Flow control valve

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Flow control valve

Symbol - Flow control valve

Symbol - Flow control valve

The flow control valve is used for load-independent control of the volume flow. That means that the speed of a cylinder or the rotational speed of a hydraulic motor can be kept constant even under different load. Let´s explain the function:

Hydraulics - Flow Control Vale - how it works, Animation

Hydraulics - Flow Control Vale - how it works, Animation

In order to keep the volume flow constant, the hydraulic pressure drop at the throttle Δp = p2 -p1 must be constant. The condition Δp = constant is fulfilled when the volume flow also is constant. With a changing load on the actuator, the control piston shifts and thereby reduces or increases the opening degree for the volume flow.

Example: If the load on the motor increases the pressure p2 increases immediately. Via the control line the pressure on the area A2 rises accordingly. As a result the control piston opens and thus counteracts a decrease in the volume flow.

As the flow rate increases, so does the pressure p1 and the pressure drop Δp remains constant because the control piston has stabilized to the new load.

Review the control position in balance:

F1 = F2

A1 * p1 = A2 * p2 + Fspring

Because A = A1 = A2 we can simplify:

A * p1 = A * p2 + Fspring

A * p1 - A * p2 = Fspring

A (p1 - p2) = Fspring

p1 –p2 = Δp = Fspring/A

=>  Δp is independent of p1 or p2!


Work order:  Hydraulic motor speed control with a flow control valve

Hydraulic flow control valve application

Hydraulic flow control valve application


Hydraulic bridge rectifier / Flow Rectifier Circuit

If the volume flow should be adjusted in both directions independently of the load, a "trick circuit" can be used to find a cheaper solution. The disadvantage here is that the extension speed and the retraction speed of the cylinder cannot be set independently of one another.

Hydraulic bridge rectifier or Flow Rectifier Circuit

Hydraulic bridge rectifier or Flow Rectifier Circuit

Knowledge test: In which way are the volume flows for the retraction and extension of the cylinder?

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