What is a drain valve?

The drain valve is a mechanical device used to release an excess or undesirable amount of liquid or gas from a storage tank, container or container. The valve usually opens by turning the screw or handle, although some drain valves are automatically opened when the pressure or temperature is set. When the valve is open, liquid or air drain from the storage tank due to gravity or pressure difference.

The drain valve usually consists of a hollow, cylindrical body and stem. The stem sits perpendicular to the axis of the hollow part of the body. The liquid or gas flows through the hollow part of the body when the stem is open. When the stem turned, it acts to close the path through the body, which effectively prevents the leakage of liquid or gas. In some structures of drain valves, the stem itself blocks the flow, while in others the stem is used to increase or trigger a gate that blocks the flow. This gate can take the form of a disk or ball depending on the design.

There are several different styles of drain valves that move in complexity from simple screws to automated, electrically controlled models. A simple drain valve on the car is perhaps the least complex, because it consists only of the threaded plug inserted into the corresponding under the threaded opening in the engine oil pan. The plug acts as a stem of the valve and is operated by simply removing the plug from the oil pan. At the other end of the spectrum, there are highly complex valves that are electrically controlled to open in preset times or in response to a certain preset temperature or pressure threshold.

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drain valves are used in various applications. For example, they are widely used in air compressors and air supply lines. The air drain valve allows removal of potentially harmful condensates such as water, oil notbo rez. These contaminations can accumulate over time and can lead or weaken the storage tank. Excess water in the system could cause the interior of storage tanks made of steel rust. Automatic air drain valves are commonly used on large trucks with air brake systems to discharge oil and water that could cause brake failure.

The water heaters' drain valve is used to regularly discharge water and remove contaminating from hot water heaters. Over time, water heaters can form a mineral scales consisting of calcium or other minerals. Sediments such as dirt or sand can accumulate at the bottom of the tank. This reduces the efficiency of heating elements heating and may eventually lead to permanent damage if not checked. Regular opening of the drain valve may allow most of these contaminates to drain from the hot water heater.