Hydraulic valves are an essential component of any hydraulic power system. They serve to regulate the flow, pressure, and volume of liquids that move throughout the system, and they come in different sizes and types according to their function. Read on to learn a little more about the types and functions of Hydraulic Valves in Chicago.
Definition Of A Hydraulic Valve
A valve is any kind of mechanism that opens and closes to allow or prevent the flow of a liquid or gas. To turn on the water at a sink, for example, a valve must be opened. Hydraulic valves are unique because of the degree of pressure they need to withstand. They are typically made of iron and steel because these materials are strong enough to hold back pressure of 3,000 psi or higher.
Types Of Valves And Their Functions
There are three main types of valves that are used in hydraulic systems: flow control valves, pressure control valves, and directional valves. Flow control valves maintain balance in a hydraulic system by responding to pressure. Pressure control valves keep water pressure stable, and they can also monitor the pressure of all fluids within a system. Directional valves start or stop the flow of liquid from one part of a system to another, and they can also change the direction of the flow.
Other Ways To Categorize Valves
The valves used in hydraulic systems also differ in their inner sealing, mechanism of external control, mounting type, and how they work. In terms of inner sealing, there are spool valves, poppet valves, spool-poppet valves, and ball valves. Valves can be controlled by hand; by a mechanical, solenoid, or electric-hydraulic drive; and by pneumatic or hydraulic transmission. There are several ways valves can be installed, including modular mounting, a threaded connection, and a screw-in cartridge. Finally, valves operate in one of two ways: they turn flow on or off, or they provide continuous regulation.
A single hydraulic system usually requires multiple types of valves, so it’s important to understand the differences between them. To learn more about selecting the right types of Hydraulic Valves in Chicago, check out Miller Hydraulic Service Inc.
