Pilot Valves - ASCO
Pilot valves are critical for operating larger valves or control actuators in fluid control systems. These valves act as control mechanisms, receiving signals from external devices such as sensors, controllers, or ...
Categories from ASCO (2)
Fuel, Gas, and Oil Valves
Fuel, Gas, and Oil Valves are specialized devices designed to control fuel, gas, and oil flow and regulation within various industrial applications. These valves ensure safe and efficient operation by managing the delivery and distribution of these volatile fluids. With robust construction and materials resistant to corrosion and high temperatures, they provide reliable performance in demanding environments. Fuel, Gas, and Oil Valves are crucial components in industries such as oil and gas, automotive, power generation, and heating systems, where precise control and safety are paramount.
Solenoid Valves
Solenoid valves provide fast, reliable on/off control of liquids and gases by utilizing an electric coil to actuate the valve. Compact and efficient, they integrate seamlessly into automated systems for applications such as cooling, lubrication, chemical dosing, and process isolation. Available in a variety of materials and designs to handle different pressures, temperatures, and media.
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The ASCO Series 345, also known as 8345,is a line of compact 4-way general service valves that are designed for low-flow applications. The valves are commonly used in analytical and diagnostic equipment, biofuel and heating systems, and refineries. Designed with a brass body material, NBR seating elastomer, 1/4" NPT pipe size, and 1/16" orifice, this model provides a 4 way valve function, solenoid actuation, 60 Hz frequency, and 120 VAC voltage.
$470.83$514.00
Should ship between 19 Nov and 03 Dec
Subject to factory lead times
The ASCO Series 345, also known as 8345,is a line of compact 4-way general service valves that are designed for low-flow applications. The valves are commonly used in analytical and diagnostic equipment, biofuel and heating systems, and refineries. This valve comes with a 1/4" NPT pipe size, 4 way valve function, solenoid actuation, 50/60 Hz frequency, 22/24 VAC voltage, and brass body material.
$470.83$514.00
Should ship between 19 Nov and 03 Dec
Subject to factory lead times
The ASCO Series 345, also known as 8345,is a line of compact 4-way general service valves that are designed for low-flow applications. The valves are commonly used in analytical and diagnostic equipment, biofuel and heating systems, and refineries. Designed with a brass body material, NBR seating elastomer, 1/4" NPT pipe size, and 1/16" orifice, this model provides a 4 way valve function, solenoid actuation, 60 Hz frequency, and 24 VAC voltage.
$470.83$514.00
Should ship between 19 Nov and 03 Dec
Subject to factory lead times
The ASCO Series 345, also known as 8345,is a line of compact 4-way general service valves that are designed for low-flow applications. The valves are commonly used in analytical and diagnostic equipment, biofuel and heating systems, and refineries. This model features a 1/4" NPT pipe size, 1/16" orifice, 4 way valve function, solenoid actuation, 50/60 Hz frequency, 440/480 VAC voltage, brass body material, and NBR seating elastomer.
$470.83$514.00
Should ship between 19 Nov and 03 Dec
Subject to factory lead times
The ASCO Series 345, also known as 8345,is a line of compact 4-way general service valves that are designed for low-flow applications. The valves are commonly used in analytical and diagnostic equipment, biofuel and heating systems, and refineries. Designed with a brass body material, NBR seating elastomer, 1/4" NPT pipe size, and 1/16" orifice, this model provides a 4 way valve function, solenoid actuation, and 12 VDC voltage.
$470.83$514.00
Should ship between 19 Nov and 03 Dec
Subject to factory lead times
The ASCO Series 345, also known as 8345,is a line of compact 4-way general service valves that are designed for low-flow applications. The valves are commonly used in analytical and diagnostic equipment, biofuel and heating systems, and refineries. Equipped with a 1/4" NPT pipe size, 1/16" orifice, brass body material, and NBR seating elastomer, this valve is configured with a 4 way valve function, solenoid actuation, and 24 VDC voltage.
$470.83$514.00
Should ship between 19 Nov and 03 Dec
Subject to factory lead times
The ASCO Series 345, also known as 8345,is a line of compact 4-way general service valves that are designed for low-flow applications. The valves are commonly used in analytical and diagnostic equipment, biofuel and heating systems, and refineries. Specifications include a 4 way valve function, solenoid actuation, 1/4" NPT pipe size, and 1/16" orifice, with a brass body material, NBR seating elastomer, 50/60 Hz frequency, and 110/120 VAC voltage.
$655.87$716.00
Should ship between 19 Nov and 03 Dec
Subject to factory lead times
The ASCO Series 345, also known as 8345,is a line of compact 4-way general service valves that are designed for low-flow applications. The valves are commonly used in analytical and diagnostic equipment, biofuel and heating systems, and refineries. Configured with a 4 way valve function, solenoid actuation, 1/4" NPT pipe size, 1/16" orifice, brass body material, NBR seating elastomer, 60 Hz frequency, and 120 VAC voltage.
$655.87$716.00
Should ship between 19 Nov and 03 Dec
Subject to factory lead times
The ASCO Series 345, also known as 8345,is a line of compact 4-way general service valves that are designed for low-flow applications. The valves are commonly used in analytical and diagnostic equipment, biofuel and heating systems, and refineries. Specifications include a 4 way valve function, solenoid actuation, and 1/4" NPT pipe size, with a brass body material, 50/60 Hz frequency, and 22/24 VAC voltage.
$655.87$716.00
Should ship between 19 Nov and 03 Dec
Subject to factory lead times
The ASCO Series 345, also known as 8345,is a line of compact 4-way general service valves that are designed for low-flow applications. The valves are commonly used in analytical and diagnostic equipment, biofuel and heating systems, and refineries. This valve comes with a 1/4" NPT pipe size, 1/16" orifice, 4 way valve function, solenoid actuation, 24 VDC voltage, brass body material, and NBR seating elastomer.
$655.87$716.00
Should ship between 19 Nov and 03 Dec
Subject to factory lead times
The ASCO Series 345, also known as 8345,is a line of compact 4-way general service valves that are designed for low-flow applications. The valves are commonly used in analytical and diagnostic equipment, biofuel and heating systems, and refineries. Configured with a 4 way valve function, solenoid actuation, 1/4" NPT pipe size, 1/16" orifice, brass body material, FKM seating elastomer, 50 Hz frequency, and 110 VAC voltage.
$512.06$559.00
Should ship between 19 Nov and 03 Dec
Subject to factory lead times
The ASCO Series 345, also known as 8345,is a line of compact 4-way general service valves that are designed for low-flow applications. The valves are commonly used in analytical and diagnostic equipment, biofuel and heating systems, and refineries. Key details include a brass body material, FKM seating elastomer, 1/4" NPT pipe size, 1/16" orifice, 4 way valve function, solenoid actuation, 50/60 Hz frequency, and 110/120 VAC voltage.
$512.06$559.00
Should ship between 19 Nov and 03 Dec
Subject to factory lead times
The ASCO Series 345, also known as 8345,is a line of compact 4-way general service valves that are designed for low-flow applications. The valves are commonly used in analytical and diagnostic equipment, biofuel and heating systems, and refineries. Equipped with a 1/4" NPT pipe size, 1/16" orifice, brass body material, and FKM seating elastomer, this valve is configured with a 4 way valve function, solenoid actuation, 60 Hz frequency, and 120 VAC voltage.
$512.06$559.00
Should ship between 19 Nov and 03 Dec
Subject to factory lead times
The ASCO Series 345, also known as 8345,is a line of compact 4-way general service valves that are designed for low-flow applications. The valves are commonly used in analytical and diagnostic equipment, biofuel and heating systems, and refineries. Key details include a brass body material, FKM seating elastomer, 1/4" NPT pipe size, 1/16" orifice, 4 way valve function, solenoid actuation, and 120 VDC voltage.
$512.06$559.00
Should ship between 19 Nov and 03 Dec
Subject to factory lead times
The ASCO Series 345, also known as 8345,is a line of compact 4-way general service valves that are designed for low-flow applications. The valves are commonly used in analytical and diagnostic equipment, biofuel and heating systems, and refineries. Specifications include a 4 way valve function, solenoid actuation, 1/4" NPT pipe size, and 1/16" orifice, with a brass body material, FKM seating elastomer, and 24 VDC voltage.
$512.06$559.00
Should ship between 19 Nov and 03 Dec
Subject to factory lead times
The ASCO Series 345, also known as 8345,is a line of compact 4-way general service valves that are designed for low-flow applications. The valves are commonly used in analytical and diagnostic equipment, biofuel and heating systems, and refineries. Configured with a 100-240 VAC voltage.
$532.21$581.00
Should ship between 19 Nov and 03 Dec
Subject to factory lead times
The ASCO Series 345, also known as 8345,is a line of compact 4-way general service valves that are designed for low-flow applications. The valves are commonly used in analytical and diagnostic equipment, biofuel and heating systems, and refineries. This valve features a 120 V voltage.
$532.21$581.00
Should ship between 19 Nov and 03 Dec
Subject to factory lead times
The ASCO Series 345, also known as 8345,is a line of compact 4-way general service valves that are designed for low-flow applications. The valves are commonly used in analytical and diagnostic equipment, biofuel and heating systems, and refineries. This valve comes with a 100-240 VAC voltage.
$717.24$783.00
Should ship between 19 Nov and 03 Dec
Subject to factory lead times
The ASCO Series 345, also known as 8345,is a line of compact 4-way general service valves that are designed for low-flow applications. The valves are commonly used in analytical and diagnostic equipment, biofuel and heating systems, and refineries. Designed with a 120 V voltage.
$717.24$783.00
Should ship between 19 Nov and 03 Dec
Subject to factory lead times
The ASCO Series 345, also known as 8345,is a line of compact 4-way general service valves that are designed for low-flow applications. The valves are commonly used in analytical and diagnostic equipment, biofuel and heating systems, and refineries. Key details include a brass body material, 1/4" NPT pipe size, 1/16" orifice, 4 way valve function, solenoid actuation, and 100-240 VAC voltage.
$573.43$626.00
Should ship between 19 Nov and 03 Dec
Subject to factory lead times
The ASCO Series 345, also known as 8345,is a line of compact 4-way general service valves that are designed for low-flow applications. The valves are commonly used in analytical and diagnostic equipment, biofuel and heating systems, and refineries. Equipped with a 1/4" NPT pipe size and brass body material, this valve is configured with a 4 way valve function and solenoid actuation.
$573.43$626.00
Should ship between 19 Nov and 03 Dec
Subject to factory lead times
The ASCO Solenoid Valve Replacement Coil (MPN: 8347A001-002) is a dual-frequency AC coil rated for 120VAC/60Hz and 110VAC/50Hz (dual-frequency), designed as a direct-fit replacement for compatible ASCO solenoid valves. This OEM-grade coil delivers consistent electromagnetic actuation for reliable fluid control in industrial, commercial, and process automation applications, and can restore valve operation without the cost of full valve replacement.
Requires Quote
Should ship between 19 Nov and 03 Dec
Subject to factory lead times
The ASCO Solenoid Valve (MPN: 8347A001-006) is a electrically operated valve designed for precise on/off fluid control at 120VAC/60Hz and 110VAC/50Hz (dual-frequency). Built to ASCO's rigorous quality standards, it delivers dependable performance in industrial automation, process control, and fluid handling applications where reliable, repeatable actuation is essential.
Requires Quote
Should ship between 19 Nov and 03 Dec
Subject to factory lead times
The ASCO Solenoid Valve Replacement Coil (MPN: 8347A001AC120/60,110/50D) is a dual-frequency AC coil rated for 120VAC/60Hz and 110VAC/50Hz (dual-frequency), designed as a direct-fit replacement for compatible ASCO solenoid valves. This OEM-grade coil delivers consistent electromagnetic actuation for reliable fluid control in industrial, commercial, and process automation applications, and can restore valve operation without the cost of full valve replacement.
$51,080.94$55,764.00
Should ship between 19 Nov and 03 Dec
Subject to factory lead times
The ASCO Series 345, also known as 8345,is a line of compact 4-way general service valves that are designed for low-flow applications. The valves are commonly used in analytical and diagnostic equipment, biofuel and heating systems, and refineries. Designed with a brass body material, NBR seating elastomer, 1/4" NPT pipe size, and 1/16" orifice, this model provides a 4 way valve function, solenoid actuation, 60 Hz frequency, and 120 VAC voltage.
$470.83$514.00
Should ship between 19 Nov and 03 Dec
Subject to factory lead times
The ASCO Series 345, also known as 8345,is a line of compact 4-way general service valves that are designed for low-flow applications. The valves are commonly used in analytical and diagnostic equipment, biofuel and heating systems, and refineries. This valve comes with a 1/4" NPT pipe size, 4 way valve function, solenoid actuation, 50/60 Hz frequency, 22/24 VAC voltage, and brass body material.
$470.83$514.00
Should ship between 19 Nov and 03 Dec
Subject to factory lead times
The ASCO Series 345, also known as 8345,is a line of compact 4-way general service valves that are designed for low-flow applications. The valves are commonly used in analytical and diagnostic equipment, biofuel and heating systems, and refineries. Designed with a brass body material, NBR seating elastomer, 1/4" NPT pipe size, and 1/16" orifice, this model provides a 4 way valve function, solenoid actuation, 60 Hz frequency, and 24 VAC voltage.
$470.83$514.00
Should ship between 19 Nov and 03 Dec
Subject to factory lead times
The ASCO Series 345, also known as 8345,is a line of compact 4-way general service valves that are designed for low-flow applications. The valves are commonly used in analytical and diagnostic equipment, biofuel and heating systems, and refineries. This model features a 1/4" NPT pipe size, 1/16" orifice, 4 way valve function, solenoid actuation, 50/60 Hz frequency, 440/480 VAC voltage, brass body material, and NBR seating elastomer.
$470.83$514.00
Should ship between 19 Nov and 03 Dec
Subject to factory lead times
The ASCO Series 345, also known as 8345,is a line of compact 4-way general service valves that are designed for low-flow applications. The valves are commonly used in analytical and diagnostic equipment, biofuel and heating systems, and refineries. Designed with a brass body material, NBR seating elastomer, 1/4" NPT pipe size, and 1/16" orifice, this model provides a 4 way valve function, solenoid actuation, and 12 VDC voltage.
$470.83$514.00
Should ship between 19 Nov and 03 Dec
Subject to factory lead times
The ASCO Series 345, also known as 8345,is a line of compact 4-way general service valves that are designed for low-flow applications. The valves are commonly used in analytical and diagnostic equipment, biofuel and heating systems, and refineries. Equipped with a 1/4" NPT pipe size, 1/16" orifice, brass body material, and NBR seating elastomer, this valve is configured with a 4 way valve function, solenoid actuation, and 24 VDC voltage.
$470.83$514.00
Should ship between 19 Nov and 03 Dec
Subject to factory lead times
The ASCO Series 345, also known as 8345,is a line of compact 4-way general service valves that are designed for low-flow applications. The valves are commonly used in analytical and diagnostic equipment, biofuel and heating systems, and refineries. Specifications include a 4 way valve function, solenoid actuation, 1/4" NPT pipe size, and 1/16" orifice, with a brass body material, NBR seating elastomer, 50/60 Hz frequency, and 110/120 VAC voltage.
$655.87$716.00
Should ship between 19 Nov and 03 Dec
Subject to factory lead times
The ASCO Series 345, also known as 8345,is a line of compact 4-way general service valves that are designed for low-flow applications. The valves are commonly used in analytical and diagnostic equipment, biofuel and heating systems, and refineries. Configured with a 4 way valve function, solenoid actuation, 1/4" NPT pipe size, 1/16" orifice, brass body material, NBR seating elastomer, 60 Hz frequency, and 120 VAC voltage.
$655.87$716.00
Should ship between 19 Nov and 03 Dec
Subject to factory lead times
The ASCO Series 345, also known as 8345,is a line of compact 4-way general service valves that are designed for low-flow applications. The valves are commonly used in analytical and diagnostic equipment, biofuel and heating systems, and refineries. Specifications include a 4 way valve function, solenoid actuation, and 1/4" NPT pipe size, with a brass body material, 50/60 Hz frequency, and 22/24 VAC voltage.
$655.87$716.00
Should ship between 19 Nov and 03 Dec
Subject to factory lead times
The ASCO Series 345, also known as 8345,is a line of compact 4-way general service valves that are designed for low-flow applications. The valves are commonly used in analytical and diagnostic equipment, biofuel and heating systems, and refineries. This valve comes with a 1/4" NPT pipe size, 1/16" orifice, 4 way valve function, solenoid actuation, 24 VDC voltage, brass body material, and NBR seating elastomer.
$655.87$716.00
Should ship between 19 Nov and 03 Dec
Subject to factory lead times
The ASCO Series 345, also known as 8345,is a line of compact 4-way general service valves that are designed for low-flow applications. The valves are commonly used in analytical and diagnostic equipment, biofuel and heating systems, and refineries. Configured with a 4 way valve function, solenoid actuation, 1/4" NPT pipe size, 1/16" orifice, brass body material, FKM seating elastomer, 50 Hz frequency, and 110 VAC voltage.
$512.06$559.00
Should ship between 19 Nov and 03 Dec
Subject to factory lead times
The ASCO Series 345, also known as 8345,is a line of compact 4-way general service valves that are designed for low-flow applications. The valves are commonly used in analytical and diagnostic equipment, biofuel and heating systems, and refineries. Key details include a brass body material, FKM seating elastomer, 1/4" NPT pipe size, 1/16" orifice, 4 way valve function, solenoid actuation, 50/60 Hz frequency, and 110/120 VAC voltage.
$512.06$559.00
Should ship between 19 Nov and 03 Dec
Subject to factory lead times
The ASCO Series 345, also known as 8345,is a line of compact 4-way general service valves that are designed for low-flow applications. The valves are commonly used in analytical and diagnostic equipment, biofuel and heating systems, and refineries. Equipped with a 1/4" NPT pipe size, 1/16" orifice, brass body material, and FKM seating elastomer, this valve is configured with a 4 way valve function, solenoid actuation, 60 Hz frequency, and 120 VAC voltage.
$512.06$559.00
Should ship between 19 Nov and 03 Dec
Subject to factory lead times
The ASCO Series 345, also known as 8345,is a line of compact 4-way general service valves that are designed for low-flow applications. The valves are commonly used in analytical and diagnostic equipment, biofuel and heating systems, and refineries. Key details include a brass body material, FKM seating elastomer, 1/4" NPT pipe size, 1/16" orifice, 4 way valve function, solenoid actuation, and 120 VDC voltage.
$512.06$559.00
Should ship between 19 Nov and 03 Dec
Subject to factory lead times
The ASCO Series 345, also known as 8345,is a line of compact 4-way general service valves that are designed for low-flow applications. The valves are commonly used in analytical and diagnostic equipment, biofuel and heating systems, and refineries. Specifications include a 4 way valve function, solenoid actuation, 1/4" NPT pipe size, and 1/16" orifice, with a brass body material, FKM seating elastomer, and 24 VDC voltage.
$512.06$559.00
Should ship between 19 Nov and 03 Dec
Subject to factory lead times
The ASCO Series 345, also known as 8345,is a line of compact 4-way general service valves that are designed for low-flow applications. The valves are commonly used in analytical and diagnostic equipment, biofuel and heating systems, and refineries. Configured with a 100-240 VAC voltage.
$532.21$581.00
Should ship between 19 Nov and 03 Dec
Subject to factory lead times
The ASCO Series 345, also known as 8345,is a line of compact 4-way general service valves that are designed for low-flow applications. The valves are commonly used in analytical and diagnostic equipment, biofuel and heating systems, and refineries. This valve features a 120 V voltage.
$532.21$581.00
Should ship between 19 Nov and 03 Dec
Subject to factory lead times
The ASCO Series 345, also known as 8345,is a line of compact 4-way general service valves that are designed for low-flow applications. The valves are commonly used in analytical and diagnostic equipment, biofuel and heating systems, and refineries. This valve comes with a 100-240 VAC voltage.
$717.24$783.00
Should ship between 19 Nov and 03 Dec
Subject to factory lead times
The ASCO Series 345, also known as 8345,is a line of compact 4-way general service valves that are designed for low-flow applications. The valves are commonly used in analytical and diagnostic equipment, biofuel and heating systems, and refineries. Designed with a 120 V voltage.
$717.24$783.00
Should ship between 19 Nov and 03 Dec
Subject to factory lead times
The ASCO Series 345, also known as 8345,is a line of compact 4-way general service valves that are designed for low-flow applications. The valves are commonly used in analytical and diagnostic equipment, biofuel and heating systems, and refineries. Key details include a brass body material, 1/4" NPT pipe size, 1/16" orifice, 4 way valve function, solenoid actuation, and 100-240 VAC voltage.
$573.43$626.00
Should ship between 19 Nov and 03 Dec
Subject to factory lead times
The ASCO Series 345, also known as 8345,is a line of compact 4-way general service valves that are designed for low-flow applications. The valves are commonly used in analytical and diagnostic equipment, biofuel and heating systems, and refineries. Equipped with a 1/4" NPT pipe size and brass body material, this valve is configured with a 4 way valve function and solenoid actuation.
$573.43$626.00
Should ship between 19 Nov and 03 Dec
Subject to factory lead times
The ASCO Solenoid Valve Replacement Coil (MPN: 8347A001-002) is a dual-frequency AC coil rated for 120VAC/60Hz and 110VAC/50Hz (dual-frequency), designed as a direct-fit replacement for compatible ASCO solenoid valves. This OEM-grade coil delivers consistent electromagnetic actuation for reliable fluid control in industrial, commercial, and process automation applications, and can restore valve operation without the cost of full valve replacement.
Requires Quote
Should ship between 19 Nov and 03 Dec
Subject to factory lead times
The ASCO Solenoid Valve (MPN: 8347A001-006) is a electrically operated valve designed for precise on/off fluid control at 120VAC/60Hz and 110VAC/50Hz (dual-frequency). Built to ASCO's rigorous quality standards, it delivers dependable performance in industrial automation, process control, and fluid handling applications where reliable, repeatable actuation is essential.
Requires Quote
Should ship between 19 Nov and 03 Dec
Subject to factory lead times
The ASCO Solenoid Valve Replacement Coil (MPN: 8347A001AC120/60,110/50D) is a dual-frequency AC coil rated for 120VAC/60Hz and 110VAC/50Hz (dual-frequency), designed as a direct-fit replacement for compatible ASCO solenoid valves. This OEM-grade coil delivers consistent electromagnetic actuation for reliable fluid control in industrial, commercial, and process automation applications, and can restore valve operation without the cost of full valve replacement.
$51,080.94$55,764.00
Should ship between 19 Nov and 03 Dec
Subject to factory lead times
FAQS
- A pilot valve is a small solenoid valve used to control a larger valve or actuator by managing the pilot air or hydraulic signal that operates the main valve. Rather than the solenoid directly opening and closing the main process valve (which would require an impractically large and expensive solenoid), a small pilot valve is energized to route control pressure to the actuator of the main valve, which then opens or closes. This two-stage approach allows a small, low-power electrical signal to control a large process valve handling high pressures and flow rates. Pilot valves are available in 3/2-way and 4/2-way configurations. A 3/2-way pilot valve is used to control single-acting actuators — it alternately supplies pressure to and exhausts one side of the actuator. A 4/2-way pilot valve controls double-acting actuators. Centro carries ASCO Series 327/8327 direct-acting pilot valves, Series 316/8316 high-flow 3-way pilot valves, and Series 344/8344 4-way piston-operated pilot valves.
- A direct-acting solenoid valve uses the electromagnetic force of the solenoid coil to directly lift or push the valve element to open or close the flow path. The solenoid provides all the force needed to operate the valve, regardless of line pressure. Direct-acting valves work at zero pressure differential and are used for smaller orifice sizes and lower flow rates. A pilot-operated solenoid valve uses the solenoid to open a small pilot orifice, which then allows line pressure to act on a larger diaphragm or piston to open the main valve. The line pressure does most of the work. This allows pilot-operated valves to handle much larger orifice sizes and higher flow rates with a compact, low-power solenoid. However, pilot-operated valves require a minimum pressure differential across the valve to function. The ASCO Series 327/8327 available through Centro is a direct-acting 3/2-way valve with balanced poppet construction that provides high flow at minimum power levels, with PTFE rider rings and graphite-filled seals that reduce friction and eliminate sticking — making it ideal for process valve piloting in power plants, refineries, and chemical processing facilities.
- Pilot valves serve several critical functions in industrial process applications. Process valve piloting is the primary use — pilot valves provide the control air signal that operates the pneumatic actuators on large ball valves, butterfly valves, plug valves, globe valves, and other process valves in chemical plants, refineries, power plants, and water treatment facilities. When a control system sends an electrical signal to open or close a process valve, the pilot valve converts that electrical signal into pneumatic energy to move the actuator. Safety shutdown systems use pilot valves to quickly vent actuator air pressure and drive process valves to their fail-safe position during an emergency. Actuator control packages use pilot valves to provide the directional air control needed for double-acting pneumatic actuators. They are also used to pilot larger solenoid valves, diaphragm valves, and piston valves where the main valve requires more flow than a direct solenoid can provide. The ASCO Series 316/8316 is specifically designed as a high-flow 3-way pilot valve for quick closing of large control valves.
- When selecting a pilot valve for industrial applications, several features determine its reliability and suitability. Construction materials must be compatible with the pilot medium and ambient environment — stainless steel bodies and trim for corrosive environments, brass or aluminum for general service. Low friction internal components (PTFE rider rings, graphite-filled seals) prevent sticking and ensure reliable operation even after extended periods in one position — this is a common failure mode where pilot valves seize because they sit energized for weeks or months without cycling. The ASCO Series 327/8327 specifically addresses this with PTFE rider rings and graphite-filled seals. Explosion-proof or intrinsically safe electrical ratings are essential for installation in hazardous classified areas. Low power consumption reduces heat buildup in the coil and extends service life. Manual override capability allows operators to manually actuate the valve during testing or control system failures. The valve should be rated for the actuator's air supply pressure and temperature, and port connections should match the actuator and control tubing.
- Sizing a pilot valve for a pneumatic actuator requires matching the pilot valve's flow capacity (Cv) to the actuator's air volume and required response time. Determine the actuator's air volume — the total volume of compressed air needed to stroke the actuator fully, measured in cubic inches or liters. Determine the required stroking time — how fast the actuator must move the process valve. Calculate the required Cv using the actuator volume, available air supply pressure, and required stroking time. The pilot valve's Cv must equal or exceed this value. Also consider the port size — the pilot valve connections must be compatible with the actuator's pilot air connections and the tubing used in the installation. For double-acting actuators, a 4-way pilot valve (like the ASCO Series 344/8344) is needed; for single-acting (spring-return) actuators, a 3-way pilot valve (like the ASCO Series 327/8327 or 316/8316) is used. Undersizing the pilot valve results in slow actuator response because the valve cannot supply enough air volume quickly; oversizing adds cost but does not harm performance.