Air Rams: What are Shuttle Valves?
Oil unloader
This is a specialised shuttle valve that is mounted on the front of the pump assembly housing. This valve in an oil unloader allows air pressure to flow to the power unit. During a power exhaust stroke, when airflow is reversed and the shuttle valve is lifted from its seat, any oil inside the line in the power unit and oil unloader valve is discharged into the atmosphere.
What are Shuttle Valves?
Shuttle valves or pressure control valves (also called air rams) are considered simple components but are much more versatile than ever imagined. For pressurised air or fluid power, shuttle valves are the least-complex components that perform the simple function of allowing flow from an outlet port from either two inlet ports while blocking flow to another. Another function is to allow flow into a third port while blocking flow from both inlets.
Shuttle valve function
Shuttle valves can have two inlet ports and a single outlet port, or a single inlet to two outlets. Flow direction is controlled by fluid pressure. Whenever a higher pressure flows through an inlet port to the outlet port, the flow is blocked from the other inlet port. All shuttle valves incorporate a spring that acts against an inlet pressure at any port.
As mentioned earlier, shuttle valves also allow for reverse flow (outlet port open becomes inlet port, but only one inlet port open to become an outlet). This is important as this distinguishes the difference between shuttle valves and check valves. When input pressure drops, shuttle valves must be able to relieve the system pressure, particularly with brake and pilot circuits.
For standby or emergency systems
Aside from air pilot controls, motor fluid crossovers, brakes, and power inputs, shuttle valves are used for pressure controls of multiple compressors that are required for standby or purge gas capability. Should the compressor fail, the standby tank (with a lower compressor supply) will shift to the shuttle valve and take over the function. The shuttle valve will close off the main compressor inlet port until compressor pressure is re-established there, in which the shuttle valve shifts and closes the standby system.
Get your shuttle valves from MasterMac 2000
Whether you’re looking for shuttle valves, air rams, and process valves or pneumatic components, MasterMac 2000 is one of Australia’s largest privately-owned distributors that can provide you with all these, and more. Get quality brands like Mack, Univer, and Tolomatic. Call us on 07 3344 4711 or visit https://mastermac2000.com.au/.
About MasterMac2000: Your Trusted Pneumatic & Process Automation Partner.
LEADING THE INDUSTRY: Established in 1989, MasterMac2000 has grown to become one of Australia's largest privately owned pneumatic and process automation companies. We stock top-quality brands like Univer, Mack, Tolomatic, Mac, Piab, American, and Rotoflux in Brisbane.
SERVING QLD & NORTHERN NSW: We proudly service Queensland and Northern New South Wales for all your pneumatic and process equipment needs. Our mission is to provide the best pre and post-sales support while actively expanding our client base.
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About The Author
Stuart Havill
Stuart Havill is the owner and manager of MasterMac2000, Queensland's largest privately owned pneumatic and process valve company.
With his early working career as a maintenance fitter for Boral in 1992, Stuart has spent his life in the field of pneumatics and process equipment. He gained extensive experience in plant design, maintenance, repairs, fabrication, and site management.
In 1996, he transitioned to a pneumatic sales technician role at MasterMac2000, where he excelled in key account management, providing cost-effective solutions, and managing a sales team of 9 employees.
Since 2002, Stuart has been the manager at MasterMac2000, overseeing the company's growth and establishing it as a leader in pneumatic automation and process valve engineering. His expertise spans customer training, CRM setup, industrial compressor sizing and installation, and turn-key project management.
Under Stuart's leadership, MasterMac2000 has been servicing the industry since 1988, with 5 full-time sales representatives covering northern rivers NSW, Queensland, Northern Territory, and PNG. The company prides itself on providing the best-priced solutions to all customers in the marketplace.
View Stuart’s LinkedIn profile to learn more about his expertise in pneumatics and process equipment.