Types of Media Valves for Sandblasting
By on May 16th 2019
Abrasive media valves are used to regulate the flow of abrasive from the blast pot on a sandblasting machine. Just like choosing the right blast nozzle and blast hose, you want to make sure you choose the right type of media valve for your machine and abrasive of choice.
When it comes to metering valves, there are two types: manual and automatic. Manual valves do not have a shutoff to stop the flow of abrasive. Media stops flowing once the air flow stops. Automatic valves, on the other hand, have a mechanism to shut off the flow of abrasive. Automatic Valves are used on Multi-operator pressure hold systems or systems with Abrasive Cut-off Switches (ACS). Abrasive Cut-off Switches cut off media flow while still allowing air to pass. This is helpful for blowing down or cleaning the work surface
Here is a breakdown of the various abrasive media valve options for your Clemco blast machine. Note that not all valves will work with all machines or abrasives. Additionally, not all valves will work with an automatic cutoff switch (ACS).
Auto Quantum Valve
The Auto Quantum Valve (AQV) is used for pressure-hold systems and pressure-release systems with abrasive cut-off. It is easily-adjustable, pneumatically-operated, and maintains precise settings from fully closed to fully open. It can be used with expendable mineral and slag abrasives. It can be used with all common abrasives (including mineral, slag, or metallic) and requires approximately 80 psi to fully open the plunger.
It comes standard on all Contractor Blast machines and can be used on classic machines with ACS.
Manual Quantum Valve
The Manual Quantum Valve (MQV) is an easily adjustable, manually-operated, abrasive media valve for use with all common abrasives, including minerals, slags, and metallic. It’s designed for precise metering and easy measuring for both contractor and classic blast machines 2 cu ft and larger.
Sentinel Metering Valve (with ACS)
The Sentinel Metering Valve with ACS is a pneumatically-operated abrasive media valve with an Automatic Cutoff Switch. This valve is compatible with all common blast media coarser than 50 mesh. It can be used on classic blast machines 2 cu ft and larger equipped with a pressure release remote (pneumatic or electric) and requires 50-70 PSI to fully open the plunger.
Sentinel Metering Valve (No ACS)
This Sentinel Metering Valve does not have ACS. It is well-suited for all common blast media coarser than 50 mesh and is compatible on classic blast machines 2 cu ft and larger. This valve requires 50-70 PSI to fully open the plunger. Because the metering and valve actuation are separate functions, wear and tear of the metering assembly can be replaced quickly and inexpensively in the field.
Sentinel Metering Valve (Fine Grit)
This Sentinel Metering Valve does not have ACS and is specifically for use with fine mesh media (NOT coarser than 50 mesh). Like the other Sentinel media valve, it can be used on blast machines 2 cu ft and larger and requires 50-70 PSI to fully open the plunger.
Flat Sand Valve
The Flat Sand Valve (FSV) is a manually-operated abrasive media valve that comes standard on classic blast machines ranging from 2 cu ft to 20 cu ft. It can be used with expendable mineral and slag abrasives. Note that the FSV does not work well with metallic media.
Lightweight Media Valve
The Lightweight Media Valve (LMV) is for use with lightweight media such as baking soda, fine mesh alumina silicate, kieserite, glass bead, and agricultural media. It is a manually-operated abrasive metering valve with a 1/2" NPT connection. It can be used with the Clemco Pool Pal and Aerolyte Soft King Blast Machines.
Manual Sand Valve
The Manual Sand Valve (MSV) is a manual abrasive media valve for use with 0.5 cu ft and 1 cu ft Clemco blast machines. It is well-suited for expendable mineral and slag abrasives, but is not recommended for use with fine mesh media or glass beads.
Lo-Pot Valve
The Lo-Pot Valve (LPV) is a manually-operated, low-profile media valve specially designed for use on Lo-Pot model blast machines. The manual LPV can be used with expandable mineral and slag abrasives.
