3-Way (Diverter) Air-Operated Diaphragm Valves
Series TUCA

• Geon® PVC, Natural Polypro, PTFE or Kynar® PVDF body materials in 1/4" and 1/2" pipe sizes
• Spring holds valve to normally open port; Air Pressure diverts flow to third port
• Can also be used as a Selector Valve – Two inlets to one outlet
• 50 PSI max inlet pressure on diverter applications; 15 PSI max inlet as selector valve.
• Non-sticking design with bubble-tight sealing, choice of FKM or EPDM.
• Isolated spring is not in the liquid.
• Double diaphragm design.
• Compact size; 1/4" NPT is under 4" height.
• Simple and inexpensive method of diverting or sampling harsh chemicals.

Operation

Series TUCA three-way air-operated valves are used to divert flows from a common inlet to either of two outlets. They can also be used in reverse to feed flows from two lines into a common outlet, however, this reverse application can only be used with inlet pressures less than 15 PSI (1,0 BAR). They are commonly recommended for handling corrosive or ultra-pure liquids. Compressed air 30 to 100 PSI is required to operate Series TUCA. Air should be filtered and lubricated.

In situations where air pressure is not available, water pressure can be used as long as the pressure available is sufficient to actuate the valve. If hydraulic media is not clean, a filter should be used.

Valves should be mounted upright for best results and less strain on piping.

A three-way solenoid air valve is used to control the flow of air pressure under the air piston to divert the flow from the normally-open port to the normally-closed port. When the air pressure is removed the main valve spring reverses the above.

Design

The Series TUCA air-operated valve has an air piston with a lower and upper diaphragm separating the liquid from opposing springs. An internal shaft between the diaphragms shifts the valve position. There is no metal inthe liquid section of the valve. Cycle tests have been successfully run to 500,000 cycles under laboratory conditions; actual field longevity depends on a host of factors including media, temperature, pressure, environment, etc. A replacement seal kit should be kept on hand and the valve should be scheduled for periodic inspection to maximize lifespan.

Sizes & Materials

These valves are constructed of PVC (Geon® brand Grade 1, Type 1), PP (natural unpigmented polypropylene), TF (PTFE), PF (Kynar® PVDF) with Viton® or EPDM seals. Some components in Polypro and PTFE models are built of PVDF for strength. Stainless steel fasteners are standard and are not in wetted areas. For other materials, please contact the Plast-O-Matic Technical Department at 973-256-3000 or e-mail info@plastomatic.com

Connections, Pressure Ratings

Standard connections are NPT. Optional connections are socket or spigot. Air inlet connection is 1/8" NPT. Maximum air pressure is 100 PSI. Minimum air pressure required to actuate the valve is 30 PSI. Use of an air flow rate valve may be required to prevent water hammer, depending on your application.

Maximum liquid line pressure is 50 PSI. No minimum liquid line pressure is required for successful use of the valve.

Series TUCA Dimensions:

Materials Temperature vs. Pressure Ratings:

N.R. = Not Recommended

Specifications & Ordering Information:

Kynar PVDF models require a minimum order of five units.

CAD Files

Please contact our Technical Group at 973-256-3000 for assistance with Series TUCA CAD files.

Helpful Links:

3-Way Air-Operated Shutoff Valve ... [.pdf file format]

3-Way Air-Operated Ball Valve ...an alternative to a 3-way globe-patterned valve.

3-Way Electrically Actuated Ball Valve ...ideal for applications where compressed air is not available.

3-Way Manually operated Ball Valve ...for manual diverting or sampling.

Index Page to all Air-Actuated Globe style Valves with a brief description of each. Includes compact valves, diverter valves, valves that use line pressure to open, double-acting valves, and more. This may be the page you used to arrive here.