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How do you test a hydraulic distributor?

Testing an electric spool valve

As you know, hydraulic technology is used in many fields, including agriculture, industry and public works. While it may sometimes be necessary to adjust a hydraulic directional control valve, there are also cases where we need to test it. If you want to test a hydraulic spool valve, this article is for you! How do you go about it? The steps to follow? What equipment to use? We take a look at everything in this comprehensive article.

How does a hydraulic directional valve work?

Within a hydraulic circuit, the hydraulic directional valve has a specific role: it directs the oil to the receptors, i.e. the motors and cylinders. Depending on requirements, the hydraulic directional valve can turn the motor or move the cylinder.

In practical terms, the body of the hydraulic directional valve is drilled and perfected. Its inlet and outlet ports are also drilled and threaded. The body is assembled with the hydraulic spool valve. Once these two elements are joined, only the spool moves. This is made up of a band and a groove. These two parts have a very specific function: the bands block the oil, while the grooves allow the oil to pass around the spool and through the body of the hydraulic distributor.

If the hydraulic spool valve is open-centre and in the normal position (i.e. when the spool position is not actuated), the oil flows through the spool valve and back to the spool valve. On the other hand, if the hydraulic directional valve is closed-centre and in the normal position, the spool in the directional valve blocks the oil.

Hydraulic technology is used in a variety of sectors. In particular, it is found in the industrial sector (on certain tools such as hydraulic pumps and hydraulic presses), in public works (on certain machines such as mechanical shovels, bulldozers and concrete mixers) and in the agricultural sector (particularly on tractors). But how do you test a hydraulic spool valve?

Testing a hydraulic spool valve: what are the steps to follow?

To test a hydraulic spool valve, specific steps must be followed and the right equipment used. Here, for example, is a method you can use to test the coil of a hydraulic spool valve:

  • First carry out a visual check: check the condition of the connection terminals and whether there is any corrosion on the core;
  • Take a multimeter, set it to ohmmeter and test the continuity of the winding. For information, if the winding is large, the resistance is low.
  • Take a voltmeter, set it to ohmmeter and test the insulation between earth and the coil connections. The value indicated must be infinite.
  • Take a multimeter and set it to DC volts or AC volts to check the power supply connections. This test is carried out on a connected coil. The voltage displayed should not be less than 3% of the circuit voltage. If the loss is too high, check the connections.
  • Take a multimeter, set it to alternating amperes and check the supply current.

As you can see, a hydraulic distributor is an essential part of a hydraulic circuit. To test it, you need the right equipment and follow the precise steps for a successful and optimal test.

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