Precision Propeller Valves from Investment Casting Company
What is the Valve of a Propeller?
The propeller valve is the device that either manually or automatically controls the flow of fluid such as oil to a propeller motor.
Industrial valves have one of three functions related to propeller operation:
1) Controlling fluid pressure
2) Controlling fluid direction
3) Controlling rate of flow
Valves are essential for constant speed propellers and are used in military aeronautics. Quality Castings is a proud provider of airplane components for the United States Air Force. We’ve casted components for military transport similar to the following:
- F-22 Raptor
- McDonnell Douglas F-15 Eagle
- F-16 Fighting Falcon
- A-10 Thunderbolt 2
- Boeing C-17 Globemaster 3
Commercial and military airplanes that use propellers run hydraulically. Valves regulate the flow of oil to the pistons which spin the propeller blades. For efficient operation, propeller RPM should vary depending on how the aircraft is moving. Valves adjust the rate of flow for standing still, taxiing, adjusting altitude, and landing.
Types of Valves
- Check Valve - limits fluid flow to one direction
- Directional-control Valve - funnels oil through assigned passages
- Electro-hydraulic Valve - valve operated by a solenoid
- Flow Divider Valve - diverts flow from one source at least two directions
- Pilot Valve - valve operating another valve
- Relief valve - valve designed to limit pressure caused by oil or gas build-up
Quality Castings casts and customizes propellers for multiple industries, including military aviation.
