Common hydraulic valves - the proportional pressure valve

Proportional valves are widely implemented for regulating pressure in hydraulic cylinders or motors. These valves allow for precise control through infinite spool positioning, enabling infinitely adjustable flow rates. Essentially, any change in input corresponds directly to a proportional change in output—for instance, tripling the input will yield a tripling of the output.

These valves are generally controlled electronically by supplying either a voltage signal (ranging from -10V to +10V) or a current signal (typically 4-20mA), depending on the specific valve model. The electrical signal sent to the solenoid coils generates a variable force that can overcome spring forces, shifting the main spool sufficiently to permit the supply pressure (P) to flow toward either port A or B.

Example proportional valve

For instance, when solenoid B receives an electrical signal, it causes the main spool to shift left, allowing oil to flow into port A, thus increasing pressure there. The main spool is designed with radial passages, permitting some of the oil to move toward the left side of piston sensor 1. As the oil accumulates in this area and in port A, it counters the force exerted by solenoid B until a state of equilibrium is achieved. Should the pressure in port A exceed the force generated by solenoid B, the main spool will move right, allowing some of the oil from port A to return to the tank.

For detailed guidance on maintaining your hydraulic system, we encourage you to reach out to your Valmet representative.

Hydraulic cartridge valves play a critical role in managing the direction, flow, and pressure of oil within machine hydraulic systems. Their compact structure and flexibility render them ideal for motion control applications in mobile equipment. These valves can be integrated into a hydraulic manifold block, forming a central control unit or Hydraulic Integrated Circuit (HIC).

Offering minimal leakage, user-friendly maintenance, and a variety of design options, cartridge valves allow for easy modification of hydraulic control circuits. Adjustments can be made to accommodate additional functions or varying flow rates and pressures, simply by changing the size or design of the cartridges within the manifold. Automated electronic controls can be effortlessly integrated into solenoid-operated or proportional cartridge valve setups via valve drivers or by wiring electronic control units to the coils.

As a leading manufacturer of hydraulic cartridge valves, HydraForce boasts over 2,000 standard valve models alongside an extensive selection of customized cartridge products tailored for Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEM).

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