Throttle valves belong to the group of flow control valves and play a central role in the control of hydraulic systems. Their main function is to precisely influence the movement speeds of consumers such as hydraulic cylinders or motors. By selectively throttling the oil flow, the valves allow the speed of hydraulic drives to be adjusted with extreme precision.

This is particularly important in applications where precise control of movement sequences is essential. Throttle valves contribute to efficiency and precision in automated processes. They are used in a wide range of industrial and mobile applications. ARGO-HYTOS is your high-performance partner when it comes to high-quality throttle valves.

How do throttle valves work and how are they designed?

Throttle valves are used to regulate the oil flow in hydraulic systems with high precision. Their basic technical design makes it possible to change the flow cross-section as required, creating a flow resistance. The modification of the flow cross-section enables precise control of the flow rate. This allows precise control of the movement speeds of hydraulic consumers such as cylinders and motors.

With throttle valves, the volume flow through the valve depends on the opening cross-section and the pressure difference. This results from the pressure upstream of the valve minus the pressure downstream of the valve. The volume flow is calculated as follows:

Throttle valves are available in various designs, which differ in terms of complexity and flow cross-section adjustment options. In their simplest form, the valves have a fixed flow cross-section that provides a constant flow resistance.

More complex variants have an adjustable flow cross-section that allows even finer tuning of the flow rate. This variability makes adjustable throttle valves particularly valuable for applications where high-precision control of the speed of movement is required. By specifically adjusting the flow cross-section, users can optimally adapt the performance of the hydraulic system to the requirements.

Where are flow control valves used?

Flow control valves are always required in hydraulic systems when the focus is on precise control of movement speeds. Their areas of application are diverse and specifically tailored to the requirements of the systems.

The valves are particularly suitable in hydraulic systems in which the load pressures remain relatively constant. In addition, varying the speed of the consumers depending on the load is acceptable or even desirable. This enables flexible adjustment of the system performance without the need for separate control of the extension and retraction speeds.

In addition, certain designs of flow control valves, such as the cone throttle screw-in valves, can function as shut-off valves, which further increases their applicability.

Throttle valves and their areas of application

Throttle valves are characterized by the following features:

• Use with constant load pressures
• No separate control of retraction and extension speed required
• Use as a shut-off valve in certain versions

Practical example: Control of lifting tables and assembly presses

Examples of applications for throttle valves include controlling the lowering speed of lifting tables and regulating the pressing speed of assembly presses. In both cases, the throttle valve enables sensitive adjustment of the speed. This is crucial for the safety and efficiency of operation.

With lifting tables, the precise control of the lowering speed ensures that loads can be lowered safely and in a controlled manner. With assembly presses, the exact adjustment of the pressing speed ensures even and precise processing.

Even more application possibilities with throttle check valves

Throttle check valves significantly expand the range of possible applications even further. These valves enable precise flow control in one direction while allowing unimpeded flow in the opposite direction.

This is particularly useful in applications where speeds need to be controlled in both directions. This feature is also helpful when load lowering is required in hydraulic systems. By throttling the volume flow, the pressure in the system can be controlled more effectively. This leads to improved performance and safety.

How do you make the right choice for throttle valves?

The effectiveness and functionality of hydraulic control systems can be significantly improved by selecting throttle valves that are adapted to the application. The most important criteria that must be taken into account when making a selection include

• Pressure range
• Flow rate (also referred to as volume flow)
• Connection size and type

Throttle valves from ARGO-HYTOS cover a wide range of applications. They offer solutions that are tailored to the specific needs of each hydraulic system.

The following points should be considered when selecting a throttle valve:

• The pressure range must meet the requirements of the hydraulic system.
• The flow rate (volume flow) must match the required speed regulation of the consumers in the system.
• The connection size and type must match the hydraulic connections in the system.
• When selecting throttle check valves, particular attention must be paid to the direction of flow. This is because these valves allow precise control of the flow in one direction. In contrast, they allow the flow in the opposite direction unhindered.

ARGO-HYTOS offers a wide range of flow control valves designed for various industrial and mobile applications. The high-quality valves enable precise control of movement speeds in hydraulic systems and therefore help to optimize system performance.

Maintenance and service life of flow control valves

With regular maintenance of the flow control valves, the functionality and performance of the components can be maintained over the entire life cycle. Flow control valves from ARGO-HYTOS are known for their long service life and low maintenance requirements. The service life of a flow control valve depends on various factors. These include the operating conditions, the quality of the hydraulic oil used and the frequency of maintenance interventions.

To ensure the maximum service life and optimum performance of ARGO-HYTOS flow control valves, we recommend the following measures:

• Check for signs of wear and mechanical damage as part of regular inspections
• Careful removal of dirt and deposits that can impair the mobility of the valve
• Use of high-quality hydraulic oil and regular changes to minimize deposits and wear
• Ensuring that the installation is carried out in accordance with the technical specifications to prevent malfunctions

By observing these maintenance guidelines, the service life of the flow control valves can be extended and unrestricted function can be ensured over long periods of time. Regular maintenance of quality valves from ARGO-HYTOS pays off in the long term. This reduces downtime and significantly lowers the total cost of ownership.

Conclusion: The importance of flow control valves in hydraulic systems

Flow control valves are used to control and regulate hydraulic systems. Their ability to precisely influence the movement speeds of consumers makes them a key component in hydraulic technology. The selection of the right flow control valve, based on pressure range, flow rate, connection size and type, is crucial for the performance of the system.

ARGO-HYTOS offers a wide range of high-quality flow control valves. They are designed for different applications and are characterized by durability and minimal maintenance requirements. Regular maintenance of the valves maximizes their service life and ensures the efficiency of the entire hydraulic system.

The experts at ARGO-HYTOS will be happy to help you select the optimum flow control valves at any time. Contact us to find out more about our products. We will also be happy to tell you how we can optimize the performance of your hydraulic system.