What Are Directional Control Valves & How Do We Use Them?

posted in Hydraulic Components by Flowfit on 14:28 Jan 29th, 2020<< Back to Hydraulic Components

• Hydraulic Check Valves – these are the simplest and the 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.
• Directional Spool Valve - 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.
• Directional Poppet Valve - are fitted into housing bores with a threaded connection, which is why they are commonly referred to as cartridge valves, and can contain a range of seating elements, including balls, poppets and plates.

• Manual – these work with simple levers or paddles where the operator applies force to operate,
• Mechanical - apply forces by using cams, wheels, rollers, and other mechanisms which means they are subject to wear,
• Hydraulic – these work at a much higher pressure than the pneumatic counterparts,
• Solenoid – widely used within the hydraulics industry and they operate using electromechanical solenoids for sliding the spool.