Pilottiventtiilejä

Pilottiventtiilejä, or pilot valves, are small control valves that use a small amount of fluid or air pressure to operate a larger valve. They are essential components in many automated systems, particularly in pneumatics and hydraulics, where they serve to regulate the flow of a working medium. The principle of operation involves a pilot signal, which is a low-pressure input, actuating a mechanism within the pilot valve. This mechanism then opens or closes a port that allows the higher-pressure working fluid to flow through the main valve.

Pilot valves come in various configurations, including two-way, three-way, and four-way designs, depending on the complexity of the control required. They can be actuated manually, mechanically, electrically, or by other pilot signals. The use of pilot valves offers several advantages. They allow for the control of high-pressure systems with low-effort inputs, which is crucial for safety and efficiency. They also enable the creation of complex control sequences and the implementation of logic functions within a pneumatic or hydraulic circuit. Examples of their application include operating larger pneumatic cylinders, controlling the direction of fluid flow in hydraulic systems, and in the automated operation of machinery.