Pneumatic valves with unequal upstream and downstream orifice sizes make the proportional control of flow easier. It also enables the load to respond faster and increases the energy efficiency of the controlled system. A plate valve is the only type where this difference in orifice sizes can be implemented in a straightforward manner. A four-way, rotary plate valve was designed, constructed and analysed. The advantages of control and energy efficiency that result when this valve is used in a pneumatic system are studied. Experimental results for the case of this valve controlling a pneumatic vane motor confirm the theoretical predictions.
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