Tir-Flow Valves

Tri-Flow valves limit vacuum leakage in a system where some of the suction cups may not be in sealing contact with the work piece.

Tri-flow valves are a cross between Flow Sensor Valves and Dual-Flow fittings because they are fully open until the flow sensor section closes at the factory preset vacuum flowrate, then a bypass orifice meters vacuum flow to limit leakage to a manageable rate. Part release is accomplished by removing the vacuum source and admitting atmospheric air which will also reset any closed TF valves to open position. For a faster cycle time, use a blow-off pulse of compressed air to break the vacuum and release the part more quickly.

Tri-flow valves can handle greater porosity flow than Dual-Flow valves due to their being initially held fully open. Another advantage is the TF metering orifice is protected by an integral filter for greater tolerance of contamination.

The normal way to set up a vacuum system using Tri-Flow equipped suction cups is to bring them into contact with the work and then turn on the vacuum source. Non-sealing cups will leak and cause the associated Tri-Flow valves to close to orifice flow only. Tri-Flow valves on cups in sealing contact with the work will remain fully open to handle higher porosity flowrates (normal leakage through the part) than Dual-Flow valves can.

For a system handling non-porous parts, operation can be as described above or the vacuum source may be turned on before the suction cups are in sealing contact with the work. Tri-Flow valves can pass vacuum flow through the metering orifice to establish vacuum within the suction cups after they are placed in sealing contact with the work and the TF valves will reset to fully open. This feature is also convenient for use in vacuum holding fixtures. This capability is the only advantage that Tri-Flow valves have over Flow Sensor Valves.

For mid-to-high porosity parts we recommend using Flow Sensor Valves where the closing set point can be adjusted to suit the application. See page 22 and 23 for details.

How To Order:

To order a cup assembled with a Tri-Flow Valve. Add suffix – 18FTF to the cup number. G 1/8” NPSF female thread.

Example: XP-B50- 18FTF