What Is an Unloader Valve Air Compressor?

Air compressors are vital to the operation of a wide variety of machinery across a wide spectrum of industries, as well as crucial to safeguarding the lives of employees working in contaminated zones. A main component of air compressors is the unloader valve.

Function

The unloader valve periodically releases pressurized air building up inside the air compressor.

Significance

The unloader valve is an integral part of reducing the pressure on the air compressor's motor during the course of air compression.

Identification

The unloader valve can be heard every few minutes when the air compressor stops and a hissing noise indicates air is being released.

Effects

Pressurized air builds up inside an air compressor. When the air reaches a set limit, the unloader valve opens and releases the air until the pressure inside the machine returns to an acceptable level. When the engine starts up again, it is under less strain now that the air pressure is released from the machine.

Considerations

A secondary valve called a check valve ensures that compressed air does not flow out when the unloader valve activates. This check valve can fail, resulting in a continuous hissing as the unloader valve continuously releases air.

References

• About Air Compressors: Unloader Valve