Chapter 1: Overview

Chapter 1: Overview

Objectives
• Learn the definition of a proportional valve.
• Recognize the different types of proportional valves.
• Learn the definition of direct acting and pilot operated.

Introduction

A proportional valve is one which can vary the output in response to the variation
of electric input. The output of these valves depend on the magnetic force of the
solenoid. There are three types of proportional valves, electrohydraulic proportional
flow control, pressure control and directional valves. Of these, HydraForce produces
proportional valves which control flow or pressure, when current is applied to a
solenoid coil.

The purpose of this manual is to explain how proportional valves work. To do this, the
terminology associated with proportional valves, basic construction, operating
parameters and how the valves are controlled will be presented.

This manual is the first in a series which includes proportional valves,

flow control valves and directional control valves.

HydraForce and the HydraForce logo are registered trademarks of HydraForce, Inc.
The entire content of this manual is copyright 2001 HydraForce, Inc. All rights reserved.

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Chapter 1: Overview

Summary of Chapters

Chapter One is intended as an overview of this manual and begins with a definition
of a proportional valve as well as a definition of direct acting and pilot operated.
In addition, the different types of proportional valves are listed.

In Chapter Two, the basics of controllers is discussed as a foundation for the rest of
the manual. In it, voltage signals, threshold and maximum current, voltage and
current control are discussed. In addition, potentiometers, electronic controllers and
their components are discussed.

The criteria used to measure valve performance is covered in Chapter Three. Topics
covered are as basic as pressure rise, control range and as complex as open and
closed loop motion control theory.

Chapter Four covers direct acting proportional pressure control valves. The perfor-
mance operation and forces acting on the TS38-20, TS38-21 and EHPR08-33 are
explained in detail. This chapter includes a discussion about flat face and proportional
actuators.

Pilot operated proportional pressure control valves are discussed in Chapter Five. The
performance of these valves is explained as well as the operation. The differences in
the standard pressure reducing and relieving valves is also covered in this chapter.

Applications of proportional pressure controls is presented in Chapter Six. These

applications include control of a clutch, fan drive, stack valve and position of a
cylinder. Included in this chapter is a discussion of temperature, duty cycle and other
parameters which affect the current draw of a coil.

Appendix A has the answers to the chapter questions and Appendix B offers a brief
summary on the HydraForce model coding system for the proportional valve.

Types of Proportional Valves

There are three main categories of proportional valves. These include flow, pressure
and directional control valves. Flow control valves control the flow into or out of a
hydraulic cylinder or motor. The flow is controlled to regulate the speed of these
actuators. In other words, the rate the cylinder extends and retracts or how fast the
motor turns. The pressure control valves regulate the pressure applied to both of these
devices. By regulating the pressure, the force the cylinder applies, or the torque of the
motor is controlled. Finally, the directional control determines if the cylinder extends
or retracts, or if the motor turns clockwise or counter clockwise.

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 Chapter 1: Overview

Direct Acting vs. Pilot Operated

The movement of the hydraulic components (such as the spool), inside these valves
can be controlled directly by the solenoid actuator. Valves which use this type of
actuator are know as direct acting valves. Another method of controlling this move-
ment is to use a small direct acting valve which controls the pressure applied
to a larger spool. This is known as a pilot operated valve. In this valve, a small
element pilots (controls) a large element. The diagrams below are examples of how
these two functions and methods of actuation are accomplished. Both examples are
pressure reducing valves. The EHPR08-33 is direct acting (controlled by the
solenoid) and the TS10-36 is pilot operated (small valve controlling the larger spool).
The operation of each is discussed in later chapters.

Armature Pushes Armature Pushes on

on Spool Poppet and Controls
Pressure on Top
of Larger Spool

EHPR08-33

TS10-36AM

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Chapter 1: Overview

Notes:

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