Product Overview
Reliable custom rubber parts for industrial applications
Quick Answer
The Hydrin Sleeve H7 is a flexible internal component for a compatible axial flow valve. It responds to control pressure to change the valve’s internal flow opening. Exact dimensions, Hydrin grade, hardness, wall profile, tolerances, pressure conditions, and valve compatibility are available upon request and require technical confirmation.
The Hydrin Sleeve H7 is a flexible internal component developed for an axial flow valve. It responds to pressure conditions within the valve to support controlled opening, throttling, or closure according to the valve design. Exact dimensions, Hydrin compound grade, hardness, tolerances, pressure range, temperature limits, and media compatibility must be confirmed before ordering.
Hydrin Sleeve H7 for Axial Flow Valve — Direct-Fit Replacement Elastomer Sleeve
The Hydrin sleeve H7 is a flexible elastomer sleeve engineered specifically for axial flow valves (AFV), a type of flexible-element valve widely used to control the flow of gases and liquids at inlet pressures up to 1,480 PSIG across valve sizes ranging from 2 to 12 inches. Hydrin sleeves are the standard sleeve material recommended for most AFV applications, offering the best general-purpose performance across the valve’s typical operating range compared to alternative sleeve materials. The H7 designation is one of several American Meter sleeve codes—alongside H5 and H5-L—used to identify specific Hydrin sleeve variants supplied for these valves.
Key Specifications
| Parameter | Typical Range/Option |
|---|---|
| Material | Hydrin (chlorinated polyether elastomer) |
| Sleeve Code | H7 (American Meter designation) |
| Related Sleeve Codes | H5, H5-L (also Hydrin variants) |
| Common Valve Size Fit | Available for standard AFV sizes, including 4-inch valve applications |
| Valve Pressure Range | Up to 1,480 PSIG inlet pressure depending on valve model |
| Valve Size Range | AFV valves available from 2 to 12 inches |
| Alternative Sleeve Material | Buna, substitutable in applications above 0°F |
| Compatible Brands | American Meter, Elster American Meter |
What Is a Hydrin Sleeve for an Axial Flow Valve?
An axial flow valve (AFV) is a flexible-element valve design that uses a molded elastomer sleeve, rather than a conventional disc or ball, to control flow by flexing and constricting around an internal orifice or control pin as line pressure and the valve’s control mechanism act upon it. This sleeve is the primary flow-control and sealing element inside the valve body, and its material composition directly determines how well the valve performs across different pressure differentials, temperatures, and gas or liquid compositions. Hydrin, a chlorinated polyether elastomer, is specified as the standard sleeve material for most AFV applications because it offers a strong balance of flexibility, durability, and chemical compatibility with the gases and delta pressures typically encountered in gas distribution and pressure control service.
Why Hydrin Is the Standard AFV Sleeve Material
- Best general-purpose performance — Hydrin sleeves are identified as the standard sleeve, offering the best fit for most AFV applications across the valve’s typical operating envelope.
- Wide operating temperature range — related Hydrin sleeve variants used in 300 Series axial flow valves are rated for an operating temperature range of -20°F to 150°F.
- Delta pressure suitability — Hydrin sleeves are available in specific durometer ratings tailored to different delta pressure conditions, such as Durometer 50 for low delta pressure service.
- Established brand compatibility — Hydrin sleeves, including the H7 code, are supplied by American Meter and used across Elster American Meter AFV valve models.
Sleeve Code Reference
| Sleeve Code | Material | Typical Use Case |
|---|---|---|
| H5 | Hydrin | High delta pressure axial flow valve service |
| H5-L | Hydrin | Low delta pressure axial flow valve service, Durometer 50 |
| H7 | Hydrin | Standard sleeve for specific AFV sizes, including 4-inch valves |
| Buna | Buna-N | Substitutable alternative in applications above 0°F |
Important Material Safety Note
It has been identified that the surface of the optional Hydrin sleeve—covering American Meter codes H5, H5-L, and H7—contains traces of dioctyl phthalate on the sleeve surface. Customers and maintenance personnel handling or installing these sleeves should review the relevant manufacturer safety documentation and material safety data for specific handling guidance related to this compound.
Custom Manufactured Variant — FKM (Fluororubber) Sleeve Option
In addition to the standard Hydrin compound, this sleeve is also available as a custom-manufactured fluororubber (FKM) variant, produced using Japan Zeon fluororubber, for applications requiring enhanced chemical resistance or higher temperature tolerance than standard Hydrin provides.
| Parameter | Detail |
|---|---|
| Material | Japan Zeon (ZEON) fluororubber (FKM) |
| Hardness | 70 ±5 Shore A |
| Color | Black |
| Marking/Engraving | H7/26 |
| Dimensional Tolerance | ISO 3302-1, Class M2 |
| Size | 95.67mm x 53.27mm |
This FKM version carries the same H7/26 marking convention as the standard sleeve but uses a different base elastomer, so it should not be assumed to be a direct drop-in equivalent without confirming compatibility against the original valve specification. Fluororubber generally offers broader chemical resistance and higher temperature tolerance than Hydrin, and may also be selected to avoid the trace dioctyl phthalate present on standard Hydrin H7 sleeves. The specified hardness of 70 ±5 Shore A aligns with typical sleeve stiffness requirements for AFV sealing and flow-control performance, while the ISO 3302-1 Class M2 tolerance reflects a standard medium-precision molding tolerance appropriate for this type of valve sleeve component.
Common Applications
- Gas pressure reduction and flow control in natural gas distribution systems.
- Flow control and safety shutoff functions within axial flow valve assemblies.
- Replacement sleeve maintenance for American Meter and Elster American Meter AFV valve models, such as the model 02-H7 series.
- Applications requiring flexible-element valve control across a range of flow rates and inlet pressures up to 1,480 PSIG.
- Applications requiring enhanced chemical or temperature resistance beyond standard Hydrin, using the FKM sleeve variant.
Custom Manufacturing and Sourcing Options
- Reverse-engineering and cross-reference matching service to identify the correct sleeve code and material for a specific AFV model and size.
- Direct-fit Hydrin H7 sleeves engineered to match specific AFV valve sizes, such as the 4-inch axial flow valve application.
- Alternative Hydrin sleeve codes (H5, H5-L) available for high or low delta pressure service conditions.
- Buna sleeve alternative available for applications operating above 0°F where Hydrin is not required.
- Custom fluororubber (FKM) sleeve variant using Japan Zeon compound, molded to 95.67mm x 53.27mm with 70 ±5 Shore A hardness and ISO 3302-1 Class M2 tolerance.
- Custom color, hardness, and marking/engraving options available upon request.
FAQ
Does the H7 designation confirm valve compatibility?
No. H7 is an important product reference, but the valve manufacturer, model, size, revision, internal geometry, and installation position should also be verified. Compatibility should be confirmed from technical information or an approved original sample before ordering.
What are the dimensions of the Hydrin Sleeve H7?
Outer diameter, inner diameter, length, wall thickness, and dimensional tolerances are available upon request. Confirmed valve information or an approved product specification is required. Missing dimensions should not be estimated from photographs or similar-looking sleeves.
How is the Hydrin compound grade confirmed?
The compound grade must be selected or verified according to the process media, additives, temperature, pressure, cycling frequency, and environmental conditions. The Hydrin material name alone does not confirm compatibility or performance for a specific valve application.
Can a used sleeve be supplied as a sample?
A used sample can support structural evaluation, but wear, swelling, hardening, cracking, and permanent deformation must be considered. Valve details and operating conditions should accompany the sample. An unused approved component or confirmed technical specification is preferred.
Are prototype samples available?
Sample availability depends on the confirmed H7 geometry, Hydrin compound, tooling requirements, and requested quantity. Initial samples can be arranged after technical review. Dimensions, installation fit, deformation, sealing, and functional acceptance criteria should be defined before approval.
How are tooling, MOQ, and lead time confirmed?
Tooling, MOQ, and lead time depend on the sleeve dimensions, compound specification, tooling status, inspection requirements, sample approval process, and order quantity. These details are confirmed after reviewing the complete technical requirements and estimated annual demand.
Request a Custom Quote
Send the valve model, H7 reference, 2D drawing, 3D model, or physical sample for technical review. Include dimensions, Hydrin compound requirements, process media, temperature, inlet and outlet pressure, control pressure, cycling frequency, quantity, and estimated annual volume. Tooling, samples, MOQ, lead time, testing, and documentation will be confirmed after evaluation.
