1PC Controlair 500-AC TYPE 500X lr

Controlair · Pneumatic Control · Type 500 · Pressure Regulator · In stock

What Is the Controlair 500-AC Type 500X LR?

The Controlair 500-AC Type 500X LR is a precision pneumatic pressure regulator or relay valve from Controlair (a brand known for pneumatic control components used in industrial automation, process control, and heavy vehicle systems). These devices take a supply air pressure and reduce it to a precise, adjustable output pressure — essentially a manually-set or pilot-operated pressure controller that maintains a consistent output regardless of fluctuations in the supply pressure or downstream flow demand. The Type 500 series is commonly found in pneumatic control panels, valve actuation systems, tension control in web-handling machinery, and clutch/brake control on presses and shears.

In short: A precision pneumatic pressure regulator from a respected brand — the valve that takes your shop air at 90 PSI and delivers a rock-steady 30 PSI (or whatever you set) to a pneumatic clutch, brake, or actuator that demands consistent force.

What to Check When Replacing or Installing This Regulator

1. Port Size and Thread Standard

Controlair valves typically use NPT (National Pipe Taper) threads for the supply, output, and exhaust ports. The specific port size (1/8 NPT, 1/4 NPT, 3/8 NPT, etc.) must match your existing plumbing. Using a thread adapter adds a potential leak point and can restrict flow. Before ordering, measure your existing fittings or check the old valve's markings for the port size. If this unit has metric threads (BSPT or G-thread), you will need appropriate adapters to connect to NPT plumbing.

2. Pressure Range Verification

Pressure regulators have a specific output pressure adjustment range — for example, 0-30 PSI, 0-60 PSI, or 0-150 PSI. The adjustment spring inside the regulator determines this range. A regulator with a 0-30 PSI range cannot be adjusted to output 80 PSI, no matter how far you turn the knob. Conversely, a 0-150 PSI regulator has coarse adjustment resolution in the low-PSI range. Verify the output range of this 500-AC matches your application's required operating pressure. Do not exceed the maximum supply pressure rating — typically marked on the valve body.

3. Filtration and Air Quality

Precision pneumatic regulators contain small orifices and close-tolerance spool or diaphragm assemblies that are sensitive to contaminants. If the old regulator failed due to sticking or erratic output, check the upstream air filtration. A 40-micron filter is the bare minimum; a 5-micron coalescing filter with a water separator is strongly recommended for precision regulators in continuous industrial service. Install a new filter element when you replace the regulator, and drain the water trap on your compressor tank and filter bowls.

Key Specifications

Frequently Asked Questions

What does without outer packaging mean — is the valve still new?

The valve is new and unused. The original cardboard box or retail packaging is missing — it may have been removed for bulk storage, may have been damaged in transit, or this may be surplus stock that was never individually boxed. The valve itself has not been installed or operated. The port threads should be clean with no signs of sealant or wrench marks, and the adjustment knob should turn smoothly through its range. We inspect each unit before shipping to confirm it is in new condition despite the missing box.

How do I adjust the output pressure, and how precise is the regulation?

Turn the adjustment knob (or screw, depending on the model variant) clockwise to increase output pressure, counterclockwise to decrease. The knob typically has a locking nut or friction lock to prevent drift from vibration. A quality regulator like the Controlair 500 series should maintain output pressure within 1-2 PSI of the setpoint across its flow range, assuming the supply pressure is at least 10-15 PSI above the desired output. Set the output pressure while the downstream system is flowing (dynamic condition), not dead-ended (static condition), because output pressure typically drops slightly when flow begins.

Can this regulator handle lubricated air, or must the air be dry?

Most pneumatic regulators tolerate a small amount of oil mist from a lubricator (common in pneumatic tool circuits), but the diaphragm and internal seals will degrade faster with continuous oil exposure. If your system uses an upstream lubricator for downstream tools or cylinders, consider installing the regulator before the lubricator rather than after it. Water and oil aerosols together form a sticky emulsion that gums up the regulator's internal passages and causes output pressure drift. A coalescing filter immediately upstream of the regulator is the best protection.

The output pressure creeps up when the downstream side is dead-ended — is the regulator faulty?

Pressure creep in a dead-ended condition usually means the internal poppet or diaphragm seal is not seating perfectly, allowing a tiny amount of supply air to leak past into the output side. This can be caused by a particle of dirt on the sealing surface, a worn or hardened seal, or a scratched poppet seat. Try blowing down the regulator (fully venting the output side to zero, then re-pressurizing) — sometimes this dislodges a particle and restores a perfect seal. If creep persists, the internal seal may be damaged. Since this is a new unit, creep should not occur; if it does, contact us for a replacement.

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