How Does a Pneumatic Valve Work?

Definition: A pneumatic valve is a valve actuated by compressed air.

Main Types of Pneumatic Valves:
1) Pneumatic V-port regulating ball valve
2) Pneumatic O-port on/off ball valve
3) Torque-cylinder ball valve
4) Solenoid diaphragm valve
5) Pneumatic linear-stroke diaphragm valve
6) Electrically actuated valve (hybrid)

Pneumatic V-Port Regulating Valve:
Applications & Features
A. Used in proportional control applications when paired with a positioner. The V-shaped ball offers high flow coefficient, wide turndown ratio, excellent sealing, sensitive regulation, compact size, and vertical/horizontal mounting flexibility—ideal for gases, steam, and liquids.
B. Features a rotary design with V-port body, pneumatic actuator, positioner, and accessories. It provides near-equal-percentage flow characteristics, dual-bearing construction for low starting torque, high sensitivity, fast response, and superior shearing capability.
C. The pneumatic piston actuator uses compressed air to drive a piston, which rotates a crank arm by 90° to open/close the valve. Key components include adjustment bolts, actuator housing, crank arm, cylinder, piston, connecting rod, and universal joint.
D. Working Principle: The actuator converts air pressure into mechanical thrust to move the valve trim. The valve body directly contacts the process medium to modulate flow.