As suppliers of a wide range of air-operated valves, MGA Controls has decided to answer some of your frequently asked questions, explaining how different air-operated valves function.
What is an air-operated valve?
You may be wondering, what is an air-operated valve. An air-operated valve, also known as an angle seat valve is a vital component for any pneumatic circuit. The valve works to direct or block airflow, controlling the speed or sequence of operations and promoting the effective functionality of a component or piece of machinery.
Air-operated valves are available as either a normally open or normally closed valve, the components work to control the process of media through a valve. An air-operated valve uses air pressure against either a piston or diaphragm in order to produce power in the form of linear or circular movements. In turn, these movements operate a valve and assist the overall functionality of the component.
An air-operated valve is available in three different functionality specifications, including 2-way, 3-way and 4-way. An air-operated valve with over three ports will most probably require a pilot valve in order to function effectively.
How does an air-operated valve work?
An air-operated valve’s function depends on the size of the valve and the number of ports available.
- 2-way, 2-position valves
2-way air-operated valve function via an electrically activated solenoid which shifts the valve spool to direct flow. The 2-way, 2-position valve consists of 2 ports that are connected by a passage which can be opened or blocked in order to control the flow through a valve. - 3-way, 2-position valves
3-way air-operated valves function through 3 ports and can be used in pairs to operate a double-acting cylinder, eliminating the need for a 4-way valve. The ports are connected through passages within a valve body and the valves pressurise and exhaust one outlet port to control a single-acting cylinder. - 4-way, 2-position valves
4-way air-operated valves function through 4 inlet ports and only 2 outlet positions. These valves have two distinct flow paths in each position in order to actuate and reverse cylinders, rotary actuators or bidirectional motors. The valve will direct a flow of media from a pressure port, while the other actuator port exhausts to the atmosphere.