Pneumatic systems are now commonly used in different technological fields. It has found popularity in the industrial fields of construction, factories, mills, and vehicular technologies. It is why the parts found inside a pneumatic system should be functional and reliable, just like a pneumatic proportional valve.
An Introduction to Proportional Valves
Proportional valves are valves used in a pneumatic system. These valves produce air pressure outputs that can be changed in proportion to their input value. The valves provide dependable, cost-effective, compact solutions for quick response durations and the consistency of control at relatively low flow rates.
The manufacturing of proportional valves is based upon their complex assembly. The group of companies known as BIBUS AG are known to design and develop efficient proportional valves. Not all proportional valves are made equal for each serves a designated function within a pneumatic system.
What Makes Proportional Valves Special?
Proportional valves are also known as electronically controlled regulators. They can be used with a direct control supply unit or by relative electronic control units. The electronics combined with advanced software designed for industrial purposes makes proportional valves easier to use with the manipulation of fluid pressure and flow rate that passes through them.
These types of pneumatic valves are versatile in design for they can cater to both fluid mediums of air and gas. Modern types of proportional valves can quickly react to a controller’s commands. These can range from differentiations applied to the initial flow rate of the fluid entering the valves.
Typical Applications of a Proportional Valve
Proportional valves are specialized for applications where the output pressure or flow is required to vary, either during a process or from one process to the next. They are reliable, cost-effective, and give fast response and balanced control. Proportional valves can reduce cycle times by quickly achieving a stable pressure or consistent flow rate.
Common Industrial Applications
- Bottle filling
A proportional valve maintains constant pressure in the filling reservoir, irrespective of the liquid level. An integrated pressure sensor in the reservoir provides feedback to the proportional valve, ensuring that a constant volume of fluid is transferred to a bottle in a specific duration.
- Furnace control
The gas supply of a furnace is often regulated by the proportional valve. It emits a differential temperature signal that is used as a feedback to shut down the gas flow when the desired temperature is achieved.
- Leak testing
The proportional valve can apply increasing pressure, towards a defined profile, and applied with a given test piece. To make you more productive and learn the latest technology in leak-free connections, refer to this parker fittings catalog.
Dynamic Applications
A dynamic application is one wherein the setpoint must frequently change so that the valve opens and closes frequently or continuously. In material testing, the pressure output of the valve is steadily increased until the tested material reaches its point of failure.
Dynamic applications usually demand a more robust type of proportional valve, and also share these other characteristics:
- Frequently commanded pressure changes
- Heavy-duty cycling (valve opening and closing)
- Shifting loads with backpressure, requiring continual firing/adjustment
- Frequently changing flow rates
Static Applications
Proportional valves for static applications are made to perform within a specified set of points or numerical values concerning a desired pressure and rate of flow. They are to be controlled by two valve openings. The valve closures then remain fixed most of the time inside a static application.
What Differentiates Proportional Valves from other Valves?
Proportional Solenoid Valves used in pneumatic systems are often compared with other valves that can be used in pneumatics. But what makes it special from other types?
Fluid Medium
Proportional valves distribute pressurized fluid proportionate from its value of the input. Most proportional valves are molded with specialized metals and alloys. This makes them reliable, functional, and applicable to both types of fluid: Air and Gas.
High-Performance
Proportional valves of today are made to operate and perform with low hysteresis (lag time of fluid medium in response to changes in rate). These valves can produce high qualities of pressurized fluid volumes while consuming less power. Each valve is thoroughly calibrated and locked to be able to work with a consistent value of an applied liftoff current of fluid.
Ease of Application
The proportional solenoid valves of today can be controlled manually or utilize electronics for easier control and performance manipulation. Most valves come with onboard electronics suitable for any kind of current used by the industry. The valves are now designed to be integrated easily for users that require a fast approach plug-and-play style or companies with tight deadlines.
Conclusion
Pneumatic Systems of today are composed of valves that direct fluid towards the completion of a mechanical objective. Proportional valves are specialized valves, also known as electronically controlled regulators. They are producing an amount of fluid pressure proportional to the value of the applied medium passing through them.