Valves have a unique ability to control fluid within a hydraulic system.

Directional Control Valves (DCVs) do so by directing the path of hydraulic fluid (flow) through a circuit. They are used to start, stop, slow, accelerate, and change the direction of motion in a cylinder.

The internal control element of a DCV (sliding spool, rotary spool, or ball) is designed for all these applications. 

One of the most common valve types are Sliding Spool Valves. They have different flow path configurations depending on the sliding spool design.  All these sliding spool flow paths are found within the same body.  Externally they look the same, internally they are different.  

It is this construction that allows them to stop or shift flow suddenly, and are sometimes referred to as either &#;switching&#; or &#;bang-bang&#; valves for the sound they make when doing so.

DCVs are also more formally called discrete valves, referring to how the valves shift from one discrete position to another.

It is this construction that allows them to stop or shift flow suddenly, and are sometimes referred to as either &#;switching&#; or &#;bang-bang&#; valves for the sound they make when doing so.DCVs are also more formally called discrete valves, referring to how the valves shift from one discrete position to another.

When Are Directional Control Valves Used?

DCVs are essential with any hydraulic circuits to create bi-directional motion for a hydraulic actuator, or anything with a motor is going to benefit from their use, as they can be actuated into a variety of discrete positions for many functions.

Their usefulness derives from this process of actuation, or the movement of the valve from one position to another. Actuation makes DCVs vital instruments in controlling flow within complex hydraulic systems.

They work to actuate using these four methods:

DCVs are essential with any hydraulic circuits to create bi-directional motion for a hydraulic actuator, or anything with a motor is going to benefit from their use, as they can be actuated into a variety of discrete positions for many functions.Their usefulness derives from this process of actuation, or the movement of the valve from one position to another. Actuation makes DCVs vital instruments in controlling flow within complex hydraulic systems.They work to actuate using these four methods:

• Manual
• Mechanical
• Solenoid-Operated
• Pilot-Operated

The main function of a DCV is to start, stop, accelerate, decelerate, and change the direction of motion of a hydraulic actuator.

Some other examples of DCV usage include:

• To isolate a branch of the circuit
• To vent the relief valve
• To allow free flow from the pump to the reservoir
• How Does a DCV Work?

Broadly, DCVs have a general order of operations once called into action by hydraulic fluid flow.

The valve will shift to perform the operation and then shift back to the neutral position when completed. This action occurs instantaneously, causing fluid to accelerate and decelerate.

How the operation plays out specifically depends on variations in spool-type, spool positioning, and method of control.

Check valves, for example, are binary directional control valves that allow fluid to flow in one direction while preventing it to flow in the opposite direction.

Spring-loaded check valves work like this:

• The flow enters the input port and the pressure pushes the disc open (A-B)
• The spring closes the disc after enough back pressure is reached (C-D)

Source:

The main function of a DCV is to start, stop, accelerate, decelerate, and change the direction of motion of a hydraulic actuator.Some other examples of DCV usage include:Broadly, DCVs have a general order of operations once called into action by hydraulic fluid flow.The valve will shift to perform the operation and then shift back to the neutral position when completed. This action occurs instantaneously, causing fluid to accelerate and decelerate.How the operation plays out specifically depends on variations in spool-type, spool positioning, and method of control.Check valves, for example, are binary directional control valves that allow fluid to flow in one direction while preventing it to flow in the opposite direction.Spring-loaded check valves work like this:Source: tameson.com

The Problem

Congratulations! You are the proud owner of a small custom cabinet shop.

You've just finished unboxing and setting up a new and shiny press! The purpose of the press is to hold veneer evenly against a plywood sheet until the glue bonding the workpieces cures.

But&#;

The new press is only great until you try to use it in production. The cylinder behind the press extends and retracts correctly, but when you release the valve handle, the cylinder does not maintain the pressure against the workpieces, and the veneer starts to separate from the plywood.

It's a brand new system! What could the cause of the problem be? And how will you find it and fix it as efficiently as possible?

• Manual
• Mechanical
• Solenoid-Operated
• Pilot-Operated

The main function of a DCV is to start, stop, accelerate, decelerate, and change the direction of motion of a hydraulic actuator.

Some other examples of DCV usage include:

• To isolate a branch of the circuit
• To vent the relief valve
• To allow free flow from the pump to the reservoir
• How Does a DCV Work?

Broadly, DCVs have a general order of operations once called into action by hydraulic fluid flow.

The valve will shift to perform the operation and then shift back to the neutral position when completed. This action occurs instantaneously, causing fluid to accelerate and decelerate.

How the operation plays out specifically depends on variations in spool-type, spool positioning, and method of control.

Check valves, for example, are binary directional control valves that allow fluid to flow in one direction while preventing it to flow in the opposite direction.

Spring-loaded check valves work like this:

• The flow enters the input port and the pressure pushes the disc open (A-B)
• The spring closes the disc after enough back pressure is reached (C-D)

Source:

The main function of a DCV is to start, stop, accelerate, decelerate, and change the direction of motion of a hydraulic actuator.Some other examples of DCV usage include:Broadly, DCVs have a general order of operations once called into action by hydraulic fluid flow.The valve will shift to perform the operation and then shift back to the neutral position when completed. This action occurs instantaneously, causing fluid to accelerate and decelerate.How the operation plays out specifically depends on variations in spool-type, spool positioning, and method of control.Check valves, for example, are binary directional control valves that allow fluid to flow in one direction while preventing it to flow in the opposite direction.Spring-loaded check valves work like this:Source: tameson.com

The Problem

Congratulations! You are the proud owner of a small custom cabinet shop.

You've just finished unboxing and setting up a new and shiny press! The purpose of the press is to hold veneer evenly against a plywood sheet until the glue bonding the workpieces cures.

But&#;

The new press is only great until you try to use it in production. The cylinder behind the press extends and retracts correctly, but when you release the valve handle, the cylinder does not maintain the pressure against the workpieces, and the veneer starts to separate from the plywood.

It's a brand new system! What could the cause of the problem be? And how will you find it and fix it as efficiently as possible?

For more information, please visit Fluid Control Solutions.