Pneumatic Float Valves and Level Controls

pneumatic flaot valves and level controls

Pneumatic Float Valves & Level Controls: Innovative Solutions in Level Sensing

Pneumatic Float Valves are a buoyancy-style level sensor with a pneumatic output valve. Pneumatic devices use air pressure to perform their functions, and float valves contain a buoyant float that detects the liquid level and controls the opening and closing of the pneumatic output valve accordingly.

Featuring rugged construction of durable stainless steel, our pneumatic float valves and sensors are long-lasting and suitable for use in a wide variety of liquids. They are available in two configurations for closed or vented vessels—side-mounting and top-mounting—and in normally closed or normally open models.

Unique Design Allows Lower Cost of Operation

In the O’Keefe Controls Co. Pneumatic Float Valve, the level sensor and pneumatic output valve are separated by the solid wall of the units pressure vessel. This packless design provides a float on one end of an arm and a ceramic-coated magnet on the other. The arm is on the wet side of the sensor housing and is exposed to the liquid being sensed. As the float rises with the rising liquid level the magnet drops on the other end of the pivoted arm. As the float falls with a falling liquid level, it pivots the magnet upward. 

A magnetically actuated sensor on the outside of the solid metal housing reacts to the inner magnet movement. The movement shifts a 3-way air valve. The valve enters an actuated state only when the sensor is triggered, thus conserving energy costs on compressed air flowing through the sensor. 

Pneumatic Float Valves

Pneumatic Float Valves- side mounted and top mounted versions shown

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Pneumatic Level Controls

Pneumatic Level Controls - two styles shown

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Benefits of O’Keefe Controls Co. Pneumatic Float Valves

Our pneumatic float valves feature rugged stainless steel floats and wetted bodies for long-lasting performance. Other features include:

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• Three-way pneumatic valve and
actuation state indicator

• Magnetic coupling connecting the float to the valve

• Inherently explosion-proof

• No risk of electrical shock

• Minimum air usage

• Suitability for vented and non-vented vessels

• Side-mounting or top-mounting
options

View product details and Request a Quote in our Pneumatic Float Valves and Level Controls Catalog

Industrial Applications for Pneumatic Float Valves

open cans of paints in many colors

Suitable for use in hazardous atmospheres, such as paint and solvent production.

A factory for the production of beer. Long rows of glossy metal tanks.

Stainless Steel wetted parts and pneumatic operation make them ideal for use in alcohol production and Food & Beverage applications. 

open mining operation

Rugged, durable construction and versatility make them ideal for open mining operations.

The O’Keefe Controls Co. Pneumatic Float Valve is a durable, rugged and versatile level sensor, packed with features which allow it to excel in many diverse industrial environments, including those with hazardous atmospheres.

Available in side-mounting or top mounting configurations, they also work for both vented and non-vented conditions. They can be utilized in level sensing applications with liquid temperatures up to 180° F and liquid pressures up to 200 psig, while their non-electric output valve can handle pressures from 30-85 psig and ambient temperatures up to 120° F. 

With all wetted parts being constructed of stainless steel, O’Keefe Controls Co. Pneumatic Float Valves are suitable for commercial use in a variety of industries, including Food & Beverage. In fact, this construction makes them compatible with a broad range of liquids including water, wastewater, oils, alcohol, paints and solvents, and more. 

Due to their non-electrical pneumatic operation, O’Keefe Controls Co. Pneumatic Float Valves can be found in industrial settings where risk of explosion is a consideration,  such as in alcohol fermentation and distillation. And with valve actuation occurring only when the sensor is triggered, the energy cost of operation is reduced, making them a desirable choice for general industrial manufacturing. 

Providing consistent, accurate liquid level monitoring and control, O’Keefe Controls  Co. Pneumatic Float Valves have been used successfully in a diverse array of industrial applications such as:

• General Industrial Manufacturing         • Alcohol Distillation and Fermentation

• Paint and Solvent Production               • Mining

Have questions regarding your level sensing application? Call 203.261.6711

Pneumatic Float Valves & Level Controls Product Offerings

Pneumatic Float Valves — Horizontal & Vertical Mounting


These rugged level sensors detect liquid levels inside closed or vented vessels. They are available in several variations with accessory options to provide customized solutions for your liquid level application.

Normally closed pneumatic float valves produce a pneumatic output on liquid level rise. 

Normally open pneumatic float valves produce a pneumatic output on liquid level fall.

pneumatic float valves, top mounting and side mounting

1. OKC-1536-2: This side-mounted pneumatic float valve
features a normally closed output (normally non-passing). Normally closed pneumatic float valves provide a pneumatic output on liquid level rise.

2. OKC-1570-2: This top-mounted pneumatic float valve
features a normally closed output (normally non-passing). Normally closed pneumatic float valves provide a pneumatic output on liquid level rise.

3. OKC-2250-2: This side-mounted pneumatic float valve features a normally open output (normally passing). Normally open pneumatic float valves provide a pneumatic output on liquid level fall.

4. OKC-2271-2: This top-mounted pneumatic float valve features a normally open output (normally passing). Normally open pneumatic float valves provide a pneumatic output on liquid level fall.

Questions about your Level Sensing application? Call us: 203.261.6711

pneumatic leve control panels

Pneumatic Level Indicators & Control Panels

 

Level Indicator Panels Used with our pneumatic float valves, these display either high or low liquid levels. They are for indication purposes only.

Pneumatic Control Panels Used in conjunction with our pneumatic float valves, these provide a pneumatic output to control liquid level between two points. 

Pneumatic Float Valve Level Indicator Panels

1. OKC-2289 High Level Indicator: This panel indicates if a high liquid level condition exists when used in conjunction with our normally closed pneumatic float valves. It is an all pneumatic device. It is for indication purposes only.

2. OKC-2290 Low Level Indicator: This panel indicates if a low liquid level condition exists when used in conjunction with our normally open pneumatic float valves. It is an all pneumatic device. It is for indication purposes only.

Pneumatic Float Valve Control Panels

1. OKC-2291 Wide Band Level Control “Pump Up”: This panel provides a pneumatic signal to control a fill valve or air operated pump to maintain a liquid level between two sensing points. It uses a normally closed float valve (OKC-1536-2 or OKC-1570-2) to detect the high liquid level point and a normally open float valve (OKC-2250-2) to detect the low liquid level point. The pneumatic output is active when the liquid level falls below the low level sensor. A local indicator provides status of the output pneumatic signal.

2. OKC-3171 Wide Band Level Control “Pump Down”: This panel provides a pneumatic signal to control a drain valve or air operated pump to maintain a liquid level between two sensing points. It uses a normally closed float valve (OKC-1536-2 or OKC-1570-2) to detect the high liquid level point and a normally open float valve (OKC-2250-2) to detect the low liquid level point. The pneumatic output is active when the liquid level exceeds the high level sensor. A local indicator provides status of the output pneumatic signal.

3. OKC-2292 Narrow Band Level Control: This panel controls a liquid level within the deadband of a single pneumatic float valve. It can be configured for pump-up or pump-down control when used in conjunction with a normally closed pneumatic float valve (pump down) or a normally open pneumatic float valve (pump up). The deadband of the pneumatic float valve is approximately ¼” – ½”.

pneumatic float valve accessories

Pneumatic Float Valve Accessories

For your convenience, O’Keefe Controls Co. offers a variety of fittings, tubing, and connectors to connect the Pneumatic Float Valves to the Level Indicator & Control Panels. 

Pneumatic Float Valves and Level  Controls You Can Depend On

O’Keefe Controls Co. is a world-class manufacturer of precision orifices and fluid control devices, including rugged Pneumatic Float Valves, Level Indicator Panels, Pneumatic Level Control Panels, and accessories for industrial applications. 

For assistance finding the level sensors and controls best suited for your application, Call us: 203.261.6711

View Our Pneumatic Float Valves and Level Controls Infographic