Refrigerator & Ice Maker Inlet Valve Screen in 304 Stainless Steel (AISI 304 (1.4301)) is used for protecting refrigerator water dispensers and ice-maker solenoid valves from sand, scale and pipe debris at the inlet fitting. The alloy gives good general corrosion resistance in atmosphere and fresh water and is essentially non-magnetic (annealed), with a practical service limit of approx. +450 °C continuous.
Alloy Properties
| Grade designation | AISI 304 (1.4301) |
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| Magnetic response | Essentially non-magnetic (annealed) |
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| Service temperature | approx. +450 °C continuous |
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| Corrosion characteristic | Good general corrosion resistance in atmosphere and fresh water |
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Specifications of Refrigerator & Ice Maker Inlet Valve Screen Available in 304 Stainless Steel
| Size | Diameter (mm) | Mesh | Micron rating (u00b5m) | Fit |
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| 1/4 in compression | 9.5 | 60-Mesh brass | 233 | Valve inlet seat |
| 3/8 in | 12.5 | 60-Mesh SS304 | 233 | Valve inlet seat |
| Cup 1/4 in | 8.0 | 80-Mesh SS304 | 178 | Pressed cup |
Where 304 Stainless Steel Refrigerator & Ice Maker Inlet Valve Screen Is Used
- Refrigerator OEMs: inlet screens in water valves.
- Appliance repair: replacement valve screens.
- Commercial ice machine makers: inlet screens on cubers and flakers.
- Plumbing supply: compression-fitting screens.
Ordering Refrigerator & Ice Maker Inlet Valve Screen in 304 Stainless Steel
- Fitting size: 1/4 in or 3/8 in compression inlet.
- Mesh: 60–80 mesh stops grit without restricting flow.
- Material: Brass or SS304.
Mistakes to Avoid with Refrigerator & Ice Maker Inlet Valve Screen
- Removing the screen to fix slow ice production, which exposes the valve seat to grit.
- Over-tightening compression fittings, which crushes the screen cup.