Basic Valve Functioning

• A basic valve controls the direction, flow pace and pressure of a fluid or air flow. Each valve design corresponds to the specific application, whether installed on an air compressor or on an aircraft's hydraulic braking system.
  
  

Valve Application Limitations

• A hydraulic valve cannot be used as an air valve. Air valves consist of cheaper materials, like aluminum, and they function in a low-pressure system with little need for precise structure dimensions. Hydraulic valves are meant for high-pressure systems, requiring accurate dimensions and tough material, like steel.
  
  

Valve Use Significance

• The pressure of hydraulic fluid against a hydraulic valve requires tougher construction of the valve. In contrast, air pressure against the air valve is not nearly as strong, only requiring a basic structured valve. By using the correct valve with a specific application, each system functions correctly and safely over time.