What Are Valves Uses: Critical Insights and Facts

Valve

The device used for regulating the flow of fluids in passage ways are called as valves. This article tells us about what are valves uses and related insights.

Application of valve in industry

Industries use many types of valves which include gate valves, ball valves, globe valves, butterfly valves and check valves. 

The applications of above mentioned valves are given below-

  • Gate valves– They are used in high temperature and pressure conditions. They are used for binary operations such as ON/OFF. They can be used in both directions inside a flow circuit. They operate on low friction and can be used both ways.
  • Globe valves– They are generally used for throttling purposes. These valves are used as stop check valves as their opening and closing time is much shorter than other valves. The body ring seating surface is easier in globe valves.
  • Ball valves– These valves are used to regulate the flow of corrosive fluids and slurry and are also used in oil industry. They provide leak proof service.  They are compact and requires little or no lubrication.
  • Butterfly valves– These valves are used in pharmaceutical, chemical and food processing services. They are used for low pressure and low temperature applications. They can be installed without pipe dislocation. They are very reliable and require little or low maintenance.
  • Check valves– They are used in waste water management and in industries such as refining, petrochemical, chemical, viscous fluids etc. These valves prevent backflow and serve as backup system. They sustain high pressure which helps in preventing the backflow.

What is a valve?

As mentioned above, valve is a device that is used for regulating or controlling the flow of fluids by opening or closing passage ways.

By opening or closing passage ways, valves create obstruction (or remove obstruction) from the fluid flow which enables the flow to stop or continue (if it was being stopped initially). The amount of closing and opening can control the speed and discharge of the flow.

What are valves uses
Image: Valve with rotary handle

Image credits: Paul GoyetteWater valves with spigotsCC BY-SA 2.0

Working mechanism of a simple valve

Valves can be used to regulate or control the flow of fluid. That means it can start/stop the flow as well as control the discharge of the flow as well.

If a valve wants to stop the flow, it will simply close the entire cross section of the passage. To control the discharge, it will partially close the cross section so the flow will occur only through a small portion of the passage.

Variation of sizes in valves

Depending upon the application, valves can vary in size.

The size of a valve is typically in the range of 0.1mm to 60cm. Although there are special valves which have diameters exceeding 5m. They can be cheap (simple disposable valves) and of very high cost that are used for special purposes.

Types of valves

Valves can be classified on many basis. To make it simple, we classify them on the basis of their mode of actuation.

Different types of valves used in industries are-

  • Hydraulic– Hydraulic valves are used to control the fluid flow in a hydraulic circuit. This is done by controlling pressure and flow rate of flowing fluid and are actuated by action of a hydraulic fluid.
  • Pneumatic- Pneumatic valves are used to control or regulate the flow of air or any other inert gas. These valves are actuated with the help of pressurized gas.  
  • Manual– Manual valves are simply those valves which needs to be actuated by a manual operator.
  • Solenoid valve– These are control units which disrupts the flow of fluid when energized or de-energized.
  • Motor valve- Motors are used to actuate the valve. These are used in pumps.

Components of valve

A simple valve comprises of two main parts- Body and bonnet. Both of them form a casing that is responsible for holding the fluid that goes through the valve.

  • Body-As the name suggests, body is the outer casing of the entire valve that contains internal parts.
  • Bonnet-Bonnet is the covering of the valve. It may be semi-permanently screwed to the valve body or simply bolted onto it. Stem passes through bonnet that acts as seal of the valve.
  • Ports-These are small passages that allows the fluid to pass through the valve.
  • Handle or actuator-It is used to control the action of valve manually. With the help of this, the valve can be closed or open as and when needed. The movement of actuator can be automated by the use of sensors and electric circuit.
  • Disc-It is an internal part in the valve assembly which adjustably obstructs the flow of the fluid inside the valve.
  • Seat-It is the inside surface of the body that comes into contact with disc to make a leak-tight seal.
  • Stem-It is responsible for transferring motion from the handle to disc.
  • Valve balls-These are used for high pressure and heavy duty applications. They are generally made of Titanium and stainless steel and sometimes plastics such as ABS, PVC or PVDF.
  • Spring-Some valves have spring for spring loading to set the position of disc and reposition it as and when needed.

What is trim in valve?

Trim simply refers to the internal parts of the valve assembly or internal elements of valve.  

According to API standards, trim contains disc, stem, valve balls, spring, seating surface in the body gate, gate seating surface, bushing, stem hold guide and small internal parts that contact the service fluid.

What valve operating positions of valves?

Valve operating positions are the operating conditions based on the position of disc inside the valve.

  • Two port valves– For two port valves, the operating positions can be completely shut or completely open and sometimes partially open to precisely control the degree of flow.
  • Three port valves– These kind of valves serve many functions. Some of them are used as shuttle valves, thermostatic valves, single handler mixer valves etc.
  • Four port valves- It has four equally spaced ports round the body. It can be operated in two positions. This kind of valve is used to simultaneously isolate and bypass a sampling cylinder that is installed on a pressure line.

Pipe Elbow Dimensions:Exhaustive Problems Solution and Facts

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To change the direction of piping, pipe elbows are used. It is important to find pipe elbow dimensions for making a turn of desired radius.

This article discusses about different types of elbows and formulae to calculate their dimensions.

What is elbow in piping?

The path of piping is not always straight, it makes a turn at the end as required.


Elbows are the connectors between two pipes that are inclined at some angle. Elbow contains two openings at a specific angle where the pipes are fixed. Elbows usually come in 90 degrees, 45 degrees or 22.5 degrees.

What is the use of elbow in pipe fitting?

When there is a need to change the direction of fluid flow, the piping system needs to be bent.

This bent cannot be achieved directly by bending the PVC pipe as it is brittle in nature. An elbow is used which connects two straight pipes in angle. This way the direction of piping system is changed and hence the direction of fluid flow.

How do you calculate pipe length elbow?

To calculate the length of the pipe elbow, we need the distance between the ends of two pipes that need to be connected and the angle subtended by elbow.

Lets take an example of 90 degree pipe elbow for which pipe end distance (radius of elbow) is 300 mm.

Circumference of circle is given by-

Circumference = 2πr

90 degree elbow covers 0.25x circumference of circle. Hence, the length of pipe elbow- 0.25 x circumference of circle with radius 300mm.

What is the formula of 90 degree elbow?

Take off is defined as the length of material removed to make the pipe and fitting of a specified length.

The formula for 90 degree elbow is given below-

A = tan(45) x 1.5D X 24.5

Where,

D is diameter of elbow in inch

A is elbow center take off

What is the length of a 90 degrees elbow?

90 degrees elbow makes one quarter of a full circle. To find the length of 90 degrees elbow, we find the circumference of circle and then multiply it by 0.25.

The circumference of circle is given by the formula:

Circumference = 2πr

Hence the length of elbow becomes- 0.25 x circumference

What is the radius of pipe elbow?

On the basis of length of radius, elbows are classified into types- long radius elbow and short radius elbow. 

Radius of curvature is around 1.5 times the nominal diameter of the pipe for long radius elbows. On the other hand, radius of curvature is equal to the nominal diameter of the pipe for short radius elbows.

Short radius elbows are used where space limitation is there and abrupt change is required.

How do you measure 45 degrees elbow length?

A 45 degrees elbow makes 1/8 th of a full circle. Hence, the length of 45 degrees elbow will be equal to 0.125 times the circumference of circle.

If the radius of curvature is r, then circumference of circle is given by-

Circumference = 2πr

Where, the length of 45 degrees elbow will be

L = 0.125 x 2 x π x r

What is the formula of 45 degree elbow?

We have discussed above the formula for calculating take off for 90 degrees elbow.

For calculating take off length for 45 degrees elbow, we use the formula given below-

A = tan(22.5) x 1.5 D x 24.5

Where,

D is diameter of elbow in inch

A is elbow center take off

How many types of pipe elbows are there?

The pipe elbow can be classified on the basis of angle and the length of radius.

On the basis of angle subtended, the pipe elbows are classified as-

  • 90 degrees elbow
  • 45 degrees elbow
  • 180 degrees elbow

For special purposes, 60 degrees and 120 degrees elbows are also made.

On the basis of length of radius, elbows are classified as-

  • Long radius elbow- The radius of curvature is 1.5 times the nominal diameter of the pipe.
  • Short radius elbow- The radius of curvature is equal to the nominal diameter of the pipe, short radius elbows are used in places where space is very less.

How do I straight pipe my elbow?

Miter bend is a type of bend in which the pipes are first cut at various angles and then joint together from ends to make an elbow in the piping.

A typical 90 degrees miter bend is made by joining ends of two pipes each cut at 45 degrees. These pipes are usually welded to each other.

Pipe elbow dimensions
Image: Miter joint

Image credits: Wikipedia

What is the take off for a 6 inch 90 degrees elbow?

The formula for 90 degrees elbow is-

A = tan(45) x 1.5 D x 24.5

Where,

D is diameter of elbow in inch

A is elbow center take off

Substituting D as 6, we get elbow center take off, A as 220.5

How do you join different size PVC pipes?

We can use reducers and bushings for connecting PVC pipes of different sizes.

  • For connecting a larger diameter pipe with smaller diameter pipe, we use a reducer to make a coupling.
  • For connecting a larger fitting to a smaller pipe, we use a reducing bushing.

The reducers and bushings come in various diameters.

Saturated VS Superheated Steam: Detailed Analysis and FAQs

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Steam can occur as in various forms depending on temperature and pressure. This article discusses on the topic saturated vs superheated steam.

Saturated steam is the steam in which water exists in both liquid and gaseous state whereas Superheated steam is the steam whose temperature is above vaporization point.

What is saturated steam?

As discussed above, saturated steam is the condition where gaseous and liquid water co-exist. The temperature at which this happens is called as saturation temperature and pressure at which this happens is called saturation pressure.

When we say that both phases of water co exist, it means that the liquid water is in a transition state. The liquid water starts getting converted to gaseous state. If we decrease the temperature, the gas particles will condense to become liquid, if we heat it further then the saturated steam become superheated steam.

Effect on saturation temperature with changing pressure

When we change pressure of the system, the saturation temperature also changes. At lower pressure, the saturation temperature is also less. For example, if we go to higher altitudes where the pressure is low, water will start boiling sooner.

The enthalpy of steam first increases with increasing pressure, after some point it starts decreasing with pressure. This change can be represented on Mollier diagram (discussed in further sections).

What is superheated steam?

As discussed above, superheated steam occurs when temperature of the steam is raised above the vaporization point. In this state of steam, all the liquid particles turn to gas.

The enthalpy of superheated steam is much higher than saturated steam for a given pressure and temperature. It can be shown on Mollier diagram. Mollier diagram is discussed in detail in later section of this article.

Enthalpy-Entropy diagram/ Mollier diagram

The characteristics of steam can be plotted on h-s diagram also called as Mollier diagram named after the Richard Mollier who plotted the diagram in 1904.

The diagram consists a set of curves that represents different characteristics of steam. The details about curves are given below-

  • Horizontal axis represents entropy (s).
  • Vertical axis represents enthalpy (h).
  • Line A-B represents constant pressure line.
  • Line A-C represents constant temperature line.
  • The dome represents saturated vapour line.
  • Internal lines (D-E) making a similar dome are constant dry fraction lines.
  • The tip of saturated vapour curve represents critical point.
  • Region on the left side of saturated vapour curve is sub cooled region.
  • Region inside the saturated vapour curve is saturated region.
  • Region on the right side of saturated vapour curve represents superheated region.

Note that constant pressure line and constant temperature line are parallel inside the saturated vapour dome.

Saturated Vs superheated steam
Image: Mollier diagram

Saturated and superheat steam conditions

Using the Mollier diagram we can find out the conditions required for saturated and superheat regions.

First we find the condition for saturated steam. For saturated steam condition, the dryness fraction of the steam should be between 0 and 1. For superheated steam, the dryness fraction of the steam should be greater than 1.

In a nutshell,

For saturated steam at given saturation temperature and pressure- 0<x<1

For superheated steam at a given temperature and pressure- x>1

Where x denotes the dryness fraction.

What is dryness fraction?

Saturated steam is a mixture of both water and steam. To find the amount of steam present in the mixture, the term dryness fraction is used.

This term helps in giving an accurate data of steam characteristics. Without this term, characteristics of water would also come into play. Dryness fraction is the amount of dry steam present in the water-steam mixture.

Mathematically,

x = mdrystream/mmixture

This term helps in finding the actual enthalpy of steam and determines the quality of steam. Quality in terms of quantity of steam in the mixture. 100% quality implies the dryness fraction is 1 and the mixture contains only dry steam.

Why is the heat transfer co efficient of saturated steam higher than a superheated steam?

Saturated steam is better at heat transfer than superheated steam.

Superheated steam is a bad conductor of heat and has low thermal conductivity which means it will have low heat transfer co efficient. Saturated steam has better thermal conductivity due to liquid and gas particles mixture. Liquid water being a good conductor of heat, increases the overall heat transfer co efficient of saturated steam.

Due to above reasons, saturated steam has higher heat transfer co efficient than superheated steam.

Firing Order And Firing Interval: 7 Facts You Should Know

Vengine numbering 1

Firing order and firing interval have different meanings.

Firing order is the sequence in which the cylinders inside a multi cylinder engine are fired whereas firing interval is the time duration after which the same spark plug (cylinder) gets fired. Firing interval can be used in a single cylinder engine as well whereas firing order exists only when there are multiple cylinders used.

What is firing order?

Firing order helps reducing the chances of vibrations and regulates proper heat transfer.

As discussed in above section, firing order is the sequence with which cylinders inside the engine are fired. This term comes into play when there are multiple cylinders inside an engine.

Firing order of multi cylinder engines

Firing order means the chronology with which the cylinders are fired.

Below are some of the common firing orders used for different types of multi cylinder engine-

Number of cylindersFiring orderEngines using respective firing order
21-2Buick Model B
31-3-2Perodua Kancil engine
41-3-4-2,1-2-4-3Ford Taunus, Ford Kent
51-2-4-5-3,
1-3-5-4-2
Volvo 850, GM Atlas Engine
61-5-3-6-2-4,
1-4-3-6-2-5
Nissan L engine, Volkswagen V6s
71-3-5-7-2-4-6Radial engine
81-8-7-3-6-5-4-2,
1-8-7-2-6-5-4-3
Nissan VK engine, GM LS engine
91-10-9-4-3-6-5-8-7,
1-6-5-10-2-7-3-8-4-9
Dodge Viper V10, BMW S85, Ford V10
Table: Firing orders of multi cylinder engines with examples
Firing order and firing interval
Image: Numbering of cylinders in multi cylinder engine

Image credits: Wikipedia

What is firing interval?

Firing interval is the time between two successive firings of same cylinder/spark plug.

The spark plug has to fire during the ignition stroke. Firing of the spark plug is so precisely timed that it automatically fires when its the time for ignition stroke. If it takes x milliseconds to complete one full cycle then after every x milliseconds, firing takes place.

What is the significance of firing interval?

Anything which is more systematic and more even works more efficiently.

The significance of firing interval is as follows-

  • Minimizes vibrations.
  • Provides increased number of even pressure pulses.
  • Uneven firing interval causes throaty and growly sound in engines

What happens if firing order is not maintained?

The cylinders are fired in a particular sequence because of vibrations and heat transfer issues.

If the firing order is not maintained, lets say, if adjacent cylinders keep firing for a long time. Then the heat generated inside the engine will be very high and high sink temperature is always less efficient. The vibrations from the adjacent cylinders will have serious impact on bearings supporting the crankshaft.

Hence, a proper firing order is desirable.

How is firing order controlled/set?

The firing order is controlled by the ignition system of the engine. It provides necessary current to specific cylinders at specific times when ignition is required.

The distributor controls the spark in each spark plug of a multi cylinder engine in correct order. Changing the distributor position will directly affect the firing order of the engine. But this work needs to be done by expert mechanic. Changing of firing order is not recommended.

How is firing interval controlled/set?

The ignition system of the engine also controls the firing interval. It gives the spark at exact moment when required.

Firing interval is controlled by the action of cam which acts as circuit breaker. When the circuit breaker is open, capacitor starts charging creating a high voltage surge in the circuit. This high voltage surge creates the spark. The cam rotation is perfectly timed in a manner such that it breaks the circuit at the precise moment.  

Different parts used in controlling firing order and firing interval

The ignition system of the vehicle controls the firing order and firing interval of the engine. Most commonly used ignition system is magneto and battery ignition system.

In a magneto ignition system, following parts are used-

  • Magneto– A rotating magnet that controls the voltage.
  • Distributor– It distributes the current to the spark plugs in a correct sequence.
  • Capacitor– Capacitor are nothing two parallel metal plates whose each end is connected to circuit. It is used for storing charge
  • Spark plugs– Spark plugs are responsible for igniting the air fuel mixture.

Magneto itself generates power for the ignition system. Hence, it does not need any external source of power. In battery ignition system, batteries are used as external power source.

Coolant vs Refrigerant: 7 Important Factors Related To It

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Coolant and refrigerant are not entirely different. This article discusses about the topic Coolant vs Refrigerant in detail.

Coolant is a broad term and refers to a fluid that absorbs heat from the system. This way the temperature of the system can be regulated. When the temperature needs to be reduced below ambient temperature, then the coolant is referred as a refrigerant. Hence, all refrigerants are coolants in broader sense.

Definition of coolant

As discussed above, coolant can be any fluid that is used to remove heat from the system and reduce the temperature of the system.

The coolant can work without changing its phase (whether liquid or gas) or by changing its phase (liquid to gas and gas to liquid).

Uses of Coolant

A coolant is used in places where the temperature needs to be regulated. Excess heat can create a lot of problems in engines, machine components etc.

Different places where coolant is used are-

  • Inert gases are used as coolants in nuclear reactors.
  • Vehicle engines use cooling fluid/ water jackets around engine to absorb the excess heat generated in the cylinder.
  • Rocket engine nozzles have small tubes through which liquid oxygen is passed that cools the nozzle to a desired temperature, without which the metals used in nozzle wouldn’t have survived the high temperature generated because of exhaust gases.

Types of coolant

Coolant comes in various forms and phases. It is important to know the nature of coolant because an improper coolant will not be able to regulate the temperature of the system to required value.

The different types of coolants used in industry are-

  • Gaseous- Hydrogen, Boron, Sulfur Hexafluoride are commonly used gas coolants. Hydrogen is used in turbogenerators, Boron in nuclear reactors and Sulfur Hexafluoride in switches, transformers or other kind of circuit breakers etc.
  • Two phase- These types of coolants uses both the phases of coolant that is liquid and gas. These coolants are usually used in applications where desired temperature is below ambient temperature. These coolants are called as refrigerants.
  • Liquids- Water is the most common liquid coolant. But it cannot be used while dealing with metals due to corrosive nature of metals. Various mineral oils are used as coolant in place of water to cool machine components. For example, special oil is used to cool the job while machining on lathe.

Definition of refrigerant

Refrigerants are the coolants that are used in low temperature applications. Refrigerants use their latent heat of vaporization to reduce the temperature to significantly low value.

Refrigerants bring with them a lot of environmental concerns which is why there are many rules and regulations of refrigerants.

Refrigerant
Image: Refrigerant

Image credit: Stephanie~commonswiki, Can of DuPont R-134a refrigerantCC BY-SA 3.0

How do refrigerants cool the system?

Refrigerants absorb heat and change their phase to achieve the desirable temperature. Some gas cycles may use only one phase of the refrigerant for example Bell Coleman cycle or Reverse Brayton cycle.

In a typical refrigeration cycle, the refrigerant enters the system in liquid form. It absorbs the heat from the system and gets converted into gaseous form. Later on, the gaseous refrigerant is converted back to liquid state so that it can be used again.

Coolant Vs Refrigerant
Image: The observed stabilization of HCFC concentrations (left graphs) and the growth of HFCs (right graphs) in earth’s atmosphere.

Image credits: Wikipedia

What are desirable properties of refrigerants?

The use of refrigerants is regulated due to their toxic and inflammable nature. They also give out green house gases which are harmful for ozone layer.

Due to above reasons, some refrigerants are banned. An ideal refrigerant has following properties-

  • Non toxic
  • Non corrosive
  • Non flammable
  • No green house gas emission and ozone layer depletion potential.
  • Freezing point below the target temperature.

Is AC coolant and engine coolant same?

Both AC coolant and engine coolant are used for cooling. But their applications and mechanism differ from each other.

Water is typically used as engine coolant. It cools down the engine by absorbing heat and transferring it to the outside air and also transfers heat to the cabin of the vehicle when vehicle heating feature is turned ON. It is mixed with anti freeze substances so that the water does not get frozen. AC coolant is used for absorbing heat from the cabin and emitting out to the atmosphere. The AC coolant will change its phase from liquid to gas and back to liquid.

Hence, the major difference between the two is the application (one is used to cool engines and other is used to cool the cabin) and other difference is the mechanism of cooling (engine coolant does not change its phase whereas AC coolant switches its state from liquid to gas time to time).

Otto Cycle vs Brayton Cycle: 5 Facts You Should Know

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Brayton and Otto cycles generate mechanical energy out of thermal energy. This article discusses in detail on the topic Otto cycle vs Brayton cycle.

Brayton cycle is used in jet engines whereas Otto cycle is used in SI engine vehicles. Lets find out what other differences and similarities exist between these cycles.

Major working parts used in Brayton cycle

A set of machines work together to make Brayton cycle possible.

The different working parts used in Brayton cycle are compressor, mixing chamber and turbine. Compressor compresses the air, fuel is added in mixing chamber where the compressed air and fuel interact. Finally, thermal energy is converted to mechanical energy by turbine.

Working of Brayton cycle

Air is used as working fluid in Brayton cycle. Minimum three processes are required to complete this cycle (Three processes for open cycle and four processes for closed cycle).

Following processes combine to make up Brayton cycle-

  • Isentropic compression- Process 1-2 represents isentropic compression in which air is compressed without changing its entropy.
  • Isobaric heat addition- Process 2-3 represents isobaric heat addition in which heat is added to the mixing chamber; heat combined with compressed air produces high thermal energy.
  • Isentropic expansion- Process 3-4 represents isentropic expansion in which the thermal energy is converted to mechanical energy. Rotation of turbine shaft represents mechanical energy.
  • Isobaric heat rejection- Process 4-1 represents isobaric heat rejection where the heat is removed from the working fluid and is sent further to get compressed for next cycle.
Otto cycle Vs Brayton cycle
Image: Brayton cycle (2′ and 4′ represents actual cycle)

Major parts used in Otto cycle

The parts used in Otto cycle are much smaller than those used in Brayton cycle.

The parts used in Otto cycle are-

  • Piston- Piston performs up-and-down reciprocating motion that compresses the working fluid inside the cylinder.
  • Cylinder- Cylinder is the foundation of Otto cycle. Cylinder is the place where all the energy conversion takes place.  
  • Valves- The suction and delivery valves are used for intake of working fluid and exit of exhaust gases respectively.

Working of Otto Cycle

Otto cycle uses steam as its working fluid.

Following processes take place in Otto cycle-

  • Isentropic compression- Process 1-2 shows isentropic compression of working fluid. The piston moves from BDC to TDC. The entropy of system is constant during this process hence it is called as isentropic compression.
  • Isochoric heat addition- Process 2-3 represents heat addition in the system. The piston remains at TDC and shows ignition of the working fluid.
  • Constant entropy expansion- Process 3-4 represents isentropic expansion (constant entropy expansion) where the piston moves from TDC to BDC. Since, the entropy remains constant throughout this process it is called as isentropic expansion.
  • Isochoric heat addition- Process 4-1 represents heat addition to constant volume. The piston remains stationary at BDC while heat gets rejected to atmosphere.

This cycle keeps repeating as piston moves to TDC.

Brayton cycle vs Otto cycle efficiency

Both cycles different processes and different working fluids. This affects the efficiency of the cycles.

The comparison of thermal efficiencies of Brayton cycle and Otto cycle is shown in the table below-

Thermal efficiency of Brayton cycle Thermal efficiency of Otto cycle
gif gif
Table: Brayton cycle efficiency Vs Otto cycle efficiency

Where,

rp is the compression ratio and Y is specific heat ratio.

Hence, for constant values of compression ratio, both the efficiencies have same values.

But in practice, Brayton cycles are used for larger values of compression ratios and Otto cycle is used for small values of compression ratio. Hence, the formula of efficiency may be same but their applications are different.

Why is Brayton cycle more suitable than Otto cycle?

Brayton cycle uses a gas turbine and compressor whereas Otto cycle uses piston cylinder arrangement for its working. Otto cycle is preferred for SI engines where one cannot fit a gas turbine and compressor in the vehicle.

Following points explain in detail about advantages of Brayton over Otto cycle-

  • For same values of compression and work output, Brayton cycle can handle a larger volume at small range of temperature and pressure.
  • A piston cylinder arrangement can’t handle large volume of low pressure gas. Hence, Otto cycle is preferred in vehicles.
  • In Otto cycle, the working parts are exposed to maximum temperature for a very short period of time and also it takes time to cool down. Whereas in gas turbine cycle, the working parts are exposed to high temperature all the time. In steady state process, the heat transfer from the machinery is difficult in constant volume process (ie Otto cycle) than at Constant pressure (ie Brayton cycle).

Brayton Cycle VS Rankine Cycle: 7 Complete Quick Facts

The topic Brayton cycle Vs Rankine cycle gives us an idea that they both must be similar in some aspects. Both cycles are used to generate mechanical energy out of thermal energy.

The major difference between these cycles is the working fluid used. Rankine cycle uses liquid (mostly water) as working fluid whereas Brayton cycle uses gas (mostly air) as working fluid. This article does a comparative analysis on Brayton cycle vs Rankine cycle.

Major components used in Brayton cycle

Every cycle needs a set of machinery that helps achieve the desired output.

Brayton cycle consists of following working parts-

  • Compressor- Compresses the air isentropically.
  • Mixing chamber- Heat is added to the compressed air that increases the temperature isobarically.
  • Turbine- Air is expanded in turbine, as turbine shaft rotates the air pressure reduces and temperature reduces. This process is isentropic expansion.
Brayton cycle vs Rankine cycle
Image: Parts used in Brayton cycle (Image shows an Open Brayton Cycle)

 Working of Brayton cycle

Brayton cycle generally uses atmospheric air as its working fluid. It takes minimum three processes to complete this cycle (An open cycle has three processes and closed cycle has minimum four processes).

The different processes that the working fluid undergoes in closed Ideal Brayton cycle are-

  • Isentropic compression- Ambient air is drawn inside the compressor and compressed isentropically.
  • Isobaric heat addition- Heat is added to the compressed air at constant pressure.
  • Isentropic expansion- Air is expanded in a turbine isentropically.
  • Isobaric heat rejection- Heat is rejected from the system at constant pressure.

Isentropic compression and expansion processes denote an ideal cycle. Usually, the process is not completely isentropic due to irreversibilities and friction losses in turbine and compressor. The isentropic efficiency of turbine and compressor denote the magnitude of useful output that can be obtained from given conditions.

Parts used in Rankine cycle

Rankine cycle produces mechanical energy from thermal energy of the working fluid. This is achieved by many components working in harmony.

The working components used in Rankine cycle are-

  • Pump- The low pressure liquid is pumped to boiler increasing its pressure.
  • Boiler- Heat is added to the working liquid inside the boiler. The heat addition process is isobaric. The high pressure liquid gets converted to high pressure steam inside the boiler.
  • Turbine- Steam is expanded in turbine. The high pressure steam is responsible for producing mechanical energy which is achieved by turbine shaft rotation.
  • Condenser- The low pressure steam is condensed inside the condenser. Condenser is nothing but a heat exchanger that extracts heat from the steam to convert it into liquid.

Working of Rankine cycle

Rankine cycle is used to produce mechanical energy from thermal energy of working fluid (in this case water) which in turn is used for generating electricity (shaft power of turbine is used to produce electricity).

Rankine cycle also works on four major processes. They are-

  • Isentropic compression (process 1-2): Pressure of working fluid increases in this process.
  • Isobaric heat addition (process2-3): High pressure liquid is subjected to heat inside the boiler where it gets converted into steam. The steam exits at high pressure and enters the turbine at point 3.
  • Isentropic expansion (process 3-4): The high pressure steam rotates the turbine propellers as a result turbine shaft starts rotating. During this process, the high pressure steam gets converted to low pressure steam. The low pressure steam enters the condenser.
  • Isobaric heat rejection- The steam gets converted back to liquid state inside the condenser. The heat is rejected from the steam at constant pressure as a result of which the steam gets converted to liquid.

Note that condenser and boiler are devices that change the state of working fluid without changing the temperature and pressure.

Rankine cycle and Brayton cycle efficiency

Efficiency is the measure of cycle’s effectiveness. The amount of output a cycle can deliver in a given amount of input is called the efficiency of a cycle.

Before discussing the efficiencies of Rankine cycle and Brayton cycle, lets have a look on turbine and compressor efficiency-

Turbine isentropic efficiency is given by-

gif

Compressor isentropic efficiency is given by-

gif

The comparison of Rankine cycle efficiency and Brayton cycle efficiency is given below-

Subject of comparison Rankine cycle Brayton Cycle
Ideal efficiency gif gif
Actual efficiency gif gif
T-s Diagram Actual Rankine Brayton
Table: Comparison of Rankine cycle efficiency and Brayton cycle efficiency
Image credits: Rankine cycle by Home IITK

How to increase efficiency of Brayton cycle and Rankine cycle?

Efficiency is the ratio of output to input. To increase the efficiency of any cycle, one needs to increase output at constant input or decrease input for constant output or increase the output while reducing the input.

In both the cycles, same methods can be used to improve the efficiency. These methods are-

  • Regeneration– Steam from condenser is passed through turbine to increase inlet temperature before the steam enters the boiler.
  • Reheat- A secondary turbine is used that results in more work output.
  • Intercooling– Intercooler cools the gas after compression thereby making it available to be compressed again. This way the compressor work is reduced.
  • Combined regeneration, intercooling and reheat cycle– This cycle uses combination of regenerative cycle, reheat cycle and intercooling.

What are the two main types of Brayton cycle?

Brayton cycle may use regeneration, reheat, intercooling or sometimes all of them. But the foundational cycle in which such methods can be used are of two types.

The two basic forms of Brayton cycle are-

  • Open Brayton cycle- In Open Brayton cycle, the exhaust gases are spat out to the atmosphere. Each cycle uses new set of gas or working fluid.
  • Closed Brayton cycle- In Closed Brayton cycle, the exhaust gases are cooled and sent back to the compressor to be used again. This forms a complete cycle.

What is a combined cycle?

One combines two things to get more output or increase the efficiency of particular system. In a combined cycle, both Brayton and Rankine cycles are combined to derive more output from a given set of input.

Brayton cycle produces more power so it is called as topping cycle. The exhaust gases from this cycle are so hot enough that it can be used as source for a comparatively low power producing cycle that is Rankine cycle. In this case, it is also known as bottoming cycle.

The heat from the exhaust gases is recovered by waste heat recovery boiler in bottoming cycle. The steam/water gets heated to complete Rankine cycle.

This way the waste exhaust gases from one cycle can be used as source for another cycle.

Firing Order Of 6 Cylinder Engine: 9 Things You Don’t Know!

6 cylinder 300x225 1

The firing order of a 6-cylinder engine, typically inline or V6, varies by design but common sequences include 1-5-3-6-2-4 or 1-2-3-4-5-6. This order optimizes balance, minimizes vibration, and enhances engine efficiency. Specific configurations depend on the manufacturer and model, impacting torque, power delivery, and engine smoothness.

The firing order of a 6-cylinder engine refers to the specific sequence in which the cylinders fire. This sequence is crucial for the engine to operate smoothly and efficiently. The firing order determines the timing of the spark plug ignition, which in turn ensures that each cylinder receives the right amount of fuel and air mixture at the correct moment. By following the correct firing order, the engine can achieve optimal power output and minimize vibrations. Understanding the firing order is essential for diagnosing engine problems, performing maintenance, and even upgrading the ignition system. In this article, we will explore the firing order of a 6-cylinder engine in detail, discussing its importance and how it is determined. So let’s dive in and unravel the mysteries of the firing order!

Key Takeaways

  • The firing order of a 6-cylinder engine is the sequence in which the cylinders ignite and produce power.
  • The most common firing order for a 6-cylinder engine is 1-5-3-6-2-4.
  • The firing order is crucial for the engine to run smoothly and efficiently.
  • Proper timing of the firing order ensures balanced power delivery and reduces engine vibrations.
  • Understanding the firing order is essential for diagnosing and troubleshooting engine performance issues.

Types of 6 Cylinder Engines

6 cylinder

Straight Six Engines

Straight six engines, also known as inline six engines, are a popular configuration for 6 cylinder engines. In this design, all six cylinders are arranged in a straight line, hence the name. This arrangement allows for a smooth and balanced operation, as the firing order is evenly spaced. The firing order of a straight six engine is typically 1-5-3-6-2-4.

One advantage of straight six engines is their compact size, which makes them suitable for a variety of applications. They are commonly found in passenger cars, trucks, and SUVs. Straight six engines are known for their torquey performance and smooth power delivery. They also tend to have good fuel efficiency due to their balanced design.

V6 Engines

V6 engines, as the name suggests, have six cylinders arranged in a V-shaped configuration. This design offers a more compact layout compared to straight six engines. The cylinders are divided into two banks, with three cylinders on each side. The firing order of a V6 engine can vary depending on the specific model and manufacturer.

V6 engines are widely used in a range of vehicles, including sedans, sports cars, and SUVs. They offer a good balance between performance and fuel efficiency. The V6 configuration allows for a more efficient use of space, making it easier to fit into smaller engine compartments. Additionally, V6 engines are known for their smooth and refined operation.

VR6 Engines

VR6 engines are a variation of the V6 design, commonly used by Volkswagen. The “VR” stands for “Vee-Reverse,” indicating that the angle between the cylinder banks is narrower than a traditional V6 engine. This unique configuration allows for a more compact engine size while still maintaining the benefits of a V6 engine.

The firing order of a VR6 engine can vary depending on the specific model and manufacturer. However, it typically follows a pattern that ensures smooth operation and balanced power delivery. VR6 engines are known for their strong low-end torque and excellent mid-range power. They are commonly found in Volkswagen vehicles, providing a combination of performance and efficiency.

Flat Six Engines

Flat six engines, also known as boxer engines, have a horizontally opposed cylinder configuration. In this design, the cylinders are arranged in two banks, facing each other. This results in a low center of gravity and improved weight distribution, which contributes to better handling and stability.

The firing order of a flat six engine can vary depending on the specific model and manufacturer. However, it typically follows a pattern that ensures smooth operation and balanced power delivery. Flat six engines are commonly used in sports cars, such as Porsche models. They are known for their distinctive sound, excellent throttle response, and high-revving capabilities.

Firing Order of 6 Cylinder Engine

The firing order of a six-cylinder engine is a crucial aspect that directly impacts the engine’s performance and efficiency. It refers to the specific sequence in which the engine’s cylinders fire, determining the order in which the spark plugs ignite the fuel-air mixture in each cylinder. Understanding the firing order is essential for proper engine operation and optimal combustion.

Importance of Firing Order for Engine Efficiency

The firing order plays a vital role in achieving smooth engine operation and maximizing power output. It ensures that the power strokes of the cylinders are evenly distributed throughout the engine’s rotation, minimizing vibrations and maximizing efficiency.

By following a specific firing order, the engine can achieve a balanced combustion process, leading to smoother operation and reduced wear and tear on engine components. Additionally, a well-designed firing order can help optimize the engine’s ignition timing and combustion order, resulting in improved fuel efficiency and reduced emissions.

Commonly Used Firing Orders in Six Cylinder Engines

There are several firing orders commonly used in six-cylinder engines, each with its own advantages and characteristics. Here are some of the most popular firing orders:

  1. 1-5-3-6-2-4: This firing order is often referred to as the “straight-six” firing order. It is commonly used in inline six-cylinder engines, where all the cylinders are arranged in a straight line. This firing order provides excellent balance and smooth operation, making it a popular choice for many engine manufacturers.
  2. 1-4-2-5-3-6: This firing order is known as the “cross-plane” firing order and is commonly used in V6 engines. In this firing order, the cylinders are divided into two banks, with three cylinders on each bank. The firing order alternates between the two banks, providing a balanced combustion process and smooth engine operation.
  3. 1-6-5-4-3-2: This firing order is used in some V6 engines, known as the “reverse-flow” firing order. In this firing order, the cylinders are arranged in a specific order that allows for efficient airflow and combustion. This firing order is designed to optimize engine performance and reduce exhaust emissions.

Consequences of Improper Firing Order

Using an incorrect firing order can have detrimental effects on engine performance and reliability. It can lead to uneven power delivery, increased vibrations, and reduced overall efficiency.

When the firing order is incorrect, the combustion process becomes unbalanced, causing uneven power strokes and potentially damaging the engine components. This can result in decreased engine performance, increased fuel consumption, and even engine misfires.

Furthermore, an improper firing order can lead to incorrect ignition timing, which affects the engine’s ability to generate power efficiently. It can also cause excessive wear on the piston rings, cylinder walls, and other vital engine components.

To avoid these consequences, it is crucial to ensure that the correct firing order is followed during engine assembly or when replacing spark plugs and ignition wires. Manufacturers provide specific firing order diagrams for each engine model, and it is essential to consult these references to ensure proper engine operation.

Firing Order for a V6 Engine

A V6 engine is a type of internal combustion engine that consists of six cylinders arranged in a V-shaped configuration. The firing order of a V6 engine determines the sequence in which each cylinder fires and delivers power to the crankshaft. Understanding the firing order is crucial for proper engine operation and performance.

Explanation of Firing Order for a 4-stroke 6-cylinder engine in V6 configuration

The firing order of a V6 engine refers to the specific order in which each cylinder ignites its fuel-air mixture. In a 4-stroke engine, each cylinder goes through four strokes: intake, compression, power, and exhaust. The firing order ensures that the power strokes of the cylinders are evenly distributed throughout the engine’s rotation.

In a V6 engine, the cylinders are typically numbered from 1 to 6, with cylinder 1 being the frontmost cylinder on the passenger side. The firing order is determined by the engine manufacturer and is usually a specific sequence that minimizes vibrations and maximizes engine efficiency.

Tasks performed by each cylinder in one power stroke

Each cylinder in a V6 engine performs specific tasks during one power stroke. Let’s take a closer look at the tasks performed by each cylinder:

  1. Cylinder 1: During the power stroke, cylinder 1 is responsible for generating power by igniting the fuel-air mixture. This power stroke pushes the piston downward, transferring energy to the crankshaft.
  2. Cylinder 2: While cylinder 1 is in the power stroke, cylinder 2 is in the exhaust stroke, expelling the burnt gases from the previous power stroke.
  3. Cylinder 3: Cylinder 3 follows the same pattern as cylinder 2, but with a 180-degree phase shift. While cylinder 2 is in the exhaust stroke, cylinder 3 is in the intake stroke, drawing in fresh fuel-air mixture.
  4. Cylinder 4: Cylinder 4 is in the compression stroke while cylinder 3 is in the intake stroke. During the compression stroke, the piston moves upward, compressing the fuel-air mixture in preparation for ignition.
  5. Cylinder 5: Cylinder 5 is in the power stroke while cylinder 4 is in the compression stroke. It generates power by igniting the compressed fuel-air mixture, similar to cylinder 1.
  6. Cylinder 6: Cylinder 6 follows the same pattern as cylinder 5, but with a 180-degree phase shift. While cylinder 5 is in the power stroke, cylinder 6 is in the exhaust stroke, expelling the burnt gases.

Crank rotation equation for 1 firing: 720/n (n = number of cylinders)

The crankshaft rotation equation for one firing in a V6 engine can be calculated using the formula: 720 divided by the number of cylinders (n). In the case of a V6 engine, the equation becomes 720/6, which equals 120 degrees.

This means that for each firing event, the crankshaft rotates 120 degrees. This rotation allows each cylinder to perform its specific tasks at the right time, ensuring smooth engine operation and power delivery.

Understanding the firing order and the corresponding crankshaft rotation equation is essential for various aspects of engine maintenance, such as spark plug order, ignition timing, and combustion order. It enables mechanics and enthusiasts to diagnose and troubleshoot engine issues accurately.

Vehicles Using 6 Cylinder Engines – Examples

When it comes to engines, the 6-cylinder engine is a popular choice among car manufacturers. Its balance of power and fuel efficiency makes it a versatile option for a wide range of vehicles. Let’s take a look at some examples of vehicles that utilize 6-cylinder engines and the reasons why car companies prefer V6 engines.

Usage of 6 Cylinder Engines in Cars

Car manufacturers have long recognized the benefits of using 6-cylinder engines in their vehicles. These engines provide a good balance between power and fuel efficiency, making them suitable for a variety of car types. Whether it’s a sedan, SUV, or even a sports car, the 6-cylinder engine offers a smooth and responsive driving experience.

One of the main advantages of a 6-cylinder engine is its power output. With six cylinders firing in a specific order, the engine can generate more power compared to a 4-cylinder engine. This is especially important for larger vehicles or those that require more towing capacity. The additional cylinders allow for better acceleration and the ability to handle heavier loads.

Another reason why car manufacturers opt for 6-cylinder engines is their smooth operation. The firing order of the cylinders is carefully designed to ensure even power delivery and minimal vibrations. This results in a quieter and more comfortable driving experience for the passengers.

Preference for V6 Engines by Companies

Many car companies have shown a preference for V6 engines due to their performance and efficiency. The V6 configuration refers to the arrangement of the cylinders in a V shape, with three cylinders on each side. This design allows for a more compact engine, making it easier to fit into various vehicle models.

One of the notable advantages of V6 engines is their ability to deliver power across a wide range of RPMs (revolutions per minute). This makes them suitable for both city driving and highway cruising. Car companies often choose V6 engines for their mid-size sedans and SUVs, as they strike a good balance between power and fuel economy.

Examples of Vehicles and Racing Cars Using 6 Cylinder Engines

Now, let’s take a look at some examples of vehicles and racing cars that utilize 6-cylinder engines:

  1. BMW 3 Series: The BMW 3 Series is a popular luxury sedan that offers a range of engine options, including a 6-cylinder engine. Known for its performance and handling, the 3 Series with a 6-cylinder engine provides a thrilling driving experience.
  2. Ford Mustang: The Ford Mustang is an iconic American muscle car that has been equipped with a 6-cylinder engine option. This allows for a more affordable and fuel-efficient Mustang without compromising on performance.
  3. Porsche 911: The Porsche 911 is a legendary sports car that has a long history of utilizing 6-cylinder engines. The combination of the 911’s lightweight design and powerful 6-cylinder engine results in exhilarating performance on both the road and the racetrack.
  4. Nissan GT-R: The Nissan GT-R is a high-performance sports car that features a twin-turbocharged 6-cylinder engine. This powerhouse of an engine delivers impressive acceleration and speed, making the GT-R a formidable contender in the world of supercars.
  5. Formula 1 Cars: In the world of racing, Formula 1 cars often use 6-cylinder engines. These engines are highly tuned and can rev up to incredible RPMs, producing immense power. The firing order and combustion sequence of the cylinders are optimized for maximum performance on the track.

These are just a few examples of vehicles and racing cars that utilize 6-cylinder engines. The versatility and performance of these engines make them a popular choice among car manufacturers and racing teams alike. Whether you’re looking for a powerful sports car or a fuel-efficient sedan, the 6-cylinder engine offers a compelling option.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What is the firing order of a 6-cylinder engine in an Ashok Leyland vehicle?

The firing order of a 6-cylinder engine in an Ashok Leyland vehicle can vary depending on the specific model and engine type. Please refer to the vehicle’s manual or contact Ashok Leyland customer support for accurate information.

2. How can I determine the firing order of a 6-cylinder Ford engine?

To determine the firing order of a 6-cylinder Ford engine, you can consult the vehicle’s manual or search for the specific engine model online. The firing order is typically listed in the engine specifications.

3. What is the firing order of a 6-cylinder Cummins engine?

The firing order of a 6-cylinder Cummins engine can vary depending on the specific model and configuration. It is recommended to refer to the engine’s manual or contact Cummins customer support for the accurate firing order information.

4. What is the firing order of a 6-cylinder engine in a Chevy vehicle?

The firing order of a 6-cylinder engine in a Chevy vehicle can vary depending on the specific model and engine type. It is best to consult the vehicle’s manual or contact Chevy customer support for the correct firing order information.

5. What is the firing order of a 6-cylinder engine with 1HZ configuration?

The firing order of a 6-cylinder engine with a 1HZ configuration can vary depending on the specific vehicle and engine model. It is recommended to refer to the vehicle’s manual or contact the manufacturer for the accurate firing order information.

6. What is the firing order of a 6-cylinder diesel engine?

The firing order of a 6-cylinder diesel engine can vary depending on the specific engine model and manufacturer. It is advisable to consult the engine’s manual or contact the manufacturer for the correct firing order information.

7. What is meant by engine firing order?

Engine firing order refers to the specific sequence in which the cylinders in an engine ignite the air-fuel mixture. It is crucial for the engine’s proper functioning and is usually represented as a numerical sequence.

8. What is cylinder firing pattern?

Cylinder firing pattern refers to the order in which the engine’s cylinders ignite during each combustion cycle. It is determined by the engine’s firing order and is essential for maintaining smooth engine operation.

9. How does the crankshaft rotation affect the firing order?

The crankshaft rotation determines the order in which the engine’s cylinders reach the top dead center (TDC) position. The firing order is designed to match the crankshaft rotation, ensuring proper combustion and engine performance.

10. How does ignition timing relate to the firing order?

Ignition timing refers to the precise moment when the spark plug ignites the air-fuel mixture in the engine’s cylinder. The ignition timing is synchronized with the firing order to optimize engine performance and fuel efficiency.

Also Read

Difference between firing order and firing interval
Dynamic cylinder firing sequences
Engine cylinder firing order
Firing order of 4 cylinder engine
Cylinder firing misorder symptoms
How to determine firing order of engine  

What Is Firing Order Of 4 Cylinder Engine: Complete Insights

V engine

Firing order, as the name suggests, is the order in which ignition for the cylinders take place. Firing order helps in regulating heat dissipation and vibrations. It also impacts smoothness in driving, engine balance and sound.

Generally firing order of 4 cylinder engine engines are kept as 1-3-4-2, 1-3-2-4 and 1-2-4-3. These sequences are designed using few simple equations that are discussed below. This article explains about the firing order by taking an example of four stroke four cylinder engine and discusses about various types of 4 cylinder engines as well as naming of engine cylinders.

Working of 4 stroke engine

A four stroke or four cylinder engine achieves one power cycle after every four strokes of piston. A stroke is completed when piston travels from top dead center to bottom dead center or vice versa.

A four stroke engine has following stages-

  • Intake- It is also known as suction stroke. Air fuel mixture enters the cylinder during this stroke. The piston is at the top dead center initially and moves towards bottom dead center.
  • Compression- Air fuel mixture that has entered the cylinder is compressed in this stroke. The piston is at the bottom dead center and moves towards top dead center.
  • Combustion- This is also called ignition stroke. Second revolution of crank begins during this stroke. Fuel is ignited by a spark. The piston moves towards bottom dead center.
  • Exhaust- The waste is spilled out of the cylinder through the exhaust valve in exhaust stroke. The piston returns back to top dead center.

Four cylinder engine four stroke engine

In a four cylinder four stroke engine, the cylinders work on four stroke cycle and has total four cylinders that perform each stage of cycle independently.

When first cylinder is in its suction stroke, second cylinder might be in exhaust stroke, third cylinder in ignition stroke and fourth cylinder in compression stroke. This way power is transmitted continuously in a four cylinder engine.

Arrangement of cylinders in 4 cylinder engine

There are many ways in which cylinders are arranged and numbered. Arrangement is important for engine sizing and numbering is important for finding the firing order.

The different types of arrangements in a four cylinder engine are as follows-

  • Straight engine- Cylinders are placed in a single line and are numbered from #1 from front to rear.
  • V engines- In this type of arrangement, engines are placed in an inclined position such that they make a V letter between them. Each cylinder is placed on the opposite of previous cylinder. Numbering is done from front to rear starting from #1.
firing order of 4 cylinder engine
Image- V engine

Image credits- Wikipedia

Vengine numbering
Image- Numbering in V engine

Image credits- Wikipedia

How to determine firing order of four cylinder engine

Firing order of 4 cylinder engines is found by following a simple procedure. The parameters that are kept in mind while deciding the firing order are dampening of vibrations, low stresses on bearings and proper heat dissipation from the cylinders.

Following are the methods by which firing order is determined-

  • Balancing- Balancing the primary forces, secondary forces and the moments is the most accurate way to find the firing order. This ensures that the there will be less heat dissipating problems and low vibrations.

    Primary forces are found using following equation-
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Secondary forces are found using following equation-

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The crank angle is found using the relation-

n

Where n means number of cylinders.

For four cylinder engine, n=4

Crank angle represents the angle by which the crank has to rotate in order to fire one cylinder. So, in a four cylinder engine one cylinder fires after every 180 degrees rotation of crank.

For balancing, the conditions are that algebraic sum of all horizontal and vertical forces should be zero and sum of all moments should be zero. This means that the force polygon (for both primary and secondary forces) and couple polygon should form a closed figure.

By following this approach, common firing orders obtained are- 1-3-4-2 and 1-3-2-4.

  • Approximating- It is clear that firing adjacent cylinders simultaneously will have heating problems and the force exerted on bearings will be more hence producing high vibrations. So we need to fire alternate cylinders which leaves us at firing orders of 1-3-4-2 which is most commonly used in four cylinder engines.

If one uses firing order as 1-2-3-4, then by using the method of balancing, it can be found that only primary and secondary forces are balanced but moments are not balanced i.e. couple polygon does not form a closed figure.

It is quite obvious that firing 2nd cylinder right after 1st cylinder will create heating problems and have more vibrations.

Meaning of 1-3-4-2

Firing order 1-3-4-2 depicts the sequence in which cylinders are fired. Spark takes place in first cylinder followed by third, fourth and second cylinder.

When the first cylinder is fired, third cylinder gets ready to be fired that means it will be in its compression stroke. In next 180 degrees of crankshaft rotation (crank angle 360 degrees) the third cylinder enters the power stroke. Meanwhile second cylinder is in the intake stroke and fourth cylinder gets ready for firing stroke.

In next 180 degrees rotation (crank angle 540 degrees), the fourth cylinders enters power stroke and second cylinder performs compression stroke. First cylinder is in its intake stroke and third cylinder in exhaust stroke.

In next 180 degrees rotation (crank angle 720 degrees), the second cylinders performs power stroke, fourth engine is in its exhaust stroke, third cylinder in intake stroke and first cylinder in compression stroke.

After completing 720 degrees of crank rotation, one power cycle is said to be completed.

Cam Shaft Sensor Code: 11 Interesting Facts To Know

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Knowing the position of crankshaft drive in the engine is essential. Cam shaft position sensor is used to get the required information.

This information is necessary to calculate the ignition point and injection point. This article gives a deep insight on functions of cam shaft sensor code, cam shaft sensor and steps required to follow after replacement of camshaft sensor.

Cam shaft position sensor

Camshaft sensor and crankshaft sensor work in harmony to know the exact position of crankshaft drive. The combination of readings from both sensors helps the engine control unit in determining the exact time when the first cylinder is in the top dead point.

Cam shaft sensor works on the Hall principle. A ring gear is located on the camshaft whose rotation is scanned by the sensor. Rotation of this ring gear is responsible for change in the Hall voltage of Hall IC in the sensor head. This change in voltage is translated to the required data by the engine control unit.

Sensor code P0340

The camshaft position sensor is essential for calculating the exact time of ignition and injection.

Without this sensor, the engine will not know when to ignite the fuel, leading to increase in fuel consumption and sometimes engine damage.  

Sensor code P0340 symptoms

There are many ways by which P0340 can be identified/suspected.

Major symptoms of code P0340 are-

  • Check engine light on dashboard
  • Poor acceleration
  • Engine stalling
  • Car jerking
  • Problems shifting gear
  • Low fuel mileage
  • Ignition problems

Sensor code P0340 causes

There can be many causes behind the setting of P0340 code.

Following are the reasons behind P0340-

  • Defective sensor
  • Defective ring gear on the camshaft
  • Damaged or corroded wiring in Camshaft sensor circuit
  • Fault in crankshaft sensor
  • Damaged or corroded wiring in crankshaft sensor circuit

How serious is P0340?

Any alarm is dangerous which is why it is called “alarm”. The intensity of problem maybe low in the beginning but if the alarm is ignored for a longer period then it may lead to severe damages to the engine.

The engine will initially start running erratically. The engine will give low fuel efficiency or mileage. If left untreated, then engine parts can be damaged due to improper ignition timing.

Camshaft sensor code P0016

Another code relating to camshaft sensor is code P0016.

Code P0016 is a generic OBD-II code which indicates the cam shaft position sensor whether bank 1 correlates to the signal from the crankshaft position sensor or not.

Symptoms of P0016 code

There are many ways through which this code can be identified/suspected.

Some symptoms of P0016 code are-

  • Check engine light turns on.
  • Engine runs abnormally/erratically.
  • Engine mileage decreases.
  • Reduction in power

Causes of P0016 code

 There are many ways through which this code can appear.

Major causes of P0016 are-

  • Oil control valve has restriction in Oil control valve filter
  • Camshaft timing is out of position.
  • Camshaft phaser is out of position because of fault with phaser.

How severe is P0016?

As discussed for problems pertaining to code P0034, P0016 code has similar problems.

The engine will start stalling or running erratically. Then fuel mileage will go down. At last leading to severe damages to the engine depending upon the failed part.

What to do after replacing camshaft sensor?

The camshaft sensor must be installed in correct orientation. After orienting in the correct direction, one must reset the sensor before using the vehicle.

  • The resetting procedure is simple. Firstly, one has to focus on switch ON and OFF function, these switches are connected to magnets that need to be adjusted first.
  • After doing this, engine light, crank sensor and engine block needs to be checked for damages. Then, trouble codes also need to be checked with the help of a code reader to see if the problem still persists or not.
  • After doing this, turn off all the parts that are connected to battery and start driving vehicle at 70 Kmph-80 Kmph for five minutes and then decelerate it to 50-60 kmph. This way the timing chain is changed or the sensor is reset.

If one faces problems while resetting then he/she can consult a mechanic to perform this procedure.  

Cam shaft sensor code
Image: Replacement of camshaft sensor
Image credits: “Camshaft Position Sensor Replacement” by Teresa Trimm is licensed under CC BY-SA 2.0

Camshaft sensor code after replacement

It is not necessary that replacing the camshaft sensor will solve the issue. The error light might still be ON in some cases This happens when there is a fault in sensor wiring harness.

If the error doesn’t show after replacing the sensor then it is safe to test drive the vehicle, if the error still shows then it is desired to seek professional help. A professional mechanic can have a check engine light inspection which will ensure him whether the issue is fixed and can reset the code. There is no need of calibrating the sensor as it has been installed in correct orientation.

After installation of sensor, OBD II reader must be used to reset the codes. Most likely the sensor is fine. The only problem lies in resetting of codes that turns off the light in the sensor.