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The V46 pressure-actuated modulating valves come in
two types of control action: direct acting or reverse
acting. Direct-acting V46 valves are typically used for
regulating refrigerant head pressure in water-cooled
condensers. Reverse-acting V46N valves are typically
used for bypass service on refrigeration systems and
heat pump applications.
Commercial V46 valves may be used with standard
non-corrosive refrigerants. V46 models are also
available for ammonia refrigerant. For applications
where the coolant may be corrosive to the valve trim ,
maritime models are available, which have nickel
copper (monel) valve trim.
Code No. LIT-125687
Issued August 9, 2010
Supersedes October 1, 1995
Table 1: Features and Benefits
FeaturesBenefits
No Close Fitting or Sliding Parts in Water
Passages
Corrosion Resistant Material for Parts that
Come in Direct Contact with Water
Accessible Range SpringAllows easy manual flushing, if required.
Take-apart ConstructionAllows access to interior of valves without removing the valve from
Pressure-balanced DesignMaintains consistent setpoint against both gradual and sudden water
Provides robust control in less than ideal conditions.
The V46 direct-acting models open on an increase in
pressure. Models A, B, and C are typically used for
regulating water-cooled condensers, while the low flow
D model is generally used in ice machines. The
reverse-acting V46N valve model closes on an
increase in pressure and is typically used for bypass
service on refrigeration systems and heat pumps that
control water temperature.
Commercial V46 valves are available in 3/8 in. through
2-1/2 in. sizes. Commercial all range models (3/8
through 1-1/2 in.), may be used with standard
non-corrosive refrigerants, or ammonia refrigerant
applications, depending on the model.
V46 Series valves also come in models designed for
Navy or maritime salt water applications. These valve
bodies are constructed of bronze, and any metal part s
that come into contact with salt water are constructed
of nickel copper (monel), which withstands the
corrosive action of salt water.
IMPORTANT: The V46 Pressure-Actuated WaterRegulating Valve is intended to control water flow
under normal operating conditions. Where failure or
malfunction of the V46 valve could lead to personal
injury or property damage to the controlled
equipment or other property, addition a l pr e cau tio n s
must be designed into the control system.
Incorporate and maintain other devices, such as
supervisory or alarm systems or safety or limit
controls, intended to warn of or protect against
failure or malfunction of the V46 valve.
Follow Step s 1 through 3, and use the information
obtained to locate a point on one of the flowcharts
found under V46 Flowcharts
steps.
1. Determine maximum water flow required using
tables provided by the manufacturer of the
condensing unit, or calculate the flow using the
following formula:
Note: If the outlet water temperature is unknown,
assume it to be 10°F below the condensing
temperature.
Example: A 9-ton capacity system has an inlet
water temperature of 65°F and an outlet water
temperature of 95°F. The maximum required water
flow is:
2. Determine refrigerant head pressure rise above the
valve opening point.
a. V alve closing po int (to assure closure under all
conditions) must be the refrigerant pressure
equivalent to the highest ambient air
temperature the equipment will be subjected to
in the off cycle. Read this in psig from a
Saturated Vapor Table for the refrigerant
selected.
b. To determine the valve opening point, add
about 7 psig (48 kPa) to the closing point.
c. From the same table, read the operating head
pressure corresponding to the selected
condensing temperature.
d. Subtract the valve opening point from the
operating head pressure. This gives the head
pressure rise.
that satisfies all three
3. Determine water pressure drop across the valve.
This is the pressure actually available to force
water through the valve.
a. Determine minimum water pressure available
from city mains or other sources.
b. From condensing unit manufacturer’s tables,
read the pressure drop through cond en se r
corresponding to the required flow.
c. To the value found in 3b, add the estimated or
calculated drop through installed piping.
d. Subtract the total condenser, piping, and static
head (if applicable) pressure drop from the
available water pressure found in 3a. This is
the available pressure drop across the valve.
4. Select the proper valve size from the V46
flowcharts by locating a point on a chart that will
satisfy the flow, the head pressure rise above
opening point, and the pressure drop across the
valve.
Example: The required flow for a low-range system
is found to be 27 GPM. Condensing pressure is
125 psig, and the maximum ambient temperature
is estimated at 86°F. City water pressure is 40 psig
and the manufacturer’s table give s a pressure drop
through the condenser and the accompanying
piping and valves at 15 psi. Drop through the
installed piping is approximately 4 psi.
Step 1: 27 GPM
Step 2: Closing point is pressure of refrigerant
corresponding to 86°F = 93 psig
Opening point = 93+7 = 100 psig
Operating head pressure = 125 psig
Head pressure rise = 125-100 = 25 psi
Step 3: Minimum pressure = 40 psig
Pressure drop through condenser = 15 psi
Combined pressure drop = 15+4 = 19 psi
Pressure drop across valve = 40-19 = 21 psi
Using a flow of 27 GPM, a head pressure rise of 25 psi,
and a pressure drop across the valve of 21 psi, the only
valve that satisfies all three criteria is a 1-1/4 in. valve.
See the 1-1/4 in. V46 - All Range chart on the next
page.
CAUTION: Risk of Environmental and
Property Damage.
Coil and secure excess capillary tubing
away from contact with sharp or abrasive
objects or surfaces. Vibration or sharp or
abrasive objects in contact with capillary
tubes can cause damage that may result
in loss of element charge, which may
result in damage to the environment or
property.
CAUTION: Risk of Environmental and
Property Damage.
Avoid sharp bends in the capillary tubes.
Sharp bends can weaken or kink capillary
tubes, which may result in refrigerant
leaks or restrictions of flow.
Flush water lines to clear any foreign matter that may
interfere with valve operation. Mount valves vertically
on the inlet side of the condenser with spring housing
up. If it is necessary to keep the condenser flooded
with coolant, the valve can be mounted on the outlet
side. When mounting the valve in a position other than
vertical, follow the instructions of the equipment in
which the valve will be installed. Make refrigerant head
pressure connection to bellows. If additional capillary
tubing is required, use 1/4 in. O.D. tubing or larger.
Page 9
Adjustment
Figure 19: Manual Flushing
FIG:V46_mnl_f lsh
Valves may be adjusted with standard service valve
wrenches or screwdrivers; see Table 6. All range valve
settings can be changed quickly from low-range
refrigerants, such as R134, to high-range refr igerants,
such as R22, or from high range refrigerants to lowrange refrigerants. To raise the valve opening point,
turn the adjusting screw, located at the top of range
spring housing, counterclockwise. See Table 6and
Figure 19. Turn the adjusting screw clockwise to lower
the opening point. Exact settings can be made using a
pressure gauge in the refrigerant line to determine the
throttling point. Put the system under normal operating
load and adjust to the desired operating pressure. See
Table 15 for pressure range specifications.
Table 6: Range Adjustment Screw
Valve Size
Range Adjusting Screw
(in.)
3/8, 1/2, 3/41/4 in. square head adjusting screw
with a screwdriver slot
1, 1-1/4, 1-1/25/16 in. square head adjusting screw
2, 2-1/21/2 in. square head adjusting screw and
a slotted cam
If the compressor operates in high ambient
temperatures, head pressures may remain high
enough during off cycles to prevent the valve from
closing completely. In such instances, the opening
point of the valve should be raised just enough to
cause the valve to close during compressor standby
periods. This will also raise the throttling point.
Manual Flushing
To clear any sediment that might accumulate, valves
may be manually flushed. Insert screwdrivers under
both sides of the valve spring guide and lift upwards to
flush the valve. See Figure 19. Manual flushing does
not affect valve adjustment.
Repair Data
Replacement of the sensing element, internal parts,
and the rubber diaphragm can be made. For a
replacement valve or replacement part s kit, cont act the
nearest Johnson Controls/PENN® distributor. For
replacement part kit numbers, see Table 9 through
Table 14. For replacement kit instructions and details
refer to the following bulletins:
•V46, V47, V48, and V49 Sensing Element
Replacement Technical Bulletin, LIT-121700
•V46, V47, 246, and 247 Repair Parts and Service
Instructions Repair Bulletin, LIT-121695
Ordering Information
When ordering water valves, specify the following:
1. Complete product number.
2. If product number is not known, answer the
following questions and select a valve using
Table 10 through Table 14.
a. What is the valve size needed? See Valve
Sizing section.
b. What refrigerant will be used in the system?
See Ta ble 15.
Note: 3/8 in. through 1-1/2 in. valves are supplied
with all range construction, allowing a single valve
to be used for either low or high range refrigerants.
c. Is a standard open high, or reverse action
close high valve required? See Table 8.
d. Is a commercial, maritime, or Navy service
valve needed? Maritime and Navy valves have
bronze bodies and monel internal parts.
3. Companion flange kit by part number, if required.
Figure 20: Flange Kit
See Companion Flanges and Gaskets
.
4. Mounting bracket (3/8 in. and 1/2 in. valve sizes
only) if required, and its position on valve. See
Mounting Bracket
.
Companion Flanges and Gaskets
Kits are available, at additional cost, for 1-1/2, 2, and
2-1/2 in. flange connection (ASME specifications)
valves only. Each flange kit contains two ring gaskets,
two cast iron flanges, eight machine bolts, and eight
hex nuts.
Ring Gasket for
FIG:flng _kt
Cast Iron
Table 7: Companion Flange Kits
Kit NumberWater Valve Size
KIT 14A-6121-1/2 in.
KIT 14A-6132 in.
KIT 14A-6142-1/2 in.
Product Number Selection
For applications that call for valves not listed in
Table 10 throughTable 14, Table 8 can be used to
specify a custom valve. For example, to order a
direct-acting, commercial valve with a 1-1/4 in. NPT
threaded connection, specify a V46AE. For m ore
information, contact Application Engineering at (414)
274-5535.
Table 8: Type Number Selection Matrix
V46AOpen on Rise, Commercial
BOpen on Rise, Maritime
COpen on Rise, Navy
DOpen on Rise, Commercial Low Flow
EOpen on Rise, Commercial with
High Pressure Bellows
FOpen on Rise, Maritime with
High Pressure Bellows
GOpen on Rise, Navy with
High Pressure Bellows
LOpen on Rise, Commercial Low Flow
No-Repair
NOpen on Fall, Commercial
POpen on Fall, Maritime
QOpen on Fall, Commercial Low Flow with
High Pressure Bellows
A3/8 in. NPT Threaded
B1/2 in. NPT Threaded
C3/4 in. NPT Threaded
D1 in. NPT Threaded
E1-1/4 in. NPT Threaded
F1-1/2 in. NPT Threaded
G9/16–18 Threaded
H3/8 in. Sweat
J1/2 in. Sweat
K3/4 in. Sweat
L1 in. Sweat
M1-1/4 in. Sweat
N3/4 in. Flange
P1 in. Flange
Q1-1/4 in. Flange
R1-1/2 in. Flange
S2 in. Flange
T2-1/2 in. Flange
capillary with 1/4 in. flare nut
and valve depressor
1/4 in. male flare fitting
30 in. (762 mm) copper
capillary with 1/4 in. section for
sweat or flare connection
Commercial Service: Ammonia
1/2 in. to
2-1/2 in.
151/4 in. female NPT
Navy and Marine Service
All Sizes3430 in. (762 mm) copper
capillary with 1/4 in. section for
sweat or flare connection
Options
Capillary Tubing Length
Standard length is 30 in. on valves 1-1/2 in. and
smaller. Optional 48 in. (1,219 mm) capillary can be
furnished at additional cost, when specified.
Mounting Bracket
A mounting bracket as illustrated in Figure 2 1, is
available on 3/8 in. and 1/2 in. valves only when
specified. Desired bracket position must also be
specified.
Other styles of brackets on 3/8 in. and 1/2 in. valves
available on quantity orders. For more information,
contact Application Engineering at (414) 274-5535.
Table 10: Direct-Acting Commercial Typ e - Non-corrosive Re frigerant s
ProductSize (in .)Inlet and
Outlet
V46AA-13/8 NPTThreadedAll Range452.3 (1.0)STT14A-600RSEP91A-600R and
V46DA-23/8 NPTThreadedExtended
V46AB-11/2 NPTThreadedAll Range453.3 (1.5)STT15A-602RSEP91A-602R and
V46AC-13/4 NPTThreadedAll Range454.3 (2.0)STT16A-601RSEP91A-601R and
V46AD-11 NPTThreadedAll Range459.3 (4.0)STT17A-609RSEP91A-603R and
V46AE-11-1/4
ThreadedAll Range4510.0 (4.5)STT17A-610RSEP91A-603R and
NPT
V46AR-11-1/2
NPT
4 Hole
ASME Flange
V46AS-124 Hole
ASME Flange
V46AS-224 Hole
ASME Flange
V46AT-12-1/24 Hole
ASME Flange
V46AT-22-1/24 Hole
ASME Flange
ServiceElement
Style
Shipping
Weight
Seat Repair
Kit
Replacement Power
Element
lb (kg)
SEC37A-601R
452.3 (1.0)STT14A-603RSEP91A-600R and
All Range
2
SEC37A-601R
SEC37A-602R
SEC37A-602R
SEC37A-600R
SEC37A-600R
All Range4513.1 (6.0)STT17A-610RSEP91A-603R and
SEC37A-600R
Low Range525.5
STT18A-600RSEP81A-602R
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
3
(11.6)
High Range 525.5
STT18A-600RSEP81A-601R
(11.6)
Low Range529.5
STT18A-601RSEP81A-602R
3
(11.6)
High Range 529.5
STT18A-601RSEP81A-601R
(11.6)
1.Replacement element supplied with 1/4 in. SAE connector. Order SEC37A capillary kit with flare nuts separately, if needed.
Use only on valves specified.
2.Maximum opening point of 70 to 300 psi (483 to 2,068 kPa), maximum permissible refrigerant pressure of 440 psi (3,034
kPa).
Table 12: Reverse Acting Commercial Type - Non-corrosive Refrigerants
ProductSize (in.)Inlet and
Outlet
1
V46NA-1
V46NB-1
3/8 NPTThreadedAll Range452.3 (1.0)STT14A-600RSEP91A-600R and
1
1/2 NPTThreadedAll Range453.6 (1.6)STT15A-602RSEP91A-602R and
V46NB-21/2 NPTThreadedLow Range453.6 (1.6)STT15A-602RSEP91A-602R and
1
V46NC-1
3/4 NPTThreadedAll Range454.5 (2.0)STT16A-601RSEP91A-601R and
V46NC-23/4 NPTThreadedLow Range454.5 (2.0)STT16A-601RSEP91A-601R and
1
V46ND-1
1 NPTThreadedAll Range457.5 (3.4)STT17A-609RSEP91A-603R and
V46ND-21 NPTThreadedLow Range457.5 (3.4)STT17A-609RSEP91A-603R and
V46NE-1
V46NE-2
1-1/4
NPT
1
1-1/4
NPT
ThreadedAll Range458.8 (4.0)STT17A-610RSEP91A-603R and
ThreadedLow Range458.8 (4.0)STT17A-610RSEP91A-603R and
1
1.Non-stock item, built to order.
2.Maximum bellows pressure is 320 psig (2,206 kPa). Replacement element supplied with 1/4 in. SAE connector. Order
SEC37A capillary kit with flare nuts separately, if needed. Use only on valves specified.
ServiceElement
Style
Shipping
Weight
lb (kg)
Seat Repair
Kit
Replacement Power
Element
SEC37A-601R
SEC37A-602R
SEC37A-602R
SEC37A-602R
SEC37A-602R
SEC37A-600R
SEC37A-600R
SEC37A-600R
SEC37A-600R
2
2
2
2
2
2
2
2
2
Table 13: Maritime Type - Non-corrosive Refrigerants
ProductV46 Series Pressure Actuated Valve
Body MaterialCommercial: 3/8, 1/2, or 3/4 in. Sizes Have Cast Brass Bodies, Other Commercial Types
Have Cast Iron Bodies with Rust Resisting Finish
Navy and Maritime: Cast Naval Bronze
Extension Sleeve, Disc,Commercial: Brass; Monel is Available at Additional Cost
Stud, Disc Holder MaterialNavy and Maritime: Monel
Valve Seat MaterialCommercial: Aluminum Bronze; Monel is Available at Additional Cost
Navy and Maritime: Monel
Valve DiscBuna-N
DiaphragmNylon Reinforced Buna-N
Water Supply Pressure150 psig (1034 kPa) Maximum
Water Supply Temperature170
Sensing ElementNon-corrosive Refrigerants: Brass and Phosphor Bronze Bellows in Brass Cup
Pressure RangeSee Table 15.
Shipping WeightSee Table 10 through Ta ble 14.
The performance specifications are nominal and conform to acceptable industry standards. For application at conditions beyond these
specifications, consult the local Johnson Controls office. Johnson Controls, Inc. shall not be liable for damages resulting from misapplication or
misuse of its products.
°F (77°C) Maximum
Navy and Maritime: Monel Bellows in Brass Cup
2 and 2-1/2 in. High Range Service: Monel Bellows in Brass Cup
Ammonia Service: Stainless Steel Bellows in Brass Cup