Pressure Regulator Single & Double Valve Sandwich Regulator - SAE Series

Product Overview

The Automatic Valve Sandwich Pressure Regulators are modular pressure control components that install between a directional control valve and its sub-base or manifold, creating an independently regulated supply pressure at a specific valve station without requiring external pressure regulator assemblies, additional plumbing, or changes to the main supply circuit. This sandwich architecture is the most compact and installation-efficient method for providing individual station pressure regulation in multi-valve manifold systems.

Two models are available in the series: the B6691-060 and B6691-130, designed for SAE-pattern (Society of Automotive Engineers) standard mounting interfaces used with Automatic Valve SAE Series directional control valves. The SAE mounting pattern provides a standardized bolt hole and port layout that enables the sandwich regulator to integrate mechanically and hydraulically between the valve and sub-base without modification to either component. Both models carry a list price of $170.00 and are filterable by AV Series (SAE size) and pressure range.

The single valve configuration (one sandwich per station) provides independent pressure regulation for one valve station, allowing that station to operate at a different supply pressure than the rest of the manifold. The double valve configuration serves two adjacent valve stations simultaneously. This flexibility supports multi-function machine architectures where different actuator circuits require different supply pressures, for example one circuit operating at full line pressure for high-force clamping while another is regulated down to a lower pressure for gentle product handling.

Pairing the series regulator with the Pressure Gauge (model A5655-160) gives the operator a direct visual indicator of the regulated pressure at each station, supporting set point verification during commissioning and pressure monitoring during production without requiring external gauging equipment.

Key Engineering Features

• Sandwich Installation Architecture - Mounts directly between the directional control valve and the sub-base or manifold using standard valve mounting bolts, requiring no additional plumbing, fittings, or changes to the main supply circuit.
• SAE-Pattern Compatibility - Designed for SAE (Society of Automotive Engineers) standard mounting pattern directional control valves, providing dimensional and port compatibility with Automatic Valve SAE Series valve bodies.
• Single and Double Station Configurations - Available in configurations to regulate one (single) or two (double) adjacent valve stations independently from the shared manifold supply pressure.
• Independent Station Pressure Control - Each sandwich regulator provides an independently adjustable regulated supply pressure at its station, allowing different actuator circuits on the same manifold to operate at different pressures.
• Two Models Available - B6691-060 and B6691-130 provide pressure range variants to match different application pressure requirements within the SAE valve platform.
• Pressure Range Selection - Filter by pressure range on the Automatic Valve website to select the model that matches the operating pressure requirements of the specific valve station being regulated.
• Gauge Port Compatibility - Designed for use with the Pressure Gauge (model A5655-160) to provide visual pressure indication at the regulated station without additional fittings.
• Compact Modular Design - Minimal stack height addition to the valve-sub-base assembly, supporting dense manifold configurations in control panels and machine enclosures with limited space.

Technical Specifications

General Specifications

Certifications & Compliance

Typical Applications & Industries

Industrial Automation and Machine Building

• Multi-function pneumatic circuits on automated assembly machines where different actuator stages require different supply pressures for force optimization, with sandwich regulators providing independent pressure control at each valve station.
• Robotic tooling systems where gripper, clamp, and extend functions require different supply pressures for different part types, and sandwich regulators allow each function to be set independently on the same manifold.
• Test and measurement equipment where actuator force must be precisely controlled by regulated supply pressure at individual stations, with local gauges confirming set pressure before each test cycle.

Packaging Machinery

• Form-fill-seal packaging machines where heat sealing, film forming, and cut-off functions require different actuator forces and therefore different regulated supply pressures at individual valve stations.
• Packaging line end-of-arm tooling on pick-and-place robots where product-specific gripping force is set by a sandwich regulator, with the gauge providing a quick set point confirmation during product changeover.
• Case packing and cartoning machines where carton squeezing, flap folding, and tape application cylinders require different operating pressures from a common supply manifold.

Automotive and Metal Fabrication

• Welding fixture clamping circuits where hold-down clamps, locating pins, and part supports require different clamping forces and therefore independent pressure regulation at each valve station on the fixture control manifold.
• Stamping and pressing operations where different tool stages require different pneumatic actuator forces and each stage's pressure is independently set by a sandwich regulator.
• Automated painting and coating equipment where air-operated needle valves and atomizer circuits require individual pressure control from a shared supply manifold.

Food and Beverage Processing

• Filling machine actuators where gentle product handling requires lower regulated pressure at specific stations while other stations use full line pressure for structural clamping functions.
• Bottle and container handling where gripper force is regulated down from main line pressure to protect fragile glass or plastic containers from excessive grip force.
• Process valve actuator manifolds in food plants where different control valve functions require different supply pressures for consistent process performance.

Process Control and Oil and Gas

• Instrument air manifolds in process control panel assemblies where individual control valve actuators require specific supply pressures defined by the actuator spring and fail-safe requirements.
• Emergency shutdown system actuator circuits where specific regulated supply pressures are required to ensure correct fail-safe stroke timing and force output.
• Compressor and pump control panels where different actuated valve functions require different supply pressures from a common instrument air header.

Maintenance and Commissioning

• System commissioning activities where independent pressure setting at each manifold station enables precise tuning of actuator speed and force without affecting adjacent circuits.
• Preventive maintenance programs where local pressure gauges on sandwich regulators allow technicians to quickly confirm pressure set points during PM inspections.
• Machine retrofit projects where sandwich regulators are added to existing manifold systems to introduce independent pressure regulation at specific stations without replacing the manifold or main supply plumbing.

Ordering and Model Number Configuration

Filter on the Automatic Valve website by AV Series (SAE size) and pressure range to identify the correct Series model for your application.

Verify that the selected model's mounting pattern and port dimensions match the specific Automatic Valve SAE Series directional control valve being used.

Order the Pressure Gauge (A5655-160) as a companion accessory to provide visual pressure indication at the regulated station.

For double valve configurations, confirm whether one regulator services two adjacent stations or whether two independent regulators are required.

Contact Automatic Valve at (248) 474-6761 for application-specific selection assistance or to confirm compatibility with your valve and manifold configuration.

Sandwich Regulator Model Selection

Accessories

Pressure Gauge (A5655-160)

The Pressure Gauge (model A5655-160) is the recommended companion gauge for the series sandwich regulators. It provides a visual 0-160 PSI / bar dual-scale pressure reading at the regulated station. Order separately as part number A5655-160 at $53.00 each.

Related Products & Accessories

• Pressure Gauges (Used with Valve Sandwich Regulators) - A5655-160 pressure gauge with dual PSI/bar scale for visual pressure monitoring at sandwich regulator stations. https://www.automaticvalve.com/series/2891-pressure-gauges
• Manifolds (Valve Manifolds) -  multi-station sub-base manifolds compatible with SAE-pattern directional control valves and Series sandwich regulators. https://www.automaticvalve.com/series/227-manifolds
• Blocking Disks (Port Isolation) -  blocking disks for sealing unused manifold station ports. https://www.automaticvalve.com/series/2604-blocking-disks
• Directional Control Valves - Automatic Valve SAE Series solenoid-operated directional control valves compatible with Series sandwich regulators. https://www.automaticvalve.com/categories

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: What is a sandwich pressure regulator and how does it work?

A: A sandwich pressure regulator installs between a directional control valve and its sub-base or manifold, intercepting the supply air flowing to that valve station. The regulator reduces and controls the supply pressure delivered to the valve, and therefore to the actuator it controls, independently of the main manifold supply pressure. This allows each station to operate at a different, independently adjustable pressure without changes to the supply plumbing.

Q: How do I select between the B6691-060 and B6691-130 models?

A: The model numbers indicate the pressure range of each regulator. Use the filter on the Automatic Valve website at automaticvalve.com/series/2892-pressure-regulator to filter by AV Series (SAE size) and pressure range to identify the correct model for your operating pressure requirement. Contact Automatic Valve at (248) 474-6761 for selection assistance.

Q: Does the sandwich regulator fit all SAE-pattern valves?

A: The Series is designed for the SAE standard mounting pattern used by Automatic Valve SAE Series directional control valves. Verify dimensional compatibility with the specific valve body and manifold being used before ordering.

Q: Can I use a sandwich regulator to reduce pressure below the manifold supply pressure?

A: Yes. That is the primary function of the sandwich regulator. It reduces the manifold supply pressure to a lower, independently regulated pressure at the specific valve station. It cannot increase pressure above the manifold supply.

Q: Can I add a pressure gauge to monitor the regulated pressure?

A: Yes. The Series regulators are designed for use with the Pressure Gauge, model A5655-160. Order the gauge separately and install it in the gauge port of the sandwich regulator for direct visual pressure indication at each regulated station.

Q: What is the difference between single and double valve sandwich regulator configurations?

A: A single valve configuration regulates one valve station independently. A double valve configuration serves two adjacent stations from one regulator body, both receiving the same regulated pressure from that regulator. If two adjacent stations require different pressures, two separate single regulators are needed.

Q: Does the sandwich regulator require any modifications to the valve or manifold?

A: No. The sandwich regulator uses the existing valve mounting bolt holes and port geometry to insert between the valve and sub-base. No drilling, tapping, or modification of the valve or manifold is required.

Q: What happens to the regulated pressure when the main supply drops?

A: The regulator can only maintain pressure equal to or below the supply pressure it receives from the manifold. If the manifold supply drops below the set point, the regulated pressure will follow the supply down. The regulator cannot compensate for upstream supply pressure fluctuations that bring supply below the set point.

Q: Is the regulator adjustable in the field?

A: Yes. The set pressure of the series sandwich regulators is adjustable in the field via the regulator adjustment screw. Use the companion pressure gauge to monitor the pressure as the set point is adjusted.

Q: What is the maximum operating pressure for the series regulators?

A: Refer to the product catalog for model-specific maximum inlet pressure ratings. The regulated outlet pressure is always lower than the inlet pressure. The system design should not exceed the maximum rated inlet pressure of the selected model.

Q: Can I install a sandwich regulator on a valve that is already in service on an existing manifold?

A: Yes. The sandwich regulator can be added to an existing installation by removing the valve from the manifold, inserting the regulator between the valve and manifold face, and reinstalling the valve with appropriate-length mounting bolts. Depressurize the system before performing this modification.

Q: Where can I find technical data and dimensional drawings for the series?

A: Contact Automatic Valve at (248) 474-6761 or visit automaticvalve.com/series/2892-pressure-regulator for technical data, compatibility information, and distributor contact details.

Installation & Maintenance Guidelines

• Depressurize and lockout/tagout the pneumatic system before installing or modifying any sandwich regulator on a valve manifold.
• Verify that the selected Series model matches the SAE mounting pattern of the specific directional control valve and manifold being used.
• Remove the directional control valve from the manifold station where the sandwich regulator will be installed.
• Clean the manifold port face and valve body sealing surfaces before installing the sandwich regulator. Ensure no debris or contamination is present on the sealing faces.
• Position the sandwich regulator between the valve body and manifold face, aligning the bolt holes and port connections per the installation drawing.
• Install the appropriate-length mounting bolts through the valve, sandwich regulator, and into the manifold. Standard valve mounting bolts may be too short after adding the regulator thickness; verify and replace with longer bolts as required.
• Torque all mounting bolts to the specification in the valve installation instructions using a cross-tightening pattern.
• Install the Pressure Gauge (A5655-160) in the gauge port of the regulator before pressurizing.
• Restore system pressure gradually and verify no leaks at the valve-regulator and regulator-manifold interface before bringing to full operating pressure.
• Set the regulator pressure by adjusting the set screw while monitoring the pressure gauge until the desired regulated pressure is achieved.
• Lock the regulator adjustment if the model includes a locking mechanism, and record the set pressure in the machine documentation.

Warranty & Global Support

Automatic Valve products are backed by a one-year warranty covering defects in material and workmanship from the date of purchase.

Technical support is available through Automatic Valve at (248) 474-6761 or through the contact form at automaticvalve.com.

Automatic Valve is a member of the ROSS Controls global family, with support resources available through ROSS Global offices worldwide.

For companion pressure gauges, compatible valve manifolds, and complete valve accessories, visit automaticvalve.com or contact your authorized Automatic Valve distributor.

Download Catalog: https://www.automaticvalve.com/documents/422/Accessories.pdf