Hydraulic proportional valve: how does it work?

The ever-growing demands of precision in multiple applications require efficient and technical solutions. Hydraulic proportional valves play a crucial role in optimizing fluid flow and enhancing overall performance of the entire system involved.

We will delve into the inner workings of hydraulic proportional valves:

• Hydraulic proportional valve: features
• Hydraulic proportional valves advantages
• The functioning of hydraulic proportional valves
• Dolphin Fluidics hydraulic proportional valves

Hydraulic proportional valve and its features

Proportional valves are electronic devices which allow you to control the fluid flow. This makes you eliminate performance drifts during the operation, enabling precision, high positioning accuracy and smooth transitions. 

It is no surprise that one of their key features is the ability to dose the fluid flow rate. In fact, operators can modulate the amount of liquid passing through, obtaining controlled movements and actions within the system. Applications that require this kind of control are usually focused on critical factors such as speed and position monitoring.

Hydraulic proportional valves are particularly suitable in scenarios where the output pressure needs some stepwise or continuous variations. The valve keeps the pressure at one level before taking it to another one in a step-by-step process. On the other hand, if pressure control is progressive, the valve continuously increases pressure until it reaches a pre-established rate. 

This feature is crucial when it comes to applications where keeping pressure stable and controlled is paramount. Furthermore, this system helps to prevent possible damages provoked by excessive pressure or sudden pressure spikes.

Changes in load and temperature can be compensated by hydraulic proportional valves that will ensure consistent performance with all operation conditions. Moreover, some advanced devices can provide feedback on their position and status, allowing for real-time monitoring and diagnostics.

These valves are so versatile that they can be interconnected. In this way, the output of one valve works as an input for another. Additionally, many proportional valves can also ensure programmability and onboard diagnostics. 

Discover hydraulic proportional valves advantages

The use of hydraulic proportional valves brings forth a multitude of benefits for hydraulic systems and their operators. Here are some key advantages:

• precision: flow rates and pressure levels can be controlled accurately, allowing a precise system operation;

• improved efficiency: hydraulic proportional valves can dose fluid power, reducing energy consumption and waste, making the overall system more efficient. By precisely regulating fluid power, proportional valves optimize energy consumption and reduce waste, leading to improved overall system efficiency;

• dynamic response: they can provide a quick response to changing system requirements, optimizing performance and production. This is crucial in order to ensure real-time adjustments;

• versatility: hydraulic proportional valves adapt to specific applications. So they can be customized and tailored in order to respond to the most diverse demands and needs.

Would you like to know more about our hydraulic proportional valves?

The functioning of hydraulic proportional valves

How do hydraulic proportional valves work?

These systems are based on the principle of proportional control. They can effectively regulate the flow and pressure using an input signal, usually in the form of an electrical current which is converted into a corresponding valve for opening and closure.

Hydraulic proportional valves take advantage of a spool or poppet that moves within a valve body. In this way, the movement can actually regulate the flow of hydraulic fluid through the valve. The electrical input received from a controller or other devices influences the spool or poppet positioning. This position is achieved by finding a sort of balance between hydraulic forces acting on the spool or poppet and the forces exerted by an electrical actuator.

The spool or poppet position changes according to input signal fluctuations, enabling accurate control of fluid flow or pressure. The hydraulic proportional valve constantly compares the input with an internal feedback mechanism. This feedback mechanism plays a key role in maintaining fluid flow and pressure, even in the case of disturbances. 

This is a versatile solution: in fact, proportional valves find many applications in various industries which require precision. Thanks to their ability to provide accurate control and high performance, hydraulic proportional valves are useful in optimizing efficiency and enhancing the overall functionality of the systems they are designed for. 

Dolphin Fluidics hydraulic valves models 

Dolphin Fluidics produces various hydraulic proportional valves models whose specific characteristics and features perfectly combine with groundbreaking technology. 

Single-channel valves

They are ideal in case you need to accurately dose or dispense fluids, whether gasses or liquids. 

Single-channel valves are perfect in case you need precision and a tailor-made solution. In terms of performance, this device is reliable and consistent.

Dolphin Fluidics has different types of single-channel valves for every type of application: 

• Smart HP Air Valve
• Smart HP Liquid Valve
• Digipinch Valve
• On/Off Valve

Dual-channel valves

These valves have two channels that can be controlled separately. They can provide high standards of precision when it comes to dosing, dispensing and mixing fluids, whether they’re gasses or liquids. 

Compact and light, dual-channel valves allow customers to optimize space and the overall price of their equipment. 

As single-channel valves, this device is electronically controlled. As a result, they can be easily integrated into digital systems. 

Dolphin offers different models of this device. Let’s discover them:

• EAV Valve
• Digisense Valve
• Digimed Valve

If you’re looking for reliable hydraulic proportional valves, choose Dolphin Fluidics quality!