Atlas Copco air compressor Cover Valve Part 1614822200

Main function

Intake and exhaust control:

In piston-type air compressors, the cover valve usually integrates the intake valve and the exhaust valve. Through the opening and closing of the valves, in coordination with the piston movement, it accomplishes the gas intake (when inhaling, the intake valve opens and the exhaust valve closes) and compression and discharge (when discharging, the exhaust valve opens and the intake valve closes), which is the core component for achieving the gas compression cycle.

Pressure sealing:

The sealing surfaces of the valve and the cylinder cover are sealed by gaskets or precise fits to prevent the leakage of compressed gas and ensure the pressure efficiency within the cylinder, avoiding the reduction in compression capacity due to leakage.

Overload protection:

Some cover valves are designed with pressure protection structures. When the pressure inside the cylinder is abnormally high, the valve will automatically open to release pressure, preventing the cylinder body, piston, and other components from being damaged due to overpressure.

Air flow guidance:

The flow path design of the valve can optimize the gas flow path, reduce air resistance, and improve the intake efficiency and exhaust smoothness of the air compressor.

Common structures and types

By structural form:

Spring plate valve: composed of thin metal spring plates (or plastic plates), valve seats, and limiters, it achieves opening and closing by the deformation of the spring plate due to the pressure difference of the gas. The structure is simple and has a fast response, widely used in small piston-type air compressors.

Ball valve / Butterfly valve: controlled by the rotation of the ball or butterfly plate to control the on-off, with good sealing performance, suitable for medium and high-pressure air compressors, but the structure is relatively complex.

Diaphragm valve: using the deformation of the elastic diaphragm to control the opening and closing of the valve, suitable for low pressure and small flow scenarios, with strong corrosion resistance.

By installation position:

Integrated valve on the cylinder end cover (commonly used in small air compressors);

Valve components installed independently on the outside of the cylinder cover (commonly used in large air compressors, facilitating maintenance and replacement). Material:

Valve plate / valve core: Mostly made of high-strength alloys (such as spring steel) or wear-resistant plastics (such as POM), and must possess fatigue resistance and impact resistance;

Valve seat / valve body: Cast iron, aluminum alloy or stainless steel, depending on the medium (air or gas containing a small amount of impurities) and the environment, choose a corrosion-resistant material.

Sealing performance: Must ensure no leakage under the rated pressure. Usually achieved through the accuracy of the sealing surface (such as mirror processing) or the use of sealing gaskets (nitrile rubber, metal-coated gaskets).

Common faults and maintenance

Fault manifestations:

Air leakage: Leads to a decrease in the exhaust volume of the air compressor, inability to reach the required pressure, and abnormal operating noise;

Valve jamming: Caused by impurities, oil stains accumulation or deformation of the valve plate, resulting in the valve being unable to open or close normally, possibly causing abnormal cylinder pressure;

Valve plate fracture: Caused by long-term high-frequency vibration or material fatigue, which will seriously affect the compression cycle and even damage the cylinder body.