A shuttle valve allows two fluid inlets to flow to a single outlet, used for mixing or alternating materials. It can provide backup fluids during emergencies and is commonly associated with hydraulic fluid or compressed air. Different types exist, and factors such as size, pressure, and temperature must be considered when selecting one. They are used in automotive and manufacturing plants to control fluid within braking or transmission systems.
A shuttle valve is a hydraulic device that allows two separate fluid inlets to flow to a single outlet. These valves can be used to mix or alternate two separate materials in a manufacturing or industrial process. A shuttle valve can also be used to provide backup fluids during an emergency situation if the first input source fails. While shuttle valves often carry liquids, they are most commonly associated with the hydraulic fluid or compressed air used in a pneumatic system.
Each shuttle valve consists of a square or rectangle with two inlets and one outlet. During normal operation, the valve blocks one of these inlets so that no fluid or air can enter the valve from this position. In this scenario, materials can freely enter the valve from the other inlet and exit through the outlet. If the first inlet fails or becomes blocked, pressure changes within the valve move an internal shuttle, which shuts off the first inlet and opens the second. With only one inlet valve open at a time, there is little or no risk of backflow into the source.
Different types of shuttle valves can be identified by their internal mechanisms. The most common units feature a cylindrical plunger, or shuttle, that slides back and forces to close one of the inlets. Other designs may use a piston or ball that works using spring force. Regardless of which of these devices is used, the plunger or piston must fit precisely within the shuttle to completely block the inlet.
Buyers must consider a number of additional factors when selecting a shuttle valve to ensure the valve performs as intended. The overall size of the valve, including inlets and outlets, must be able to accommodate the space available for each application. Installers should also determine the pressure and temperature capabilities of each valve to confirm they meet the project needs. It is also helpful to compare different types of inlet and outlet fittings to find one that is compatible with those used in the surrounding plumbing system.
The shuttle valve can be found in a variety of applications including automotive and manufacturing plants. In a car or truck, a shuttle valve controls the fluid within the braking or transmission system. Should this system fail, the shuttle valve automatically supplied fluid from a secondary source to maintain safe operation. These valves can be used in the same manor in large equipment or machinery, where they often serve as part of an emergency braking system.
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