Insdustrial Hydraulics Manual

Chapter X

Volume Controls

Contents
1.Flow control methods 2.Type of flow controls 3.Questions

Introduction
Volume or flow control valves are used to regulate speed. As was developed in earlier chapters, the speed of an actuator depends on how much oil is pumped into it per unit of time. It is possible to regulate flow with a variable displacement pump, but in many circuits it is more practical to use a fixed displacement pump and regulate flow with a volume control valve.

I. Flow Control Methods

There are three basic methods of applying volume control valves to control actuator speeds. They are meter-in, meter-out and bleed-off. Meter-In Circuit Meter-in operation, the flow control valve is placed between the pump and actuator (Fig. 10-1). In this way, it controls the amount of fluid going into the actuator. Pump delivery in excess of the metered amount is diverted to tank over the relief valve. With the flow control valve installed in the cylinder line as shown, flow is controlled in one direction. A check valve must be included in the flow control or placed in parallel with it for return flow. If it is desired to control speed in both directions, the flow control can be installed in the pump outlet line prior to the directional valve. The meter-in method is highly accurate. It is used in applications where the load continually resists movement of the actuator, such as raising a vertical cylinder under load or pushing a load at a controlled speed.

I. Flow Control Methods

I. Flow Control Methods

Meter-Out Circuit Meter-out control (Fig. 10-2) is used where the load might tend to "run away. " The flow control is located where it will restrict exhaust flow from the actuator. To regulate speed in both directions,the valve is installed in the tank line from the directional valve. More often control is needed in only one direction and it is placed in the line between the actuator and directional valve. Here too a bypass check valve would be required for a rapid return stroke. Bleed-Off Circuit In a bleed-off arrangement (Fig. 10-3), the flow control is teed off the supply line from the pump and determines the actuator speed by metering a portion of the pump delivery to tank. The advantage is that the pump operates at the pressure required by the work, since excess fluid returns to tank through the flow control instead of through the relief valve. Its disadvantage is some loss of accuracy because the measured flow is to tank rather than into the cylinder, making the latter subject to variations in the pump delivery due to changing work loads. Bleed-off circuits should not be used in applications where there is a possibility of the load running away.

I. Flow Control Methods

I. Flow Control Methods

II. Type of flow controls

Flow control valves fall into two basic categories: pressure compensated and non-pressure compensated. The latter being used where load pressures remain relatively constant and feed rates are not too critical. They may be as simple as a fixed orifice or an adjustable needle valve, although more sophisticated units may even include a check valve (Fig. 10-4) for free flow in the reverse direction. Use of non-pressure compensated valves is somewhat limited, since flow through an orifice is essentially proportional to the square root of the pressure drop ( P) across it. This means that any appreciable change in the work load would affect the feed rate. Pressure compensated flow controls are further classified as restrictor and by-pass types. Both utilize a compensator or hydrostatic to maintain a constant pressure drop across an adjustable throttle.

II. Type of flow controls

II. Type of flow controls

The By-Pass Type - combines overload protection with pressure compensated control of flow (Fig. 10-5). It has a normally closed hydrostat which opens to divert fluid, in excess of the throttle setting, to the tank. Pressure required by the work load is sensed in the chamber above the hydrostat and together with a light spring tends to hold it closed. Pressure in the chamber below the hydrostat increases due to the restriction of the throttle and causes it to raise diverting any excess flow to tank when the difference in pressure is sufficient to overcome the spring. This difference, usually 20 psi, is maintained across the throttle providing a constant flow regardless of the work load. Some horsepower saving is accomplished in that the pump need operate at only 20 psi above work load pressure. Overload protection is provided by an adjustable spring loaded poppet which limits the maximum pressure above the hydrostat, causing it to function as a compound relief valve whenever work load requirements exceed its setting. The bypass flow control can only be used in a meter-in circuit. If used for metering out, exhaust oil which could not get through the throttle would be diverted to tank permitting the load to run away.

II. Type of flow controls

II. Type of flow controls

The Restrictor Type Flow Control - also maintains a constant 20 psi differential across its throttle by means of a hydrostat (Fig. 106). In this valve, the hydrostat is normally open and tends to close off blocking all flow in excess of the throttle setting. In these units, the work load pressure acts with a light spring above the hydrostat to hold it open. Pressure at the throttle inlet and under the hydrostat tends to close it, permitting only that oil to enter the valve that 20 psi can force through the throttle. Because of their tendency to close off when flow tries to exceed the throttle setting, restrictor type valves may be used in meter-in, meter-out and bleedoff circuits. Unlike the by-pass type, two or more restrictor valves may be used with the same pump since the excess pump delivery returns to tank through the relief valve. When placed in cylinder lines an integral check valve is optional to provide free flow for a rapid return stroke (Fig. 10-7). One would not be required for valves placed in the main supply line, the tank line of a directional valve or when they are used in bleed-off circuits.

II. Type of flow controls

II. Type of flow controls

II. Type of flow controls

Temperature Compensated Flow Control Valve Flow through a pressure compensated flow control valve is subject to change with variations in oil temperature. Later design Vickers valves incorporate a temperature compensating feature. Although oil flows more freely when it is hot, constant flow can be maintained by decreasing the size of the throttle opening as the temperature rises. This is accomplished through a compensating rod which lengthens with heat and contracts when cold (Fig. 10-8). The throttle is a simple plunger that is moved in and out of the control port. The compensating rod is installed between the throttle and its adjuster. This design also is available with a reverse free-flow check valve. Remote Flow Control Valves Remote flow control valves (Fig. 10-9) permit adjustment of the throttle size by an electrical signal. The throttle spool is linked to the armature of a torque motor and moves in response to signals to the torque motor. Operation is otherwise the same as a pressure compensated flow control valve.

II. Type of flow controls

II. Type of flow controls

III. Questions
1. Name two ways of regulating flow to an actuator. 2. What are the three methods of applying flow control valves? 3. Under what conditions would you use each? 4. How can the same valve control flow in both directions of actuator movement? 5. What is the difference between a bypass and restrictor type flow control? 6. What is pressure compensation? 7. How is temperature compensation indicated in a valve symbol? 8. When might temperature compensation be needed? 9. What is the advantage of the flow control and relief valve over a conventional flow control? 10. How is the throttle positioned in a remote flow control valve?