SAE Manual Control Valves with Hand Lever Operator Product Catalog

Key Features and Design Advantages

The SAE manual control valves feature balanced spool construction for consistent and reliable shifting performance. Individual sub-base or manifold base mounting options provide flexibility in system layout. The bidirectional tapered Tee-Seal eliminates sticking problems that can occur with conventional seal designs. The Tee-Seal has been tested according to SAE specifications with rust and water injected every 864,000 cycles for a proven 20-million-cycle lifespan. Rugged construction uses corrosion-resistant materials throughout, and the cast aluminum valve body ensures durability while keeping weight manageable.

Hand Lever Operator and Actuation Options

The hand lever operator is available in two actuation modes: detented and spring return. Detented operation means the valve stays in the shifted position after the lever is released, maintaining the current flow path until the operator deliberately moves the lever to another position. Spring-return operation causes the valve to automatically return to its home position when the lever is released. For 5/3 valves, the spring-center configuration returns the spool to the center position, engaging the selected center condition (closed, open, or power center).

5/2 Manual Valve Specifications and Ordering

The 5/2 manual valves are available in SAE Size 125 (A04) and SAE Size 250 (A06). SAE Size 125 uses 3/8-inch NPTF ports and delivers a flow capacity of CV 2.4 (2,400 Nl/min). The valve-only unit weighs approximately 2.3 lb (1.0 kg), while the valve with sub-base weighs approximately 3.2 lb (1.4 kg). SAE Size 250 offers port options from 1/2 inch to 1 inch, with the same high flow capacity of CV 8.6 (8,500 Nl/min). The valve-only unit for Size 250 weighs approximately 6.9 lb (3.1 kg).

Mounting options include valve only, valve with sub-base, valve with manifold (bottom cylinder ports), and valve with manifold (bottom/side cylinder ports). The model number configurator allows selection of SAE size, valve type, mounting option, base port size, return type (detented or spring return), operator (hand lever), dustproof vent ports, and seal material. Operating pressure for 5/2 valves ranges from 35 to 150 psig (2.4 to 10.3 bar).

5/3 Manual Valve Specifications and Center Options

The 5/3 manual valves share the same SAE Size 125 and 250 platforms as the 5/2 versions and offer three center position options: closed center (all ports blocked), open center (all ports interconnected), and power center (pressure connected to cylinder ports). Each center option is available with detented or spring-return actuation. The 5/3 flow capacity is CV 1.9 (1,800 Nl/min) for SAE Size 125 and CV 6.7 (6,600 Nl/min) for SAE Size 250.

The 5/3 valves require a higher minimum operating pressure of 50 to 150 psig (3.4 to 10.3 bar) compared to the 35 psig minimum for 5/2 valves. The model number configurator for 5/3 valves adds the center position selection (C for closed, D for open, E for power) and the appropriate return type code.

Sub-Bases, Manifolds, and Accessories

Sub-bases are available for both SAE sizes with NPTF threaded ports. SAE Size 125 sub-bases (Model A6318-025) have 1/4-inch cylinder ports, while SAE Size 250 sub-bases are available with 1/2-inch (A6331-050), 3/4-inch (A6331-075), or 1-inch (A6331-100) cylinder ports.

Manifold options include bottom cylinder port manifolds for SAE Sizes 125 and 250, and bottom/side cylinder port manifolds for SAE Size 125. Each manifold station includes all necessary seals and hardware for assembly, and end plates are not required. Manifold accessories include blocking disks for stations not occupied by a valve, blank station covers to block unused air passages, and end plate kits for bottom/side cylinder port configurations.

Exhaust Silencers

High-flow zinc-plated steel exhaust silencers are available in port sizes from 3/8 inch to 1 inch. The 3/8-inch model (84C-3) provides a flow capacity of CV 4.9 (4,800 Nl/min), while the 1-inch model (84C-10) delivers CV 18 (18,000 Nl/min). All silencers are rated for a maximum pressure of 300 psig (21.1 bar) and feature male NPT and R/Rp thread options.

Technical Specifications and Operating Conditions

All SAE manual control valves operate on filtered air with an ambient and media temperature range of 0°F to 123°F (-18°C to 50°C). For temperatures below 40°F (4°C), the air supply must be free of water vapor to prevent ice formation. Port connections use NPTF threads. The valve body is cast aluminum, the spool is aluminum, and the solenoid body is Polyamid 66. Standard seals are Buna-N, with fluoroelastomer available as an option.

The catalog includes comprehensive dimensional drawings for all valve and sub-base configurations in both SAE Size 125 and 250. SAE Size 125 valves with the hand lever measure approximately 4.14 inches (105 mm) in total length for the 5/2 configuration and 6.66 inches (169 mm) for the 5/3 configuration. SAE Size 250 dimensions are proportionally larger. Downloadable CAD models are available for all valves, sub-bases, manifolds, and accessories.

Construction Materials and Seal Options

The SAE manual control valves use a cast aluminum valve body that provides an excellent balance of strength, weight, and corrosion resistance. The spool is precision-machined from aluminum to ensure smooth shifting and consistent flow control. The Polyamid 66 solenoid body contributes to the valve's overall chemical resistance and durability.

Seal material options include Buna-N as the standard choice for general-purpose compressed air applications. Fluoroelastomer seals are available for applications requiring enhanced resistance to higher temperatures, petroleum-based lubricants, or aggressive chemicals. The seal material selection is integrated into the model number configurator for easy ordering.

Frequently Asked Questions

What SAE sizes are available for the manual control valves?

The AV SAE manual control valves are available in SAE Size 125 (A04) and SAE Size 250 (A06). SAE Size 125 uses 3/8-inch ports with a flow capacity of CV 2.4 for 5/2 valves. SAE Size 250 offers port sizes from 1/2 inch to 1 inch with a flow capacity of CV 8.6 for 5/2 valves, providing significantly higher flow for larger cylinders and actuators.

What is the difference between detented and spring-return operation?

Detented operation means the hand lever stays in the shifted position after it is released, maintaining the selected flow path. Spring-return operation causes the lever and spool to automatically return to the home position when the operator releases the lever. For 5/3 valves, the spring-center option returns the spool to the center position.

What center position options are available for 5/3 valves?

Three center options are available: closed center (all ports blocked in center position, holding the actuator in place), open center (all ports interconnected, allowing free movement of the actuator), and power center (pressure connected to both cylinder ports in center position). The choice depends on the desired behavior of the downstream actuator when the valve is in its center position.

Can these valves be mounted on manifolds?

Yes. Manifold options are available for both SAE sizes with bottom cylinder ports and bottom/side cylinder ports. Each manifold station comes with all necessary seals and hardware. Blocking disks and blank station covers are available for unused manifold positions.

Are these valves interchangeable with other SAE-standard valves?

Yes. The AV SAE manual control valves conform to SAE mounting standards, making them interchangeable with any SAE-standard base. This allows them to be used alongside solenoid-operated SAE valves on the same manifolds and sub-bases, simplifying system design and inventory management.