Description
Overview
The Type 6500 Large Flow Capacity Volume Booster is a 1:1 signal-to-output pneumatic relay designed for applications requiring high flow capacity and rapid actuator stroking. Constructed with a rugged aluminum housing, the Type 6500 is commonly used to increase the throttling speed of large-volume valve actuators and is suitable for both diaphragm and piston actuator systems.
A fixed deadband and integral adjustable bypass valve allow small incremental downstream pressure adjustments without opening the main booster valve. Larger signal changes activate the booster to provide the high airflow required for rapid actuator movement, while the bypass valve can be adjusted to tune dynamic response for stable operation across a wide range of actuator sizes.
Available with 3/4″ or 1″ NPT supply and output ports, the Type 6500 provides forward flow coefficients up to Cv 9.0 and exhaust capacity up to 150 scfm. It also includes a 3/4″ NPT high-output exhaust port, two gauge ports, optional feedback, and IEC 61508 SIL3 certification for demanding pneumatic control applications.
Key Features
- Large-flow pneumatic volume booster
- 1:1 signal-to-output ratio
- Designed for rapid actuator stroking
- Suitable for diaphragm and piston actuators
- Rugged aluminum housing
- 3/4″ or 1″ NPT supply and output porting
- Integral adjustable bypass valve
- Fixed deadband for stable control
- Small incremental signal changes can bypass the primary valve
- High forward flow capacity
- Soft valve seat design provides tight shutoff
- Helps eliminate leakage during steady-state operation
- Standard operation up to 200°F (93°C)
- Low-temperature option down to -62°F (-52°C)
- 3/4″ NPT high-output exhaust port
- Exhaust capacity up to 150 scfm
- Two 1/4″ gauge ports
- Optional feedback port
- Optional stainless steel trim
- Optional BSP porting on 1″ models
- ATEX 2014/34/EU option available
- IEC 61508 SIL3 certified
Performance Characteristics
- Signal-to-Output Ratio: 1:1
- Maximum Supply Pressure: 250 psig (17 bar)
- Maximum Signal Pressure: 150 psig (10 bar)
- Output Accuracy: 2.0% of span
- Deadband: Under 0.2 psig (0.01 bar)
- Supply Pressure Effect: 0.3 psig (0.02 bar) for a 100 psig (7 bar) supply pressure change
- 3/4″ Forward Flow Coefficient (Cv): 8.0
- 3/4″ Exhaust Flow Coefficient (Cv): 8.0
- 1″ Forward Flow Coefficient (Cv): 9.0
- 1″ Exhaust Flow Coefficient (Cv): 8.0
- 3/4″ Exhaust Capacity: 150 scfm (4,245 Nl/min)
- 1″ Exhaust Capacity: 150 scfm (4,245 Nl/min)
- Standard Temperature Range: -40°F to 200°F (-40°C to 93°C)
- Low Temperature Option: -62°F to 194°F (-52°C to 90°C)
- Signal Port: 1/4″ NPT
- Supply/Output Ports: 3/4″ or 1″ NPT
- Exhaust Port: 3/4″ NPT
- Gauge Ports: Two 1/4″ NPT
- Optional Feedback Port: 1/4″ NPT
- Weight: 6.5 lbs (2.95 kg)
These performance characteristics provide the Type 6500 with the high forward and exhaust flow required for rapid movement of large pneumatic actuators. The performance curves on page 1 of the specification sheet show regulated pressure versus flow for both 3/4″ and 1″ configurations, with forward Cv values of 8.0 and 9.0 respectively.
How to Select the Right Configuration
Selecting the correct Type 6500 configuration depends on the required airflow, port size, operating temperature, trim materials, feedback requirements, and installation environment.
- Select the 3/4″ NPT model for applications requiring a forward Cv of 8.0 and exhaust Cv of 8.0
- Select the 1″ NPT model for applications requiring the maximum forward Cv of 9.0
- Select the Low Temperature option for operation from -62°F to 194°F (-52°C to 90°C)
- Select the Feedback Port option when an external pressure feedback connection is required
- Select Stainless Steel Trim when additional corrosion resistance is required for trim components
- Select BSP Porting when BSP connections are required on a 1″ ported unit
- Select the ATEX option when ATEX 2014/34/EU compliance is required
- Use the integral bypass valve to tune booster response for the actuator size and application
- Select the stainless steel mounting bracket and exhaust fitting when increased corrosion resistance is desired for installation accessories
For additional guidance:
Applications
The Type 6500 Large Flow Capacity Volume Booster is designed for pneumatic control systems requiring very high airflow and fast actuator response.
- Large pneumatic control valves
- High-volume valve actuators
- Diaphragm actuators
- Piston actuators
- Valve positioner and actuator systems
- Fast-stroking control valves
- Throttling control applications
- Process control systems
- Industrial automation systems
- High-flow pneumatic systems
- Large process valve assemblies
- Safety-related valve control systems
- Applications requiring external pressure feedback
Principle of Operation
The Type 6500 operates as a 1:1 pneumatic relay between the control signal and actuator. Signal pressure acts on the internal diaphragm assembly, causing the primary supply or exhaust valve to respond when the signal-to-output pressure difference exceeds the fixed deadband.
The integral bypass valve allows small signal changes to pass directly to the actuator without opening the primary booster valve. Larger pressure changes activate the booster, allowing high-volume supply air to enter the actuator or downstream air to exhaust rapidly. This combination allows the Type 6500 to improve actuator speed while maintaining stable throttling control.
The principle-of-operation diagram on page 2 of the specification sheet identifies the supply pressure, signal pressure, atmospheric pressure, and output pressure paths through the booster.
Models & Configurations
Type 6500 Models
- 6500-EA = 3/4″ NPT, Aluminum Housing
- 6500-FA = 1″ NPT, Aluminum Housing
Available Options
- F = Feedback Port
- L = Low Temperature Operation
- S = Stainless Steel Trim
- U = BSP Porting, available for 1″ ported units only
- X = ATEX 2014/34/EU
The ordering section on page 2 identifies the Type 6500 aluminum configurations with either 3/4″ or 1″ NPT porting and lists the available feedback, low-temperature, stainless steel trim, BSP, and ATEX options.
Accessories
- Zinc Plated Steel Mounting Bracket: P/N 449-542-040
- 316 Stainless Steel Mounting Bracket: P/N 449-542-041
- 3/4″ NPT Plated Steel Exhaust Screen/Muffler Fitting: P/N 445-761-006
- 3/4″ NPT 316 Stainless Steel Exhaust Screen/Muffler Fitting: P/N 445-761-007
- 0-160 psi (0-11 bar) Gauge: P/N 446-725-002
Materials of Construction
- Housing: Aluminum
- Bolting: Zinc Plated Steel
- Other Trim: Aluminum
- Internal Components: Aluminum
- Standard Elastomers: Nitrile
- Low Temperature Option Elastomers: Silicone
- Optional Trim: Stainless Steel
The Type 6500 uses aluminum for the housing, trim, and internal components in its standard configuration. A stainless steel trim option is available when additional corrosion resistance is required, while the low-temperature configuration uses silicone elastomers.
Technical Resources
- Product Data Sheet
- Installation Information
- CAD Models
- Product Certifications
- Engineering Support Resources
FAQs
What is the Type 6500 volume booster used for?
The Type 6500 is used to increase airflow to large pneumatic valve actuators, helping diaphragm and piston actuators stroke more rapidly in response to control signals.
What is the signal-to-output ratio of the Type 6500?
The Type 6500 provides a 1:1 signal-to-output pressure ratio.
What does the adjustable bypass valve do?
The adjustable bypass valve allows small incremental signal changes to reach the actuator without opening the primary booster valve. It can be adjusted to tune dynamic response and provide stable operation across different actuator sizes.
What port sizes are available for the Type 6500?
The Type 6500 is available with 3/4″ or 1″ NPT supply and output ports. BSP porting is available as an option on 1″ models.
What is the flow coefficient of the Type 6500?
The 3/4″ Type 6500 has a forward Cv of 8.0, while the 1″ model has a forward Cv of 9.0. Both configurations have an exhaust Cv of 8.0.
What is the exhaust capacity of the Type 6500?
Both the 3/4″ and 1″ Type 6500 configurations provide exhaust capacity up to 150 scfm (4,245 Nl/min) under the specified test conditions.
What is the maximum supply pressure?
The maximum supply pressure for the Type 6500 is 250 psig (17 bar).
What is the deadband of the Type 6500?
The Type 6500 has a deadband of less than 0.2 psig (0.01 bar).
What is the operating temperature range?
The standard Type 6500 operates from -40°F to 200°F (-40°C to 93°C). The low-temperature option extends operation down to -62°F (-52°C) and operates up to 194°F (90°C).
Is a feedback port available?
Yes. An optional 1/4″ feedback port is available for applications requiring an external pressure feedback connection.
Is stainless steel trim available?
Yes. Stainless steel trim is available as an option for the Type 6500.
Is the Type 6500 SIL3 certified?
Yes. The Type 6500/6600 series is IEC 61508 SIL3 certified.
Is an ATEX option available?
Yes. An ATEX 2014/34/EU option is available for the Type 6500.







