Selecting the correct valve for your fluid application is a critical decision, and with so many different choices on offer, it can be difficult to determine which product variation is for you. Whilst all valves contain cylindrical chambers and passageways in order for them to function, their different varieties hold different benefits and potential compromises. Below, we’ve outlined five different types of valves that are frequently used in fluid power applications.
Relief Valves
If your hydraulic circuit is using a positive displacement pump in order to protect your application from excessive pressure, then a relief valve will be required.
These types of valves connect the pump outlet with the water supply tank, and only open to reduce the pressure levels when the levels pose a risk to the efficiency of the application.
The primary advantages of relief valves are their reliability, alongside their versatility in regards to system applications.
Manifold Valves
Whilst manifold valves are sometimes used in pneumatic applications, they’re also popular amongst hydraulic systems.
Their function is to connect one or more valves within a hydraulic system, and they operate by isolating the flow of the liquid to ensure that upstream and downstream fluids do not collide.
Manifold valves have a range of advantages, including impressive energy efficiency and lower installation costs due to its smaller and more compact sizing.
Sequence valves
Sequence valves are used to control the operation between two branches within a fluid circuit. Using a predetermined order of sequence, these valves are triggered by pressure signals within the application.
When they’re in action, sequence valves direct fluid towards the elements of the system that are connected to the valve’s primary port to ensure that the correct pressure levels are reached. Once the pressure levels are set correctly, the valve redirects fluid to the secondary branch.
One of the best advantages of sequence valves is their ability to improve the safety of a fluid power circuit whilst simultaneously creating a more efficient process.
Counterbalance Valves
If you’re looking to acquire a valve that achieves adjustable resistance against the liquid flow within your application, counterbalance valves are the perfect solution.
Counterbalance valves maintain adjustable resistance, allowing resistance against fluid in one direction whilst simultaneously allowing free flow in a different direction. The primary benefits of counterbalance valves is their ability to prevent uncontrolled or unplanned movements within applications whilst ensuring there is enough flow for continued efficiency.
Check Valves
Finally, check valves are incredibly useful for use in fluid power applications. These valves have the ability to provide directional and pressure control.
Typically, check valves simply consist of a ball, a sear and a spring between two ports. When controlling direction based flow, check valves provide the option for free-flow and no-flow control. These valves can also be used to create back pressure when used in a specific configuration.
Check valves are popular thanks to their versatility of configuration, alongside their ability to serve as a backup system within your applications.
When selecting a valve for use in your fluid power application, it’s important to note the specific outcomes you’re looking for. Once you’ve identified the results you’re looking for, you can sift through the various options to match the advantages and disadvantages of each valve to your application’s requirements.
