Lead valve is a Micro Valve 3 (MV3) on pressure release systems.
MV3 and Flat sand valve (competitor) comparison.
Flat sand valves do not have the control and repeatability of MV3 because the metering device is a metal disc with an orifice. Grit gets caught in metal discs causing the flat sand valves to cease. Vast majority of flat sand valves in the field have the handle broken off because of the discs ceasing up. Even when new the discs give you bad geometry for metering and the abrasive can’t flow consistently. They do not give you the same metering capability as a Schmidt metering valve because of the disc geometry.
Microvalve Sleeve. Hardened plunger inside of a Urethane sleeve. The MV3 knob can still be turned when abrasive is caught between the two. Better than metal on metal. The geometry of the opening allows for 4x – 6x the particle. Better abrasive flow than the flat sand valve.
Thompson Valve
Line with high wear hardened materials. Copied by many people.
Thompson Valve II (TV II)
Round orifice in sleeve. Hardened plunger inside. Designed similarly to MV3. Turn the knob to control the amount of abrasive. Need more grit you turn the knob one quarter of a turn.
Thompson Valve IIXL
Same sleeve and plunger design as TV II. Wear on these valves take months before they need to be fixed.
TeraValve XL
More finite metering capacity. Long service life.
Tungsten Carbide Sleeve (key slot sleeve). 1/8 inch at the very bottom to give round metering orifice. Great with finer powders. Different sleeves for different processes. We can help identify the best sleeve for your job.
