What is the function of the priority valve in a pneumatic system?

The role of the priority valve in a pneumatic system is to ensure that essential or vital services receive low-pressure (LP) air first before any other applications. In situations where air supply may be limited or the system is under stress, the priority valve regulates the distribution of air to different components based on their importance. This means that critical functions maintain their operation even if some non-essential services have to be deprioritized or temporarily shut down.

This mechanism is crucial in systems where safety and reliable performance are paramount, as it protects vital operations from being impacted by fluctuations in air supply. By designating certain services as "vital," the priority valve helps optimize the pneumatic system's overall functionality and ensures that the most important operations are prioritized.