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Operators who use soft start dump valves have found the allowance of downstream pressure to gradually increase on the initial startup before fully opening to deliver line pressure. The dump function allows the system to be exhausted quickly when required.
Why should you use a soft start valve? Implementing a soft start valve prevents air cylinders from shutting back to their starting position when the central air is exhausted from the machine.
Designing or using machines with air cylinders with a 6" stroke or longer without a soft start valve makes it possible for someone to get injured or damage the equipment. To ensure your crew's and facility's safety, we recommend utilizing a soft valve with the main air filter/regulator unit.
After routine maintenance, when the air has been shut off, air cylinders mounted vertically and horizontally could have been moved to service the machine. Since there isn't back pressure to slow down these cylinders when the air is turned back on, they will aggressively shut back to their original position.
By including a soft start valve with the other main air preparation devices, your pneumatic component will slow the air pressure being integrated into the equipment. This will reduce the air cylinder speed and prevent them from slamming into the original position.
Cylinder Position
Once a machine has exhausted air, the vertical air and load will fall since the air pressure was evacuated. By installing a soft start valve, 3-way normally closed, in front of the solenoid and cylinder, the main air supply feeds the normally closed port of the valve. There is now a lack of pressure downstream to damage the equipment.
Return to Start Position
When the main power is turned on, the soft start valve will allow the compressed air to seep slowly into the machine and allow the air cylinder with a load to return slowly to its start position.
Full Pressure
The soft start valve will open fully after the air pressure reaches approximately 70% of the set air pressure, allowing the compressed air to flow normally.
Multiple sizes and voltages of soft start valves are available for your pneumatic systems. The selected soft start valve in the diagram above is a 3-way, normally closed valve. When all power is removed, the compressed air downstream of the valve will be dumped through the exhaust port. This is important when air cylinders must stop quickly in an E-Stop setting to avoid injury or damage.
Need help picking your perfect soft start valve? No problem. Motion Ai is here to help you and your pneumatic system. Contact us today to get in touch with a rep right away.
