238 Pilot General Service Solenoid Valves from ASCO™

238 Pilot General Service Solenoid Valves from ASCO™The ASCO Series 238 is a pilot-operated general service solenoid valve designed for high-flow liquid and gas control in industrial systems. Engineered with a floating diaphragm design, it uses line pressure to assist valve operation, allowing for efficient control of larger flows with lower power consumption.

Unlike direct-acting valves, the Series 238 is optimized for applications where adequate differential pressure is available, making it ideal for water, air, inert gas, and light oil service.

Its robust construction and proven solenoid technology make it a trusted choice for OEM equipment, process automation, and utility systems requiring dependable shutoff and flow control.

Best suited for:

  • High-flow fluid control systems
  • Industrial process lines
  • Water and utility management
  • OEM and skid-mounted equipment

Specifications

Key Specifications

CategoryDetails
Valve Type2-Way Pilot-Operated Solenoid Valve
FunctionNormally Closed (NC), Normally Open (NO)
MediaWater, Air, Inert Gas, Light Oil
Body MaterialBrass, Stainless Steel
Port SizesTypically 1/4" to 1"
Flow CapacityModerate to high Cv (application dependent)
Operating PressureRequires minimum differential pressure for operation
Voltage OptionsAC and DC coil options
Temperature RangeSuitable for general industrial environments
CertificationsUL, CSA, NEMA-rated enclosures (varies by model)

Applications

Applications

The ASCO 238 excels in applications where higher flow rates and energy efficiency are critical:

Water & Fluid Control Systems

  • Water supply lines and distribution
  • Cooling systems and process water control

Industrial Automation

  • Fluid routing in automated systems
  • Control of air and utility lines

OEM Equipment

  • Integration into packaged systems and skids
  • Machine builders requiring reliable shutoff valves

Oil & Gas (Non-Critical / Utility)

  • Utility gas and air control
  • Non-hazardous process support systems

Food & Beverage & General Processing

  • Liquid handling and batching systems
  • Cleaning and washdown systems (with proper materials)

Q & A

Q&A Section with Expand/Collapse Icons

238 Pilot General Service Solenoid Valves Q & A

+What is the difference between pilot-operated and direct-acting solenoid valves?
Pilot-operated valves like the ASCO 238 use line pressure to assist opening and closing, allowing them to handle higher flow rates with lower power consumption, while direct-acting valves operate without system pressure.
+Does the ASCO 238 require a minimum pressure to operate?
Yes. The valve requires a minimum differential pressure to function properly, which is essential for pilot-assisted operation.
+What media can the ASCO 238 handle?
It is designed for water, air, inert gases, and light oils, making it a versatile choice for general service applications.
+What are the advantages of a floating diaphragm design?
The floating diaphragm helps improve seal integrity, reduce wear, and extend service life, especially in applications with frequent cycling.
+What industries commonly use the ASCO 238 valve?
Common industries include industrial manufacturing, water treatment, OEM equipment, HVAC systems, and general process control, where reliable high-flow control is required.
 


 

Downloads

Download ASCO 238 Pilot General Service Solenoid Valves Datasheet

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