The INVALCO Micro Valve (in service since 1956) is a miniature two-position instrument and control valve with an over-center snap action: flow is redirected instantly from one port to another with no leakage, no neutral position and no sliding seals, packing or lubrication. It holds either position without holding force, cannot be vibrated out of position, tolerates abrasive-bearing fluids, and shuts off bubble-tight up to rated pressure. Typical uses are pressure switches, level controls, pilot operation of main valves, limit switches, diverting and sampling service. It is the pilot used in several INVALCO level and pressure controls.
Key specifications
38 Series: Three-way, two-position, 3/8" FNPT ports; 1/8" orifice standard (1/16" or 3/16" special); 100 psi standard (1/16" special 250 psi, 3/16" special 75 psi); 3.5-4.5 lb operating force
316 Series: 1/4" FNPT ports; 1/16" orifice standard (1/32" or 3/32" special); 100 psi standard, specials to 250 psi; 22-32 oz operating force
416 Series: Four-way, two-position, 1/4" FNPT at five ports; 1/16" orifice, 0-100 psi standard
Operators: Straight handle (manual or spring return), plastic ball knob, spring extension, roller lever, panel mount (316)
Standard materials: Anodized 2024-T3 aluminum body; 416 SS orifice seat; 303 SS shuttle and operator; 302 SS spring and yoke; neoprene operator seal; Buna-N shuttle face and O-rings
Optional materials: Brass, 303 or 316 SS, PVC or Plexiglass (demo only) bodies; Buna-N, neoprene or Viton seals (Viton with the -1 vacuum option)
Flow range: About 6.3 to 2,535 SCFH air and 0.02 to 6.5 GPM water depending on orifice and differential (tables in the bulletin)
How to specify / order
38 Series: 38F1 straight handle, neoprene seals 87000001; 38F1-B-1 straight handle, Buna-N seals, vacuum service 87000019; 38F1-178 ball knob 87000008; 38F1-221 spring extension 87000024; 38F2 spring return 87000025; 38F2-178 87000219; 38F2-221 87000035; 38F3 roller lever 87000037; 38F3-178 ball knob lever 87000041
316 Series: 316F1-B 87000214; 316F1-178 87000207; 316F1-221 87000216; 316F2 spring return 87000218; 316F2-178 87000029; 316F2-221 87000226; 316F3 roller lever 87000228; 316F3-178 87000234; P-316F1 panel mount 87000327; P-316F1-178 87000101
416 Series: 416EF1 87000289; 416EF1-178 87000291; 416EF1-221 87000329; 416EF3 roller lever 87000292; 416EF3-178 87000330
Add suffix -1 for vacuum service; specify ball knob color (red, black, yellow, blue or green); special orifice, pressure rating, operating force, body and seal materials, manifold plates and assemblies are available (part numbers apply to standard models only - consult factory for options)
Bulletin inconsistencies to confirm with the factory: the 316 Series is called three-way on page 2 but four-way on page 5, while its note says it has three ports; the 38 Series special pressure is "up to 200 PSI" on page 4 but the specification table lists a 250 psi 1/16" special; and the liquid flow tables are headed SCFH although the note says they are water flow rates (the summary gives liquid in GPM).
Pricing and lead time are quoted per configuration. Send the model code (or your application details), product, flow range, and pressure/temperature to Flow Measurement Services for a quote. Specifications summarized from Smith Meter (INVALCO) bulletin SSIN064 Rev 0.0 (2/18); confirm current data with the factory before ordering.
Smith Meter (formerly FMC Technologies / TechnipFMC Measurement Solutions), now manufactured by Guidant. Flow Measurement Services supplies and services Smith Meter equipment.