves are used to direct the flow of compressed air or oil to their appliances. 

They are likely the most utilized components and can be used in the actuation of a cylinder, a bigger industrial valve, or air devices. 

These valves should have at least two ports satisfying different circuit capacities. And in most cases, a mark may be used to indicate the function and behavior of the valves. 

The sign in any way does not describe how these valves are made, and directional control valves can be activated by several methods, manual or solenoid activation. However, before hitting the market for a piece of directional value, choosing a reputabledirectional valve manufacturer is the best way to have the best value for your money.

Types of Directional Valve

Directional valves are designated with two numbers. The main number shows the number of ports the valve has, while the second number is the measure of states.

Take, for instance, a 2/2-way valve means that there are two ports (in/out) and two states (open/shut). 

While a 5/2-way valve means five ports and two states. It is a rule, for directional valves to have two, three, or five ports. 

1. 2/2-way valve 

The 2/2-way valve is the most widely known and simple valves. It has two ports and two states (open and shut) and is also known as a shut valve. They are used where the air supply should rarely be closed. 

The bi-stable 2/2-way valves have one solenoid and are operated by the pulse to a switch state – a process known as 'latching'. 

Mono-stable and are usually closed meaning that they are when incited or usually open meaning closes when activated. Most of the 2/2-way solenoid valves are mono-stable and generally close. 

2. 3/2-way valve 

A 3/2-way valve has three ports and two states. They are used for the control of single-acting cylinders. 

Cylinders are filled with these valves but also to vent these cylinders afterward at a time later understanding another working stroke. 

This makes a valve with two ports not to be relevant, and so a third port is essential for venting. 

In the same way as 2/2-way valves, mono-stable 3/2-way valves can generally be closed or naturally open. The best way to get is to source them from a reputable directional valve manufacturer.

3. 5/2-way valve 

Similar to other valves described above, a 5/2-way valve has five ports and two states. 

These valves are used in the control twofold acting cylinders. A twofold acting chamber requires two outlet ports of the valve. 

4. 5/3-way valve 

Apart from the other directional control valves stated, you are also likely to have a valve with a third state, just like the 5/3-way solenoid valve. However, this is dependent on the aim of the directional valve manufacturer. 

The third state is used when a twofold acting cylinder needs to be stopped in an intermediate position.

These valves are usually monostable and they return to the center position when the solenoids are not empowered. 

Two solenoids are used two change the valve to the next two states. 5/3 valves are accessible in three variations; with a shut focus position, with venting focus position, and with pressurized focus position. 

Summary

Directional valves can be mono-stable or bi-stable. The two major criteria for choosing a directional valve are the number of fluid port and directional state, or position, the valve can achieve. 

However, your choice of the best quality directional valves should be sourced from an experienced and professional directional valve manufacturer with an excellent record of genuineness.