Rotary valves use a rotating circular seal to change the path of liquids or gases, taking up less space than linear valves. They are used in plumbing, manufacturing, combustion engines, musical instruments, and the human body. Examples include ball valves, butterfly valves, and rotary feeders. Some combustion engines use a sophisticated type of rotary valve to complete all four stages of the combustion cycle in one motion.
A rotary valve is a mechanism that changes the path of liquids or gases by the use of a rotating circular seal. Contrast this with the linear valve, which moves a gate up and down to control flow. Rotary valves typically take up less space than linear valves while performing the same basic function. Some rotary valves have a bladder design which allows them to be used under pressurized conditions.
Any valve that uses a circular motion to control flow is a type of rotary valve. “Rotary valve” is a broad term that covers a wide range of applications. Of course, valves are used in plumbing and manufacturing, but they are also used in combustion engines, musical instruments, and the human body. A revolving door is also a type of rotary valve.
A ball valve is a common type of rotary valve. It is also called a shut-off valve. The ball valve is round with a hole in the middle, which is turned by a handle. Inserted into a tube, it can be closed, partially open or fully open, which allows for some degree of flow control.
The butterfly valve also belongs to this category. It is more space efficient than the ball valve because the closing mechanism is a flat disc. The disc is attached to the tube at the top and bottom and rotates on a vertical axis using a handwheel. A similar valve is the tilt disc, which is used in prosthetic hearts.
Musical instruments such as the tuba, French horn, and valve trombone also use rotary valves. Levers, commonly called wrenches, operate the valves and allow air to flow into another line of tubing. This produces a different set of notes. The valves have two purposes: to open a new path for the air and to close the alternate path. If the alternative route is not completely sealed, the musical sound is compromised.
Some combustion engines use a very sophisticated type of rotary valve. In this case, the valve closures have the shape of a rounded triangle and are inserted inside an oblong casing. The tips of the triangle form a seal with the casing and this creates air pockets. When the engine is running, all four stages of the combustion cycle – intake, compression, combustion and exhaust – are completed in one motion.
A rotary feeder is a type of rotary valve with an air chamber. The feeder transfers solids from one chamber to another without changing the pressure in either. Rotary feeders are often used in manufacturing plants that process granulated solids.
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