Silicone valve
Silicone valve
(OP)
I was wondering if anyone had any ideas as to how/why a valve of ours would operate as it is: it is a dime-sized silicone valve with a dacron mesh sandwiched in the middle. To me, everything looks symmetrical. When this valve is inserted one way, it works perfectly, but when it’s inserted with the wrong face down, it doesn’t work properly.
I’ve had a few ideas, such as the mesh not in the directly in the center, so it favors one side over the other. Another idea was that the two halves have different hardness/density. I tested them to find their durometers were the same. Does anyone have any ideas?
I’ve had a few ideas, such as the mesh not in the directly in the center, so it favors one side over the other. Another idea was that the two halves have different hardness/density. I tested them to find their durometers were the same. Does anyone have any ideas?






RE: Silicone valve
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RE: Silicone valve
I'd expect a _woven_ mesh to behave a little more symmetrically.
There seem to be two solutions to the problem; change the reinforcement so it behaves symmetrically, or key the valve so it can only be assembled one way.
Mike Halloran
Pembroke Pines, FL, USA
RE: Silicone valve
RE: Silicone valve
2. Yes, we are sealing against an orifice. Since both sides are the same thickness, I am a little confused as to why it might favor one side over the other.
RE: Silicone valve