What Is Sonic Conductance in Pneumatic Valves and How Does Critical Pressure Ratio Affect Choked Flow?
Sonic conductance in pneumatic valves refers to the maximum flow rate achievable when gas velocity reaches the speed of sound through a valve orifice, creating choked flow conditions that limit further flow increases regardless of downstream pressure reductions. This phenomenon occurs when the pressure ratio across the valve exceeds the critical pressure ratio of approximately 0.528 for air.