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What types of hydraulic valves are there?

Whether you're a hydraulic motor owner, a mechanical enthusiast or a keen learner, there are plenty of people who can answer the question: what exactly is a hydraulic valve? Many people might wonder what exactly a hydraulic valve is. What are they and what do they do? We also know that there are different types. But which ones? To answer all these questions, we've put together a little primer for you. But first, let's put hydraulic valves back into their overall context: the hydraulic motor. And off we go!

General information on hydraulics

First of all, what is a hydraulic motor?

A hydraulic motor is also known as an isothermal motor. Basically, its purpose is to generate mechanical energy by channelling and directing a hydraulic source, often a special liquid. The conversion of pressurised liquid into mechanical force is known as hydrostatic transmission.

The act of generating power in this way uses fluid pressure. These fluids are pressurised by a combination of pumps, valves and other reservoirs. These fluids are then channelled into the engine to produce mechanical energy and keep it running.

But what about the hydraulic valves in these engines?

Hydraulic valves

After this general reminder about hydraulics and engines, let's move on to the heart of our subject. Hydraulic valves!

These valves are also known as taps. As the name suggests, their purpose is to regulate and control fluids. They are used to adjust the level of fluids and control their flow, like a valve. The aim is to deliver more or less liquid depending on the desired objective.

Valves are built using several different technologies. These include

  • Ball valves
  • Butterfly valves
  • Selector flap valves
  • Diaphragm valves
  • Piston valves

In our field of interest, hydraulic circuits, we will mainly find the first two. But what are their characteristics?

Ball valves are the most common in hydraulics. They consist of a drilled ball. This ball is operated from the outside, usually by a handle. This specific feature also gives it the technical name of ¼ turn valve.

In the open position, this valve ensures that all the fluid can pass through. For optimum seal life, the valve is operated from stop to stop. This type of seal guarantees perfect tightness and maximum service life.

More generally, this valve can withstand pressures of over 600 bar. It should be noted that the direction of fluid flow is irrelevant, which is not the case for all valves.

The second most common type of valve in our engines is the butterfly valve.

It consists of an obturator. This pivots around an axis perpendicular to the direction of flow. This allows the fluid to bypass the obturator once it has rotated, thereby controlling the flow.

This type of valve is found on large diameters of several inches. It is generally easy to install because of its thinness, but care must be taken to leave a clear space for the obturator. Additional space is required to move it.

This type of valve is found on the suctions of very large pumps, because of the power it can handle.

Now you have a general idea of the different types of valve found in hydraulic circuits. See you soon!