Pilot 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.
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The ASCO Series 342-S, also known as 8342, is a line of high-flow, slide-style 4-way valves available with single or dual solenoids. Its direct-acting operation and high-flow construction make it ideal for analytic and diagnostic equipment, biofuels, dust collector systems, heating equipment, and refining applications. This model features a 1/4" NPT pipe size, 3/16" orifice, 4 way valve function, solenoid actuation, 60 Hz frequency, 120 VAC voltage, brass body material, and PTFE seating elastomer.
$653.12$713.00
Available for Purchase
Subject to factory lead times
The ASCO Series 344, also known as 8344, 4-way solenoid valves incorporate a piston-operated poppet design for high flow in a variety of applications. Their sturdy, robust construction can be used with air or water media. The 344 Series is suitable for use in analytical and diagnostic instruments, biofuels, heating equipment, life science production, and refining. This valve comes with a 110 VAC voltage.
$1,277.85$1,395.00
Available for Purchase
Subject to factory lead times
The ASCO Series 320, also known as 8320, are general service solenoid valves designed for a broad range of applications. The direct-acting valves are available in voltage-ranging, harsh-environment, direct-mount, dribble-control, and long-life constructions. They are suitable for use in analytical and diagnostic equipment, dust collector systems, life sciences, and press room and metal stamping. This model features a 120 VDC voltage.
$400.30$437.00
Available for Purchase
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, 60 Hz frequency, and 120 VAC voltage.
$677.85$740.00
Available for Purchase
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, 50/60 Hz frequency, and 110/120 VAC voltage.
$677.85$740.00
Available for Purchase
Subject to factory lead times
The ASCO Series 320, also known as 8320, are general service solenoid valves designed for a broad range of applications. The direct-acting valves are available in voltage-ranging, harsh-environment, direct-mount, dribble-control, and long-life constructions. They are suitable for use in analytical and diagnostic equipment, dust collector systems, life sciences, and press room and metal stamping. Specifications include a 110 VAC voltage.
$666.86$728.00
Available for Purchase
Subject to factory lead times
The ASCO Series 320, also known as 8320, are general service solenoid valves designed for a broad range of applications. The direct-acting valves are available in voltage-ranging, harsh-environment, direct-mount, dribble-control, and long-life constructions. They are suitable for use in analytical and diagnostic equipment, dust collector systems, life sciences, and press room and metal stamping. Specifications include a 24 VDC voltage.
$217.10$237.00
Available for Purchase
Subject to factory lead times
The ASCO Series 320, also known as 8320, are general service solenoid valves designed for a broad range of applications. The direct-acting valves are available in voltage-ranging, harsh-environment, direct-mount, dribble-control, and long-life constructions. They are suitable for use in analytical and diagnostic equipment, dust collector systems, life sciences, and press room and metal stamping. Configured with a 110 VAC voltage.
$217.10$237.00
Available for Purchase
Subject to factory lead times
The ASCO Series 320, also known as 8320, are general service solenoid valves designed for a broad range of applications. The direct-acting valves are available in voltage-ranging, harsh-environment, direct-mount, dribble-control, and long-life constructions. They are suitable for use in analytical and diagnostic equipment, dust collector systems, life sciences, and press room and metal stamping. This valve comes with a 110 VAC voltage.
$485.49$530.00
Available for Purchase
Subject to factory lead times
The ASCO Series 321, also known as 8321, quick-exhaust solenoid valves are designed for quick venting to 0 psi through their external orifice. Air is exhausted to rapidly shift control valves. The pilot-operated valves have resilient seated poppets for tight shutoff. They are well suited for refining, chemical, and food and beverage applications that require a quick-exhaust valve. This model features a 120 VAC voltage.
$752.97$822.00
Available for Purchase
Subject to factory lead times
The ASCO Series 314, also known as 8314, is a line of direct-acting general service solenoid valves which can be used as moderate flow pilots for smaller control valves and actuators. With only a spring and two moving parts, the valve is ideal for basic three-way piloting operation It is suitable for analytical and diagnostic equipment, automotive, bottling, dust collector system, and life science applications. This valve is configured with a 110 VAC voltage.
$236.33$258.00
Available for Purchase
Subject to factory lead times
The ASCO Series 320, also known as 8320, are general service solenoid valves designed for a broad range of applications. The direct-acting valves are available in voltage-ranging, harsh-environment, direct-mount, dribble-control, and long-life constructions. They are suitable for use in analytical and diagnostic equipment, dust collector systems, life sciences, and press room and metal stamping. Key details include a 110 VAC voltage.
$313.28$342.00
Available for Purchase
Subject to factory lead times
The ASCO Series 320, also known as 8320, are general service solenoid valves designed for a broad range of applications. The direct-acting valves are available in voltage-ranging, harsh-environment, direct-mount, dribble-control, and long-life constructions. They are suitable for use in analytical and diagnostic equipment, dust collector systems, life sciences, and press room and metal stamping. Specifications include a 110 VAC voltage.
$201.52$220.00
Available for Purchase
Subject to factory lead times
The ASCO Series 320, also known as 8320, are general service solenoid valves designed for a broad range of applications. The direct-acting valves are available in voltage-ranging, harsh-environment, direct-mount, dribble-control, and long-life constructions. They are suitable for use in analytical and diagnostic equipment, dust collector systems, life sciences, and press room and metal stamping. Designed with a 24 VAC voltage.
$201.52$220.00
Available for Purchase
Subject to factory lead times
The ASCO Series 320, also known as 8320, are general service solenoid valves designed for a broad range of applications. The direct-acting valves are available in voltage-ranging, harsh-environment, direct-mount, dribble-control, and long-life constructions. They are suitable for use in analytical and diagnostic equipment, dust collector systems, life sciences, and press room and metal stamping. Key details include a 110 VAC voltage.
$247.33$270.00
Available for Purchase
Subject to factory lead times
The ASCO Series 320, also known as 8320, are general service solenoid valves designed for a broad range of applications. The direct-acting valves are available in voltage-ranging, harsh-environment, direct-mount, dribble-control, and long-life constructions. They are suitable for use in analytical and diagnostic equipment, dust collector systems, life sciences, and press room and metal stamping. Key details include a 110 VAC voltage.
$247.33$270.00
Available for Purchase
Subject to factory lead times
The ASCO Series 320, also known as 8320, are general service solenoid valves designed for a broad range of applications. The direct-acting valves are available in voltage-ranging, harsh-environment, direct-mount, dribble-control, and long-life constructions. They are suitable for use in analytical and diagnostic equipment, dust collector systems, life sciences, and press room and metal stamping. This valve is configured with a 120 VAC voltage.
$247.33$270.00
Available for Purchase
Subject to factory lead times
The ASCO Series 320, also known as 8320, are general service solenoid valves designed for a broad range of applications. The direct-acting valves are available in voltage-ranging, harsh-environment, direct-mount, dribble-control, and long-life constructions. They are suitable for use in analytical and diagnostic equipment, dust collector systems, life sciences, and press room and metal stamping. This valve comes with a 110 VAC voltage.
$297.71$325.00
Available for Purchase
Subject to factory lead times
The ASCO Series 320, also known as 8320, are general service solenoid valves designed for a broad range of applications. The direct-acting valves are available in voltage-ranging, harsh-environment, direct-mount, dribble-control, and long-life constructions. They are suitable for use in analytical and diagnostic equipment, dust collector systems, life sciences, and press room and metal stamping. This valve is configured with a 110 VAC voltage.
$351.75$384.00
Available for Purchase
Subject to factory lead times
The ASCO Series 320, also known as 8320, are general service solenoid valves designed for a broad range of applications. The direct-acting valves are available in voltage-ranging, harsh-environment, direct-mount, dribble-control, and long-life constructions. They are suitable for use in analytical and diagnostic equipment, dust collector systems, life sciences, and press room and metal stamping. Specifications include a 110 VAC voltage.
$182.29$199.00
Available for Purchase
Subject to factory lead times
The ASCO Pneumatically Actuated Solenoid Valve (MPN: P210100) is a 2-way, normally closed air-operated valve from ASCO's industry-leading line of pneumatic control valves. This valve accepts a pilot air supply of 30–125 PSI and is rated for mainline pressures from 5–125 PSI, with a brass body and Buna-N elastomer seals for durability across a wide range of compatible fluids. Its unique sealing design isolates pilot pressure from the main line, ensuring consistent operation even with varying pilot pressures, and the valve can be installed in any orientation for installation flexibility. It is suitable for industrial automation, process control, HVAC, and fluid handling systems where pneumatic operation is preferred.
$7,067.09$7,715.00
Available for Purchase
Subject to factory lead times
The ASCO Pneumatically Actuated Solenoid Valve (MPN: P210A015) is a 2-way, normally closed air-operated valve from ASCO's industry-leading line of pneumatic control valves. This valve accepts a pilot air supply of 30–125 PSI and is rated for mainline pressures from 5–125 PSI, with a brass body and Buna-N elastomer seals for durability across a wide range of compatible fluids. Its unique sealing design isolates pilot pressure from the main line, ensuring consistent operation even with varying pilot pressures, and the valve can be installed in any orientation for installation flexibility. It is suitable for industrial automation, process control, HVAC, and fluid handling systems where pneumatic operation is preferred.
$1,170.67$1,278.00
Available for Purchase
Subject to factory lead times
The ASCO Pneumatically Actuated Solenoid Valve (MPN: P210C033) is a 2-way, normally closed air-operated valve from ASCO's industry-leading line of pneumatic control valves. This valve accepts a pilot air supply of 30–125 PSI and is rated for mainline pressures from 5–125 PSI, with a brass body and Buna-N elastomer seals for durability across a wide range of compatible fluids. Its unique sealing design isolates pilot pressure from the main line, ensuring consistent operation even with varying pilot pressures, and the valve can be installed in any orientation for installation flexibility. It is suitable for industrial automation, process control, HVAC, and fluid handling systems where pneumatic operation is preferred.
$1,763.34$1,925.00
Available for Purchase
Subject to factory lead times
The ASCO Pneumatically Actuated Solenoid Valve (MPN: P210C034) is a 2-way, normally closed air-operated valve from ASCO's industry-leading line of pneumatic control valves. This valve accepts a pilot air supply of 30–125 PSI and is rated for mainline pressures from 5–125 PSI, with a brass body and Buna-N elastomer seals for durability across a wide range of compatible fluids. Its unique sealing design isolates pilot pressure from the main line, ensuring consistent operation even with varying pilot pressures, and the valve can be installed in any orientation for installation flexibility. It is suitable for industrial automation, process control, HVAC, and fluid handling systems where pneumatic operation is preferred.
$1,600.29$1,747.00
Available for Purchase
Subject to factory lead times
The ASCO Series 342-S, also known as 8342, is a line of high-flow, slide-style 4-way valves available with single or dual solenoids. Its direct-acting operation and high-flow construction make it ideal for analytic and diagnostic equipment, biofuels, dust collector systems, heating equipment, and refining applications. This model features a 1/4" NPT pipe size, 3/16" orifice, 4 way valve function, solenoid actuation, 60 Hz frequency, 120 VAC voltage, brass body material, and PTFE seating elastomer.
$653.12$713.00
Available for Purchase
Subject to factory lead times
The ASCO Series 344, also known as 8344, 4-way solenoid valves incorporate a piston-operated poppet design for high flow in a variety of applications. Their sturdy, robust construction can be used with air or water media. The 344 Series is suitable for use in analytical and diagnostic instruments, biofuels, heating equipment, life science production, and refining. This valve comes with a 110 VAC voltage.
$1,277.85$1,395.00
Available for Purchase
Subject to factory lead times
The ASCO Series 320, also known as 8320, are general service solenoid valves designed for a broad range of applications. The direct-acting valves are available in voltage-ranging, harsh-environment, direct-mount, dribble-control, and long-life constructions. They are suitable for use in analytical and diagnostic equipment, dust collector systems, life sciences, and press room and metal stamping. This model features a 120 VDC voltage.
$400.30$437.00
Available for Purchase
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, 60 Hz frequency, and 120 VAC voltage.
$677.85$740.00
Available for Purchase
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, 50/60 Hz frequency, and 110/120 VAC voltage.
$677.85$740.00
Available for Purchase
Subject to factory lead times
The ASCO Series 320, also known as 8320, are general service solenoid valves designed for a broad range of applications. The direct-acting valves are available in voltage-ranging, harsh-environment, direct-mount, dribble-control, and long-life constructions. They are suitable for use in analytical and diagnostic equipment, dust collector systems, life sciences, and press room and metal stamping. Specifications include a 110 VAC voltage.
$666.86$728.00
Available for Purchase
Subject to factory lead times
The ASCO Series 320, also known as 8320, are general service solenoid valves designed for a broad range of applications. The direct-acting valves are available in voltage-ranging, harsh-environment, direct-mount, dribble-control, and long-life constructions. They are suitable for use in analytical and diagnostic equipment, dust collector systems, life sciences, and press room and metal stamping. Specifications include a 24 VDC voltage.
$217.10$237.00
Available for Purchase
Subject to factory lead times
The ASCO Series 320, also known as 8320, are general service solenoid valves designed for a broad range of applications. The direct-acting valves are available in voltage-ranging, harsh-environment, direct-mount, dribble-control, and long-life constructions. They are suitable for use in analytical and diagnostic equipment, dust collector systems, life sciences, and press room and metal stamping. Configured with a 110 VAC voltage.
$217.10$237.00
Available for Purchase
Subject to factory lead times
The ASCO Series 320, also known as 8320, are general service solenoid valves designed for a broad range of applications. The direct-acting valves are available in voltage-ranging, harsh-environment, direct-mount, dribble-control, and long-life constructions. They are suitable for use in analytical and diagnostic equipment, dust collector systems, life sciences, and press room and metal stamping. This valve comes with a 110 VAC voltage.
$485.49$530.00
Available for Purchase
Subject to factory lead times
The ASCO Series 321, also known as 8321, quick-exhaust solenoid valves are designed for quick venting to 0 psi through their external orifice. Air is exhausted to rapidly shift control valves. The pilot-operated valves have resilient seated poppets for tight shutoff. They are well suited for refining, chemical, and food and beverage applications that require a quick-exhaust valve. This model features a 120 VAC voltage.
$752.97$822.00
Available for Purchase
Subject to factory lead times
The ASCO Series 314, also known as 8314, is a line of direct-acting general service solenoid valves which can be used as moderate flow pilots for smaller control valves and actuators. With only a spring and two moving parts, the valve is ideal for basic three-way piloting operation It is suitable for analytical and diagnostic equipment, automotive, bottling, dust collector system, and life science applications. This valve is configured with a 110 VAC voltage.
$236.33$258.00
Available for Purchase
Subject to factory lead times
The ASCO Series 320, also known as 8320, are general service solenoid valves designed for a broad range of applications. The direct-acting valves are available in voltage-ranging, harsh-environment, direct-mount, dribble-control, and long-life constructions. They are suitable for use in analytical and diagnostic equipment, dust collector systems, life sciences, and press room and metal stamping. Key details include a 110 VAC voltage.
$313.28$342.00
Available for Purchase
Subject to factory lead times
The ASCO Series 320, also known as 8320, are general service solenoid valves designed for a broad range of applications. The direct-acting valves are available in voltage-ranging, harsh-environment, direct-mount, dribble-control, and long-life constructions. They are suitable for use in analytical and diagnostic equipment, dust collector systems, life sciences, and press room and metal stamping. Specifications include a 110 VAC voltage.
$201.52$220.00
Available for Purchase
Subject to factory lead times
The ASCO Series 320, also known as 8320, are general service solenoid valves designed for a broad range of applications. The direct-acting valves are available in voltage-ranging, harsh-environment, direct-mount, dribble-control, and long-life constructions. They are suitable for use in analytical and diagnostic equipment, dust collector systems, life sciences, and press room and metal stamping. Designed with a 24 VAC voltage.
$201.52$220.00
Available for Purchase
Subject to factory lead times
The ASCO Series 320, also known as 8320, are general service solenoid valves designed for a broad range of applications. The direct-acting valves are available in voltage-ranging, harsh-environment, direct-mount, dribble-control, and long-life constructions. They are suitable for use in analytical and diagnostic equipment, dust collector systems, life sciences, and press room and metal stamping. Key details include a 110 VAC voltage.
$247.33$270.00
Available for Purchase
Subject to factory lead times
The ASCO Series 320, also known as 8320, are general service solenoid valves designed for a broad range of applications. The direct-acting valves are available in voltage-ranging, harsh-environment, direct-mount, dribble-control, and long-life constructions. They are suitable for use in analytical and diagnostic equipment, dust collector systems, life sciences, and press room and metal stamping. Key details include a 110 VAC voltage.
$247.33$270.00
Available for Purchase
Subject to factory lead times
The ASCO Series 320, also known as 8320, are general service solenoid valves designed for a broad range of applications. The direct-acting valves are available in voltage-ranging, harsh-environment, direct-mount, dribble-control, and long-life constructions. They are suitable for use in analytical and diagnostic equipment, dust collector systems, life sciences, and press room and metal stamping. This valve is configured with a 120 VAC voltage.
$247.33$270.00
Available for Purchase
Subject to factory lead times
The ASCO Series 320, also known as 8320, are general service solenoid valves designed for a broad range of applications. The direct-acting valves are available in voltage-ranging, harsh-environment, direct-mount, dribble-control, and long-life constructions. They are suitable for use in analytical and diagnostic equipment, dust collector systems, life sciences, and press room and metal stamping. This valve comes with a 110 VAC voltage.
$297.71$325.00
Available for Purchase
Subject to factory lead times
The ASCO Series 320, also known as 8320, are general service solenoid valves designed for a broad range of applications. The direct-acting valves are available in voltage-ranging, harsh-environment, direct-mount, dribble-control, and long-life constructions. They are suitable for use in analytical and diagnostic equipment, dust collector systems, life sciences, and press room and metal stamping. This valve is configured with a 110 VAC voltage.
$351.75$384.00
Available for Purchase
Subject to factory lead times
The ASCO Series 320, also known as 8320, are general service solenoid valves designed for a broad range of applications. The direct-acting valves are available in voltage-ranging, harsh-environment, direct-mount, dribble-control, and long-life constructions. They are suitable for use in analytical and diagnostic equipment, dust collector systems, life sciences, and press room and metal stamping. Specifications include a 110 VAC voltage.
$182.29$199.00
Available for Purchase
Subject to factory lead times
The ASCO Pneumatically Actuated Solenoid Valve (MPN: P210100) is a 2-way, normally closed air-operated valve from ASCO's industry-leading line of pneumatic control valves. This valve accepts a pilot air supply of 30–125 PSI and is rated for mainline pressures from 5–125 PSI, with a brass body and Buna-N elastomer seals for durability across a wide range of compatible fluids. Its unique sealing design isolates pilot pressure from the main line, ensuring consistent operation even with varying pilot pressures, and the valve can be installed in any orientation for installation flexibility. It is suitable for industrial automation, process control, HVAC, and fluid handling systems where pneumatic operation is preferred.
$7,067.09$7,715.00
Available for Purchase
Subject to factory lead times
The ASCO Pneumatically Actuated Solenoid Valve (MPN: P210A015) is a 2-way, normally closed air-operated valve from ASCO's industry-leading line of pneumatic control valves. This valve accepts a pilot air supply of 30–125 PSI and is rated for mainline pressures from 5–125 PSI, with a brass body and Buna-N elastomer seals for durability across a wide range of compatible fluids. Its unique sealing design isolates pilot pressure from the main line, ensuring consistent operation even with varying pilot pressures, and the valve can be installed in any orientation for installation flexibility. It is suitable for industrial automation, process control, HVAC, and fluid handling systems where pneumatic operation is preferred.
$1,170.67$1,278.00
Available for Purchase
Subject to factory lead times
The ASCO Pneumatically Actuated Solenoid Valve (MPN: P210C033) is a 2-way, normally closed air-operated valve from ASCO's industry-leading line of pneumatic control valves. This valve accepts a pilot air supply of 30–125 PSI and is rated for mainline pressures from 5–125 PSI, with a brass body and Buna-N elastomer seals for durability across a wide range of compatible fluids. Its unique sealing design isolates pilot pressure from the main line, ensuring consistent operation even with varying pilot pressures, and the valve can be installed in any orientation for installation flexibility. It is suitable for industrial automation, process control, HVAC, and fluid handling systems where pneumatic operation is preferred.
$1,763.34$1,925.00
Available for Purchase
Subject to factory lead times
The ASCO Pneumatically Actuated Solenoid Valve (MPN: P210C034) is a 2-way, normally closed air-operated valve from ASCO's industry-leading line of pneumatic control valves. This valve accepts a pilot air supply of 30–125 PSI and is rated for mainline pressures from 5–125 PSI, with a brass body and Buna-N elastomer seals for durability across a wide range of compatible fluids. Its unique sealing design isolates pilot pressure from the main line, ensuring consistent operation even with varying pilot pressures, and the valve can be installed in any orientation for installation flexibility. It is suitable for industrial automation, process control, HVAC, and fluid handling systems where pneumatic operation is preferred.
$1,600.29$1,747.00
Available for Purchase
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.