Gear Flow Divider
A gear flow divider is a precision hydraulic component that divides the oil flow into two or more precisely proportioned partial flows. This enables the synchronous movement of several hydraulic cylinders or motors – even with different loads or varying pressure conditions. Gear flow dividers are particularly robust, compact and suitable for demanding applications in mobile and industrial hydraulics. Typical areas of application include lifting systems, steering and drive systems, conveyor systems and machines with parallel consumers. In the LöSi® web shop, you will find high-quality gear flow dividers in various split ratios, flow rates and connection designs.
What is a Gear Flow Divider?
A gear flow divider is the most precise solution to split a hydraulic flow into two or more exactly equal partial flows. Technically speaking, these are several coupled gear motors in one housing.
Since the gears are mechanically connected by a shaft, they are forced to rotate synchronously. This means: Regardless of whether one cylinder is loaded more heavily than the other, both receive exactly the same amount of oil. This is often referred to as a "hydraulic shaft". This distinguishes the gear flow divider from simple flow control valves, which often work inaccurately with pressure differences.
Advantages of Our Gear Flow Dividers
If you need absolute synchronization, there is no way around the gear principle. It is robust, insensitive to dirt, and highly efficient.
Technical added value for your synchronization:
- Load Independence: Even with vastly different pressures at the consumers (e.g., unevenly loaded lifting platform), the division accuracy remains extremely high (>98%).
- Reversibility: Works in both directions – the component splits the flow during lifting and sums it up again during lowering (flow combiner).
- Robustness: Since there are no fine control edges as with valves, the system is less susceptible to contamination.
- End Position Compensation: Many of our models have integrated valves to automatically compensate for synchronization errors in the end position (reset function).
Typical Areas of Application
Gear flow dividers are indispensable when hydraulic axes must not jam:
- Lifting Technology: Synchronous operation of two or four cylinders on lifting platforms and lift tables.
- Agricultural Technology: Even extension of wide spray booms or mowers.
- Presses: Keeping the press beam parallel under eccentric load.
- Travel Drives: As a differential lock by assigning the same amount of oil to each wheel motor (prevents spinning).
Selection Criteria & Technical Data
The design is demanding. Incorrect dimensioning leads to low speed and thus to leakage oil losses (inaccuracy).
Observe these parameters:
- Division Ratio: Do you need 2-way, 3-way, or 4-way? Usually 1:1, but unequal distributions are also possible.
- Displacement & Speed: The flow divider must reach a certain minimum speed (often >1000 rpm) to be tight. Select the volume (cm³/rev) matching your pump flow.
- Pressure Protection: Warning! Gear flow dividers act as pressure intensifiers. If one cylinder hits the stop, the pressure on the other side can rise massively. Integrated PRVs are therefore strongly recommended.
- Connections: Pipe threads (BSP) or flange connections for high flow.
Select & Order Gear Flow Divider Now
Prevent misalignment and jamming. Discover our high-precision flow dividers made of cast iron or aluminum.
Use our technical advice for calculating pressure intensification. Select your number of sections and flow rate now and order synchronous operation directly online!
