The ceramic crane-ceramic: the description of principles of work and repair

The development of new technologies significantly affects the level of comfort. This applies to virtually all areas, from the automotive industry and ending with the necessary household devices. The latter can be attributed and such as the tap-ceramic ceramic, which is increasingly found in the standard mixer.

Design

Despite the external similarity with standard worm structures, the crane-axle has a fundamentally different structure. Traditionally, the water pressure is blocked by gradually lowering the rod while turning the tap. Either a ball with a hole is installed, connected to the control handle - changing the position of the structure, reducing or increasing the head of water. Such methods are characterized by low reliability and the likelihood of leakage.

The mixer with ceramic faucets-bunks does not have such drawbacks. Thanks to a carefully designed design with a minimum of effort, it is possible to achieve precise adjustment of the water pressure. In order to understand the principle of action, it is necessary to find out what the crane-bush consists of.

• Housing. Its surface serves as an assembly element for installing the structure in the tank of a faucet or mixer.
• Lever arm. It is connected to the control parts of the axle box, and its outer part is necessary for the installation of the handle.
• The shut-off and regulating element is 2 plates of cermets, connected together. On the body of each of them there are holes, the position of which is adjusted with respect to each other by means of a lever.

With a minimum of moving elements and their reliability, a smooth control of the water flow is ensured.

Principle of operation

The ceramic crane-ceramic is functioning according to the principle of changing the through-hole between the plates. After the unit is installed in the mixer, the water flows under the pressure into the body of the structure. The normal position of the plates is such that the holes on them do not coincide with each other. Thanks to a perfectly flat surface, a tight clamp is provided, ensuring tightness.

Further, as the lever is turned, the planes are displaced, as a result of which the holes of the plates are superimposed. The water in the body, under its own pressure, passes into the gander of the crane. The basis of reliability of the device is its simplicity. It is this design that replaces worm and ball models.

Advantages and disadvantages

Like any complex design, the ceramic crane has a number of distinctive performance properties. They appear during the installation - for the correct operation of the device it is only necessary to screw the unit into the mixer body.

The positive sides include the following:

• Low effort to open (close) the crane.
• Small overall dimensions, which contribute to the reduction of cases of plumbing devices.
• Reliability. Under the conditions of operation of the crane-ceramic ceramic can last for several decades.

But, besides this, it is necessary to take into account the shortcomings:

• High cost relative to classic locking devices. Exceptions are cheap models, which have significantly reduced the quality of materials used.
• Requirements for water. In the presence of solid particles, there will be a rapid wear of the ceramic plates, the cause of which is an abrasive reaction - damage to the surface, as a result of which the integrity of the device will deteriorate.

All this must be taken into account when choosing a certain model of crane-axle boxes made of ceramics. But sooner or later even this reliable device can fail.

Repairs

Due to the simplicity of the construction, it is possible to repair ceramic faucet-beams on their own. To do this, you need a screwdriver, pliers, WD-40 aerosol (or equivalent) and a gasket for replacement. The latter is best selected using the old as a sample. Most often it is the source of leakage in the crane.

The order of carrying out of repair work:

1. Dismantling the device from the valve body.
2. Use a slotted screwdriver to remove the lock ring at the lever.
3. Next, the plates and the control element are removed.
4. After this, the metal surface is treated with WD-40. This is necessary to remove the rust layer.
5. Then the device is assembled again, a new gasket is installed on the end face. This completes the repair.

If the inspection shows damage to the plates, the ceramic crane must be replaced. It is difficult to find and pick up similar components. Fortunately, the cost of good factory models is more than affordable.