What Are Directional Control Valves, And Why Do You Need One?

Directional control valves are used to control the direction and movement of hydraulic fluid through a system. They are often referred to as switching valves, and come in three main categories: hydraulic check valves, directional spool valves and poppet valves that make up the different types of control valves.

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Things To Consider When Choosing Directional Control Valves

There are five major points to consider when it comes to analysing the performance and suitability of directional control valves:

• Dynamic Power Limits;
• Static Power Limits;
• Resistance To Flow;
• Switching Time;
• Leakage;

What Is A Hydraulic Check Valve And How Can They Be Used?

Check valves are the simplest and most common form of directional control valve which are regularly used in hydraulic systems. These valves can be used to stop the flow of liquid in one direction, whilst still allowing the free flow of fluid in the opposite direction. These models are also commonly known as non-return valves.

Hydraulic check valves can also fulfil a range of other roles within a hydraulic system, including:

• Prefill-valves for anti-cavitation;
• Bypass valves or return-line filters;
• Denying flow in one direction;
• Pre-tensioning by creating backpressure within the system;
• Protect hydraulic components against surges in pressures;

Most check valves are spring-loaded, and rely on a ball or plate to seal the flow in a single direction. Check valves are designed to be able to reliably isolate circuits without running the risk of leakage. A range of different elements, including poppets with soft seals can also be used within these valves to isolate circuits.

What Is A Directional Spool Valve And How Can They Be Used?

These kinds of directional control valves are composed of a moving spool which is situated inside the housing of a valve. An actuating force then moves the control spool, which allows the channels within the housing to be connected or separated. These types of directional control valves have a range of unique features which makes them suitable for different conditions, including:

• Their simplicity makes them cheap to produce;
• A low actuating force;
• A high switching power;
• Low-level losses, despite consistent oil leakage;
• A wide range of control functions for operator ease;

These types of control valves can be either directly-operated or pilot-operated. These valves can be connected with solenoids or mechanically controlled via levers and rollers, or via hydraulic or pneumatic systems.

What Are Directional Poppet Valves?

These types of control valves are fitted into housing bores with a threaded connection, which is why they are commonly referred to as cartridge valves. These valves are suitable for operating situations of up to 1,000bar and can contain a range of seating elements, including balls, poppets and plates.

Just some of the key features which make these models extremely useful can include:

• No leakage;
• A long and reliable product lifetime;
• High maximum operating capacities;
• Very good sealant characteristics;

Their design allows these valves to become more tightly sealed when the operating pressure increased. Compared to other kinds of control valves, their maximum flow is often limited, making them unsuitable for systems which require high flow rates.

For High-Quality Directional Control Valves, Contact Flowfit Today

Here at Flowfit, we can provide a diverse range of valves, including hydraulic check valves for a diverse range of systems and applications. For more information, please don't hesitate to get in touch with our professional team of hydraulic specialists today on 876 033.

Alternatively, you can any questions or concerns to  and we'll get back to you as soon as we can!

A control valve is essential for industrial units with gas or liquid flowing through pipelines. The valve can handle various functions and is an integral part of your unit. How do I source these valves? The answer to this question is easy because there are plenty of control valve suppliers in India, and most have an online presence. Therefore, you could quickly come across suppliers of the product.

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The top control valve manufacturers in India offer a varied product range, but you must not pick up anything randomly. Here are five essential factors you must consider while sourcing these valves.

1: What is flowing through the pipeline?

The characteristics of the material flowing through the pipeline should dictate the choice of control valves for your unit. Is the material flowing through the pipes rather harsh or corrosive? If the control valve has to deal with this flow, you must carefully select them. The PTFE or PFA control valves can be appropriate choices because they can handle such harsh conditions. Your control valve needs could be different for the flow of pressurized gasses through the pipelines. Metal control valves would be appropriate to take gas transportation through channels.

2: What will be the primary function of the control valve?

Why does your industrial unit need the control valve? The control valve can perform a broad range of functions, which is the second factor to consider when selecting a control valve. Here are some of the reasons why you may need a control valve.

• There could be a need to shut off the flow
• You might need a valve that can divert the flow
• Your unit could need a valve that can execute pressure relief functions.
• Backflow prevention could also be a reason why you might need a control valve
• Is there a need to adjust the flow within the pipeline? This is one more reason why you need a control valve.

A control valve can perform these functions, and you must select according to your needs. You can take the example of ball valves. They can resist clogging and jamming but are inappropriate for adjusting the flow. You must consider these aspects before selecting a control valve. The top control valve manufacturers in India will brief you on each product's features and help you choose.

3: What is the performance capacity of the valve?

This is another factor to consider, as you are sourcing the product from India's best control valve suppliers. What are the pressure and temperature requirements the valve is expected to perform? This is the information you will need before the buy. Metal valves will be appropriate if your operations are conducted in higher temperatures. Such control valves are also perfect for transporting pressurized gasses through pipelines. The inherent strength of metal makes them survive in harsh conditions. Plastic control valves can be considered when the requirements are not extreme.

4: Why should you Focus on sizing?

It would help if you focused on sizing when selecting control valves for your unit. An improper-sized valve can create operational problems for your team. A little control valve will create issues right away because it will simply not allow passage for the flow of liquid or gas via the pipeline. If you opt for oversized valves, there could also be problems. If there is a minor change in the valve position, it can lead to a significant difference in the flow. You might have to deal with friction problems for oversized valves. Therefore, sizing the valve is the fourth key factor to consider while buying them for your industrial unit.

5: What is the focus on the actuation method?

This is the fifth factor to consider when selecting control valves for your industrial unit. How will the valve be operated? If the valve is manually operated, it should not be an issue, but if you need actuation, you will have to select after careful observation. Your unit will require a pneumatic, electric, or hydraulic actuator for the latter.

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