Fluid Power Systems (ME353)

Fall 2012
Lecture 9

Directional Control
Devices

 Directional control devices allow a system operator to control the direction

of fluid flow in the system
Starting and stopping of actuators
Control of actuator movement direction
Directional control devices can be grouped in four general classifications
Shut-off or two-way valves
Check valves
Three-way valves
Four-way valves

Symbols for directional control valves

 The primary purpose of shut-off valves is to block fluid flow through a

hydraulic system line
Globe valve
Gate valve
Ball valve
Spool valve
Needle valve

Typical globe valve

 Typical gate valve

Typical ball valve

 Typical spool valve

Typical needle valve

 The primary purpose of check valves is to allow free flow in

one direction while preventing reverse flow
Other functions include:
Bypassing components during the return cycle of the system
Providing flow resistance to maintain a minimum system
pressure required for pilot operations

Typical inline check valve

Typical right-angle check valve

 A standard check valve consists of a valve body containing a

one-way valve located between inlet and outlet ports
The one-way valve allows fluid flow through the valve in
only one direction
Some designs contain a spring that seats the valve poppet or
ball
In other designs, the poppet is seated only by fluid flow

 Restriction check valves allow free flow in one direction and

restricted flow when flow direction is reversed
This is accomplished via a metering orifice machined into the
poppet

Typical restriction check valve

 Pilot-operated check valves can allow reverse flow through

the valve
Typically, pilot pressure opens the valve
In some designs, pilot pressure may also hold the valve shut
to block flow in both directions

Pilot pressure to open check valve

Pilot pressure to block flow through valve

 Three-way directional control valves provide a means to extend

rams and single-acting cylinders
The actuator is returned to its original position by an external force
System load
Spring built into the actuator

Typical three-way directional control valve

 During extension, the three-way valve connects the actuator inlet line to a
system supply line, allowing fluid to enter and extend the unit
During retraction, the valve blocks the supply line and connects the actuator
line to a system return line, allowing external force to return the actuator to
its original position while directing displaced fluid to the reservoir