Valves - Fabco-Air
Valves start, stop, throttle and protect the flow in your piping system. Centro stocks ball, butterfly, gate, globe, check, control and specialty valves for water, steam, air, chemicals and slurries, in both manual...
Directional control valves route compressed air to cylinders and actuators, controlling when and which way they move. They're the core of any pneumatic control circuit.
Valve Types
- 2/2, 3/2, 5/2 and 5/3 valves – match circuit needs
- Solenoid-operated valves – electrical control
- Manual and mechanical valves – lever, button and cam operation
- Manifold-mount valves – compact valve banks
- Fieldbus valve terminals – networked control
Choosing a Valve
Size the valve flow (Cv) to the cylinder bore and speed. Choose function, actuation, voltage and port size. Manifolds simplify plumbing.
Centro supplies directional control valves for pneumatic automation.
Related categories: Pneumatic Directional Control Valves | Solenoid Coils | Regulators | Special Purpose Valves | Manifold Assembly Kit
Directional control valves are the backbone of hydraulic and pneumatic systems, managing the flow and direction of fluids to keep operations running smoothly. Whether you need to move a hydraulic cylinder, power a motor, or automate a system, these valves help direct fluid where it needs to go. They are essential in manufacturing, construction, and automation, ensuring precision and efficiency in fluid-powered equipment.
What Types of Directional Control Valves Are Available?
We offer a variety of directional control valves to fit different system needs:
- Solenoid-operated valves – Use electrical signals for fast and automated fluid control.
- Manual directional valves – Controlled by hand levers or push buttons for simple, direct operation.
- Pilot-operated valves – Utilize hydraulic or pneumatic pressure to control larger fluid flows with minimal effort.
- Spool valves – Efficiently switch fluid paths to direct flow as needed.
How to Choose the Right Directional Control Valve
Finding the right directional control valve depends on several key factors:
- System pressure and flow rate – Ensuring the valve can handle your application’s demands.
- Control method – Deciding between manual, electric, hydraulic, or pneumatic operation.
- Number of ports and positions – Matching the valve configuration to your system’s needs.
- Application type – Whether it's for industrial automation, mobile machinery, or other fluid-powered equipment.
Why Buy Directional Control Valves from us?
- We carry a wide selection of high-quality directional control valves.
- Our valves are built for reliable performance in demanding applications.
- We offer expert guidance to help you find the right solution.
- Our pricing is competitive, with products from trusted manufacturers.
If you need a directional control valve that keeps your system running efficiently, we’ve got you covered. Browse our selection online or contact our team for expert advice.
Related categories: Valves | Flow Control Valves | Valve Positioners | Fuel, Gas, and Oil Valves | Cryogenic Valves
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 other valves and initiating the opening or closing of the main valve or actuator. Pilot valves are commonly used in applications where high-pressure fluids or significant flow rates are involved, such as hydraulic systems, pneumatic systems, and industrial machinery. They provide reliable and precise control, ensuring efficient operation and safety. With various configurations and actuation methods available, including solenoid-operated, manual, or pilot-operated, pilot valves offer versatility and flexibility to meet specific system requirements.
Related categories: Valves | Proportional Valves | Microfluidic Valves | Pneumatic Control Valves | Hot Water and Steam Valves
Check and flow valves optimized for pneumatics are indispensable components within pneumatic systems, ensuring controlled and efficient fluid movement in various applications. Check valves permit air flow in one direction while preventing backflow maintaining pressure and system integrity. Flow control valves regulate the rate of airflow, enabling precise adjustments to pneumatic actuator speed and force. Engineered for accuracy and reliability, these valves are crucial in industries like automation, manufacturing, and robotics. Check and flow valves tailored for pneumatics contribute significantly to smooth operation, preventing pressure loss, and optimizing system performance. With diverse sizes and configurations, these valves offer tailored solutions for achieving precise and efficient pneumatic control in various industrial settings.
Related categories: Pneumatic Accessories | Pneumatic Fittings | In-Line Filters | Tubing | Air Volume Tanks
Flow control valves are essential devices used in fluid control systems to regulate the flow rate within a pipeline or system. These valves allow for precise adjustment of flow rates, ensuring optimal performance and efficiency. By controlling the opening or closing of the valve or by using throttling mechanisms, flow control valves can increase or decrease the flow rate as desired. This enables operators to maintain stable flow conditions, prevent fluid overload, and achieve accurate flow control for various applications. Flow control valves are commonly used in manufacturing, oil and gas, water treatment, and HVAC systems, where precise flow management is critical for operational success.
Related categories: Valves | Fuel, Gas, and Oil Valves | Directional Control Valves | Butterfly Valves | Valve Positioners
Control valves regulate the flow, pressure, and temperature of fluids in various industrial processes. These valves are essential for maintaining efficiency, safety, and precision in applications such as oil and gas, chemical processing, water treatment, food and beverage, and manufacturing. We offer a wide selection of control valves designed to meet the demands of these industries.
Types of Control Valves
We provide various control valves to suit different applications, including:
- Needle valves for precise flow control in instrumentation and low-flow systems.
- Flow control valves to regulate fluid flow and maintain system stability.
- Pneumatic globe control valves for automated, high-efficiency operation.
Choosing the Right Control Valve
When selecting a control valve, it’s important to consider factors such as the type of fluid (liquid, gas, or steam), operating pressure and temperature, flow rate requirements, and system compatibility. Whether you need a manually operated valve or an automated solution, we offer high-performance options to meet your needs.
Why Choose Us?
Our control valves are built for durability, precise flow regulation, and reliable performance. With a wide range of materials and configurations available, we help customers find the best solutions for their specific applications.
Browse our selection online or contact our team for expert guidance in choosing the right control valve for your system.
Related categories: Valves | Check Valves | Needle Valves | Mixing Valves
$56.78
Subject to factory lead times
$56.78
Subject to factory lead times
$59.47
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$59.47
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$57.77
Subject to factory lead times
$57.77
Subject to factory lead times
$57.77
Subject to factory lead times
$65.48
Subject to factory lead times
$57.77
Subject to factory lead times
$57.77
Subject to factory lead times
$60.73
Subject to factory lead times
$60.73
Subject to factory lead times
$233.29
Subject to factory lead times
$206.58
Subject to factory lead times
$206.58
Subject to factory lead times
$211.07
Subject to factory lead times
$160.37
Subject to factory lead times
$160.37
Subject to factory lead times
$166.88
Subject to factory lead times
$160.37
Subject to factory lead times
$217.08
Subject to factory lead times
$217.08
Subject to factory lead times
$217.08
Subject to factory lead times
$221.53
Subject to factory lead times
$56.78
Subject to factory lead times
$56.78
Subject to factory lead times
$59.47
Subject to factory lead times
$59.47
Subject to factory lead times
$57.77
Subject to factory lead times
$57.77
Subject to factory lead times
$57.77
Subject to factory lead times
$65.48
Subject to factory lead times
$57.77
Subject to factory lead times
$57.77
Subject to factory lead times
$60.73
Subject to factory lead times
$60.73
Subject to factory lead times
$233.29
Subject to factory lead times
$206.58
Subject to factory lead times
$206.58
Subject to factory lead times
$211.07
Subject to factory lead times
$160.37
Subject to factory lead times
$160.37
Subject to factory lead times
$166.88
Subject to factory lead times
$160.37
Subject to factory lead times
$217.08
Subject to factory lead times
$217.08
Subject to factory lead times
$217.08
Subject to factory lead times
$221.53
Subject to factory lead times
- Use a ball valve for simple on/off shutoff, a control valve when you need to regulate flow rate or pressure, and a check valve to prevent backflow. The choice comes down to whether you need to stop flow, control it, or protect against reverse flow.
- Cv is the flow coefficient — how much water a valve passes at a given pressure drop. Full port means the valve opening matches the pipe diameter for unrestricted flow; regular port is slightly smaller. End connections describe how the valve connects to pipe (NPT threads, flanges, etc.). Body material determines compatibility with your media and environment — brass, stainless, and PVC are the most common.
- Start with your required Cv based on flow rate and pressure drop. Then confirm the valve's pressure and temperature ratings exceed your system's maximums. Undersizing causes excessive pressure drop; oversizing reduces control precision. Always size for your actual operating conditions, not system maximums.
- Fail-open means the valve opens if power or signal is lost; fail-closed means it closes — critical for safety applications. NPT is a threaded connection best for smaller pipes and lower pressures. Flanged connections bolt between pipe flanges and are preferred for larger pipes, high pressure, or applications requiring frequent removal.
- Ball valves use a rotating ball for fast quarter-turn shutoff and are ideal for frequent operation. Gate valves use a rising gate for full open/close and are better for infrequent operation where minimal flow restriction matters. Ball valves are generally more reliable, longer lasting, and easier to operate.
- Because no single valve works well in every application. Pressure, temperature, media type, flow control needs, pipe size, and safety requirements all vary dramatically across industries. Each valve type is engineered to solve a specific set of those problems efficiently.
- Ball valves offer tighter shutoff and are better for smaller lines or where zero leakage matters. Butterfly valves are lighter, more compact, and more cost-effective for larger diameter pipes. For high-volume water flow in large lines, butterfly valves are typically the practical choice.
- Look for stainless steel or carbon steel body construction, graphite or metal seat materials, and valves rated for your specific pressure-temperature combination. Globe valves and ball valves with metal seats are commonly used in high-temp applications. Always verify the valve's published P-T rating before specifying.
- Match the valve type to your application (shutoff, control, or check). Verify body material compatibility with your media. Confirm pressure and temperature ratings exceed operating conditions. Consider end connection type, actuation method, and maintenance requirements. When in doubt, over-specify on pressure rating rather than under.