Hydraulic Sequence Valve (3)

• Hydraulic Sequence Valve: Role in Hydraulic Pressure Control
• Sequence Valve and Energy Efficiency
• Hydraulic Sequence Valve: Pressure Control in a Hydraulic Circuit
• Key Benefits of a Hydraulic Sequence Valve
• How to Ensure Hydraulic System Pressure is Released Before Adjusting the Sequence Valve?
• Hydraulic Sequence Valve: Pressure Setting Adjustment
• Can All Sequence Valves be Electronically Adjusted?
• OCGF: Specializing in Hydraulic Equipment and Hydraulic Sequence Valves

Hydraulic Sequence Valves: Optimize Your Systems

Hydraulic Sequence Valve: Role in Hydraulic Pressure Control

• Standard Sequence Valve: This is the most basic form of a sequence valve. It allows an element of the hydraulic circuit (such as a cylinder or motor) to start operating only after a certain pressure in the circuit is reached. It does not compensate for pressure variations and is not driven by external pressure. Its activation is based solely on the pressure present at its own inputs.
• Compensated Sequence Valve: This valve automatically adjusts the triggering pressure based on pressure variations in the system. It is designed to maintain a constant output pressure even when there are load or input pressure fluctuations. This ensures that operations are triggered in the correct order, regardless of pressure variations elsewhere in the system.

Hydraulic Sequence Valve and Energy Efficiency

• Energy Flow Optimization: The sequence valve ensures that actions in a hydraulic system occur in a precise order, minimizing energy waste related to unnecessary or poorly synchronized operations.
• Pressure Loss Reduction: By precisely controlling the timing and order of operations, the sequence valve can help minimize pressure losses in the circuit. This allows hydraulic power to be used more efficiently, reducing energy consumption.
• System Productivity Improvement: By ensuring that each component of the hydraulic system operates at its optimal moment, sequence valves can improve overall system efficiency and productivity, avoiding excessive and inefficient energy use.
• Thermal Load Reduction: By reducing pressure losses and optimizing system operation, sequence valves can also help reduce the thermal load on the hydraulic system. This reduces the need for cooling, which represents another energy saving.
• Support for Low Viscosity Fluids: By finely controlling fluid movement in the system, a sequence valve can allow the use of low viscosity hydraulic fluids, which generally have better energy efficiency, without compromising system performance.

Key Benefits of a Hydraulic Sequence Valve

• Maintain Necessary Pressure: Ensures primary circuit pressure before allowing secondary circuit activity. It also protects system components by preventing overpressure that could cause damage.
• Energy Efficiency: By controlling flow and pressure, it contributes to better system energy efficiency.
• Precision of Operations: Allows for greater precision and repeatability of hydraulic movements, which is essential for applications requiring precise control.
• Safety: Improves system safety by ensuring operations proceed in the planned order and without excess pressure.

Sequence Valve: Pressure Control in a Hydraulic Circuit

1. Pressure Sensitivity: The sequence valve has a spring or another type of load system that determines a pressure threshold for the valve’s opening.
2. Flow Blocking: As long as the upstream pressure (supply side) is below the preset threshold, the valve remains closed and blocks the hydraulic oil flow to downstream components, such as a second cylinder or circuit.
3. Pressure-Driven Opening: When the pressure reaches the predetermined threshold, it exerts sufficient force on the valve piston or diaphragm to counter the spring force, opening the valve.
4. Flow Release: Once the valve opens, hydraulic fluid is allowed to flow to the next circuit or component, allowing the continuation of the operational sequence within the hydraulic system.
5. Secondary Pressure Maintenance: The valve ensures the pressure reaches a stable and sufficient level to activate downstream components before opening.
6. Discharge Function: After a downstream component is activated, if the pressure drops below the threshold, the valve closes again. This mechanism prevents backflow and maintains the necessary pressure in the first part of the circuit.
7. Possible Readjustment: The valve is designed to allow for readjustment to meet different pressure requirements, depending on the specific needs of the hydraulic circuit.

How to Ensure Hydraulic System Pressure is Released Before Adjusting the Sequence Valve?

1. Pump Shutdown: Turn off the pump that generates pressure in the system. This is a sure way to start releasing the pressure.
2. Activate Safety Devices: Activate the safety or emergency stop devices provided in the system to ensure it does not start accidentally during the intervention.
3. Operate Controls: Operate controls (levers, buttons, etc.) that allow hydraulic components (cylinders, motors, etc.) to ensure they are not in a loaded or pressurized position.
4. Manual Check: Try to manually move the system components, such as cylinders, to feel if residual pressure is holding them in place.
5. Use a Pressure Gauge: The safest way is to check the system pressure using a pressure gauge. If it reads zero or atmospheric pressure, the system is released.
6. Pressure Release: If the system is equipped with purge or decompression valves, use them to release residual pressure.
7. Wait for Stabilization: After releasing the pressure, wait a few moments for any residual pressure in the system to stabilize.

Hydraulic Sequence Valve: Pressure Setting Adjustment

To perform the pressure adjustment, always ensure the system is safe, i.e., free of any pressure, and follow the  manufacturer's instructions. The exact adjustment methods may vary depending on the brand and model of the hydraulic valve, so it is important to refer to the specific user manual for detailed instructions and safety precautions. It is also advisable to seek assistance from a qualified technician if you are not familiar with the operation of hydraulic systems.

OCGF recommends following these steps to adjust the pressure of a hydraulic sequence valve:

1. Identify the Adjustment Device: Locate the pressure adjustment device on the valve, often a screw with a nut or a knob.
2. Ensure Safety: Before proceeding with the adjustment, make sure the system is turned off and the pressure is released to avoid any risk of accident.
3. Loosen the Locking Device: Some valves have a locking device such as a lock nut or a lock to prevent accidental adjustments. Loosen it to access the main adjustment device.
4. Adjust: Turn the adjustment device (screw or knob) clockwise to increase the set pressure or counterclockwise to decrease it. It is important to make these adjustments gradually and in small increments.
5. Measure Pressure: Use a pressure gauge to measure the system pressure while making adjustments.
6. Test: Once the adjustment is made, restart the system and observe the valve's performance at the new set pressure.
7. Lock the Adjustment: Once the pressure is correctly set, re-tighten the locking device to secure the adjustment.

It is important to note that sequence valves have several types of adjustments:

• Mechanical Adjustment:
  • Using an Adjustment Screw (or Knob): The pressure threshold can be adjusted by turning an adjustment screw that increases or decreases the tension of the valve spring.
  • Adjusting a Counterweight: For some valves, the threshold can be adjusted by changing the position of a counterweight that acts on the spring.
• Hydraulic Adjustment: For pilot-operated sequence valves, the threshold can be adjusted by changing the pressure in a pilot chamber that influences the valve opening.
• Pneumatic Adjustment: The pressure threshold can be influenced by a pneumatic control that adjusts the force applied to the valve mechanism.
• Electrical Adjustment: Some valves can be equipped with electric actuators allowing the pressure threshold to be adjusted using electrical signals.
• Electronic Adjustment: With servos or electronic sensors, it is possible to adjust the pressure threshold very precisely based on sensor feedback and operating conditions.

Can All Sequence Valves be Electronically Adjusted?

Not all hydraulic sequence valves can be electronically adjusted. Electronic adjustment depends on the design of the sequence valve and the availability of integrated electronic features.

Traditional hydraulic sequence valves are often designed for mechanical adjustment, using adjustment screws or counterweights, and do not include electronic components for their adjustment. These types of valves require manual adjustment to set the pressure threshold.

Modern sequence valves, especially in sophisticated hydraulic systems or applications requiring high precision, can be equipped with electronic features allowing the pressure threshold to be adjusted. These electronic or electro-hydraulic valves are often used in situations where remote control, high precision, or frequent adjustments are necessary. They can be adjusted via electrical or electronic signals, often with the help of a programmable logic controller (PLC) or a dedicated control system.

It is important to check the technical specifications of the valve or consult the manufacturer to determine if a particular valve can be electronically adjusted.

OCGF: Specializing in Hydraulic Equipment and Hydraulic Sequence Valves

By choosing OCGF for your hydraulic sequence valve needs, you will benefit not only from high-quality products but also from exceptional customer service, constant product availability, express international delivery, and the peace of mind of a secure payment process. Contact us today to place an order.

Immediate Availability and Express Delivery Service

At OCGF, we understand the urgency of our customers' needs for hydraulic components. That's why we maintain a large stock of sequence valves, ready to be shipped instantly.

Reliable International Delivery

With OCGF, no matter where you are, a quality solution is within reach. We pride ourselves on offering fast and reliable delivery service worldwide. Our close relationships with renowned carriers ensure that your orders will arrive on time, regardless of your location.

Secure Transactions

Security is not only a priority in the design of our products but also at the heart of each of your transactions. OCGF uses state-of-the-art secure payment systems to protect your financial information and ensure a safe shopping experience.

Our Products at OCGF: Hydraulic Sequence Valves

At OCGF, we offer a comprehensive range of hydraulic sequence valves designed to meet the diverse needs of our customers. Our products are distinguished by their quality, reliability, and optimal performance, ensuring efficient pressure management and a flawless operational sequence within your hydraulic systems.

• Standard Sequence Valve: Perfect for applications where pressure conditions are stable. They ensure a reliable and secure sequence of operations with a simple design for quick integration.
• Pilot-Operated Sequence Valve: Designed to provide precise control in complex hydraulic systems. They ensure secure and efficient operation even under high pressures.
• Compensated Sequence Valve: Ideal for environments with pressure variations. They automatically adjust the triggering pressure, ensuring a stable and precise operational sequence.

Our hydraulic sequence valves offer varied characteristics to meet your specific needs:

• Flow Rate: From 10 to 180 liters per minute
• Size: 1/4 inch to 1"1/4
• Pressure: Up to 350 bar
• Types: Pilot-operated, Compensated, Standard

Contact us today to discover how our hydraulic sequence valves can improve the efficiency and reliability of your hydraulic systems.