kolvirventiilide

Kolvirventiilid, commonly translated as piston valves, are a type of valve used in various mechanical systems, most notably in steam engines and some types of pumps. Their primary function is to control the flow of a fluid, typically steam or compressed air, into and out of a cylinder. A piston valve consists of a cylindrical piston that slides within a bore or casing. This piston is designed with one or more precisely machined grooves or lands that align with ports in the cylinder casing. As the piston moves, these lands and grooves alternately open and close the ports, directing the fluid to the correct chamber at the right time.

In steam locomotives, piston valves replaced older slide valves due to their advantages. They are generally more efficient, offering better steam economy and allowing for higher steam pressures. The balanced design of many piston valves also reduces friction and wear on the valve gear. The precise timing of steam admission and exhaust is crucial for the efficient operation of an engine, and piston valves provide this control through their linear sliding motion. Their construction allows for a relatively simple design with fewer moving parts compared to some other valve types, contributing to their reliability.