A compressor moves air, gas or liquid through a machine’s components. Superchargers use a cylinder chamber with a piston that changes pressure to move air through the machine. Compressor valves control the flow of air, with intake valves allowing substance into the cylinder and exhaust valves controlling the flow out. Different types of compressor valves exist, and pressure ratios are important in determining when valves open and close. Choosing the correct compressor valve requires an understanding of pressure and force within a closed system.
A compressor is a device that moves air, gas or liquid through the components of a machine. Superchargers usually have a cylinder chamber with a piston that moves up and down as the crankshaft turns. The movement of the piston changes the pressure inside the cylinder so that the compressor valves open and close, moving air or other substance through a cylinder and into the other components of the machine. The compressor valves are what control the flow of air through the car.
Compressors have two different types of valves, each of which allows the substance to flow in only one direction. Intake valves control the flow of substance into the piston chamber or cylinder. The exhaust valve controls the flow of substance out of the piston chamber. Each type of compressor valve allows air to flow in only one direction and only one of the valves will be open at a time.
The two types of compressor valves work together during a complete rotation of the crankshaft or a rise and fall of the piston within the cylinder. As the piston moves down, it creates more space in the chamber above the piston. The pressure change opens the intake valve and the substance, such as air or coolant, is drawn into the cylinder chamber. The intake valve remains open until the piston reaches the lowest point of its cycle.
When the piston rises, the substance begins to be compressed. The increase in pressure in the substance forces the exhaust valve to open and the substance flows out of the cylinder. The piston continues to rise, forcing the substance out of the cylinder through the exhaust valve. The exhaust valve remains open until the piston reaches its highest position in the chamber.
There are several ways that compressor valves are constructed. In some cases, the valves are spring loaded. When the pressure above the valve plus the spring force is less than the pressure below the valve, the valve opens and the substance being compressed is forced out. Other types of compressor valves include finger valves and plate valves. Regardless of the type of compressor valve used, pressure ratios are important in determining when valves open and close.
A compressor valve is essential for the proper functioning of a compressor. Designing a compressor and choosing the correct compressor valve requires an understanding of pressure and force within a closed system. Valves must be selected to withstand repeated exposure to high pressure in the system and must be efficiently designed to control the flow of medium with a high level of accuracy.
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