Module 4:

Development of Pneumatic Circuits using Non-Return Valves and

Flow-Control Valves
MECH610
 COURSE DESCRIPTION

▪ Dual-pressure Valve and the logic AND function

▪ Shuttle Valve and the logic OR function
▪ Flow-Control Valves

2
Valve is a device controlling the direction, pressure and rate of flow of air delivered by a compressor
to the actuator. Valves are classified into four principal groups according to their functions:

• Directional control valves

• Non-return valves
• Flow control valves
• Pressure control valves
DIRECTIONAL CONTROL VALVE (DCV)
DCVs re used to control the direction of air flow in the pneumatic circuit from input port to output
ports by generating, relieving and redirecting the air signals. Types of directional control valves:

Based on construction element used

✓ Ball Seat
✓ Disc Seat
✓ Diaphragm
Based on the number of ports
✓ Two-way
Three-way
✓ Four-way
Based on the methods of actuation
✓ Mechanical
✓ Electrical
✓ Pneumatic
The types of directional control valves:

• Check valve

• Pilot operated check valve

• Three-way and four-way valves

• Manually actuated valve

• Pilot actuated valve

• Solenoid actuated valve

• Shuttle valve
One Way Flow Control Valve:
• A check valve, non-return valve, reflux valve, retention valve, foot valve, or one- way valve is a
valve that normally
allows fluid (liquid or gas) to flow through it in only one direction.
• This valve is also called as the Throttle Relief Valve.

Figure1. One Way Flow Control Valve

•one-way flow control valves:
1)

Figure2. One Way Flow Control Valve : flow is from (P) to (A)
If the flow is from (P) to (A), the check valve stops the flow then passes through the throttle valve.
The cross-section of the throttle is adjustable via a regulator screw.
2)

Figure3. One Way Flow Control Valve : flow is from (A) to (P)
If the flow is in the opposite direction from (A) to (P), the check valve permits the flow freely from (1) to (2).
Types of Flow control double acting cylinders

Supply Air Throttling

Figure4. One Way Flow Control Valve installed supply air throttling
•
•Exhaust Air Throttling

Figure5. One Way Flow Control Valve installed exhaust air throttling
Non-return valves permit flow of air in one direction only, while other direction blocks the air flow. Mostly
the valves are designed in such a way that the check is additionally loaded by the downstream air
pressure, thus supporting the non-return action.

Types of Non-return Valves

✓ Check Valve

✓ Restrictor Check Valve

✓ Shuttle Valve

✓ Two-pressure Valve

✓ Quick exhaust Valve

Shuttle Valve/OR Valve
Shuttle valves are also called double check valves and are used when the control is
required from more than one power sources. Shuttle valves are used to select the higher
of two inputs pressure automatically and connect the output port. This valve is also known
as OR valve.

Figure6. Shuttle/OR Valve

Two Pressure Valve/Dual Pressure Valve/AND Valve

This valve is a pneumatic AND valve which requires two pressurized inputs to allow an output from itself.
The cross-sectional view of a two-pressure valve in two positions is shown below.

Figure7. Two Pressure /Dual

Pressure/AND Valve