A common question for us is “what industry do you serve?” And, we always reply, “any!”  Smart Products is equipped to serve any industry in need of low pressure, low flow plastic valves. 
 
This SmartNews focuses on the recreational marine industry, and the role of our Modular Series 300 Check Valves in two-stroke engines used in outboard motors.
 
Our series 300 valves are an excellent solution to keep oil circulated throughout this type of engine for three main reasons:
 
1) Low Pressure Requirements (ranging from 0.11-17 PSI)
If you are familiar with two-stroke engines, you know most of the oil burns up and is consumed, but there is always the problem of some of it pooling up and draining down to the bottom of the engine.  Crankcase pressure is then used to move oil from the bottom, as well as various other locations where it may pool up, back to the top bearing or other lubrication points.  The crankcase runs at a low pressure, and the low inertia poppet design of our valves is a great fit for this requirement.  Keep in mind low does not equal slow; customers using this valve for hydroplane racing tell us it can easily open and close up to 200 times per second when in action.
 
2) Small Size
Series 300 is one of the largest valve options offered by Smart Products, but even the biggest inlet and outlet combination of this series will easily fit in the palm of your hand, and be no longer than 2.5”.
 
3) Quick Connection
With 12 end fitting options in this series, you can easily pick an inlet and outlet to meet your application’s tubing requirements.  You can mix and match two different options (i.e. barbed with NPT) or use the same option (pictured).  We also offer color coding for easy installation within your application.
 
As with all of our valves, we customize them based on plastic body material, o-rings, and opening pressure requirements to best fit your design criteria.  We typically recommend Polypropylene with a Buna-N o-ring for valves being used for oil recirculation.  However, it is always important for us to know all fluids/gasses coming into contact with the valve, as well as other environmental conditions to ensure optimal performance. 
 
Whether your market is powerboats, sailboats, or anything else nautical or not, we offer efficient, precise valve solutions to fit your specific design needs.  To get started on your current or future applications visit us at www.smartproducts.com or call (800) 338-0404.