Proportional valves, also known as control valves, control the flow rate or the pressure level in industrial systems. This broad category of valve serves air, liquid, gas and slurry applications. Also, industrial proportional valves are available in the full range of composition and attachment types. They even come in the full range of actuation methods.

Most industrial proportional valves, however, are not manual, but pneumatic, hydraulic, electric or electric solenoid operated. When choosing a proportional valve, pay attention to the diameter of the valve and the maximum pressure and temperature tolerances.

The main thing that makes a proportional valve different than other valves is that it does more than just open or close a flow system. There are a large number of valve mechanisms suitable for use as proportional valves, many of which are also effective shut off valves:

1. Ball (an excellent shut-off valve) proportional valves

2. Butterfly proportional valves

3. Diaphragm proportional valves

4. Gate (including the sharp-edged knife variety) proportional valves

5. Globe proportional valves

6. Needle proportional valves

7. Pinch proportional valves

8. Plug (also known as stop-cock) proportional valves

Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

Buy from sources that sell valves specifically as proportional valves

Most any valve source sells valves suitable as proportional valves, but for the best performance and selection, shop from a proportional valves supplier.

I recommend: Teknocraft bases its business in process control, and specifically proportional valves. They carry mini, outlet balanced and standard proportional valves with a patented type of solenoid technology. If you're looking for an air or gas proportional valve, try ASCO Valve. They design each proportional gas valve they sell for fast, consistent control.

Locate a miniature and precision proportional valve

Laboratory, medical and other sectors require miniature and high precision proportional valves. If this is the kind of proportion valve you're looking for, then head to the companies that specialize in this type.

I recommend: Parker Hannifin sells tiny, precise proportional valves. For the quality, you can get a good proportional valves price at this source. If your application calls for the tiniest control valves, check out what The Lee Company has to offer.

Go for a high performance or high pressure proportional valve

Some proportional valve applications require fast and frequent changes in pressure or flow, or other high performance specifications and properties. Whatever your need is, there is probably a proportional valves manufacturer that produces a suitable valve.

I recommend: Enfield Technologies deals in "advance proportional control systems." Additionally, their linear motor proportional valves can shut on and off ultra fast. Clark-Cooper sells high pressure solenoid valves for most any type of flow control, including the high pressure gas proportional valve.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  Use bi-directional proportional valves for hydraulic systems.