Terminology and performance features

of Proportional valve and

Servovalve
Direct controlled or Pilot controlled valves

Direct Controlled
Spool of the Mainstage valve is direct driven by the Motor

Motor
Z.B.: Linearmotor Mainstage

P A T B

This type of valve also named Single Stage Valve

Page 2
Direct controlled or Pilot controlled valves

Pilot Controlled
The spool of the mainstage is driven by a Pilotstage in
generall by a electromechnical, hydraulic amplifier.

Pilot
stage

Mainstage

This kind of valves are designs as 2 or 3 Stage valves.

In the upper example a 2 stage valve (pilot and mainstage) is shown.
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Rated Flow

Rated Flow (QN)

The specified control flow
corresponding to the rated
current (100 % and specified
load pressure drop (10 bar/ 70
bar) at a 100% ).

Valve flow calculation:

Detla p
Q = QN *
Detla p N

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Flow Curve / Flow gain

Flow Curve
The graphical representation of the

Flow
controlled flow versus input signal. 1
This is usually a continuous plot of a
complete cycle between plus and 1) Seturation Region

minus rated input signal 2) Normal Region 2

3) Null Region

Flow Gain Input signal

Flow gain is the nominal relationship - 100 % 3 100 %

of the flow (Q) to input signal.

The flow curve is subdivide into

• Null Region
• Normal Region
• Saturation Region

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Flow gain

Null Flow Gain (null region)

Flow (%)
The slope of the controlled
flow versus input signal
relationship at null. Null flow
Flow Gain (200%)
gain can be between 0
(Overlaped) and 200% Input signal
(Underlaped) of the nominal
- 10 % 10 %
flow gain due to the lap
condition. Flow Gain (50%)
Moog specified there the flow
gain between 50% and 200%
for Servo valves with axis cut.

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Lap Types / Zero lap

Zero lap (axis cut)

Also called closed center

The lap condition where there is no

separation of the straight line extension of
the normal flow curve, generally
corresponding to precise alignment of the
spool land to the bushing / body lands.
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Lap Types / Overlap

Overlap

The lap condition which results in a

decreased slope of the normal flow curve
Deadband in the null region. It depends on the
overlap of the spool land to the Bushing/
Body lands. The complete area of
overlap is also called “deadband”.
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Lap Types / Underlap

Underlap
Also called open center

The lap condition which results in a

increased slope of the normal flow curve
in the null region. It depends on the
underlap of the spool land to the
Bushing/ Body lands.
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Lap Types / Measuring of

The flow curve can be measured in to different

way‘s

• Flow measurment between the valve ports A(C1) and

B (C2).

• Flow measurment in the drain line (Tank).

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Lap Types / Measuring of

Flow measurment between A(C1) and B (C2).

Flow (Q)
M

A B Input signal

x y
P T

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Lap Types / Measuring of

Flow measurment in the drain line (Tank).

Flow (Q)
A B

x y
P T

M
Input signal

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Lap Types / Internal Leakage

Null Leakage
The total valve internal

Q leakage [L/min]
leakage flow at the null
position, expressed in Under lap

Null leakage
“cis” or “l/min”. Zero lap

Over lap

0
Spool stroke
X [mm]

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Delta P / Pressure Gain

Delta P
Is the different between the
measured pressure in Port A (C1) manometer
and Port B (C2) of the valve.
PA PB

A B

Delta P calculation:
Delta P = PA - PB
P T

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Delta P / Presssure Gain

Pressure Gain
Delta P (%)

The increasing of the Pressure - 70%

Signal - Curve is defined as the
pressure gain.
The pressure gain showed the
relationship between the Delta P 2%

and the input signal, measured at a -4 4 Input signal

(%)
closed actuator (see sketch Delta P).

There is direct relation between the

pressure gain and the precise of the
positioning of the actuator.

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Hysteresis / Threshold

Hysteresis

Flow
The maximum difference in the
valve input signal, required to Hysteresis
X
produce the same valve output
(flow, pressure, spool position)
during a +/-100 % signal cycle of Input signal
the valve.
-100% 100 %

Threshold
Threshold
The increment of input signal
X
required to produce a change in the
valve output (flow, pressure, spool
position). Threshold is normally
specified as the input signal
encountered when changing the
direction which was previously
demand. Page 16
Dynamic Characteristics

The dynamic characteristic of a valve can be

determined in two ways :

• Stepresponse
• Frequency response
The knowledge of the dynamic characteristic
of a valve is very important for the integration
of then valve into a close or open loop system.
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Dynamic Characteristics

Stepresponse
Stepresponse - A measure of
the time required for a spool
to change the position
(typically from “0” to 100%
flow or position) in response
to a stepped input signal.

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Dynamic Characteristics

Frequency response Amplitude

A
The relationship of no-load X (dB)
control flow to input signal 90° 270° 360°

when the signal is made to

T
vary sinusoidal at constant
amplitude over a range of
frequencies. Frequency
response is expressed by the
A Phase Angle
amplitude ratio in decibels
(dB) and phase lag in degrees 90° 270° 360°
(°) over a specific frequency
range. T

X (ϕ)

Page 19
Dynamic Characteristics

Bode Diagram
The different measured
points will will be transfer
into the Bode Diagram.

The Frequency responds

test will be made with
different input signal (e.g.:
10% , 25% , 90%).

At a small signal inputs (<10%), the frequency at

which the valve output experiences a 90º phase lag
relative to valve command is identified as the valve
NATURAL FREQUENCY (ωn).
Page 20
Open and close loop

Open Loop (no feedback of the output)

Input Output

Amplifier Valve Actuator

Closed Loop (feedback of the output)

Input + Output
-
Amplifier Valve Actuator

Sensor
Page 21