Zahroof Valves Inc. recently announced the launch of its newest product, the ZVI unloader valve, a patent-pending, piston-style unloader, designed to greatly improve reliability over traditional finger style unloaders, featuring a much lower added clearance volume compared to plug style unloaders.
Setting the ZVI unloader valves apart is the ability to service them in the field without any additional machining. It is a more reliable unloader as there are no fingers acting against a dynamic valve element. Unlike a plug-type unloader, there is not a large increase in clearance volume in the cylinder that can detrimentally affect the compressor throughout. The flow through the unloader is better than in the case of plate or channel valves, improving unloaded power as well as eliminating drag forces and aerodynamic flutter of valve elements. The new unloaders do not have the misalignment / assembly issues of plug style unloaders. The actuation force required for the ZVI unloader valve is much less than that required for a plate, channel or plug style unloader.
It is possible to replace multiple existing unloader systems at a corner of a cylinder with a single ZVI Unloader system, utilizing regular suction valves in the other locations. The ZVI unloader valve can be used in all brands of compressors, at any speed, for both lubricated and non-lubricated cylinders. It can be used with virtually any gas where the maximum differential pressure across the unloader is up to1500psi.
“The ZVI unloader valve is an important advancement in a compressor industry where breakthroughs are few and far between,” says Zahroof Mohamed, President of Zahroof Valves. “The flexibility in the design makes this technology applicable to users who are planning on an upgrade to an existing unloader system, adding a complete unloader system to a unit or to the OEM compressor manufacturer who is looking for a reliable cylinder unloading system.
