Flow divider valve function is crucial in various hydraulic systems used to ensure the equal distribution of fluid between different components. At its core, flow divider valve function involves the division or combination of hydraulic flows, allowing for multiple operations from a single hydraulic pump. Flow divider valve function effectively optimizes efficiency, maintains consistent pressure, and ensures synchronized movement in multi-circuit applications.

Hydraulic systems depend on flow dividers for equal flow distribution, preventing uneven operation of connected devices like cylinders or motors. This makes them vital for machinery in agriculture, construction, and industrial settings. Different types, such as sliding spool and rotary gear dividers, offer varied functionality and precision. Choosing the right type can impact system performance and reliability significantly.

I am Todd Cleppe, CEO & Co-Founder at CFAB Global, with experience in designing systems that improve flow divider valve function. My work has focused on improving machinery performance across various industries by utilizing innovations like accurate flow divider systems. This commitment to excellence and reliability positions CFAB Global to address specific hydraulic system challenges effectively, enhancing productivity and reducing downtime in these critical operations.

Flow divider valve function basics:
– how does a hydraulic flow divider valve work
– flow divider valves
– pressure compensated flow divider

Understanding Flow Divider Valves

Flow divider valves are essential components in hydraulic systems, playing a critical role in managing fluid distribution and maintaining consistent pressure differences across various applications. They are designed to split flow into multiple paths or combine flow from different sources, ensuring efficient operation across diverse machinery.

Types of Flow Divider Valves

There are three primary types of flow divider valves: motor type, orifice type, and gear dividers. Each offers unique advantages depending on the application.

• Motor Type: This type consists of two or more motors, usually gear motors, sharing a common shaft. They are ideal for dividing flow into specific ratios, like 50-50 or 75-25, depending on the displacement of each motor. This ensures synchronized movement, especially in systems with multiple actuators.

• Orifice Type: These are simpler designs that restrict flow through a fixed orifice, providing less precision than motor types but are cost-effective for applications where exact flow division isn’t critical.

• Gear Dividers: Known for their ruggedness and resistance to contamination, gear dividers are highly efficient and accurate. They use gears to mechanically split the flow, making them suitable for applications requiring precise flow division.

Flow Divider Valve Function

The flow divider valve function is multifaceted, encompassing the ability to split flow into multiple streams, combine flow back into a single stream, and provide pressure compensation across different hydraulic circuits.

• Split Flow: By dividing the incoming hydraulic fluid into equal or predefined ratios, flow dividers ensure that connected actuators operate at the same speed, regardless of load differences. This is crucial in maintaining synchronization in systems like those used in agriculture or construction.

• Combine Flow: Flow dividers can also work in reverse, merging multiple hydraulic streams into one. This is beneficial in systems where consolidating flow is necessary for efficient operation.

• Pressure Compensation: Advanced flow dividers, like the MIA-FD self-compensated model, adjust to pressure variations, maintaining consistent flow rates even under varying load conditions. This improves system stability and efficiency.

Understanding these types and functions helps in selecting the right flow divider valve for specific needs, ensuring optimal performance and reliability in hydraulic systems.

In the next section, we’ll dig into the components and operation of these critical hydraulic devices, exploring how they contribute to system efficiency and reliability.

Components and Operation

In hydraulic systems, understanding the components and operation of flow divider valves is key to ensuring efficiency and reliability. Let’s explore the main elements: spool dividers, gear-type dividers, and crossport relief valves.

Motor Type Flow Dividers

Motor type flow dividers are popular for their ability to synchronize multiple actuators. They consist of two or more gear motors connected by a shared shaft. Each motor has a specific displacement, which determines the flow ratio. For instance, if both motors have the same displacement, the flow is divided equally—hence the term “50-50 flow divider.”

These dividers ensure that actuators move at the same speed, critical in applications where synchronization is essential, like in multi-cylinder systems. However, differences in motor displacement can create custom flow ratios, such as 75-25, offering flexibility for various applications.

Crossport Relief Valves

Crossport relief valves play an essential role in maintaining synchronization and absorbing shocks within hydraulic systems. They allow for pressure build-up and release, ensuring that actuators remain in sync even if they bypass different flow amounts.

For example, when one actuator reaches its stroke limit, the pressure increases until the crossport relief valve opens, allowing the slower actuator to catch up. This prevents cavitation and potential system lock-up, as seen in the case of the ferry ramp hydraulic system, where synchronization issues led to significant vibrations and operational shutdowns.

Spool Dividers and Gear-Type Dividers

Spool dividers and gear-type dividers are two other critical components in hydraulic systems. Spool dividers split the input flow into two proportional outputs. They are pressure compensated, ensuring consistent flow division despite load variations. However, they require a larger pressure drop to operate, which can generate heat.

In contrast, gear-type dividers are known for their ruggedness and precision. They use a series of gears to mechanically divide the flow, offering high efficiency and low internal leakage. This makes them suitable for applications where contamination resistance and precise flow division are crucial.

Synchronization and Pressure Management

Synchronization and pressure management are vital for the smooth operation of hydraulic systems. Motor type flow dividers and crossport relief valves work together to maintain system balance, preventing issues like cavitation and pressure intensification.

For example, in multi-cylinder systems, rigid connections can lead to synchronization problems if the flow isn’t managed correctly. Using flow dividers with built-in crossport relief valves can mitigate these risks, ensuring that all actuators operate in harmony.

In the next section, we’ll explore the applications of flow divider valves in various industries, highlighting their role in enhancing system performance and reliability.

Applications of Flow Divider Valves

Flow divider valves are essential in many industries, from agriculture to construction, ensuring hydraulic systems operate smoothly and efficiently. Let’s explore two primary applications: Multi-Cylinder Systems and Hydraulic Motor Circuits.

Multi-Cylinder Systems

In multi-cylinder systems, synchronization is crucial. When multiple cylinders need to move in unison, even a small discrepancy in flow can lead to significant problems. This is where flow divider valves make a difference. By splitting the flow evenly, they ensure each cylinder receives the same amount of hydraulic fluid, maintaining synchronization.

Why is this important?

Without proper synchronization, systems can experience cavitation—a condition where vapor bubbles form in the fluid, potentially causing damage when they collapse. Additionally, pressure intensification can occur, increasing the risk of component failure.

Imagine a construction crane lifting uneven loads. If the cylinders aren’t synchronized, the crane might tilt, leading to dangerous situations. Flow dividers prevent this by keeping the cylinders in sync, enhancing safety and efficiency.

Hydraulic Motor Circuits

Hydraulic motor circuits often involve rigid frames or mechanisms, such as vehicle wheels or conveyor systems. In these setups, speed variations and potential lock-ups are common concerns. Flow divider valves help mitigate these issues by maintaining equal flow distribution across all motors.

How does this work?

Rigid frames can amplify any slight differences in motor speed or torque, leading to lock-up or cavitation. Flow dividers prevent these problems by compensating for variations in motor displacement, wheel diameter, or friction coefficients. This ensures that all motors operate at the same speed, reducing wear and tear on the system.

For example, in agricultural machinery, like tractors with multiple driven wheels, flow dividers ensure each wheel receives the same amount of power. This prevents one wheel from spinning faster than the others, which could lead to soil damage or uneven field coverage.

In summary, flow divider valves are vital for maintaining synchronization and preventing issues like cavitation and pressure intensification in hydraulic systems. Whether in multi-cylinder setups or hydraulic motor circuits, they play a crucial role in enhancing system performance and reliability.

In the next section, we’ll address some frequently asked questions about flow divider valves, providing insights into their primary functions and operational mechanisms.

Frequently Asked Questions about Flow Divider Valves

What is the primary function of a flow divider valve?

The primary function of a flow divider valve is to split flow evenly across multiple outlets while maintaining consistent pressure. This ensures that each component in a hydraulic system receives the same amount of fluid, which is crucial for synchronization, especially in systems with multiple cylinders or motors. By doing so, flow divider valves help prevent issues like cavitation and pressure intensification, which can lead to system inefficiencies or failures.

How does a flow divider valve work?

Flow divider valves operate on a progressive sequence using mechanisms such as pistons or gears. When fluid enters the valve, it is distributed across the outlets based on the valve design—either equally or in predetermined ratios. For example, in a gear design, gears rotate to divide the fluid, allowing for precise distribution even under fluctuating pressure conditions. This operation ensures that all connected components function in harmony, maintaining balance and performance throughout the system.

What are the types of flow divider valves?

Flow divider valves come in various types, each suitable for different applications and system requirements. Two common types are:

• Spool Version: These valves use a spool mechanism to split the flow. They are known for their ability to handle high-pressure systems and are often used in applications requiring precise flow control.

• Gear Design: Gear-type flow dividers employ rotating gears to separate the flow. They are robust and efficient, making them ideal for systems where contamination might be a concern, as they are less sensitive to impurities in the fluid.

Each type has its advantages, and selecting the right one depends on factors like system pressure, required accuracy, and environmental conditions. Understanding these options helps in choosing the most suitable flow divider valve for your specific needs. For reliable solutions, consider Graco Inc. flow divider valves, known for their quality and performance in various industrial applications.

Conclusion

At CFAB Global, we understand the critical role that flow divider valves play in ensuring the smooth operation of hydraulic systems across various industries. Our commitment to enhancing operational efficiency is embodied in our Machine Reliability Program, which offers a custom approach to machinery maintenance and optimization.

Our Machine Reliability Program is designed to maximize productivity while minimizing downtime. By providing a comprehensive suite of services, including personalized analysis, state-of-the-art equipment, and ongoing support, we help businesses achieve their operational goals more effectively. This program is not a one-size-fits-all solution; instead, we work closely with each client to develop strategies that meet their unique needs.

The impact of our program extends across industries such as manufacturing, construction, agriculture, and energy. In each sector, we focus on extending the lifespan of machinery components, increasing the return on investment and ensuring long-term success.

By leveraging our expertise and cutting-edge solutions, CFAB Global is uniquely positioned to help your business thrive. Whether you’re looking to improve the efficiency of your hydraulic systems or need expert guidance on machinery management, we are here to support you every step of the way.

For more information on how CFAB Global can transform your machinery operations, visit our service page. Let us help you achieve peak performance and operational excellence.