Pilot Control Valves | McMaster-Carr

	Actuation Actuation

Air

Electric (Solenoid)

	Outlet Pipe Size Outlet Pipe Size

	Inlet Pipe Size Inlet Pipe Size

	Return Actuation Return Actuation

Spring

Air Pilot

	Flow Pattern Flow Pattern

3/2

5/2

5/3 (Closed Center)

	For Air Cylinder Type For Air Cylinder Type

Double Acting

Single Acting

	Valve Function Valve Function

	Voltage Voltage

	Inlet Thread Type Inlet Thread Type

NPT

NPTF

UNF

	Outlet Thread Type Outlet Thread Type

	Number of Flow Ports Number of Flow Ports

	Air Directional Control Valve Type Air Directional Control Valve Type

3-Way

4-Way

	For Use With For Use With

Compressed Air

Hydraulic Fluid

	Maximum Pressure Maximum Pressure

	Number of Flow Positions Number of Flow Positions

	Air Pilot Thread Type Air Pilot Thread Type

	Exhaust Pipe Size Exhaust Pipe Size

	For Inlet Tube OD For Inlet Tube OD

	Inlet Connection Type Inlet Connection Type


Pipe	Tube

	Valve Type Valve Type

	Overall Length Overall Length

	RoHS (Restriction of Hazardous Substances) RoHS (Restriction of Hazardous Substances)

RoHS Compliant

RoHS Compliant with
Exemptions

	REACH (Registration, Evaluation, Authorization and Restriction of Chemicals) REACH (Registration, Evaluation, Authorization and Restriction of Chemicals)

REACH Compliant

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About Flow Control Valves

Also known as cylinder speed controls, flow control valves let you control the extension or retraction speed of your air cylinder. They regulate airflow as it passes from the valve's inlet to its outlet. Air flows freely in the opposite direction.

Matching Flow Diagrams to Replace an Air Directional Control Valve

Choosing an Air Directional Control Valve

Often used to extend and then retract a cylinder at different speeds, these valves create two actions and have two exhaust ports, which allows you to control the speed of each action by attaching a flow control valve to each exhaust port. Also known as pilot valves and 4-way valves, they use an air signal to actuate, so they're good for environments where electrical use may be dangerous. They direct airflow from the inlet to your equipment and exhaust return airflow to create motion.

Valves without air-assisted spring return actuation go back to their starting position as soon as the air supply is removed.

Those with air-assisted spring return actuation require you to supply air to port P to go back to their starting position.

Valves with air pilot return actuation go back to their starting position when the air supply is moved from the first air pilot to the second air pilot.

NPTF (Dryseal) threads are compatible with NPT threads.

Flow coefficient (Cv) is a measurement that indicates how much airflow can pass through a valve.

For technical drawings and 3-D models, click on a part number.

											O'all
Min. Actuation Pressure, psi	No. of Flow Ports	No. of Air Pilot Ports	Inlet Size	Outlet Size	Exhaust Connection Type	Air Pilot Size	Max. Flow Rate, scfm @ 100 psi	Flow Coefficient (Cv)	Pressure Range, psi	Vacuum Rating, in. of Hg	Lg.	Wd.	Ht.	Mounting Fasteners Included		Each
Threaded Female Inlet × Threaded Female Outlet × Threaded Female Pilot
Not Air-Assisted Spring Return Actuation
44	5	1	3/8 NPTF	3/8 NPTF	Threaded	1/8 NPT	53.1	1.6	0-150	10	6 1/8"	1 1/4"	2 1/4"	No	0000000	0000000
Air-Assisted Spring Return Actuation
44	5	1	1/8 NPT	1/8 NPT	Threaded	1/8 NPT	43.1	1.3	0-145	26	4 1/8"	7/8"	1 3/8"	No	00000000	00000
44	5	1	1/4 NPT	1/4 NPT	Threaded	1/8 NPT	43.1	1.3	0-145	26	5 1/8"	1"	1 5/8"	No	00000000	000000
44	5	1	1/2 NPTF	1/2 NPTF	Threaded	1/8 NPT	165.9	5	0-150	26	6 5/8"	1 1/2"	2 1/2"	No	0000000	000000
44	5	1	10-32 UNF	10-32 UNF	Threaded	10-32 UNF	8.6	0.26	0-150	26	2 1/2"	3/4"	1"	No	0000000	000000
Air Pilot Return Actuation
29	5	2	1/8 NPT	1/8 NPT	Threaded	1/8 NPT	43.1	1.3	0-145	26	4 1/8"	7/8"	1 3/8"	No	00000000	000000
29	5	2	1/4 NPT	1/4 NPT	Threaded	1/8 NPT	43.1	1.3	0-145	26	5"	1"	1 5/8"	No	00000000	000000
29	5	2	3/8 NPTF	3/8 NPTF	Threaded	1/8 NPT	53.1	1.6	0-150	10	6 5/8"	1 1/4"	2 1/4"	No	0000000	000000
29	5	2	1/2 NPTF	1/2 NPTF	Threaded	1/8 NPT	165.9	5	0-150	26	6 5/8"	1 1/2"	2 1/2"	No	0000000	000000
29	5	2	10-32 UNF	10-32 UNF	Threaded	10-32 UNF	8.6	0.26	0-150	26	2 1/2"	3/4"	1"	No	0000000	000000

Two-Speed Two-Action Air-Operated Air Directional Control Valves with Full Shut-Off

In the off position, these valves stop equipment in a locked position with air pressure holding it in place. Often used to extend and then retract a cylinder at different speeds, they create two actions and have two exhaust ports, which allows you to control the speed of each action by attaching a flow control valve to each exhaust port. They actuate by air signal, so they're good for environments where electrical use may be dangerous. Valves direct airflow from the inlet to your equipment and exhaust return airflow to create motion. Return actuation is by air, so they go back to their starting position when the air supply is moved from the first air pilot to the second air pilot. Also known as 4-way and 5/3 closed center valves.

Flow coefficient (Cv) is a measurement that indicates how much airflow can pass through a valve.

For technical drawings and 3-D models, click on a part number.

											Overall
Min. Actuation Pressure, psi	No. of Flow Ports	No. of Air Pilot Ports	Inlet Size	Outlet Size	Exhaust Connection Type	Air Pilot Size	Max. Flow Rate, scfm @ 100 psi	Flow Coefficient (Cv)	Pressure Range, psi	Vacuum Rating, in. of Hg	Lg.	Wd.	Ht.	Mounting Fasteners Included		Each
Threaded Female Inlet × Threaded Female Outlet × Threaded Female Air Pilot
44	5	2	1/8 NPT	1/8 NPT	Threaded	1/8 NPT	42	0.5	26-145	26	4 3/4"	7/8"	1 3/8"	No	00000000	0000000
44	5	2	1/4 NPT	1/4 NPT	Threaded	1/8 NPT	73	0.95	26-145	26	5 5/8"	1"	1 5/8"	No	00000000	000000

Single-Action Air-Operated Air Directional Control Valves

These valves create one action, such as extending a cylinder. Also known as 3/2 or pilot valves, they use an air signal to actuate, so they're good for environments where electrical use may be dangerous. They direct airflow from an inlet to your equipment and exhaust return airflow to create motion. In the off position, they exhaust air pressure from the system, allowing equipment to reset so the action can be repeated.

Normally closed valves normally block airflow, and remain closed until actuated. Valves that are both normally closed and normally open can be installed to normally block airflow, or to normally allow flow and remain open until actuated.

Valves with spring return actuation go back to their starting position as soon as the air supply is removed. Valves with air pilot return actuation go back to their starting position when the air supply is moved from the first air pilot to the second air pilot.

Flow coefficient (Cv) is a measurement that indicates how much airflow can pass through a valve.

For technical drawings and 3-D models, click on a part number.

Threaded Female Inlet × Threaded Female Outlet × Threaded Female Air Pilot

											O'all
Min. Actuation Pressure, psi	No. of Flow Ports	No. of Air Pilot Ports	Inlet Size	Outlet Size	Exhaust Connection Type	Air Pilot Size	Max. Flow Rate, scfm @ 100 psi	Flow Coefficient (Cv)	Pressure Range, psi	Vacuum Rating, in. of Hg	Lg.	Wd.	Ht.	Mounting Fasteners Included		Each
Normally Closed Valve Starting Position
Spring Return Actuation
44	3	1	1/8 NPT	1/8 NPT	Threaded	1/8 NPT	24.9	0.75	0-145	26	3 1/2"	7/8"	1 3/8"	No	00000000	0000000
44	3	1	1/4 NPT	1/4 NPT	Threaded	1/8 NPT	24.9	0.75	0-145	26	4 1/4"	1"	1 5/8"	No	00000000	000000
44	3	1	3/8 NPTF	3/8 NPTF	Threaded	1/8 NPT	53.1	1.6	0-150	10	5 1/8"	1 1/4"	2 1/4"	No	0000000	000000
Normally Open/Normally Closed Valve Starting Position
Air Pilot Return Actuation
29	3	2	1/8 NPT	1/8 NPT	Threaded	1/8 NPT	24.9	0.75	0-145	26	3 1/2"	7/8"	1 3/8"	No	00000000	000000
29	3	2	1/4 NPT	1/4 NPT	Threaded	1/8 NPT	24.9	0.75	0-145	26	4 1/8"	1"	1 5/8"	No	00000000	000000
29	3	2	3/8 NPTF	3/8 NPTF	Threaded	1/8 NPT	53.1	1.6	0-150	10	5 1/2"	1 1/4"	2 1/4"	No	0000000	000000

Air-Operated Air On/Off Valves

Also known as blocking valves, these valves are activated by an air signal to turn equipment on and off. They allow airflow when an air signal is applied to the air pilot. When the air supply is removed, the valve closes, trapping air in the system.

Valves with push-to-connect ports are for use with plastic or soft metal tubing. Insert tubing into the port.

Flow coefficient (Cv) is a measurement that indicates how much airflow can pass through a valve. When selecting between valves with the same port size, choose the valve with the higher flow coefficient to ensure it provides enough airflow to operate your system.

NPT Female Inlet × NPT Male Outlet × UNF Female Air Port

				Air Pilot		Flow Rate @ 100 psi				Overall
Inlet Pipe Size	Outlet Pipe Size	Air Pilot Thread Size	For Air Pilot Tube OD	Thread Type	Flow Coefficient (Cv)	Min.	Max.	Max. Pressure, psi	Temp. Range, °F	Lg.	Wd.	Ht.		Each
Brass Body
1/8	1/8	10-32	5/32"	UNF	0.64	0 scfm	15 scfm	145	0° to 160°	1"	1"	2"	00000000	000000
1/4	1/4	10-32	5/32"	UNF	0.87	0 scfm	20 scfm	145	0° to 160°	1"	1"	2"	00000000	000000
3/8	3/8	10-32	5/32"	UNF	2.06	0 scfm	45 scfm	145	0° to 160°	1 3/8"	1 1/8"	2 3/16"	00000000	000000

Push-to-Connect Female Inlet and Airt Pilot × NPT Male Outlet

				Flow Rate @ 100 psi				Overall
For Inlet Tube OD	Outlet Pipe Size	For Air Pilot Tube OD	Flow Coefficient (Cv)	Min.	Max.	Max. Pressure, psi	Temp. Range, °F	Lg.	Wd.	Ht.		Each
Brass Body
1/4"	1/8	5/32"	0.64	0 scfm	15 scfm	145	0° to 160°	1 1/8"	1"	2"	00000000	000000
1/4"	1/4	5/32"	0.87	0 scfm	20 scfm	145	0° to 160°	1 1/8"	1"	2"	00000000	000000
3/8"	3/8	5/32"	2.06	0 scfm	45 scfm	145	0° to 160°	1 3/8"	1 1/8"	2 3/16"	00000000	000000

Push-to-Connect Female Inlet and Air Pilot × Metric Male Outlet

	Outlet				Flow Rate @ 100 psi				Overall
For Inlet Tube OD, mm	Thread Size	Thread Pitch, mm	For Air Pilot Tube OD, mm	Flow Coefficient (Cv)	Min.	Max.	Max. Pressure, psi	Temp. Range, °F	Lg., mm	Wd., mm	Ht., mm		Each
Zinc Body
4	M5	0.8	4	0.203	0 scfm	7.1 scfm	145	15° to 140°	24.9	11	39	00000000	000000

Push-to-Connect Female Inlet × BSPP Male Outlet × Metric Female Air Pilot

		Air Pilot			Flow Rate @ 100 psi				Overall
For Inlet Tube OD, mm	Outlet Pipe Size	Thread Size	Thread Pitch, mm	Flow Coefficient (Cv)	Min.	Max.	Max. Pressure, psi	Temp. Range, °F	Lg., mm	Wd., mm	Ht., mm		Each
Zinc Body
6	1/8	M5	0.8	0.406	0 scfm	14.1 scfm	145	15° to 140°	32.6	13.8	48	00000000	000000

Push-to-Connect Female Inlet × BSPP Male Outlet × BSPP Female Air Pilot

				Flow Rate @ 100 psi				Overall
For Inlet Tube OD, mm	Outlet Pipe Size	Air Pilot Pipe Size	Flow Coefficient (Cv)	Min.	Max.	Max. Pressure, psi	Temp. Range, °F	Lg., mm	Wd., mm	Ht., mm		Each
Zinc Body
8	1/4	1/8	0.65	0 scfm	22.6 scfm	145	15° to 140°	39.6	17.8	57.3	00000000	000000

Air-Operated Air Flow Control Valves with Safety Shut-Off

Protect air-powered equipment in emergency shut-off situations—when system pressure drops, the air pilot signal stops and these valves automatically close to stop cylinder motion, even at a mid-stroke. They control the speed of air-powered equipment by adjusting the volume of airflow. A pressure-release button allows you to exhaust any trapped air pressure from the system after shut down. Install them in pairs on cylinder exhaust ports, and use tee connectors (not included) to direct exhaust air from the cylinder to the air pilot of the opposite valve, and to connect valves to a directional control valve. The elbow shape allows you to mount them directly to cylinder ports, eliminating additional tubing or piping between the cylinder and valve for better control and consistency than inline valves.

Two direction valves control airflow as it enters (meter in) and exits (meter out) equipment, and are often used to control the extension and retraction speed of an air cylinder at the same time. One direction valves control flow as air exits the cylinder (meter out) and moves from the inlet to the outlet.

Valves with push-to-connect ports are for use with plastic or soft metal tubing. Insert tubing into the port.

Flow coefficient (Cv) is a measurement that indicates how much airflow can pass through a valve.

NPT Male Inlet × Push-to-Connect Female Outlet × Female Air Port

Threaded Male Inlet ×
Push-to-Connect
Female Outlet

		Air Pilot
Inlet Pipe Size	For Outlet Tube OD	Pipe Size	Thread Size	Thread Type	Flow Coefficient (Cv)	Max. Flow Rate @ 73 psi	Max. Pressure, psi	Temp. Range, °F	Flow Adjustment Mechanism	Flow Control Type (ISO Designation)	Features		Each
PBT Plastic Body—One Direction
1/8	1/4"	__	10-32	UNF	0.18	7.2 scfm	145	25° to 140°	Dial	Exiting Cylinder (Meter Out)	Pressure-Release Button	00000000	000000
1/4	1/4"	1/8	__	NPT	0.18	7.2 scfm	145	25° to 140°	Dial	Exiting Cylinder (Meter Out)	Pressure-Release Button	00000000	00000
3/8	3/8"	1/8	__	NPT	0.18	7.2 scfm	145	25° to 140°	Dial	Exiting Cylinder (Meter Out)	Pressure-Release Button	00000000	00000

Push-to-Connect Female Inlet × BSPP Male Outlet × Push-to-Connect Female Air Port

Push-to-Connect Female Inlet × Threaded Male Outlet

Nylon Plastic Body—One Direction
For Inlet Tube OD, mm	Outlet Pipe Size	For Air Pilot Tube OD, mm	Flow Coefficient (Cv)	Maximum Flow Rate @ 87 psi	Maximum Flow Rate @ 100 psi	Max. Pressure, psi	Temp. Range, °F	Flow Adjustment Mechanism	Flow Control Type (ISO Designation)	Features		Each
6	1/4	4	Not Rated	16.77 scfm	__	145	25° to 140°	Dial	Exiting Cylinder (Meter Out)	Pressure-Release Button	00000000	0000000
8	1/8	4	Not Rated	8.48 scfm	__	145	25° to 140°	Dial	Exiting Cylinder (Meter Out)	Pressure-Release Button	00000000	000000
8	3/8	4	Not Rated	30.9 scfm	__	145	25° to 140°	Dial	Exiting Cylinder (Meter Out)	Pressure-Release Button	00000000	000000
10	3/8	4	Not Rated	33.2 scfm	__	145	25° to 140°	Dial	Exiting Cylinder (Meter Out)	Pressure-Release Button	00000000	000000
PBT Plastic Body—Two Direction
6	1/8	6	0.234	__	8.1 scfm	145	15° to 140°	Slotted Screw	Exiting Cylinder (Meter Out), Entering Cylinder (Meter In)	Pressure-Release Button	00000000	000000
8	1/4	8	0.549	__	18.9 scfm	145	15° to 140°	Slotted Screw	Exiting Cylinder (Meter Out), Entering Cylinder (Meter In)	Pressure-Release Button	00000000	000000

Rapid Air-Pulse Flow Control Valves

These valves convert a continuous steam of air into a series of rapid pulses, reducing air consumption by up to 50% and improving performance in air blowing applications such as cleaning and drying.

Valves with air-pilot actuation activate when they receive an air signal.

Normally closed valves normally block flow, remaining closed until actuated.

Flow coefficient (Cv) is a measurement that indicates how much airflow a control valve can provide to your cylinder.

Air Pilot Actuation

90° Elbow with Air Pilot Actuation

Straight with Air Pilot Actuation

		Air Pilot Thread			Flow Rate @ 100 psi							Normally Closed
Inlet Pipe Size	Outlet Pipe Size	Size	Pitch, mm	Flow Coefficient (Cv)	Min.	Max.	Max. Pressure, psi	Temp. Range, °F	Pulse Frequency, Hz	Shape	O'all Lg.		Each
NPT Female Inlet × NPT Female Outlet
3/8	3/8	M5	0.8	3.11	0 scfm	70.6 scfm	116	25° to 120°	5	90° Elbow	5 13/16"	0000000	0000000
1/2	1/2	M5	0.8	7.77	0 scfm	176.6 scfm	116	25° to 120°	5	Straight	5 13/16"	0000000	000000

Made-to-Order Air-Operated Air-Exhaust Control Valves

When these valves receive an air signal, they quickly dump exhaust air to the atmosphere without routing it back through a directional control valve to speed up the movement of equipment. They're often used with air compressors that require continuous operation. A muffler reduces exhaust noise. Also known as quick exhaust valves.

To Order: Specify minimum pressure and maximum pressure from the ranges listed. The difference between the minimum pressure and maximum pressure must be at least 10 psi, but no more than 30 psi.

							Overall
No. of Flow Ports	Inlet Size	For Outlet Tube ID	Air Pilot Size	Max. Flow Rate, scfm @ 100 psi	Flow Coefficient (Cv)	Body Material	Lg.	Wd.	Ht.	Choose a Pressure Range Min.	Choose a Pressure Range Max.		Each
Threaded Female Inlet × Barbed Male Outlet × Threaded Male Air Pilot
4	1/8 NPT	1/4"	1/4 NPT	20	Not Rated	Brass	2 7/8"	2 1/16"	3 3/8"	40 to 240 psi in 1 psi increments	50 to 250 psi in 1 psi increments	0000000	000000

Pilot Valves for Air Actuators for Flow-Control Valves

Duravalve Pilot Valve

Gemini Pilot Valve for A420
Series, A500 Series, and
B410 Series Valve Models

Gemini Pilot Valve
for A500 Series
Valve Model

RuB Pilot Valve

Control the air to Gemini, RuB, and Duravalve air actuators with these solenoid pilot valves.

Duravalve SM 310
For Valve Manufacturer Model Number	Actuator Mount Type	Number of Relay Outputs		Each
24V DC
SM310	Direct	3	0000000	000000
SM310	Direct	4	0000000	00000
120V AC
SM310	Direct	3	0000000	00000
SM310	Direct	4	0000000	00000
Gemini Valve A420 Series, A500 Series, B410 Series
12V DC
A421DN, A422DN, A512D, A522D, B411DN, B412DN	Direct	__	0000000	000000
24V DC
A421DN, A422DN, A512D, A522D, B411DN, B412DN	Direct	__	0000000	000000
120V AC
A421DN, A422DN, A512D, A522D, B411DN, B412DN	Direct	__	0000000	000000
240V AC
A421DN, A422DN, A512D, A522D, B411DN, B412DN	Direct	__	0000000	000000
Gemini Valve A500 Series
24V AC
A512D, A522D	Direct	__	00000000	00000
24V DC
A512D, A522D	Direct	__	00000000	00000
240V AC
A512D, A522D	Direct	__	00000000	00000
RuB EA Series
24V DC
EA1D64D39-001, EA1D64E39-001, EA1D64F39-001, EA2R64D39-001, EA2R64E39-001, EA2R64F39-001, EA3D64G39-001, EA3D64H39-001, EA3D64I39-001, EA3R64G39-001, EA3R64H39-001, EA3R64I39-001	Direct	__	0000000	000000
120V AC
EA1D64D39-001, EA1D64E39-001, EA1D64F39-001, EA2R64D39-001, EA2R64E39-001, EA2R64F39-001, EA3D64G39-001, EA3D64H39-001, EA3D64I39-001, EA3R64G39-001, EA3R64H39-001, EA3R64I39-001	Direct	__	0000000	000000

Solenoid-Operated Directional-Control Block-Mount Hydraulic Valves

Direct flow with an electronic signal. Use screws to attach to an NFPA valve-mounting block (each component sold separately).

In NFPA diagrams, P represents the pressure source, T represents the tank, and A and B represent work ports.

For technical drawings and 3-D models, click on a part number.

Double-Solenoid Four-Way Valves—3 Flow Positions (4/3 Valves)

D08 Mounting Pattern

Valves								Screws
	NFPA Mounting Pattern	ISO Trade Size	Max. Flow Rate, gpm	Max. Pressure, psi	Choose a Voltage		Each	Pkg. Qty.		Pkg.
Default Position: Closed
4	D08	8	100	5,000	12V DC, 24V DC, 120V AC	00000000	000000000	6	0000000	000000
Default Position: Open
6	D08	8	80	5,000	12V DC, 24V DC, 120V AC	00000000	00000000	6	0000000	00000
Default Position: P Closed, A and B Open to T
8	D08	8	100	5,000	12V DC, 24V DC, 120V AC	00000000	00000000	6	0000000	00000
Default Position: P Open to T, A and B Closed
10	D08	8	100	5,000	12V DC, 24V DC, 120V AC	00000000	00000000	6	0000000	00000

Replacement Solenoid Coils for Double-Solenoid Valves

	12V DC		24V DC		120V AC
For NFPA Mounting Pattern		Each		Each		Each
D03	0000000	0000000	0000000	0000000	0000000	0000000