Directional and Flow Controls (A9504)

This comprehensive interactive multimedia-training program consists of five individual lessons that train participants to identify system components, read schematics, and understand the conditions necessary for proper operation of a hydraulic system.

Prerequisites

This lesson is designed for participants who are familiar with the basic operating principles of hydraulic systems, the stages of power transfer through a hydraulic system, hydraulic schematics, hydraulic pumps, and basic hydraulic safety considerations.

Description

This lesson covers types of directional control valves and flow control valves, their functions in a hydraulic system, and some of their applications. This lesson shows four-way, three-position directional control valves and explains different ways they can be centered, actuated, piloted, and drained. This lesson also covers different flow control valve designs and explains how pressure differential affects flow.

Objectives

Identify functions of ports on a directional control valve. Trace various flow paths through a directional control valve on a system schematic. Describe the type of actuators used with directional control valves. Explain how changing flow rate affects the performance of the actuator. Identify functions of ports on a flow control valve. Describe the operation of various valves, including a needle valve, pressure-compensated flow control valve, and a check valve. Describe the operation of meter-in and meter-out circuits.