To: Nancy Myers

From: Spencer Mullaley

Date: April 25, 2022
Subject: APLED 121-Description/Analysis Report

PILOT OPERATED RELIEF VALVE

Pilot operated relief valves are used to relief system pressure in a hydraulic system. Pilot operated relief
valves come in different sizes. Pilot operated relief valves are great for protecting your hydraulic
systems. The parts of the pilot operated relief valve will be listed below.

S A B C

P
D

O
E

F
M

G
L

J
A. External drain (Shown Plugged): This port can be used to externally drain the pilot operated
relief valve if needed.
B. Retainer: The retainer holds the gland and spring end in the valve body. The retainer prevents
the gland from coming out of the body and causing a big leak. Some adjustment screws can be
unscrewed out of the gland.
C. Adjustment screw: This screw can adjust the pressure setting on the pilot spring.
D. Knob: The knob connects to the adjustment screw, allowing you to easily adjust the pilot spring
setting.
E. Gland/Spring end: The pilot operated spring sits on the spring end to be adjusted. There is a
gland behind the spring end which has an O-ring on it, this O-ring prevents oil from leaking out
the adjustment screw if it is unscrewed all the way out of the gland.
F. Pilot spring (Pressure Regulating Spring): Tension is set on the pilot spring pushing the poppet
(dart) into its seat.
G. Pressure port: The pressure port is connected to the system. It will see system pressure. Some
pilot operated pressure controls will have two pressure ports, one of the pressure ports will
usually be blocked (Plugged).
H. Tank port: The tank port is connected to the tank, there is one tank port.
I. Stabilizing feature for spool: This specific shape allows fluid to act evenly on the main spool.
This will keep the main spool from wanting to move side to side when it opens.
J. Valve body: The valve body, is what holds all the components in one piece.
K. Internal drain: The internal drain, is used to drain fluid when the pilot poppet comes off its seat.
This fluid will drain to the tank port.
L. Pressure port: The pressure port is connected to the system. It will see system pressure. Some
pilot operated pressure controls will have two pressure ports, one of the pressure ports will
usually be blocked (Plugged).
M. Main spool: The main spool has a small flow path connecting the top and the bottom of the
spool. This keeps the spool balanced.
N. Pilot line/fixed orifice: The pilot line is used to allow flow to the pilot poppet. When the pilot
poppet comes off its seat, this creates a pressure drop. The fixed orifice pilot line is a low flow
line.
O. Main spring: The main spring is usually set between 35 and 50 PSI depending on the
manufacture. The main spring’s purpose is to act on the main spool.
P. Orifice: This orifice is drilled to a specific size. This allows flow to go back to the tank, when the
main spool shifts open, this orifice will restrict the flow going back to the pilot poppet.
Q. Vent port (Shown Plugged): The vent port is usually blocked. It can be removed to run other
directional control valves or relief valves.
R. Pilot poppet seat: The pilot poppet seats into the pilot poppet seat, creating a seal so no flow
can pass through.
S. Pilot poppet (Dart): The pilot poppet, is a surface for the oil to act on. When the pressure is high
enough, it will remove the poppet off the seat.

If you need pressure relieved in your hydraulic system, this pilot operated relief valve is for you. One
valve can run multiple actuators. A pilot operated relief valve is a good component to have in your
system, it can prevent you from over pressurizing your system and allowing safety for others. I have
used pilot operated relief valves for years and they are a good investment for a company. Waste no
time, come and get your pilot operated relief valves for your hydraulic system.