Directional Control Valves

Directional CONTROL valves

Functionality & Power

Directional control valves allow fluids or gases to flow into different paths from valve ports, which provide a passageway for flow to or from other components/sources. They are one of the most important parts of hydraulic and pneumatic systems. 

A directional control valve consists of a mechanically or electrically actuated spool inside a cylinder. The spool’s position allows or prevents fluid flow within the passageway; this often occurs instantly, causing fluid to accelerate and decelerate rapidly.

Direction Control Valves Ports & Positions

When selecting a directional control valve, two primary elements must be considered: the number of ports and directional positions the valve can achieve. The number of positions refers to the number of flow paths a valve can provide.

Directional Control Valves Features & Benefits:

• Power beyond, Blocked and Open spool options
• 4W3P - Manually Operated
• Lightweight aluminum construction
• Integral relief in P
• High Flow option, 15 GPM
• 2 – 21 sections
• SAE #8 ports A & B
• SAE #10 ports P & T
• Custom porting available
• 12 gpm, 2200 psi, intermittent

Directional Control Valve Applications

Mobile Hydraulic Directional Control Valves are used in the Agricultural, Industrial, and Mobile industries to provide smooth operation, low-pressure drop, and rapid response for precise fluid control in a lightweight constructed valve. These valves are rated at 2000 psi and flows to 10 GPM. Their applicability makes them increasingly sought after and are used in many applications, such as:

• Car carriers
• Machinery - Tractors
• Assembly lines
• Energy production
• Marine equipment
• Construction machines
• Mining machines
• Material handling cranes
• Trucks & Rigs 

Directional Control Valve Operating Methods

There are five main operating methods used for directional control valves, all dependent on their applications: manual, spring, electrical, pneumatic, and hydraulic.

Manual valves

Manual operated valves are operated with levers or paddles that require force to open and close the valve. Occasionally spring force is required to recover the valve position. In contrast, some manual valves use a lever or external pneumatic or hydraulic signal to return the spool to its original position. 

Mechanical valves

Mechanically operated valves are more subject to wear and tear as they apply force by using cams, wheels, and rollers.

Hydraulic valves

Hydraulically operated directional control valves are much more robust than other operation methods. In addition, they are designed to be more precise as they perform at much higher pressures than a pneumatic directional control valve. 

Further information

At Curtiss Wright Valve Group, you’ll find a variety of different valve products such as Butterfly Valves, Changeover Valves, Check Valves, Control Valves, Directional Control Valves, Engineering Services, Engineering Software, Gate Valves, Globe Valves, Plug Valves, Pressure Relief Valves, Strainers and Instrumentation Equipment.

To find out further information on any product, read the related documents found in the library.