Hydraulic valves are used in different industrial applications and for different purposes. Some valves, like check valves, allow the flow of hydraulic fluid in only one direction, while others, like directional control valves, move the fluid in the direction where it is needed. In order to know what type of hydraulic valves your industry needs, you must understand hydraulic valves key terms.

Hydraulic valve manufacturers make valves in a variety of types and sizes to accommodate different applications, so there are often many different hydraulic components from which to choose. Consider the following when searching for hydraulic valves information:

1. Brush up on hydraulic valve terminology to better communicate with employees and manufacturers.

2. Learn about the technology behind different hydraulic valves.

3. Understand the different types of hydraulic valves and the different uses for them.

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Become familiar with hydraulic valve terminology

Understanding the terminology that goes along with hydraulic valves is important when dealing with hydraulic valve providers. Knowing the terms and uses of hydraulic valves will ensure you get your message across and the product you need.

I recommend: Hyspeco has a hydraulic terminology list that includes information and definitions on hydraulic valves. Moog offers an article on electrohydraulic valves that includes a list of key hydraulic valve terms.

Get a basic understanding of hydraulic valves

Valves do different things and are controlled in different ways. Hydraulic valves all control the flow of fluid, but you must know what each type of valve does and which type of valve will work best for your project, such as whether you need electric hydraulic valves to work as switches or whether you need a more simplistic hydraulic flow valve.

I recommend: Industrial Equipment Resource describes hydraulic valve technology and the different types of valves. IQS Directory gives descriptions of different types of hydraulic valves, and also offers a list of common hydraulic valve terms.

Get specific hydraulic valve definitions, information and diagrams

Although you may understand the concept, it is sometimes important to view diagrams and descriptions of hydraulic valves. The size and shape of one valve may work better than another.

I recommend: NingBo Pacific Hydraulic Valves Development Co. offers descriptions of different hydraulic valves, such as hydraulic control valves and modular pressure relief valves. Eaton Corp. has PDF documents that contain diagrams and specific information for hydraulic valves, such as a hydraulic check valve and a directional control valve.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  Look for commercial websites dedicated to hydraulic products. Many of these companies offer product descriptions that include measurements and information on additional hydraulic components that you may also need to complete the job.

Hydraulic valves are the essential elements that control hydraulic systems. Hydraulic control valves must be precise in order to properly regulate the movements of hydraulic cranes, elevators and other machinery. They work by regulating the liquid exchange between hydraulic cylinders; the change in pressure then produces movement.

Modern hydraulic flow valves are usually operated electrically. This combination of technology increases hydraulic flow valve efficiency and lowers the chance of error. Because of increased designed research and proliferated use, hydraulic valves and equipment are also much less expensive than they used to be.

A hydraulic check valve is common and allows only one directional flow. Electric hydraulic valves can also be directional control type, but these do not all use the same mechanics to do their job. Here are the three main types:

1. In a poppet hydraulic valve, a ball or piston is seated or unseated.

2. A rotary hydraulic spool valve, as the name implies, contains a rotating spool.

3. In a sliding hydraulic spool valve, the spool slides back and forth through a bore.

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Shop multiple hydraulic valve providers for the best prices

There are a number of good hydraulic valve manufacturers, so do not limit your search. Don't settle for less than top quality, but don't spend money you don't have to.

I recommend: Start with Grainger, which has a great selection (almost 400 varieties), especially if you are looking for a hydraulic check valve. Westfield Hydraulics Inc. is a serious solution provider, though you'll need to contact the company, rather than clicking your way through your order for electric hydraulic valves. Precision Fluid Power Inc. has wholesale prices on many top manufacturers, but you'll need to know what you are looking for, because they do not provide the details available on Grainger's website.

Review hydraulic valves information

Using the wrong equipment is often costly. Even the failure of a $7 valve can put factory production on hold for hours. Check all the specifications of your application and then get a good match in terms of metal type (don't put brass and galvanized together), pressure and temperature rating and fit. You'll also want to consider flow rate.

I recommend: The best websites provide good categorization, by listing hydraulic control valves separate from check valves, for instance. But they also clearly list all the other parameters. Take a look at all the details on a listing from AUSCO, Inc..

Maintain and repair your electro hydraulic valves

Regular maintenance and repair is necessary to keep hydraulic equipment operating efficiently. Additionally, the upkeep prolongs the longevity of equipment, a definite plus to your profit margin.

I recommend: Schutte & Koerting provides service and support for valve refurbishment. Additionally, Boig and Hill Inc. have detailed maintenance manuals along with the product listings on their website.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  Angle valves allow for a unique type of flow through that maximizes flow in hydraulics.

Hydraulic valves come in more than one configuration, and you can use them in many applications. Manufacturers design them to have free flow in one direction. A block, which can be electric, prevents flow in the other direction and provides leakage control.

Making the most of hydraulic valves means matching the hydraulic valve to the application. The information below should help do just that as well as provide information about hydraulic valve providers.

1. Use hydraulic control valves with gas or liquid.

2. Employ the hydraulic check valve when you need both free flow and blocked flow.

3. Go with electric hydraulic valves when you need pressure compensation.

4. Use the hydraulic spool valve to control the high-pressure oil in tractors and construction lines.

5. Rely on the ultra-reliable and low-leak hydraulic directional valve.

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Employ hydraulic control valves when working with gas or liquid

These hydraulic control valves can be bi-directional for flow, and you can adjust them to be full open or shut off. Some of the hydraulic control valves shut off automatically if the flow of the liquid or gas exceeds a pre-determined limit.

I recommend: Emerson Process Management provides online tutorials featuring flow technology. MICO sells hydraulic control values and provides a list of applications by industry.

Use a hydraulic check valve for leakage control

Hydraulic valve manufacturers make hydraulic check valves from various materials and design them to fit various applications. Standard sizes include very small ones, called micro-mini, or 500 GPM. Both work well to control leakage, because the flow can be open in one direction but blocked in the other.

I recommend: Read the literature from Snap-tite, a hydraulic valve manufacturer, to learn more about the company's products. Browse the products from Kepner Products to find the one you need.

Get more control with electro hydraulic valves

Electro hydraulic valves offer more control thanks to the ability to include pressure compensation, precision metering and flow controls. The flow range can be 20 GPM to 40 GPM.

I recommend: HUSCO International offers hydraulic valve literature. Price Engineering provides information on its newest products including downloadable literature.

Use hydraulic spool valves in equipment that's off-highway

Hydraulic spool valves work well in off-highway equipment. They control the high-pressure oil in the hydraulic lines. Some applications you can use them for include brake bleeders, hammers, hydraulic accumulators and more.

I recommend: Learn about the capabilities of hydraulic valves at Trotter Manufacturing. Hydraulic Specialty Company sells a variety of hydraulic spool valves.

Let directional hydraulic valves control leakage and provide reliability

Directional hydraulic valves are very reliable and provide a good seal. They can have up to four-way valves and have low leakage even when changing positions.

I recommend: Grainger offers a variety of resources to help you in your choice of hydraulic valves. Purchase directional control valves at TR Engineering.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  If you can't find what you need, contact a manufacturer for hydraulic valves information. Some manufacturers can find you what you need, while others can custom make hydraulic valves.

A hydraulic valve is a device in a hydraulic system that allows better control of the fluid that runs through the pipes and pumps. There are many hydraulic valve types including the hydraulic check valve, plug valve and directional valve. All of these valves are considered pressure control valves, because the fluid in a hydraulic system is consistently under pressure for the whole system to work. Many valve types work automatically, while some allow you to set up a series of presets to relieve pressure when a specific amount of pressure is reached.

Those working with hydraulic control valves need to be trained in the skills needed for their installation and maintenance. Installation and maintenance should be performed by those who are familiar with the system and safety procedures, because hydraulic systems are pressure sensitive. Ways to learn about hydraulic valves installation and maintenance include:

1. Manual and electric hydraulic valves guides;

2. Classes that teach installation and maintenance;

3. Resources for preventative maintenance techniques.

Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

Learn about hydraulic valves installation information from owner's manuals

Many hydraulic valve manufacturers offer owner's manuals and product guides online. These guides include detailed instructions and drawings for the installation process. Many guides also include repair techniques for the most common problems a technician will need to troubleshoot.

I recommend: The Eaton Product Literature Library includes installation and repair guides for some of its valve products. Parker Hannifin provides installation and reference guides for its line of hydraulic valves.

Find preventative maintenance resources for the hydraulic control valve

Any technician working on hydraulic systems should know how to perform maintenance tasks on hydraulic valves in addition to knowing proper installation techniques. The valves are an integral part of the system and need to be kept clean and tested on a regular basis. This will ensure that the valve is working at peak performance.

I recommend: HydraulicSupermarket provides maintenance tutorials and information for hydraulic valves and other hydraulic system components. Maintenance World has information on preventing cavitation damage, or damage from a low volume of fluid.

Attend classes to learn about installation and maintenance of hydraulic components

The best way to teach employees how to install and maintain hydraulic valves is to provide training options. Many technical training schools offer programs on hydraulic systems, including classes on hydraulic valves and other major components of a hydraulic system. Classes teach basic and advanced skills.

I recommend: Tooling U offers a class on hydraulic control valves through its Hydraulics and Pneumatics Training program. TPC Training Systems has a class on hydraulic systems that includes installation and maintenance training for all major components.