Directional Control Valve

Function and Power

Directional control valves allow fluids or gases to flow from the orifice into different paths, which provide access to other components/sources of flow into or out of the valve. They are one of the most important components in hydraulic and pneumatic systems. 

Directional control valves consist of a mechanically or electrically actuated spool in a cylinder. The position of the spool allows or prevents the flow of fluid within the channel; this usually occurs immediately, causing rapid acceleration and deceleration of the fluid.

Electromagnetic Directional Valve DSG-03

Directional Control Valve Ports and Positions

When selecting a directional control valve, two main factors must be considered: the number of ports the valve can achieve and the directional position. The number of positions refers to the number of flow paths the valve can provide.

Features and benefits of directional control valves.

● Over power, blocking and open spool options

● 4W3P - manually operated

● Lightweight aluminum construction

● Integral relief in P

● High flow option, 15 GPM

● 2 - 21 sections

● SAE #8 ports A and B

● SAE #10 ports P & T

● Custom porting available

● 12 gpm, 2200 psi, intermittent

Directional Control Valve Applications

Mobile hydraulic directional control valves are used in the agricultural, industrial, and mobile industries to provide smooth operation, low pressure drop, and fast response for precise fluid control in lightweight construction valves. These valves are rated at 2000 psi and 10 GPM. their suitability has made them increasingly sought after and used in many applications such as

● Automotive transport vehicles

● Machinery - tractors

● Assembly lines

● Energy production

● Marine equipment

● Construction machinery

● Mining machines

● Material handling cranes

● Trucks and drilling rigs 

Directional Control Valve Operation Methods

There are five main methods of operating directional control valves, all of which depend on their application: manual, spring, electric, pneumatic, and hydraulic.

1. Manual Valves

Manual valves use a lever or paddle to operate and require force to open and close the valve. Sometimes spring force is required to restore the valve position. Conversely, some manual valves use a lever or an external pneumatic or hydraulic signal to return the spool to its original position. 

2. Mechanically Operated Valves

Mechanically operated valves are more prone to wear and tear when force is applied using cams, wheels and rollers.

3. Hydraulic Valves

Hydraulically operated directional control valves are more robust than other methods of operation. In addition, they are designed for greater accuracy because they operate at higher pressures than pneumatic directional control valves.