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What is a priority valve?

There's something artichoke-like about hydraulics. Let's peel it back, leaf by leaf... And we come across priority valves. What is a priority valve? We've put together this article on this hydraulic valve to give you a clearer idea. It's not always easy to find your way through the forest of components in a hydraulic motor. And yet ... it can be useful! First of all, before getting to the heart of the matter, a reminder about our motors. We're off!

A reminder about hydraulic motors

A hydraulic motor has a simple definition. It's a motor whose purpose is to create mechanical energy by channelling and directing a hydraulic source, often a special industrial liquid. Most often an oil. The conversion of pressurised liquid into mechanical force is known as hydrostatic transmission. This is the basis of the engine we are talking about today.

This way of generating energy uses fluid pressure. It is the combination of pumps, valves and other reservoirs that enable these fluids to be put under pressure. These fluids are then channelled towards the engine to produce mechanical energy and keep it running. The movement thus created is sent to a load. The mechanical energy generated is then transformed into the rotational movement of the output shaft. So our motor can turn and do its job!

And what about priority valves?

Focus on priority valves

Having said all that, let's move on to the priority valves. What is their purpose?

This valve is very often placed at the very beginning of a circuit. Its purpose is to give priority to the supply of essential functions, such as those linked to :

  • Braking
  • Steering
  • Other priority functions.

This type of specificity means that the priority valve is most often found on mobile machines, instead of industrial machines.

Its purpose is to supply a priority circuit, which will have very fluctuating consumption. It must therefore be able to react quickly and adapt to rapid changes in consumption. This highly proactive nature confirms its role in relation to that of the motors found on mobile machines.

Two systems incorporate priority valves. They differ in their technical characteristics.

Firstly, there are what are known as static systems. They can graduate their response according to the various problems inherent in the quality of signal transmission. These problems can be diverse:

  • Oil viscosity
  • Presence of air
  • Sticking of certain drawers
  • Oscillations
  • Etc.

In this system, there is no flow between the steering device and the priority valve. The signal, referred to as pressure, comes from services to the steering system or other assemblies in the priority lane.

Another system is the so-called dynamic system. In this system, the various systems, such as oil consumption, are not affected by signal transmission problems. Responses are made automatically to each problem. The overall responsiveness is therefore much better.

This greater responsiveness means that this system of incorporating priority valves is preferred in the case of tactical and more sensitive machines.

Now you know more about hydraulic systems, and in particular priority valves. See you soon for new articles!

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