Pilot valves are used in compressed air systems to actuate another device using a pneumatic (air) signal. Pilot valves always work in conjunction with another device. examples of usage include – actuating a throttle control to slow down or speed up and engine – opening and closing a discharge valve to vent air to the atmosphere – operating intake unloaders in the compressors head. Pilot valves operate in a set pressure range. The range has an unload setting and a load setting. As a compressor operates in this range, it is said to by cycling. At the unload setting, the pilot valve opens and actuates another device (throttle control, discharge valve). At the load setting, the pilot valve closes and returns the compressor to normal operation. air downstream is used and the pressure drops to the load setting the pilot closes and depressurizes the unloader valve. The unloader valve then closes and the pressure begins to build again and repeats the cycle.Pilot Valves are used on compressed air systems to control other devices such as a throttle control using a pneumatic signal.
The pilot valve is factory set in a pressure range with a unload (cut-out) and load (cut-in) setting.
The manual hand unloader lever can be replaced with the dual control lockout for use on electric motor compressors to switch between start/stop and continuous run operation.
