Sporlan Type 180

The Sporlan Type 180 Solenoid Pilot Control is a supplementary device for Sporlan thermostatic expansion valves, used in place of large-capacity liquid line solenoid valves for positive shut-off of liquid lines. The economics are the point: since only one size of Type 180 is required regardless of system tonnage, it costs less than a large line-size solenoid and is cheaper to install.

The Type 180 does not close the liquid line directly. Installed in the TEV's external equalizer line with a third 1/4" connection to the liquid line, it creates a pressure under the expansion valve diaphragm higher than bulb pressure — forcing the TEV itself closed. Two ports in the body (one high pressure, one low pressure) switch this pilot pressure. Because the TEV becomes the shut-off element, Sporlan requires Catch-All® filter-drier protection; a C-032-F Catch-All is included with the device.

How to order: there is one valve — Type 180 — and no size variants. The only choice is the MKC-2 coil voltage: 24 V, 120 V, 208–240 V, or the multi-voltage 120-208-240 V, all 50/60 Hz, 15 W AC / 18 W DC. Tell us the control voltage and that is the whole order.

Ratings: MOPD 275 psi AC / 225 psi DC, maximum rated pressure 500 psi (35 bar). All three connections are 1/4" SAE flare, so 1/4" soft copper is the only tubing needed. Rated for expansion valves up to 180 tons on R-22 and 132 tons on R-134a.

Fit a Type 180 when a large plant needs pump-down or liquid line shut-off and a line-size solenoid would be expensive, heavy and slow to install. Two cautions worth stating plainly: it is not recommended with other makes of expansion valve, and special precautions apply with Sporlan Types V and W — tell us the valve you are pairing it with.