The main purpose of pneumatic valves is control of fluid direction and flow rate. The valve itself does not generate flow of the medium and act just as a distribution point for compressed air. Can be mounted in line, on the wall, on the cylinder (using special bracket) or in a series on a multiple or manifold base.

Basic valves distinction:

Due to different number of ways (ports) we distinguish:

• 2-way
• 3-way
• 5-way

Due to number of positions (number of adjacent boxes on a valve symbol):

• two position
• three position

Due to types of actuation:

• Manual
• Mechanical
• Pneumatic
• Electric

Due to way of steering:

• direct acting or reverse acting
• mono or bi-stable