More pilot ratios for hydraulic motion control valves

8:1 pilot ratios have been introduced for their standard 90-litre valves (1CE90's). The new valves complement the company's existing 4:1 version and are more suitable for applications where the load remains relatively constant. System efficiency can be improved, as the pressure required to open the valve is lower.

Integrated Hydraulics is now also offering the fully balanced 1CEBD120 with a 3:1 pilot ratio. This low pilot ratio is suitable for applications where the load varies or where the machine structure can induce instability. It is offered as an addition to the 8:1 and 12:1 versions, which are used for relatively constant loads, and the 22:1 that was designed specifically for Boom Lock applications.

Integrated Hydraulics' overcentre valves consist of a poppet that seals flow from an actuator, a check element, which permits free flow to the actuator, and a pilot section that opens the poppet allowing flow from the actuator at a controlled rate. Being of poppet type, they exhibit excellent leakage characteristics with maximum leakage of up to 0.3ml/min for valves up to 90 l/min capacity. The cartridge has three ports, cylinder, valve and pilot. If pressure above the setting of the valve is applied to the cylinder port, it will open as a relief. When pressure is applied to the valve port, it will open a low-pressure check, allowing free flow into the cylinder port. Pressure applied to the pilot port acts over a larger area on the poppet than the area referenced to the cylinder port, so the valve will open at a lower pressure.

Fully balanced valve

The 1CEBD fully balanced valve is unaffected by back pressure on the valve port, and the relief and pilot pressure is unaffected by downstream pressure. However, the spring chamber has to be referenced to atmosphere or connected to a separate drain line.

Numerous factors have to be foreseen and addressed to ensure the successful application of motion control valves, particularly in areas that are demanding. Integrated Hydraulics' standard range of valves can be used to solve the vast majority of motion control problems and the company is developing new valves that will further improve stability and load control. The new pilot ratios make the range even more versatile.