What is a proportional control valve and what is the function of a proportional valve
A proportional valve is a valve that is capable to change the output, in response to the variation of electrical input. These valves are also called electrohydraulic valves and they have some similarities with the hydraulic servo valves like both of them are electrically controlled. In this valve, the spool of the valve is driven with the help of a solenoid. The major difference between a servo valve and a proportional valve is servo valves are used in closed-loop systems, whereas proportional valves are used in open and closed-loop systems. Proportional valves can be used as a direction control or pressure control valve but mostly these valves are used as direction control valves. The actuation is done with the help of an electric signal. The flow direction and flow rate of the valve are influenced by the control signal.
What are the features of a proportional solenoid valve
These valves have a closed-loop control system, so the valves are controlled by the help of electrical inputs from the sensor. Because of this feature, the proportional solenoid valves are used for many applications. These valves also have certain safety features like, in case of power failure or if the electrical input is interrupted then the valve will close immediately. Proportional solenoid valves have a long life and it only needs less maintenance. The solenoid operator has only one moving part
How proportional valves are constructed
In a proportional valve, the spool is made up of hardened steel and the body is made up of high-grade hydraulic casting and it is painted. The solenoids are zinc coated and the housing for the electronic is made up of aluminum. The proportional spool slide in the cast body. Their construction is robust similar to the directional control valves. These valves have high flow capacity and they are economical too. The throttle area is formed by notches cut into the spool. The notch size and geometry determine the flow capacity of a given housing.
How proportional valve works
The proportional flow control valve can be considered as the combination of the hydraulic valve actuation with advanced electronic control. The hydraulic circuitry is reduced by using a proportional valve, when a proportional valve is used it will reduce the number of components in a system. The accuracy and efficiency of the system will increase by using a proportional valve. A proportional directional control valve would vary the fluid flow according to the input electrical signal. These valves produce output proportionally to the electronically controlled input. The output will be in three forms they are direction, pressure, and flow. The coils in the valves mostly operate in DC and it could be by varying voltages. This would create a varying force and this force is used to shift the spool. These valves have high efficiency and accuracy and remote activation is another advantage of this valve. These valves are capable to control cylinders or other hydraulic motors.
The operation of the valve takes place by a signal that is received from an outside device the device could be a PLC, computer, or potentiometer. The control device will give the electrical signals to the valve driver card and it would send a current signal to the valve solenoid. The spool will be shifted because of the force that acts on it and a flow path is created between the pump and the actuator port. According to the input in-put signal, the spool shifting takes place. A transducer is used to check the spool movement.
How to select a proportional control valve
- It can be selected according to the process that is used for like flow or pressure control
- Check whether the operating temperature of the system is suitable for the proportional valve
- Check the repeatability it is the flow rate of the valve
- Reverse sensitivity is the change in the electrical input that is required to change the flow rate
- Threshold, it is the electrical input that is necessary for the flow from zero position.
What is a hydraulic proportional valve
Proportional valves are used in hydraulic systems because these valves are capable to position the spool many times according to the received input. These valves are used in circuits that need more than one speed of actuators. Proportional valves can be used in the hydraulic system so that it can control the pressure, flow, and direction. By using this valve the efficiency of the system will increase. So by using this single valve, we can control the flow, pressure, and direction, and this would also simply the circuit.
What are the types of proportional valves
Proportional directional control valve
These valves are used in many hydraulic applications for direction control. Mostly these valves are used in closed-loop applications. Certain type of proportional direction control valves doesn’t have any spool feedback and these are for open-loop control applications and they can be direct or pilot operated.
Proportional flow control valve
An integrated compressor or hydrostatic is used to limit the pressure across the throttling orifice. So when the load force change there won’t be any change in the flow.
Proportional pressure relief valve
These valves can limit the pressure in a hydraulic circuit and this limit is adjusted by electronic control. There would be excess flow during the pressure-relieving process and this excess flow is sent to the reservoir tank
What are the applications of proportional control valve
- These valves are used in applications where high resolution, high volume flow, and low hysteresis is needed
- Used in hydraulic systems
- Earthmoving machines
- Robotics
- Machine tools and paper production