CHAPTER 13: Flow Controls and Flow Dividers

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CHAPTER 13: Flow Controls and Flow Dividers

Bud Trinkel
Sun, 2007-03-25 (All day)

Speed control of hydraulic and pneumatic actuators

In some applications, there are times when it is necessary to vary the speed of an actuator. One method of
controlling an actuators speed is by using a variable-volume pump. This works well for a circuit with a single
actuator or in multi-actuator circuits where only one actuator moves at a time. However, most circuits that need
actuator-speed control have multiple actuators and some of them operate simultaneously. For most circuits, a
variable orifice called a needle valve or flow control is common. Fixed orifices may be used in some cases.
Related
CHAPTER 12: Infinitely Variable Directional Valves
CHAPTER 14: Sequence Valves and Reducing Valves
CHAPTER 15: Fluid Power Actuators, part 1

Non-compensated flow control valves

Figure 13-1 shows non-compensated flow devices in symbol and
cutaway form. At the top are non-compensated fixed-orifice in-line
flow controls for tamper-proof applications. These can be
purchased as in-line valves or they could be a drilled plug or insert
located in a pipe fitting or valve port.
Flow through standard orifices is affected by viscosity changes in
the fluid, while flow through knife-edge (or sharp-edge) orifices
changes very little when fluid viscosity changes from thin to thick.
A knife-edge orifice is the style used on most valves that are
designated as temperature compensated. (A classic example of a
non-compensated fixed orifice with a bypass check is the orificed
check valve shown in Figure 10-2.)

Pressure-compensated flow control valves

The pressure-compensated flow control cutaway view and symbols depicted in Figure 13-2 are the component
used with actuators that must move at a constant rate. A non-compensated flow control passes more or less
fluid as pressure raises and lowers. This is because more fluid can pass through a certain size orifice when
pressure drop across the orifice increases.
The needle valve section of a pressure-compensated flow control is

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the same as any flow control. The difference is the addition of a

compensator spool that can move to restrict Inlet flow at the
compensating orifice. The compensator spool is held open by a
100- to 150-psi bias spring that sets pressure drop across the
knife-edge orifice.
Flow from the inlet goes through the compensating orifice, past the
compensator spool, and out through the knife-edge orifice. A
drilled passage ports Inlet fluid to the right end of the compensator
spool, which forces the spool to the left when pressure tries to go above 100 to 150 psi at gauge PG01. After
pressure reaches or goes above 100 to 150 psi, the compensator spool moves to the left and restricts flow to the
knife-edge orifice flow control. Pressure at gauge PG01 never goes above 100 to 150 psi (plus any backpressure
at the outlet). Pressure at the outlet is ported to the bias-spring chamber and increases the spring force. The
compensator spool assures that pressure drop across the knife-edge orifice flow control stays at a constant 100
to 150 psi. With a constant pressure drop, flow stays the same regardless of inlet or outlet fluctuations.
Pressure-compensated flow controls are four to eight times more expensive than standard controls so they
should only be applied to actuators that must move consistently.
The no-jump option is an adjusting screw that holds the compensator spool within a few tenths of an inch of its
operating position. This is an especially important option when the valve is oversize for the present flow setting.
A compensator spool without a stroke limiter may close and open violently until it stabilizes and sets pressure
drop for the orifice. During this time the actuator also moves erratically.
The two symbols represent the American National Standards Institute (ANSI) and the International Standards
Organization (ISO) way of indicating that the valve is pressure compensated. The arrow indicating pressure
compensation is easier to distinguish in the ANSI symbol -- especially when the schematic drawing has been
reduced to fit into a machine's documentation book.

Three-port flow control valve

Three-port flow controls are mainly used in fixed-volume pump circuits to save energy. (See the load-sensing
pump circuit explained in Chapter 8.) If 20 gpm of fluid enters the Inlet and the flow control is set at 12 gpm, 8
gpm goes to tank as wasted energy. With a conventional relief valve setup, pressure between the pump and flow
control would be maximum. With the 3-port flow control, pressure in this
portion of the circuit is whatever it takes to move the actuator plus bias-spring
force. (Bias-spring force is usually 70 to 125 lb.) An outlet pressure of 200 psi
gives a pressure of 270 psi between the pump and the flow control. All fluid going
to tank is discharged at 270 psi, not 2000 psi. This takes place because the
sensing line sends feedback to the pressure-control side of the relief valve,
allowing it to open at load pressure plus bias-spring force. Pressure between the
pump and flow control constantly changes with load variations. When the load
requires more than the maximum-pressure adjustment setting, the relief valve
opens and sends all pump flow to tank at maximum pressure.
A 3-port flow control is only effective with one actuator -- or one actuator at a
time. It would not be useful on a pressure-compensated pump circuit because a
load-sensing circuit for this type pump would save even more energy. (See
Chapter 8 for a load-sensing circuit with a pressure-compensated pump.)

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Proportional flow control valves

Figures 13-4 and 13-5 show cutaways and symbols for
proportional flow control valves that can electronically remotely
control flow through a PLC or other controller. There are many
different designs of valves and controllers that control pneumatic
or hydraulic fluid. The design in Figure 13-4 uses a modified
2-way pilot-to-close poppet with a drilled pilot passage to send inlet
fluid behind it. A light spring holds the poppet closed when there is
no pressurized fluid at the Inlet.
The armature controls
a small normally
closed poppet and
shifts the signaled
amount to let fluid
behind the pilotto-close poppet leave
faster than the pilot
passage can supply it.
This causes a pressure
imbalance that lets the
pilot-to-close poppet
open enough to give
the correct fluid flow.
The flow rate is
infinitely variable and can be controlled from a variety of inputs.
The valve in Figure 13-4 opens from a given signal but may not always repeat a set flow from the same input.
The feedback LVDT added to the valve in Figure 13-5 assures that the pilot-to-close poppet always shifts the
same amount so it has the same size flow opening. However, pressure or viscosity changes still affect actual
flow, so a hydrostat is necessary when exact flow repeatability is required. Many manufacturers make valves
with a built-in hydrostat for pressure compensation.

Meter-in flow control circuits

Figure 13-6 provides a schematic drawing of a meter-In flow control circuit restricting fluid as it enters an
actuator port. Meter-in circuits work well with hydraulic fluids, but can give erratic action with air. Note that the
cylinder is horizontally mounted, which makes it a resistive load. Meter-in flow controls only work on resistive
loads because a running-away load can move the actuator faster than the circuit can fill it with fluid.
The left-hand circuit in Figure
13-6 is shown at rest with the
pump running. Notice that the
check valves in the flow
controls force fluid through the
orifices as it enters the cylinder
and lets fluid bypass them as it
leaves.
The right-hand circuit depicts

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conditions as the cylinder

extends. The directional control
valve shifts to straight arrows and pump flow passes through the left-hand flow control to the cylinder cap end
at a controlled rate. Fluid leaving the cylinder rod end flows to tank without restriction. The cylinder extends at
a reduced speed (in a hydraulic circuit) until it meets a resistance it cant overcome or it bottoms out. With the
non-compensated valve shown, speed can vary as pressure fluctuates or viscosity changes.
While the cylinder is in motion, pressure at PG1 reads the setting of the relief valve or pump compensator. The
pressure at PG2 reads whatever it takes to move the load at any point in the cycle. Pressures at PG3 and PG4
only read tank-line backpressure as the cylinder extends.
It is obvious that if the cylinder had an external force pulling on it, it would extend rapidly. Because fluid enters
the cap end at a reduced flow rate, a vacuum void would form there until the pump had time to fill it.
Meter-in flow controls can have a problem in pneumatic circuits. When fluid is directed to the cylinder cap end,
pressure at PG1 immediately rises to the regulator setting. However, pressure at PG2 starts at zero and increases
slowly. Until pressure at PG2 rises enough to generate breakaway force, the cylinder does not move. At
breakaway pressure, the cylinder extends quickly and expanding air may cause it to lunge. Often, the lunge
forward moves the piston ahead of the incoming air and pressure drops back below the breakaway level so the
piston stops. Pressure starts to build again and the lunge/stop scenario continues to the end of stroke. The
meter-out circuit discussed next is always the best choice to control air cylinders.
The circuits in Figure 13-7 show applications where a meter-in circuit is the only choice for both pneumatics
and hydraulics. On the left in Figure 13-7, a single-acting pneumatic cylinder is mounted with the rod
vertically up. The only way to control extension speed is via a meter-in flow control. When retraction speed
must be controlled as well, a meter-out flow control also is necessary.
The cylinder pictured on the
right in Figure 13-7 is
extending to perform an
operation prior to retracting or
starting the cycle of another
actuator. A signal to continue
the cycle can come from a
pressure switch or a sequence
valve. Either of these devices
can be set to give an output at
any pressure. Usually they are
set 50 to 150 psi below system operating pressure for hydraulics, or 5 to 15 psi lower for air. The reason for
meter-in flow control is that pressure between the flow control and the cylinder normally stays low until the
cylinder contacts the workpiece. At work contact, the resulting pressure buildup switches these pressureactuated devices and starts the next sequence. Always remember: a pressure switch or sequence valve does not
directly indicate that the actuator has reached a physical position. They only indicate that pressure has reached
a predetermined setting . . . not why it has.
Other circuits that require meter-in flow controls are the load-sensing pump circuits in Chapter 8.

Meter-out flow control circuits

Figure 13-8 shows a schematic drawing of a meter-out flow control circuit that restricts fluid as it leaves an

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actuator port. Meter-out circuits work well with both hydraulic and pneumatic actuators. Cylinder-mounting
attitude is not important because outlet flow is restricted and an actuator cannot run away. Meter-out flow
controls work on resistive loads or running away loads because the actuator can never move faster than the fluid
leaving it allows.
The left-hand circuit in Figure
13-8 is shown at rest with the
pump running. Notice how the
check valves in the flow
controls allow fluid to bypass
the orifices and freely enter the
cylinder. As fluid leaves the
cylinder, it is forced through
the orifices at a set rate. The
only gauge showing pressure is
PG3 because the load on the
cylinder rod is inducing
pressure at the valves blocked port.
The right-hand circuit shows conditions when the cylinder is extending. The directional control valve shifts to
straight arrows and pump flow bypasses the upper flow control to go to the cylinder cap end. Fluid leaving the
cylinder rod end is held back before it goes to tank -- even with an external load trying to move it. The cylinder
extends at a reduced speed in both hydraulic and pneumatic circuits until it meets a resistance it cant overcome
or it bottoms out. With the non-compensated valve shown, speed can vary as pressure fluctuates or viscosity
changes in a hydraulic system. (There are no pressure-compensated flow controls for pneumatic circuits.)
While the cylinder is in motion, gauges PG1 and PG2 read the relief valve or pump compensator setting. Gauge
PG4 reads tank backpressure. Gauge PG3 reads load-induced pressure plus the pressure from cap-areato-rod-area intensification. This intensified pressure could be 1.2 to 2 times the cap-end pressure, or higher,
depending on the rod size.
Meter-out flow controls work equally well in pneumatic circuits when the load is constant. Changing loads can
cause the actuator to stop and/or lunge under certain circumstances. (For a more extensive coverage of flow
control circuits and situations that can arise with them, see our second e-book entitled "Fluid Power Circuits
Explained," which will be launched on hydraulicspneumatics.com in the coming months.

Bleed-off flow control circuits

Bleed-off flow control circuits are found only in hydraulic systems and normally only in those with fixed-volume
pumps. There is little or no advantage to using this type flow control with pressure-compensated pumps.
Figure 13-9 shows a bleed-off circuit at rest with the pump running. A needle valves inlet is teed into a line
going to the cylinder and its outlet is connected to tank. The circuit only works with one actuator moving at a
time because all pump flow goes to the presently operating function. Like a meter-in circuit, it only works with
resistive loads because it controls fluid into the actuator. The main plus for this type speed control is it saves
energy while using a fixed-volume pump with low-pressure travel forces.
When the directional valve in
Figure 13-9 shifts, all pump
flow passes through it and
toward the actuator. On the
way to the actuator, part of the

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flow is bled off to tank, so the

actuator does not reach full
speed. Pressure at PG1 only
rises to whatever it takes to
move the actuator and its load,
so excess flow goes to tank at
low pressure. (When using a
fixed-volume pump and a meter-in or meter-out circuit, excess flow also goes to tank, but at relief valve
pressure.) Many circuits only perform work at the end of stroke so this flow control system saves energy while
the actuator moves to and from the work position, yet still gives good speed control.
Some words of caution:
Pressure in the actuator during traverse time must be higher than the pressure in the path to tank, so
fluid will flow to tank.
Because pressure may change during traverse time (especially when the actuator contacts the workpiece),
use a pressure-compensated needle valve so flow to tank remains constant.
Even with a pressure-compensated needle valve, actuator speed will be inconsistent. Pump and/or
actuator efficiency allows bypass that directly affects flow to the actuator not bleed-off to tank.

Pressure-compensated flow control valve applications

When pressure drop across an orifice changes, flow through the orifice also changes. As pressure drop
increases, flow increases, and as pressure drop decreases, flow decreases. Because of this fact, if pressure drop
across an orifice were constant, regardless of upstream and downstream pressure fluctuations, then flow
through it would stay the same. A pressure-compensated flow control valve (such as the one shown in Figure
13-2) automatically maintains a constant pressure drop across the orifice. There is a short discussion on
pressure-compensated flow control valves on page 13-1, but a valve in cutaway form is applied to a bleed-off
circuit in Figure 13-10.
In the bleed-off circuit, fluid
from the directional control
valve is sent to the cylinder to
start it extending. Because the
circuit has a fixed-volume
pump and needs speed control,
a bleed-off flow control is used
to save energy. Instead of
controlling flow to or from the
actuator, excess flow is bled to
tank across a pressurecompensated flow control at
whatever pressure it takes to move the fluid. A meter-in or meter-out flow control circuit would send excess flow
to tank across the relief valve at maximum pressure wasting a lot more energy.
The reason for using a pressure-compensated flow control is that pressure will fluctuate as the actuator moves
toward the workpiece and the flow to tank from a non-compensated flow control would change continuously. As
a result, actuator speed could vary considerably while it moves. With a pressure-compensated flow control, flow
to tank is constant, but actuator speed could still change due to pump efficiency as pressure increases or

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decreases. Any speed change from pump efficiency is present but practically imperceptible.
In the Figure 10-13 circuit, a 10-gpm pump sends 7 gpm to the cylinder and 3 gpm to tank. Fluid entering the
pressure-compensated flow control passes by the compensator spool and flows on to the variable knife-edge
orifice, which is set at 3 gpm. The variable knife-edge orifice restricts flow and creates backpressure in the
incoming fluid. When backpressure reaches (and attempts to exceed) 125 psi, fluid in the inlet-pressure pilot
line forces the compensator spool to the right. This restricts flow at the compensating orifice. After the
compensator spool settles in at its 125-psi bias-spring setting, pressure at PG3 reaches 125 psi and stays there.
This means that pressure drop across the variable knife-edge orifice is 125 psi. As the cylinder continues to
move and pressure at PG1 and PG2 increases or decreases, pressure at PG4 stays at 125 psi and flow is constant.
The cylinder moves at the same speed whether pressure is at or above 125 psi, and as much as 125 psi below the
maximum pressure setting.
Figure 13-11 shows a
pressure-compensated flow
control in a meter-in circuit.
Fluid from the valve enters the
flow control and is restricted.
Backpressure from restricted
flow goes through the inletpressure pilot line and shifts
the compensator spool to the
right, restricting flow to the
variable knife-edge orifice.
Backpressure from cylinder
resistance acts on the right end of the compensator spool through the outlet-pressure pilot line and adds to the
125-psi bias-spring force. This action and interaction always keeps pressure 125 psi higher at PG5 than at PG2.
A constant pressure drop across the orifice maintains a constant flow to the cylinder.
Figure 13-12 shows a
pressure-compensated flow
control in a meter-out circuit.
Fluid from the cylinder rod end
enters the pressurecompensated flow control and
is restricted at the variable
knife-edge orifice. Backpressure
through the inlet-pressure pilot
line shifts the compensator
spool to the right and restricts
flow to the variable knife-edge orifice. Pressure at PG5 settles in at 125 psi and flow stays the same across the
variable knife-edge orifice. Any backpressure from tank flow adds to the 125-psi bias-spring force and increases
pressure at PG5 so it always stays 125 psi above PG4.
Pressure-compensated flow control valves are as much as five times more expensive than non-compensated
models, so they should not be specified when accurate flow control is not required.
Changes in fluid viscosity also cause flow fluctuations. Thick fluid flows more slowly than thin fluid. A flow
control valve without temperature compensation allows varying flow from cool oil at startup to oil running at
normal or high temperature. The most common fix for viscosity variations is to use a knife-edge orifice.

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Knife-edge orifices have no flats to slow fluid flow, so they produce little change in flow between thick and thin
fluids. Other devices to obtain constant flow with viscosity variations are available, but they can be complex and
may cause malfunctions.
A flow control in a hydraulic circuit always generates heat. Some pump and flow control combinations produce
a lot more heat and should be avoided if possible. The following examples show different pump and flow control
combinations and suggest how much heat can be expected.
The fixed-volume pump and
meter-in or meter-out flow
control combination in Figure
13-13 is the worst-case
situation. The example shows a
cylinder stroking to the
workpiece with flow controls
set at 3 gpm. A 10-gpm pump
driven by a 5-hp electric motor
powers the circuit. Because it
only takes 100 psi to move the
cylinder while traversing, a lot
of heat-generating energy is
wasted. This example is
somewhat exaggerated, but is
not at all unheard of. Note the example only shows energy wasted on the extension stroke. With a
reduced-speed retraction stroke, heat generation could almost double the figures shown.
The main generator of heat is the excess pump flow going across the relief valve at 1000 psi. The two circuits in
Figure 13-14 show how to eliminate such wasted energy with a different flow control circuit or a different
pump. While the energy wasted across the flow control valve is much less at these low flows, it still adds heat to
a system. Also, the amount of pressure drop may be lower than indicated here because some actuators require
more pressure to move them to and from the workpiece. Energy loss across a flow control cannot be eliminated.
The amount of loss depends on pressure drop and flow rate across the orifice.
The circuits in Figure 13-14
show a fixed-volume pump with
a bleed-off circuit and a
pressure-compensated pump
with a meter-in circuit. Both of
these combinations save a lot of
energy (although not as much
as the load-sensing circuit that
was shown in Figure 8-27).
This type of flow control circuit
wastes the least energy possible
when using flow controls for
speed control.

Fluid flow dividers

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The flow divider in Figure 13-15 is called a priority flow divider because it splits pump flow into a fixed
controlled-flow (CF) outlet and sends excess fluid out an excess flow (EF) port. Volume orifices (drilled as
specified by the purchaser) preset fluid flow out of the CF port. EF flow is any flow the pump produces over and
above the controlled flow. This type flow divider is often used on vehicle power steering, where an engine-driven
pumps output may vary as rpm changes or as its flow is used for other functions. A priority flow divider assures
that the power steering always has ample fluid at any engine speed or when other functions are active.
As fluid enters the valve, the path of least resistance
leads through the controlled-flow-volume orifices
and out port CF. If pump flow is more than the
volume orifices can pass, pressure builds on the right
end of the flow-control spool through the excess-flow
pilot line. When pressure rises enough to overcome
the bias spring and any backpressure from the
steering circuit, the flow-control spool moves to the
left, just enough to let excess flow exit through port
EF. Excess flow changes as pump flow varies, but
flow to port CF takes priority. A relief valve in port
CF can be set for any pressure and has no affect on pressure at port EF. The controlled-flow relief valve is
required even when maximum pressure is the same for both outlets.
Notice that controlled flow is pressure compensated. As pressure builds at port CF, it pushes back against the
excess-flow pilot-pressure pilot to maintain a constant pressure drop across the volume orifices.
Priority flow dividers are also manufactured with adjustable flow for the priority port and without a relief valve
for circuits that already have one. (The symbol shown is borrowed from a manufacturer's catalog because there
is no standard symbol in ANSI or ISO literature.)
The flow divider in Figure 13-16 is a spool-type divider that splits
flow at any predetermined rate according to the sizes of the drilled
orifices. It is usually set up with identical orifice sizes for a 50-50
split. This particular design does not allow reverse flow, so bypass
check valves are required when flow must return the same way it
entered.
Fluid entering the Inlet port goes left and right through orifices,
then out outlets 1 and 2. When either outlet encounters more
backpressure than the other does, the high-pressure side forces the
spool towards the low-pressure side until pressures on both sides
equalize. Equal pressure drop across both orifices produces equal flow. (Most manufacturers specify flow
equality at 5%.) Pressure differences at the two outlets should be low because Inlet pressure always equals the
highest outlet pressure -- which means pressure drop across the low-pressure outlet wastes energy.
Spool-type flow dividers only split flow. When more than two outlets are required, dividers must be used in
series. A 50-50 split divider flowing into two more 50-50 dividers gives four equal outlets. A 66-33 divider into a
50-50 divider gives three equal outlets. The flow divider/combiner in Figure 13-17 equalizes flow in both
directions. It can be used with double-acting actuators to synchronize speed in both directions of travel. The
spool in this divider is made in two sections with a connecting link that allows the sections to move together in
the closed condition (as shown) for combining, or be spread by Inlet pressure when they are dividing. Springs at
both ends of the spool keep the sections together when pressure equalizes or is not present. Inlet orifices set

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nominal flow, while outlet orifices control flow to or from an actuator.

Flow to the inlet-return port goes through the inlet orifices to split
into two equal parts. Pressure drop across the orifices causes the
split spool to separate so the outlet orifices are working at the outer
edge of the outlet-return ports. When unequal pressures on its ends
shift the spool, flow is retarded to the low-pressure outlet port to
keep it from receiving too much fluid. When the actuator reverses,
flow into the outlet-return ports goes through the outlet orifices and
on through the inlet orifices, causing the spool sections to come
together. Now the outlet orifices control return flow on the inner
edge of the outlet-return ports. They will retard flow from any
actuator port that is trying to run ahead.

Motor-type flow dividers

A motor flow divider is constructed from two or more hydraulic motors -- in a common housing -- with a
common shaft running through one set of gears on all motor sets. There is a common Inlet to all motors and
separate outlets. The motors are usually gear-on-gear or gerotor design. Flow split is commonly 50-50 but many
outlet flow combinations are possible by changing gear or gerotor widths.
The cutaway view and symbol in Figure 13-18 pictures a 2-outlet 50-50 split gear-motor-type flow divider.
(There is no ISO or ANSI symbol for a motor flow divider so the one shown in the figure is from a suppliers
catalog.) One gear from each motor set is keyed to the common shaft, so both motors must turn at the same
rate. If one motor stalls, they both stop because of the common-shaft arrangement. Due to internal clearances in
the motor elements, there is some bypass flow that does not turn the motors. As a result, the outlet flows are not
always exactly equal . . . especially at high outlet-pressure differences.
From Figure 13-18, it should be obvious that this flow divider
does not have a priority side like a spool-type flow divider does.
Thus, when Inlet flow changes, it is always split equally. The main
advantage of motor-type over spool-type flow dividers is there is
less wasted energy when the outlets are not at or near the same
pressure. If pressure at the right outlet was 1500 psi and pressure at
the left outlet was 300 psi, pressure at the inlet would be 900 psi.
Pressure at the inlet is always the average of the sum of the outlets.
This feature can be an asset or a problem. If one outlet meets
resistance while the other is flowing to tank, an inlet pressure of
2000 psi can result in the pressurized outlet intensifying to 4000 psi. If pressure that high cannot be tolerated,
a relief valve must be installed at the outlets. On the other hand, intensification can allow a 1000-psi system to
produce 2000 psi to perform work -- similar to a hi-lo pump circuit. Note that while pressure doubles, flow is
halved through the high-pressure outlet.
Looking at Figure 13-18, it appears the motor flow divider is also
a combiner. This is partially true. The circuit in Figure 13-19
shows a motor flow divider synchronizing two hydraulic motors. As
the motors turn in right-hand rotation, they stay almost perfectly
synchronized. Pressure to each motor may vary but flow from each
flow-divider outlet remains near constant. If the directional control

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valve shifts to turn the motors in left-hand rotation, the flow

divider may get equal flow and the hydraulic motors may stay
synchronized. However, if one hydraulic motor meets more
resistance than it can overcome and stalls, all pump flow goes to
the running hydraulic motor. The second motor then turns twice as
fast. During this scenario, one flow-divider motor overspeeds while
the opposite one cavitates. The only way to make sure both
hydraulic motors stay synchronized in both directions of rotation is
to install motor flow dividers at both valve ports.
Spool and motor flow dividers work reasonably well to synchronize circuits with hydraulic motors and cylinders.
However, because both devices do not divide flow perfectly, the actuators they control will not stay perfectly
synchronized. A high-pressure difference at the divider's outlets is the worst problem; it can allow a 5 to 10% lag
in actuator position. This means that synchronizing circuits using flow dividers often require some type of
re-synchronizing valving to realign the actuators more exactly when they stop at home position. (Due to internal
bypass, actuators with short cycles may re-synchronize themselves because the error is small.)
Another design consideration is the intensification
of pressure at the outlets of a motor flow divider.
The circuit in Figure 13-20 has two cylinders that
are synchronized by a motor flow divider. Because
this circuit operates at 2000 psi, it is possible that
pressure at one cylinder could reach as much as
4000 psi due to intensification. Intensification
occurs when one cylinder is lightly loaded or has no
load and the other one is loaded heavily. In Figure
13-19, the load is shifted to one side of the platen -making the right-hand cylinder do all the work. Inlet
pressure is at 2000 psi and the cylinders are stalled.
Pressure at the lightly loaded left-hand cylinder is
250 psi, so pressure at the right-hand cylinder is 3750 psi. The intensification is due to energy transfer through
the motors in the flow divider. Because inlet pressure for both motors is 2000 psi, the unused 1750 psi from the
left side is transmitted through the common shaft and drives the opposite motor to 3750 psi. (For other
flow-divider circuits. see the authors book, Fluid Power Circuits Explained, available through the same outlet
for this manual.)
Most flow control functions are available as modular
or sandwich valves that mount between directional
control valves and a subplate. Figure 13-21 shows
most of the common configurations presently
offered by fluid power suppliers. Although the
symbols show non-compensated flow controls, most
configurations also are available with pressurecompensated flow controls. Where a needle valve is
shown, a flow control with bypass may actually be
installed. This is not a problem because there is
never a reason for flow reversal. Figure 13-21 also
shows two modular flow dividers that are available
from one supplier. These modules are usually

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CHAPTER 13: Flow Controls and Flow Dividers

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available in all valve sizes up to D08 (3/4-in. ports).

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06-05-2015 12:46 PM