Push-to-open drain valves are used extensively in the aviation industry. As the name suggests, they are used to drain fluid — typically fuel or oil — via a pushing action. Most airplanes, particularly piston-engine airplanes, have one or more drain valves. Below are six benefits of push-to-open drain valves.
#1) Easy to Use
One of the main benefits of push-to-open drain valves is that they are easy to use. They don’t require any special tools. You can open them simply by pressing the exposed end, at which point fluid will flow out of the valve. This simple design makes push-to-open drain valves a popular choice among pilots and mechanics.
#2) Automatically Closes
You don’t have to worry about push-to-open drain valves staying open. While available in different styles, they typically require a manual pushing action to remain open. This means fluid will only flow out of a push-to-open drain valve while your finger is pressed against the exposed end. As soon as you release the valve, an internal spring will automatically close it.
#3) Faster Pre-Flight Checks
For faster pre-flight checks, look no further than push-to-open drain valves. Most pre-flight checks take about 15 to 30 minutes. During these checks, pilots often use drain valves to release and look for contaminants at the bottom of fuel tanks. Condensation, for instance, may settle at the bottom of an airplane’s fuel tanks. Push-to-open drain valves allow pilots to quickly relieve condensation and other contaminants.
#4) Lightweight
Another benefit of push-to-open drain valves is their lightweight design. Every pound affects fuel consumption. The more an airplane weighs, the more fuel it will consume. Push-to-open drain valves, though, are designed to be strong and lightweight. Common materials in which they are made include brass, stainless steel and aluminum alloy.
#5) Available in Locking Styles
You can find drain valves in locking styles. What are locking drain valves exactly? Normally, drain valves will only stay open if you press and hold them. Locking-style drain valves, though, can lock open. You’ll still need to press them to open them. Turning them, however, will lock them in the open position.
#6) Fluid-Tight Seal
Finally, push-to-open drain valves offer a fluid-tight seal. They feature a spring-loaded design that seals when pressure is released from the exposed end. The spring will essentially close the valve to prevent messy drips. These are just a few benefits of push-to-open drain valves.