PROPORTIONAL VALVE SELECTION FACTORS

Steve Skinner, Eaton Hydraulics, Havant, UK

Copyright  Eaton Hydraulics 2000
PROPORTIONAL VALVE SELECTION FACTORS

 Spool Configuration
 Rated Flow
 Power Capacity
 Open Loop / Closed Loop
 Valve Response
 Linearity
 Repeatability
 Reproducibility
 Hysteresis
 Pressure Gain
 Spool Lap
SPOOL CONFIGURATION

 Spool Configuration
 Rated Flow
 Power Capacity
 Open Loop / Closed Loop
 Valve Response
 Linearity
 Repeatability
 Reproducibility
 Hysteresis
 Pressure Gain
 Spool Lap
METER IN & METER OUT (SYMMETRIC) SPOOL

A B

A B T P T
20N
This is the most common proportional valve
P T This is the most common proportional valve
spool where, for a given opening, the
spool where, for a given opening, the
restriction in all flow paths will be equal.
restriction in all flow paths will be equal.
For an equal area actuator (eg. motor) this
For an equal area actuator (eg. motor) this
will provide both meter-in and meter-out
will provide both meter-in and meter-out
control, For an unequal area actuator
control, For an unequal area actuator
(cylinder), the control will be
(cylinder), the control will be
predominantly meter-in or meter-out
predominantly meter-in or meter-out
depending upon the direction of movement.
depending upon the direction of movement.
METER OUT SPOOL

A B

A B T P T
28S

P T The meter-out spool has metering notches

The meter-out spool has metering notches
on the A to T and B to T flow paths only.
on the A to T and B to T flow paths only.
The P to A and P to B flow paths remain
The P to A and P to B flow paths remain
relatively unrestricted (as in a conventional
relatively unrestricted (as in a conventional
switching valve).
switching valve).
The meter-out spool can be used with both
The meter-out spool can be used with both
cylinders and motors and is often used for
cylinders and motors and is often used for
the control of negative loads.
the control of negative loads.
METER IN SPOOL

A B

A B T P T
22A

P T Available on the KDG4V 3S valve only is a

Available on the KDG4V 3S valve only is a
meter-in spool which has metering notches
meter-in spool which has metering notches
on the P to A and P to B flow paths.
on the P to A and P to B flow paths.
ASYMMETRIC SPOOL

A B

A B T P T
20N10

P T For optimum control of unequal area

For optimum control of unequal area
actuators, most proportional directional
actuators, most proportional directional
valves have asymmetric spool options. In
valves have asymmetric spool options. In
this case the flow restriction P to A or
this case the flow restriction P to A or
P to B is less than that for the P to B or
P to B is less than that for the P to B or
B to T flow paths. For example, a 2:1 ratio
B to T flow paths. For example, a 2:1 ratio
spool used with a 2:1 ratio cylinder would
spool used with a 2:1 ratio cylinder would
give equal meter-in and meter-out control.
give equal meter-in and meter-out control.
SYMMETRIC SPOOL
The benefit of an
The benefit
asymmetric spool can be
of an 2 : 1
asymmetric spool can be
illustrated in a simple
illustrated in a simple
example of an unloaded
example of an unloaded
cylinder controlled by a
cylinder controlled by a
proportional valve and
proportional valve and
hydrostat.
hydrostat.

A B

8 bar
P T
SYMMETRIC SPOOL
When the cylinder
When the cylinder
retracts, the hydrostat 2 : 1
retracts, the hydrostat
will maintain a constant 8
will maintain a constant 8
bar differential pressure
bar differential pressure
across the P to B flow path
across the P to B flow path
of the proportional valve.
of the proportional valve.

A B

P = 8 bar
8 bar
P T
SYMMETRIC SPOOL
Since the A to T flow is
Since the A to T flow is
double the P to B flow (for 2 : 1
double the P to B flow (for
a 2:1 area ratio cylinder),
a 2:1 area ratio cylinder),
the pressure drop A to T
the pressure drop A to T
will be 4 times the P to B
will be 4 times the P to B
pressure drop ie. 32 bar.
pressure drop ie. 32 bar.

A B

P = 32 bar
8 bar
P T
SYMMETRIC SPOOL
1) A back pressure of 32
1) A back pressure of 32
bar in the full bore side of 2 : 1
bar in the full bore side of
the cylinder requires a
the cylinder requires a
pressure of 64 bar in the
pressure of 64 bar in the
annulus side.
annulus side.
32 bar 64 bar

2) Which therefore
2) Which therefore
means a minimum P port
means a minimum P port
pressure of 72 bar is
pressure of 72 bar is
required simply to move
required simply to move
the cylinder with no
the cylinder with no
load. A B
load.
72 bar
P = 32 bar
8 bar
P T
ASYMMETRIC SPOOL
If the proportional valve
If the proportional valve
spool is changed to an 2 : 1
spool is changed to an
asymmetric spool (with a
asymmetric spool (with a
2:1 ratio, the pressure
2:1 ratio, the pressure
drop P to B will still be 8
drop P to B will still be 8
bar as determined by the
bar as determined by the
hydrostat.
hydrostat.

A B 2:1 SPOOL

P = 8 bar
8 bar
P T
ASYMMETRIC SPOOL
However, a 2:1 spool with a
However, a 2:1 spool with a
2:1 cylinder means that 2 : 1
2:1 cylinder means that
the A to T pressure drop
the A to T pressure drop
will now also be 8 bar.
will now also be 8 bar.

A B 2:1 SPOOL

P = 8 bar
8 bar
P T
ASYMMETRIC SPOOL
The 8 bar back
The 8 bar
pressure in the full
back 2 : 1
pressure in the full
bore side of the
bore side of the
cylinder required 16 bar
cylinder required 16 bar
in the annulus side and
in the annulus side and
therefore a minumum P
therefore a minumum P
port pressure of 24 bar. 8 bar 16 bar
port pressure of 24 bar.
Use of an asymmetric
Use of an asymmetric
spool has thus reduced
spool has thus reduced
the minimum P port
the minimum P port
pressure from 72 bar to
pressure from 72 bar to
24 bar.
24 bar.

A B 2:1 SPOOL
24 bar
P = 8 bar
8 bar
P T
SPOOL OPTIONS

A B A B

T P T T P T
The choice of spool
20N The choice of spool
metering characteristics is 28S
metering characteristics is
therefore determined by
therefore determined by
the type of actuator and
the type of actuator and
the nature of the load.
A B the nature of the load. A B

T P T T P T
22A 20N10
SPOOL CENTRE CONDITION

A B A B A B

P T P T P T

2C 33C 5C
Different centre condition options are also available with
Different centre condition options are also available with
most proportional directional valves. The correct choice
most proportional directional valves. The correct choice
depends again mainly on the load characteristics and
depends again mainly on the load characteristics and
auxiliary valves in the system. For example, where the
auxiliary valves in the system. For example, where the
proportional valve is used to prevent actuator movement
proportional valve is used to prevent actuator movement
a 2C spool could be used but where solenoid or pilot
a 2C spool could be used but where solenoid or pilot
operated check valves are used a type 33C spool may be
operated check valves are used a type 33C spool may be
more appropriate.
more appropriate.
RATED FLOW

 Spool Configuration
 Rated Flow
 Power Capacity
 Open Loop / Closed Loop
 Valve Response
 Linearity
 Repeatability
 Reproducibility
 Hysteresis
 Pressure Gain
 Spool Lap
SPOOL FLOW RATING
2) Different flow ratings are achieved by varying
2) Different flow ratings are achieved by varying
the size, shape or number of the spool metering
QR litres / min the size, shape or number of the spool metering
notches.
notches.

A B

5 bar  P

P T

1) The rated flow of a spool is defined as the flow rate that

1) The rated flow of a spool is defined as the flow rate that
the spool can pass across one flow path at a pressure drop of
the spool can pass across one flow path at a pressure drop of
5 bar (at maximum opening).
5 bar (at maximum opening).
QR 3 l/min 550 l/min

3) Currently valves are available with

3) Currently valves are available with
rated flows between 3 and 550 l/min.
rated flows between 3 and 550 l/min.
FLOW CALCULATION

A1
V1

Q1

QR = ?

Correct sizing of a proportional

Correct sizing of a proportional
directional valve is important as
directional valve is important as
too small a valve will not provide
too small a valve will not provide
the required actuator speed and
the required actuator speed and
too large a valve may result in a
too large a valve may result in a
very small spool opening which is
very small spool opening which is
difficult to control.
difficult to control.
PRESSURE CALCULATION

A1 A2

P1 P2 However, the fact that the

However, the fact that the
proportional valve is
proportional valve is
normally restricting the
normally restricting the
flow both into and out of
flow both into and out of
the actuator means the
the actuator means the
correct size selection is not
correct size selection is not
quite as straightforward as
quite as straightforward as
with a conventional
with a conventional
switching valve.
PS PT switching valve.
PRESSURE CALCULATION

A1 A2

P1.A1 P2.A2 F

P1 P2

PP1.A.A1 ==P
P 2.A
.A2 ++FF
1 1 2 2

PS PT In order to determine the valve

In order to determine the valve
pressure drops it is necessary to
pressure drops it is necessary to
evaluate P1 and P2 pressures. This
evaluate P and P pressures. This
can be done1 from 2a force balance
can be done from a force balance
across the cylinder piston ...
across the cylinder piston ...
PRESSURE CALCULATION

A1 A2

P1 Q. A2 P2
Q A1
PP1.A.A1 ==P
P 2.A
.A2 ++FF
1 1 2 2
P  Q2
2
P2 – PT A2
PS PT =
PS – P1 A1

... and from the relationship

... and from the relationship
between flow and pressure drop
between flow and pressure drop
across the metering notches.
across the metering notches.
SIZING SOFTWARE

The most convenient

The most convenient
approach however is
approach however is
to use computer
to use computer
software to carry
software to carry
out the calculation
out the calculation
process.
process.
 Spool Configuration
 Rated Flow
 Power Capacity
 Open Loop / Closed Loop
 Valve Response
 Linearity
 Repeatability
 Reproducibility
 Hysteresis
 Pressure Gain
 Spool Lap
POWER CAPACITY NON-FEEDBACK VALVE
2) With a non-feedback
2) With a non-feedback
valve, energising a solenoid
valve, energising a solenoid
creates a solenoid force to
creates a solenoid force to
push the spool across in
push the spool across in
the valve body against an
the valve body against an
opposing spring.
opposing spring.

1) When selecting the

1) When selecting the
most appropriate flow
most appropriate flow
rating for a proportional
rating for a proportional
valve, it is also necessary
valve, it is also necessary
to take into account the
to take into account the
power capacity of the
power capacity of the
valve, ie. its ability to
valve, ie. its ability to
hold the spool in the
P hold the spool in the
demanded
demanded
position
position
against the flow forces
against the flow forces
acting to close it off.
acting to close it off.

Q
POWER CAPACITY NON-FEEDBACK VALVE
1) The spool then opens
1) The spool then opens
until the solenoid force
until the solenoid force
and spring compression
and spring compression
force balance.
force balance.
P
Q
3) However, as flow
3) However, as flow
passes through the
passes through the
valve, flow forces also
valve, flow forces also
act on the spool to
act on the spool to
oppose the solenoid
oppose the solenoid
force.
force.
2) At maximum opening
2) At maximum opening
the flow rate through the
the flow rate through the
valve will then be
valve will then be
proportional to the square
proportional to the square
root of the pressure
root of the pressure
difference across the
difference across the
valve.
valve.
POWER CAPACITY NON-FEEDBACK VALVE

1) The effect of the

1) The effect of the
flow forces is to
flow forces is to
partially close off the
partially close off the
spool...
spool...

P

2) ... which results in a

2) ... which results in a
curve different to that
curve different to that
predicted and a limit
predicted and a limit
on the maximum flow
on the maximum flow
capability of the valve.
capability of the valve.

Q
POWER CAPACITY NON-FEEDBACK VALVE

Once the flow limit has

Once the flow limit has
been reached the curve
been reached the curve
may either become
may either become
vertical or sometimes
vertical or sometimes
bend back on itself.
bend back on itself.
This means that
This means that
increasing the pressure
increasing the pressure
drop will reduce the
drop will reduce the
P amount of flow through
amount of flow through
the valve.
the valve.
A vertical curve
A vertical curve
however means that a
however means that a
change in pressure drop
change in pressure drop
across the valve results
across the valve results
in no change in flow rate
in no change in flow rate
ie. a pressure
ie. a pressure
compensation effect.
compensation effect.
Q
POWER CAPACITY NON-FEEDBACK VALVE

The published power

The published power
capacity curve
capacity curve
therefore defines the
therefore defines the
limit of the valve
limit of the valve
operation at maximum
operation at maximum
input signal, ie. it is not
input signal, ie. it is not
possible to operate
possible to operate
outside the envelope.
P outside the envelope.

 

Q
POWER CAPACITY FEEDBACK VALVE

Feedback valves also

Feedback valves also
have power capacity
have power capacity
limits but generally they
limits but generally they
are higher than those
are higher than those
for the equivalent non-
for the equivalent non-
feedback valve.
feedback valve.

P

Q
POWER CAPACITY FEEDBACK VALVE

1) If flow forces push

1) If flow forces push
the spool towards the
the spool towards the
closed position, the
closed position, the
signal from the
signal from the
feedback sensor
feedback sensor
indicates that the spool
indicates that the spool
is out of position and
is out of position and
the solenoid current is
the solenoid current is
increased automatically.
increased automatically.

P 2) This enables the

2) This enables the
spool to counteract
spool to counteract
greater flow forces
greater flow forces
thus allowing a
thus allowing a
higher flow rate
higher flow rate
through the valve.
through the valve.

Q
POWER CAPACITY FEEDBACK VALVE

Eventually however, the

Eventually however, the
flow forces become too
flow forces become too
great for the solenoid
great for the solenoid
to resist and the valve
to resist and the valve
will then start to close
will then start to close
off as before.
P off as before.

Q
POWER CAPACITY FEEDBACK VALVE

The power capacity

The power capacity
curve for the feedback
curve for the feedback
valve is therefore
valve is therefore
larger than that of the
larger than that of the
equivalent non-feedback
equivalent non-feedback
valve allowing higher
P valve allowing higher
flow
flow
rates
rates
to
to
be
be
controlled.
controlled.

Q
OPEN AND CLOSED LOOP CONTROL

 Spool Configuration
 Rated Flow
 Power Capacity
 Open Loop / Closed Loop
 Valve Response
 Linearity
 Repeatability
 Reproducibility
 Hysteresis
 Pressure Gain
 Spool Lap
OPEN LOOP CONTROL
1) In an open loop control system, an input voltage to the
RAMP 1) In an open loop control system, an input voltage to the POSITION
amplifier creates a current to the proportional valve which
amplifier creates a current to the proportional valve which
regulates flow to the actuator thus controlling the actuator
regulates flow to the actuator thus controlling the actuator ACCELERATION
velocity.
velocity.
CURRENT FLOW VELOCITY

2) Variations of actuator load or system pressure however may cause

2) Variations of actuator load or system pressure however may cause
the actuator velocity to vary.
the actuator velocity to vary.
VOLTAGE Acceleration and deceleration control of the actuator can be
Acceleration and deceleration control of the actuator can be
achieved by using the amplifier ramp generator to vary the rate of
achieved by using the amplifier ramp generator to vary the rate of
change of output current.
change of output current.

3) In order to control actuator position with an open loop system a

3) In order to control actuator position with an open loop system a
sensing switch can be used to disconnect the input signal voltage to
sensing switch can be used to disconnect the input signal voltage to
the amplifier (thus selecting zero actuator velocity).
the amplifier (thus selecting zero actuator velocity).
The exact position where the actuator stops however will depend
The exact position where the actuator stops however will depend
upon a number of factors (such as load inertia, valve response,
upon a number of factors (such as load inertia, valve response,
velocity etc.). Accuracy may therefore be limited and any overshoot
velocity etc.). Accuracy may therefore be limited and any overshoot
will not be corrected.
will not be corrected.
OPEN LOOP CONTROL

RAMP RATE OF CHANGE

OF FORCE
CURRENT
PRESSURE FORCE

VOLTAGE

Open loop control of pressure can be achieved using a proportional

Open loop control of pressure can be achieved using a proportional
relief or reducing valve. In this case, an input voltage to the
relief or reducing valve. In this case, an input voltage to the
amplifier creates a corresponding current output to the proportional
amplifier creates a corresponding current output to the proportional
valve thus regulating the actuator pressure.
valve thus regulating the actuator pressure.
The amplifier ramp generator can be used to control the rate of
The amplifier ramp generator can be used to control the rate of
pressure increase or decrease.
pressure increase or decrease.
CLOSED LOOP CONTROL - VELOCITY
RAMP
ACCELERATION

PID
CURRENT FLOW VELOCITY

_ VOLTAGE  VELOCITY
+
VOLTAGE

Closed loop control of velocity requires a transducer giving a feedback signal

Closed loop control of velocity requires a transducer giving a feedback signal
VOLTAGE proportional to actuator velocity. In order to create an output current (and
proportional to actuator velocity. In order to create an output current (and
actuator flow) when the error signal is zero (feedback = input), the amplifier
actuator flow) when the error signal is zero (feedback = input), the amplifier
must be an integrating type. Accuracy of speed holding (with load variations
must be an integrating type. Accuracy of speed holding (with load variations
etc.) will now be much greater than with an open loop system.
etc.) will now be much greater than with an open loop system.
As with open loop control, acceleration and deceleration control can be
As with open loop control, acceleration and deceleration control can be
achieved using the amplifier ramp generator.
achieved using the amplifier ramp generator.
CLOSED LOOP CONTROL - POSITION
RAMP
1) Closed loop control of position requires a transducer
1) Closed loop control of position requires a transducer
giving a feedback signal proportional to actuator VELOCITY
giving a feedback signal proportional to actuator
position.
position.
PID
CURRENT FLOW POSITION

_ VOLTAGE  POSITION
+
VOLTAGE 2) In most applications the amplifier will simply
2) In most applications the amplifier will simply
produce an output current proportional to the
produce an output current proportional to the
position error (input minus feedback). Positional
position error (input minus feedback). Positional
accuracy will therefore be much greater than
VOLTAGE accuracy will therefore be much greater than
with an open loop system.
with an open loop system.
3) In certain situations however, the amplifier integral and derivative functions can be
3) In certain situations however, the amplifier integral and derivative functions can be
used to enhance system performance but such applications require a relatively high level of
used to enhance system performance but such applications require a relatively high level of
expertise.
expertise.
The amplifier ramp generator can also be used to control the actuator velocity during
The amplifier ramp generator can also be used to control the actuator velocity during
movement from one position to another.
movement from one position to another.
CLOSED LOOP CONTROL - FORCE
RAMP
RATE OF CHANGE
OF FORCE
PID
CURRENT PRESSURE FORCE

FORCE 
_ VOLTAGE
+
VOLTAGE

VOLTAGE Closed loop force control systems can use either a pressure or force
Closed loop force control systems can use either a pressure or force
transducer to provide a feedback signal. If the control is achieved using a
transducer to provide a feedback signal. If the control is achieved using a
spool type directional valve then the amplifier will normally provide an output
spool type directional valve then the amplifier will normally provide an output
consisting of both proportional and integral terms.
consisting of both proportional and integral terms.
As before, the ramp generator will provide control over the rate of change
As before, the ramp generator will provide control over the rate of change
of actuator force.
of actuator force.
VALVE RESPONSE

 Spool Configuration
 Rated Flow
 Power Capacity
 Open Loop / Closed Loop
 Valve Response
 Linearity
 Repeatability
 Reproducibility
 Hysteresis
 Pressure Gain
 Spool Lap
STEP RESPONSE

INPUT OUTPUT

In higher performance systems,

In higher performance systems,
the response time of the valve
the response time of the valve
becomes an important factor.
FLOW

becomes an important factor.

This can be specified in terms of
This can be specified in terms of
the valve’s response to a step
the valve’s response to a step
input which in some cases may be
input which in some cases may be
as shown here. The problem
as shown here. The problem
however is to define the point
however is to define the point
when the output equals the input.
when the output equals the input.

time
STEP RESPONSE

INPUT OUTPUT

100%
90%
In other cases the output may
In other cases the output may
FLOW

overshoot so again it is difficult

overshoot so again it is difficult
to define the point where output
to define the point where output
equals input. To avoid this
equals input. To avoid this
ambiguity, response times are
ambiguity, response times are
normally quoted as the time
normally quoted as the time
required for the output to reach
required for the output to reach
90% of its final level.
90% of its final level.

time
T
FREQUENCY RESPONSE

100% INPUT OUTPUT

FLOW (P to A)

75%

50%

25%

time
FLOW (P to B)

Sometimes a more meaningful measure of a valve’s performance

Sometimes a more meaningful measure of a valve’s performance
is to examine its response to a sine wave input. This is often
is to examine its response to a sine wave input. This is often
achieved by oscillating the valve spool plus and minus 25% of its
achieved by oscillating the valve spool plus and minus 25% of its
stroke about the 50% open position. At low frequencies the
stroke about the 50% open position. At low frequencies the
output of the valve will be able to follow the input almost
output of the valve will be able to follow the input almost
exactly.
exactly.
FREQUENCY RESPONSE

100% INPUT OUTPUT

FLOW (P to A)

75%
A1
A2
50%

25%
360º
L

1) But as the input frequency increases, the amplitude of the output time
1) But as the input frequency increases, the amplitude of the output
FLOW (P to B)

is reduced and also the output starts to lag behind the input.
is reduced and also the output starts to lag behind the input.

AMPLITUDE RATIO (dB) = 20 log ( ) A2

A1

PHASE LAG (º) = L

2) These two effects are quantified in terms of
2) These two effects are quantified in terms of
the Amplitude Ratio and the Phase Lag .
the Amplitude Ratio and the Phase Lag .
FREQUENCY RESPONSE
1) Amplitude Ratio and Phase Lag
1) Amplitude Ratio and Phase Lag
are measured over a range of
are measured over a range of
frequencies and plotted on a
frequencies and plotted on a
logarithmic scale chart known as a
logarithmic scale chart known as a
Bode Diagram.
Bode Diagram.
Amplitude Ratio (dB)

Phase Lag (º )
-3 135

90
Bandwidth
45

1 10 100 1 10 100
Frequency (Hz) Frequency (Hz)

2) The frequency at which the output is reduced by Limiting

2) The frequency at which the output is reduced by
3 dB (50%) is known as the Bandwidth and the Frequency
3 dB (50%) is known as the Bandwidth and the
Limiting Frequency is the frequency which produces
Limiting Frequency is the frequency which produces
a phase lag of 90º. One or other of these values is
a phase lag of 90º. One or other of these values is
normally taken as the definition of valve response.
normally taken as the definition of valve response.
LINEARITY

 Spool Configuration
 Rated Flow
 Power Capacity
 Open Loop / Closed Loop
 Valve Response
 Linearity
 Repeatability
 Reproducibility
 Hysteresis
 Pressure Gain
 Spool Lap
LINEARITY

In open loop control systems in

In open loop control systems in
E particular it is often important
particular it is often important
to have a linear relationship
QMAX to have a linear relationship
between valve input signal and
between valve input signal and
output flow. The valve Linearity
output flow. The valve Linearity
quantifies how closely this is
quantifies how closely this is
achieved.
achieved.
Output Flow

E x 100
LINEARITY (%) =
QMAX
Input Signal
REPEATABILITY

 Spool Configuration
 Rated Flow
 Power Capacity
 Open Loop / Closed Loop
 Valve Response
 Linearity
 Repeatability
 Reproducibility
 Hysteresis
 Pressure Gain
 Spool Lap
REPEATABILITY

E
QMAX

Signal
Output Flow

E x 100
REPEATABILITY (%) =
QMAX

Successive applications Repeatability measures how

Repeatability measures how
accurately a valve produces a
of signal accurately a valve produces a
given output when the same
(same valve) given output when the same
signal is applied and removed.
signal is applied and removed.
This is again of importance in
This is again of importance in
open loop systems to ensure
open loop systems to ensure
consistent machine operation.
consistent machine operation.
REPRODUCIBILITY

 Spool Configuration
 Rated Flow
 Power Capacity
 Open Loop / Closed Loop
 Valve Response
 Linearity
 Repeatability
 Reproducibility
 Hysteresis
 Pressure Gain
 Spool Lap
REPRODUCIBILITY

E
QMAX

Signal
Output Flow

E x 100
REPRODUCIBILITY (%) =
QMAX

Successive applications
of signal
(different valve)
Reproducibilty is a similar
Reproducibilty is a similar
measurement but relates to the
measurement but relates to the
same signal applied to different
same signal applied to different
valves.
valves.
HYSTERESIS

 Spool Configuration
 Rated Flow
 Power Capacity
 Open Loop / Closed Loop
 Valve Response
 Linearity
 Repeatability
 Reproducibility
 Hysteresis
 Pressure Gain
 Spool Lap
HYSTERESIS

QMAX

Hysteresis indicates the

Hysteresis indicates the
difference in input signal
difference in input signal
Output Flow

required to produce a given

required to produce a given
output when the signal is
output when the signal is
increasing compared to the signal
increasing compared to the signal
decreasing.
decreasing.

Input Signal IMAX

E x 100
HYSTERESIS (%) =
IMAX
PRESSURE GAIN

 Spool Configuration
 Rated Flow
 Power Capacity
 Open Loop / Closed Loop
 Valve Response
 Linearity
 Repeatability
 Reproducibility
 Hysteresis
 Pressure Gain
 Spool Lap
PRESSURE GAIN
The Pressure Gain of a valve is a
The Pressure Gain of a valve is a
measure of how quickly the spool
measure of how quickly the spool
opens and closes the service
opens and closes the service
ports of the valve as the spool
ports of the valve as the spool
moves away from the centre
moves away from the centre
position.
position.
PRESSURE GAIN
As the spool moves away from
As the spool moves away from
centre, port (A) will be gradually
centre, port (A) will be gradually
opened up to (P) and closed off
opened up to (P) and closed off
from (T) whereas the opposite
from (T) whereas the opposite
will happen to port (B).
will happen to port (B). AA BB

TT PP TT
PRESSURE GAIN
Once the spool has moved a certain
Once the spool has moved a certain
distance (typically 3 - 4% of its total
distance (typically 3 - 4% of its total
travel), port (A) will be at full pressure
travel), port (A) will be at full pressure
and port (B) at tank pressure. A high
and port (B) at tank pressure. A high
pressure gain is required in many closed
pressure gain is required in many closed AA P BB
loop control systems so that the valve
loop control systems so that the valve
will respond to correct even very small
will respond to correct even very small
errors.
errors.
P
PS

TT PPS
P TT
1 2 3 4
% Input
SPOOL LAP

 Spool Configuration
 Rated Flow
 Power Capacity
 Open Loop / Closed Loop
 Valve Response
 Linearity
 Repeatability
 Reproducibility
 Hysteresis
 Pressure Gain
 Spool Lap
SPOOL LAP

ZERO LAP OVER LAP

In certain cases, the Lap

In certain cases, the Lap
Condition of a proportional
Condition of a proportional
valve spool can be specified.
valve spool can be specified.
An over-lapped spool will
An over-lapped spool will
reduce leakage when the valve
reduce leakage when the valve
is centred whereas an under-
is centred whereas an under-
lapped spool will often give
lapped spool will often give
the most responsive
the most responsive
arrangement. (Zero lapped
arrangement. (Zero lapped
spools only exist in theory).
UNDER LAP
spools only exist in theory).
SPOOL LAP

Output Pressure

ap
er L

OVER LAP
U nd

L ap
er
Ov

UNDER LAP
Input Signal
The Lap Condition of the spool will affect the Pressure Gain as can be seen. The over-lapped spool will
The Lap Condition of the spool will affect the Pressure Gain as can be seen. The over-lapped spool will
have a deadband region where the output does not change until a certain input signal level is reached.
have a deadband region where the output does not change until a certain input signal level is reached.
Valves for use in open loop control systems often use an over-lapped spool (to reduce leakage) but use
Valves for use in open loop control systems often use an over-lapped spool (to reduce leakage) but use
electronic compensation to reduce the effective deadband. Closed loop control valves however normally
electronic compensation to reduce the effective deadband. Closed loop control valves however normally
use under-lapped spools for optimum control.
use under-lapped spools for optimum control.
APPLICATION GUIDELINES
YES This chart indicates typical application areas for the different type of proportional
This chart indicates typical application areas for the different type of proportional
VALVE
valves. As always however, there will be exceptions to these guidelines.
MAYBE valves. As always however, there will be exceptions to these guidelines.
NO

CONTROL
SHOCK

ACCEL.

O/LOOP
SPEED

C/LOOP
SPEED

C/LOOP
POSITION

C/LOOP
PRESSURE
PROPORTIONAL VALVE SELECTION FACTORS

Steve Skinner, Eaton Hydraulics, Havant, UK

Copyright  Eaton Hydraulics 2000