Ground Combat Vehicles (GCV) are required to operate in extreme temperatures and in demanding environments, operating flawlessly during intense battlefield conditions to provide America’s soldiers a vehicle that will dominate the battlefield. Over the past 20 years, various GCV Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs) have reached out to Valcor to provide fluid control solutions. During a recent GCV Low-Rate Initial Production (LRIP) field test, Valcor was contacted by a GCV OEM to recommend a design for a fuel shut-off valve, due to inoperability of the current valve at low temperature.

Photo by U.S. Army Staff Sgt. Steven M. Colvin via Alamy

Valcor Engineering recommended a design to the OEM based on Valcor’s V14500 series and provided qualification documentation for the OEM’s solution for their customer. Valcor’s V14500 series valve has thousands of valves in service, with many optimized custom variations. This design principle was patented in 1956 and refined with proven experience. The V14500 series uses Valcor’s “Floating Seal” design. The “Floating Seal” design utilizes an optically flat carbon seal disc against an equally flat stainless-steel seat. The gate-type action wipes the seat clean after each operation, creating a proven robust operating environment.

Valcor valves have developed a reputation in the military vehicle market as an economical and robust solution. V14500-series solenoid valves are designed for use with aviation fuels, non-corrosive gases, and nonaromatic hydraulic fluids. They are well-suited for the extreme vibration, temperature, and cycle life requirements found in the most severe aircraft operating conditions. Compact size and low weight allow these valves to be used in compact spaces. Valcor’s proprietary floating seal technology provides crisp shut-off, long service life, and the ability to handle particulates in the fluid stream without leaking. These valves are direct acting, do not require system pressure to operate, and are available in normally closed or normally open configuration. V14500 valves are typically used on aircraft APUs and engine fuel systems. They are also compatible with many non-corrosive gases and liquids. They are particularly suitable for low pressure drop applications, and where particulate in the process fluid may be present.

V14500 Valve

V14500 series typically features:

• Maximum Operating Pressure: 0-1,000 PSIG
• Proof Pressure: 1,500 PSIG
• Burst Pressure: 3,000 PSIG
• Leak Rate: Internal is 0.5 cc/hr liquid, 15 cc/min gas. External is 0 cc/min at 1,000 PSIG
• Temperature: -65°F to +350°F
• Current: 1.07 amps at 30 VDC at 70°F; 18-30 VDC
• Electrical Connection: MS 3102A-10SL-4P side- mount standard
• Wetted Materials: Aluminum, CRES 303, 430F, 302, Carbon, Fluorosilicone
• 1/2” ports
• Weight: 1.25 lbs.
• MIL-F-8615 and MIL-V8610 compliant.
• Note:  The design can be customized and adjusted for specific applications.

With over 70 years of success in providing fluid controls to Aircraft, Aerospace, Nuclear, Scientific, and Military customers, Valcor is well-equipped to help you with your current or next mission-critical project.