3396 - Western Enterprises 3396 Brass Needle Valve, B-Size Acetylene Male x Female

Precision Flow Control for Fuel Gas Systems

The Western Enterprises 3396 Needle Valve is a specialized gas control component designed to provide precise metering of acetylene and other fuel gases in industrial and laboratory environments. Unlike standard ball valves or quarter-turn shut-offs which are designed primarily for on/off functionality, a needle valve features a tapered plunger that seats into a conical port. This geometry allows the operator to make minute adjustments to the flow rate, granting exceptional control over flame size, heat output, or gas mixture ratios in complex piping systems.

Constructed from high-quality brass, the 3396 is built to withstand the rigors of daily use in welding shops, fabrication facilities, and manufacturing plants. Brass is the material of choice for these applications due to its non-sparking properties and excellent resistance to corrosion, ensuring that the valve remains operational and leak-free over a long service life. The unit is rated for a maximum working pressure of 200 PSIG, providing a robust safety margin for standard acetylene operations (which are typically limited to 15 PSIG) as well as other compatible fuel gases that may run at higher pressures.

Integration into existing systems is seamless thanks to the industry-standard B-Size (CGA 022/023 style) connections. Specifically, this unit features 5/8"-18 Left-Hand threads, which are universally used for fuel gas lines in North America to prevent cross-connection with oxygen lines. The valve is configured with a Male connection on the inlet side and a Female connection on the outlet side, allowing it to be installed inline between a regulator and a hose, or at the end of a manifold drop. Whether you are building a custom gas distribution system or simply need better flow control for a specific torch application, the Western Enterprises 3396 delivers the reliability and precision professionals demand.