Types of Pressure Control Valves

Types of Pressure Control Valves

Pressure Control Valves are an integral component of every hydraulic system and perform a number of essential functions, from keeping system pressures below desired threshold levels to maintaining set pressure levels in an individual circuit. Different types of pressure control valves include relief, reducing, sequence, counterbalance and safety valves.

Pressure control valves serve a critical function: to manage hydraulic fluid flow to maintain a reduced downstream (outlet) pressure in response to demand from actuators in a system. They do this through pilot-driven diaphragm assemblies which combine throttle, check and relief valve functionality in one single device.

When pressure in a system changes, its pilot detects this change immediately and acts immediately to add or withdraw water from the diaphragm assembly, opening or closing valves as necessary to maintain constant downstream pressure regulation. A check mechanism ensures that valves always close when system pressure falls below their preset minimum thresholds.

When pressure in a system becomes excessively high, its pressure relief valve (PRV) is designed to open. This valve protects equipment from being damaged due to excessively high levels of pressure by diverting it onto another circuit when activated by its trigger; once normal pressure has returned the PRV will then reseat itself and close.

A regulating valve operates similarly to a pressure relief valve, except it features an adjustable spring setting which can be modified with an adjusting screw. Adjusting this spring setting adjusts its force, which determines when and how the valve opens at certain pressures - known as its cracking point - bypassing some pressure back into its reservoir.

A sequence valve is a pressure reducing valve that controls the order in which circuit functions are performed, making use of smaller cylinders to drive larger, more powerful actuators more cost effective. This feature makes this an invaluable asset. Reduce costs by employing a smaller cylinder that can discharge larger loads than would be possible using conventional systems where force requirements govern cylinder size. Sequence valves can also be used to direct the actions of loading systems by restricting their output in an attempt to maintain their specified load capacity and avoid overloading actuators.


BR.W61F Series Fluorine Lined Single Seat Control Valve