Hydraulic valves are important elements in hydraulic systems to either allow or to dissipate or to alter, the flow or direction or pressure of the fluid in the hydraulic system. Hydraulic valves are used widely in many industries, such as manufacturing, construction, automotive, and agriculture.Some of the important hydraulic valves are discussed below depending on the type of service you intend to provide.

Thus, in this article, we will consider the types and functions of hydraulic valves, their purpose, as well as application fields in the contemporary world.

1. Types of Hydraulic Valves

It is important that hydraulic valves come in three principal forms which are intended for various uses. The most common types include:

Directional Control Valves: These are the valves that regulate the flow of hydraulic fluid in the system; that is, in which direction the fluid will flow. 

Pressure Control Valves: Open and unload pressure control valves are used to control pressure inside hydraulics systems for safety and reduce its load. 

Flow Control Valves: Hydraulic control valves influence the rate and quantities of the hydraulic fluid setting within the hydraulic circuit. 

Proportional Valves: These advanced valves facilitate better management of pressure in addition to the flow and are capable of changing from one state to the other in a much more accurate performa. 

There are different types of hydraulic valves and each has its own specific purpose of use, however hydraulic systems may incorporate a number of these valve types depending on the type and needs of the system.

2. Functions of Hydraulic Valves

Hydraulic valves’ primary purpose is to manage circulation of hydraulic fluid in the particular hydraulic system. This regulation sees to it that part of the mechanical components including cylinders, motors and actuators deliver the necessary tasks. The specific functions include:

• Controlling Fluid Flow 
• Regulating Pressure
• Steering Fluid to Target Areas
• Ensuring System Safety. Click to read more about functions and variety of Hydraulic valves. 

3. Hydraulic valves give some of the following benefits:

Hydraulic valves offer several advantages that make them essential in many industries:

• Precision Control
• Durability and Reliability
• Versatility
• Improved Safety
• Efficiency

4. Hydraulic valves and its uses

Hydraulic valves are used across a wide range of industries and applications, including:

Construction Equipment: A hydraulic system is the backbone of an excavator, bulldozer and even a crane which we use in lifting heavy structures or objects. 

Agriculture Machinery: Hydraulics is well used in tractors, harvestors and other farming equipments which have some operations such as lifting, plowing and tilling etc. 

Manufacturing: Hydraulic system is applicable in the manufacturing process to control operating machines such as presses, molding machines as well as conveyors.

Automotive Industry: Hydraulic system in automotive industries are used in various applications like brake system power steering and suspensions system. 

Aerospace and Aviation: Hydraulic system in aircraft are essential for actuating the variable like landing gear, flaps and the flight control. 

5. Factors To Consider When Selecting Hydraulic Valves

When selecting hydraulic valves for a system, several factors need to be considered to ensure optimal performance:

System Pressure: The valve must be capable of withstanding pressure of the system in any circumstances. 

Flow Requirements: Valves have to be selected to match the flow rate that a particular system is designed for. 

Valve Type: Valves can vary depending on the system’s requirements; in other words, the system may necessitate several forms of valves. 

Material and Construction: Hydraulic valves are frequently used in very demanding environments, extreme temperature changes, high pressure and corrosive fluids. 

Conclusion

A hydraulic valve is a device used in a hydraulic system in order to provide a means for the control of the flow of the fluid, the pressure within the system or the direction of the fluid. These valves help to enable safe, fast and sure movement of machinery for applications in construction, farming, manufacturing and flying among other related fields. Hydraulic valves are used extensively today because of their ability to offer accurate control even in hostile environments thus improving the performance and safety of contemporary hydraulic systems.