Selection of air valves for reciprocating compressors
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I would like to ask everyone for advice regarding the selection of air valves for reciprocating compressors: it is necessary to ensure a long service life while also making maintenance easier and reducing repair costs – of course, these factors are relative to each other. If the service life is long, then a higher price is acceptable. We have conducted some research, but we’re not sure which type is better; please give us your guidance: 1. Mesh air valves – we believe that their maintenance costs might be higher. 2. The ring-type air valve – we believe its service life may not be very long. But the maintenance costs are low. 3. The small-piece air valves do not perform as well as claimed, and their price is also high. If it has been used, please give me your advice!
Firstly, the service life of compressor valves is closely related to the gas medium used; a cleaner medium naturally results in a longer service life. Based on our experience of over 30 years, mesh valves prove to be more durable, as ring valves are difficult to clean and their valve elements tend to break easily. In recent years we have been using fungal-shaped valves, and the results have been quite good. If the pre-filter’s electrostatic dust removal performance is good, it is sufficient to clean the valve once a year. (For reference only):lol :lol
The key to the lifespan of a gas valve is still the purity of the gas. For the air valves in the low-pressure section, mesh valve discs made of PEEK are the best choice; they have the longest service life among all the valve discs we have used
The selection of air valves must meet certain basic requirements: 1. Durability, to ensure continuous and safe operation throughout the maintenance cycle. 2. Low resistance: The power consumed by piston compressors to overcome the resistance of the gas valves accounts for approximately 10%–20% of the total power. Therefore, it is very important to reduce the losses caused by air flow passing through the air valve in order to lower power consumption. 3. It has good sealing properties; when closed, it should be sealed tightly without any leaks, to avoid affecting the exhaust volume and increasing power consumption. 4. Opening and closing are timely and rapid. Failing to shut it off in time can cause gas backflow, reduce exhaust volume, and affect the lifespan of the valve plates. If it does not open in time or cannot open fully, it will increase air resistance and reduce the compressor’s efficiency. 5. The clearance should be small to ensure a high volumetric efficiency of the compressor. 6. It has a simple structure, is easy to process, has abundant material sources, and low costs. 7. Easy to install and maintain, with good interchangeability. By comparing these basic requirements with one’s own characteristics, can the original poster make a choice?:)
You all have finished speaking! I’d like to add one more thing: the choice of air valve depends on specific conditions, such as the process requirements, costs, and available personnel!