Valve seats are an integral part of intake and exhaust valves. They contain a variety of components including the spring seat, valve guide and spring retainer. Each of the components of a valve works together to allow the combustion chamber to retain a level of air tightness so a machine operates properly.
What is a Compressor Valve Ring?
The compressor valve ring, alongside the cylinder line and the cylinder block, works to ensure that air does not escape from the compressor valve. The valve ring is essential for the following functions of the valve:
Gas Sealing—the valve ring will prevent compressed gases from escaping.
Heat Transfer—the valve ring allows for a certain level of heat to move into the cylinder head.
Strength—the valve ring should be strong and reliable in order to give strength to the seal when the valve is mounted.
Reduce wear resistance—the valve ring needs to take on heavy loads and high heat, which the valve ring supports.
In addition to these important functions, the valve part also ensures that there is less aggressiveness toward the partner valve and that the two work in harmony for an easy operating system.
It is also vital that the valve rings are easy to machine so that they can work with a number of applications. Valves come in a number of sizes and there are different shapes to suit different types of machinery and, no matter what style of valve that is needed, you will also require a valve ring. A stable surface is necessary to allow for an accurate shut-off and the rings offer security, as they are held in position by the pressure of where it is attached to the main body of the valve. The lack of a valve ring would expose the valve to air and debris, which will alter its performance.
Do You Need a New Valve Ring?
The lack of a valve ring would mean that the valve would be prone to leaks as there is no secure seal, so you will now want to be without one. If you are experienced in working with valves and replacing its components when one breaks down, you will probably know straight away that you need to buy a new compressor valve ring. If, however, you are not as familiar with DIY when it comes to replacing valves, you may need to do your research to ensure that it is the ring that needs replacing. In order to complete the job in hand, a valve ring needs the support of three other components.
Gaskets—help to provide airtight seals, especially when used in machinery that can compromise the tightness of the air.
Valve Plates—help to regulate the flow of fluid or gas within the valve.
Springs—helps to restrict air flow by quickly opening and closing the valve.
Replacing Your Compressor Valve Ring
To ensure that your valve is fully functioning and that you do not have to halt production, it is important to service all of your machinery on a regular basis.
If you notice that your compressor valve ring is cracked, damaged or it is not fitting snugly, you can carry out the following steps:
- Valve rings should not be replaced until the head has been thoroughly cleaned
- Removal of old rings, which can involve putting the heads in a cleaning oven if you are finding them difficult to remove. Find out more about removing old rings on this handy step-by step-guide.
- If your new ring is oversized you may want to cut the counterbores.
- Allow for the amount of interference as stated by the OEM.
- Use a piloted driver to push the new valve ring into place (some technicians chill in the freezer or with nitrogen to make the process a lot easier).
- Finish off the valve ring to suit the specific needs of your business and to make them as concentric as possible.
When installing a new valve ring it is important that the width allows for good heat transfer and a proper seal, as when it is too wide it will struggle to maintain pressure.If you are not experienced in working on defective machine components, you may want to employ an experienced technician to do it for you so that you do not risk breaking the valve altogether.
How to Maintain Your New Valve Ring
As stated above, it is important to carry out regular inspections of your equipment to prevent full failure. Following the above DIY process to replace your valve ring will get your machine back up and running. Regular attention will allow it to stay that way. Maintenance companies can be hired for those who are not familiar with detecting issues with machinery and will be a cost-effective option.
Choosing a Manufacturer
It is important to carry out research in terms of manufacturers that produce replacement compressor valve rings, so that you have a strong piece of equipment that will not let your production down. You want to research manufacturers and look for those that use the following procedures when it comes to making compressor parts.
- Use state-of-the-art laser profiling
- Work to OEM standards
- Use the right stainless steel
All of the above will ensure that the valve rings that you buy work efficiently and will meet the needs of your business, without having to be replaced on a regular basis. It is also wise to look into buying all of your machinery components from one supplier so that you can be assured that they work effectively together. Businesses usually work with manufacturers that produce the following parts:
- Spring plates
- Valve plates and rings
- Wafer plates
- Damper plates
- Cushion plates
When it comes to replacing valve rings, it certainly is achievable to “do it yourself”, as long as you have a good knowledge of your machinery and invest in high-quality parts.