All About Directional Control Valves – PSI Automation

All About Directional Control Valves!

One of the most important parts of a hydraulic or pneumatic system

All About Directional Control Valves!

One of the most important parts of a hydraulic or pneumatic system

What are DCVs?

Directional control valves are one of the most used components in pneumatic and hydraulic systems. They are used to either start, stop or change the direction or rate of flow.

DCVs can be simple or complex, depending on the systems requirements.

How does a DCV function?

Directional control valves allow air or liquid to flow into different paths from one or more sources. They can be actuated either manually, electrically, mechanically or pneumatically.

A basic overview is that inside the valve there is a moving part (usually a spool) that shifts from one position to another, which opens/closes passageways or ports within the valve.

This is demonstrated in the graphic below

The above is just one of many different types of DCVs, they are generally classified according to:

number of ports
number of positions
method of actuating
type of moving part construction

One of the most important parts of a hydraulic or pneumatic system

These valves play such an integral part in your system, you’ll want to make sure you are using only the highest quality products to maximise performance and minimise downtime

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